Published October 20. 2014 11:00AM | Updated October 21. 2014 5:23PM

By Claire Bessette
Publication: theday.com

Norwich — School started with a serious business meeting in the office of the John B. Stanton School Monday morning, with Superintendent Abby Dolliver, Principal Billie Shea and a state Department of Education representative reviewing attendance data mandated in the state-funded school improvement plan.

Recess started at 9 a.m., when Shea went to answer the front door security buzzer, turned around to the main hallway to the shout of “Surprise!” The hallway was filled with students, Shea’s mother and several other family members, school administrators, staff and Board of Education members. Dozens of party balloons were released to the ceiling.

Dolliver stepped forward and handed Shea the letter confirming her as the Connecticut Association of Schools First-Year Principal of the Year Award winner for 2014-15.