Mr. Morone
Where were you born and where have you lived?
Originally born in New York, my family moved soon after and I ended growing up in Arizona, Oregon and California as my family continued to move to places they thought would be better. I am very happy now that I find myself in Colorado and all the wonderful people here.
Where did you attend university or college?
I attended the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit university, where I earned my degree in history. My emphasis was on European history although I did study various eras of American history. At the same time I was in the USF Honors programs for the humanities, which gave me an opportunity to learn from some of the great books of the Western canon.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?
It can vary depending on the subject and mood, but my most consistently favorite topic for reading has been history. Particular topics such as architecture and politics have always intrigued me and when I feel a little less scholarly, I do like to read science fiction. I feel it is very important for students to develop an individual love for reading, and even if a student only starts out reading about dwarfs, goblins and elves, the literacy skills they build will help them tackle deep and profound texts like Dante’s Inferno.
What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?
Some small essentials that I found, in my opinion, are treasures such as coffee, good literature, podcasts and a good sparring partner to have good-humored debates with. Availability of beautiful nature and parks are also a must, and luckily we have great access to both of those here in Colorado.
What are your favorite snacks?
My favorite snack is probably anything that includes chocolate and peanut butter; that man who discovered that combination deserves a Nobel prize. I have always had a particular weakness for baked goods and treats; however I try to limit my consumption of both as they are not the healthiest snacks in the world.
What do you do to unwind?
Some things I tend to do to unwind after a long day is to go to my back porch, listen to some music or a good podcast and then relax with a refreshing beverage. I think it is important that people go outdoors as well. We have become so interconnected through technology that I find it necessary to get off the grid for a while; to be surrounded by nature and its restorative environment.
How could a parent volunteer help you most?
Volunteers are very important to me as they help provide so much additional help and enable things that, without their assistance, would frankly be nigh impossible to accomplish. I would say the best way parent volunteers can help is to get involved with our big curriculum parties in the fall and spring and to volunteer for the weekly desk cleaning. A clean classroom is a functional classroom and a functional classroom is a good classroom so any help to achieve that goal reaps benefits in ways not immediately noticeable.