His brown hockey skates that he wore when he was four years old have traveled many miles. Now they're resting comfortably on a hook behind a door in his new office at Fox Lane High School.

Stephen V. Falcone, the new high school principal, took over on July 2 and has been busy ever since meeting with students, faculty, district personnel and the community.

I want to connect with people," Dr. Falcone says. I want to hear what's going on. I plan to be out and about, to see students on their own turf - in the cafeteria, the classrooms, the athletic fields. I want to see teaching and learning going on, to observe and listen."

Dr. Falcone comes to Bedford from Darien (CT) High School where he was the assistant principal for two years. Previously he was dean of students at Middlebrook Middle School in Wilton, CT, a history teacher and assistant director of admissions at Canterbury School in New Milford, CT, and a history teacher at Darien High School,

He received his bachelor's degree from Amherst College, a master's in social studies from Wesleyan University, a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from Sacred Heart University and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Connecticut.

I came to Bedford because I saw an opportunity to lead a school with a strong reputation, with high expectations for its students and with a commitment to providing resources for delivering instruction. I also wanted to work with a more diverse student population."

The new principal puts teamwork high on his list. After he identifies the critical issues, he plans to put together teams to address those needs. He also will form teams to shepherd the construction process, which will take place if the bond is approved. "It's important for students and faculty to have a voice in the building renovations."

Other projects include developing students as leaders and creating connections and a dialogue with the Bedford community.

It was only natural that Dr. Falcone go into education. Both his parents, and those of his wife, Priscilla, a kindergarten teacher, were teachers. "I always enjoyed being in school. And being a principal is a wonderful job. I can see the interaction among a broad range of students and can influence teaching and learning. One of the greatest joys is to be able to see what goes on in the classrooms."

Dr. Falcone lives in New Canaan with his wife and three children. He still keeps his hand in skating by refereeing local hockey games.