‘Good apples’ in District 13
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 10:57am
Apples are an iconic fruit. You know, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” “you’re the apple of my eye,” “one rotten apple will spoil the barrel,” etc. Well, that last one may be part of the iconography, but it certainly doesn’t fit with the annual tradition of bestowing “good apple” awards on District 13 school staff!
What happens is this – during the opening convocation of each school year, staff members who have been nominated by their peers are recognized with a good apple award for their contributions the previous year. It’s nice to go forward into the next school year with an apple in your pocket!
Receiving recognition at the Monday, Aug. 30, gathering this year were:
Maura Caramanello of Brewster School for demonstrating the core ethical values of kindness (organizing two donation drives for American troops) and courage (starting a “vote yes” campaign for the school budget).
Pat Daly, media secretary at Coginchaug, for her “uncomplaining helpfulness” at all times, even during lunch and break time! Pat was nominated by Sue Laribee.
Mary Johnson, teacher assistant at Brewster School, for being a “self-starter who often has tasks done before being asked to do them.” Mary was also nominated by Sue Laribee.
Tracy Pollitt at Lyman School for creating and tending the birthday bulletin board and organizing a system of communication between families and the school. She also comes in early and/or stays late if needed and shares her incredible baked goods freely. Tracy was nominated by team leaders.
Custodians Ken Anderson, Bill Baker and Walt Slomkowski of Korn School for feeding the trout over the weekends as part of the TIC program students participated in. They were nominated by Noreen Oslander.
Nora Lydon of the Middlesex Transition Academy for always being there for the kids and parents. “Her rare combination of like-ability, sense of humor and energy allow her to be a teacher, mentor and advocate that any student would be blessed to have,” wrote her fellow staff members in her nomination.
Darlene Allen of Lyman School for the positive, friendly and cheerful first impression she creates in person and on the phone. Principal Karen Brimecombe and the team leaders also noted her outstanding ability to juggle many challenging tasks at once with grace and good humor.
Alicia Mancarella of Korn School for her ability to both make intelligent executive decisions and be a team player. She also understands that each student is different and sees that each gets what he or she needs to succeed.
Francine Lehmann for being the “heartbeat of Brewster School.” “Her glass is always half full, and she finds something wonderful and unique in everyone,” wrote the staff in their nomination letter.
Michael Klimas, library media specialist at Strong Middle School, was nominated by intern Harriet Gowanlock for his welcoming of interns and subs, his combination of compassion and challenge when dealing with students and his reputation as “the go-to resource” for staff at Strong School.
Vicki Cummings of Brewster School was nominated by the kindergarten team for her excellent professional development presentations and her strong mentoring capabilities, especially important with a new literacy program.
That’s a bakers’ dozen good apples in all to start this school year off right!
