Board Honors Outstanding Students, Teachers, Staff, Schools At Nov. 16 Awards & Recognitions Night

Wicomico County Board of Education
Awards & Recognitions Night
Nov. 16, 2010 Westside Intermediate School

At its first Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2010-11 school year, the Wicomico County Board of Education recognized many students, staff members, administrators, community partners, volunteers, and parents for their accomplishments while involved in and with the Wicomico County School System.

MARYLAND PTA AWARDS

The Wicomico County Council of PTAs was one of five councils in the state to receive the “Council Award for Membership” from the Maryland PTA in 2009-2010. WCCPTA was recognized for increasing membership by more than 15 %, due in part to its innovative 2009-2010 membership drive, Survivor PTA. In addition to higher membership numbers, in 2009-2010 the WCCPTA also had increased participation in WCCPTA meetings, and increased service on district-wide committees. The Wicomico County Council of PTAs also recently received the Maryland PTA Award of Excellence for its good work on behalf of students, families and schools.

MARYLAND FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

The Wicomico County School System is proud to have the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year working every day to broaden the language skills and the world view of our students. Sherri Harkins of Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary has been named the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Foreign Language Association. She piloted the FLES (Foreign Language Elementary School) program and uses French language and culture to give students K-8 at Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary an appreciation for the world. A former student said: “There is no other teacher in the state of Maryland that could better represent the foreign language department for teacher of the year, than Mrs. Harkins.”

NATIONAL OPEN DOOR AWARD

The American Heart Association’s National Open Door Award recognizes an outstanding Jump Rope and/or Hoops for Heart volunteer. For more than 20 years, Grace Lamboni of Pinehurst Elementary has given her heart to Jump Rope for Heart. She is passionate about teaching her students and faculty about the importance of good cardiovascular health. Grace has also partnered with the American Heart Association by coaching the Power Panthers Jump Rope for Heart demonstration team that performs at 10 – 12 elementary and middle schools to highlight the jump roping skills of her two teams of 1st through 5th graders and emphasize how students can reduce their own risk of cardiovascular disease. She is a Jump Rope for Heart ambassador, recruiter, mentor, presenter and all around cheerleader for the cause.

2009 MILK CARTON COIN COLLECTION

The Salvation Army Milk Carton Coin Collection drive was created in 2009 as part of the Red Kettle Campaign. The goal was to provide a way for children to help less fortunate kids and families in our community during the holiday season and beyond. Elementary students received a special milk carton to fill and return to the school. The coin collection was something every child could participate in knowing they were doing a good deed and helping others, some of them fellow students. The $9661.48 that was collected helped the 2009 Red Kettle Campaign achieve a 10% increase over the previous year and set a new record of $183,000. A new milk carton campaign is about to begin. On behalf of all those who will benefit from the generosity of Wicomico County students, The Salvation Army – Salisbury Corps extended heartfelt appreciation to:

Beaver Run Elementary
Chipman Elementary
Delmar Elementary
East Salisbury Elementary
Fruitland Primary
Fruitland Intermediate
Glen Avenue Elementary
North Salisbury Elementary
Northwestern Elementary
Pemberton Elementary
Pinehurst Elementary
Pittsville Elementary
Prince Street Elementary
West Salisbury Elementary
Westside Intermediate
Westside Primary
Willards Elementary

WCPS CALENDAR ARTISTS AND WRITERS

The Calendar published each year by Wicomico County Public Schools reflects the values identified as important to our students, our schools and our community. As superintendent, it is my privilege and my pleasure to pick the student illustrations that will be printed in the calendar. This year you will also find insightful student definitions in the calendar, plus information on the 40 Developmental Assets. The creative and thoughtful work of our students is printed in 20,000 calendars distributed to families, staff and others interested in the school system for use throughout the school year. Etch-Art has given longtime support in providing engraved plaques for the calendar artists, and many art teachers and other teachers supported students in submitting an entry for this year’s calendar.

(In all cases except students with the STARS Summer Achievement Academy at Salisbury Middle School, the grade level for each student below is their grade last year, when they submitted an entry for the calendar:)

Cover: Dean Scott, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School

September/Tolerance: Illustration: Alexis Roskovich, junior, Parkside High School Definitions: Cameron Dillard and Marc Miles, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School

October/Compassion: Illustration: Destiny Dickerson, junior, James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Shannon Cottingham and Camille Bautista, kindergartners at Fruitland Primary School

November/Freedom of Thought & Action: Illustration: Kira Kim, sophomore, James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Taneyea Burton, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School; and Tiffany Pham, grade 6, Pittsville Middle School

December/Self Respect: Illustration: Laura Gutierrez, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Krunal Patel and Sara Sadjadi, grade 1, Fruitland Primary School

January/Courtesy: Illustration: Yujin Kang, 5th grader at Prince Street Elementary when she submitted the illustration, now 6th grader at Bennett Middle School Definitions: Ian Childs and Olivia Owens, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School

February/Responsibility: Illustration: Deneesha White, senior, Parkside High School Definition: Koby Bradshaw, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School

March/Responsible Citizenship: Illustration: Chris Truitt, senior, Parkside High School Definitions: Wil Elliott and Paul Chaplin, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School

April/Respect for Others’ Rights: Illustration: Razia Sultana, 2010 graduate of James M. Bennett High School Definitions: Vilaine Frederic and Altora Ware, STARS Summer Achievement Academy, Salisbury Middle School

May/Loyalty: Illustration: Margarito Tello, 2010 graduate of Wicomico High School Definition: Emily Rantz, grade 6, Pittsville Middle School

June/Honesty: Illustration: Sarah Roy, 2010 graduate of Mardela High School Definitions: Jacob Harbinson and Gregory Littleton, grade 2, Fruitland Primary School

SHORE TRANSIT ARTIST

Artwork done by Princess Wallace, a student at North Salisbury School, was chosen to represent the Shore Transit Summer Reading Promotion. The theme for the art contest was “Reading is Fun.” The design by Princess, now a fifth grader at North Salisbury, was chosen to represent all of the students of Wicomico County Public Schools and the posters showing her work was displayed on Shore Transit buses as they traveled around the county.

UP WITH PEOPLE CHOIR

For a few days in early October, Wicomico County was fortunate to serve as sponsor for a visit by Up with People. This high-energy international organization shares a message of peace, global understanding and service to community through music. Up with People did “Stand for Peace” workshops with students at Wicomico Middle School, and on October 12th presented a show for the community. These elementary students joined the Up with People cast on stage to sing and represent children in Wicomico County and all over the world:

Prince Street Elementary: Zion Rivera. Alexandra Naranjo-Aguirre, Cabria Jones, Elizabeth Martin

Westside Intermediate: Kerris King, Katherine Cottingham, Kayla Williams, Michael Duncan, Kamden Kern

Delmar Elementary: Kenneth Good, Javion Nutter, Natalie Smith, Dylan Dietrick, MacKenzie Lucas

North Salisbury Elementary: Adam Hanes, Emily Hanes, Brianna Grall, Camerin Harris, Trupti Valsangikar

Pittsville Elementary: Kelsey Warren and Stephenie Linton

MAGI CHILDREN’S CHOIR

Every November for the past 17 years, The Magi Fund’s Choral Festival has helped address pressing needs in our community. In two concerts at the Wicomico High School Auditorium this coming weekend, this event will raise money and food donations for the Christian Shelter and Joseph House Center. The Magi Children’s Choir includes many students from Wicomico County Public Schools:

East Salisbury Elementary: Rachel Ford

Glen Avenue Elementary: Megan Lynn Catron

North Salisbury Elementary: Alison Sahler, Jordan Hamilton

Northwestern Elementary: Zoe Bradshaw

Pemberton Elementary: Emily Burris, Carys Hazel, Becky Maupin, Jeremy Middleton, Stephanie Myers, Maddie Parsons, Trent Pitoniak, Leanne Townsend

Pittsville Middle: Jessica Graver, Tori Kinsell

Mardela Middle: Alyssa Hazel

Bennett Middle: Elizabeth Hobbs, Brooke Bennish, Gabi Millard, Sarah Townsend, Sandra Zelaya

Salisbury Middle: Allie Creasy, Emily Della Ratta, Rachel Dennis, Sara Dennis, Hope Hare, Mackenzie Johnson, Kennedy Phillips, Lydia Phillips, Amber Williams, Brandy Williams

BAYSIDE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

James M. Bennett High School has been selected as the Bayside Athletic Conference Sportsmanship recipient for the 2009-2010 school year. This award is based on how other opposing coaches, athletes, and parents rate the athletic programs. The athletic programs are rated on climate, supervision, participation, and the conduct of spectators. In recognition of James M. Bennett High School being selected as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Bayside Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Award, the Board recognized Glenn "Hoot" Gibson, Athletic Director; Steve Grudis, Principal; and Mr. James Cook, assistant principal in charge of athletics.

WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN SCHOOL WINNERS

Wicomico County is proud of the outstanding seniors who have been recognized in the 2010 Wendy’s High School Heisman contest. The Wendy’s High School Heisman program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. Students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and exceptional commitment to their communities. Wicomico school winners in the 2010 Wendy’s High School Heisman contest:

Rebekah Rodriguez, James M. Bennett High School
From Parkside High School: Nicole Snitzer and Noel Temple
Morgan Burns and Charles Abbott, Mardela High School

PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

James M. Bennett High sophomore Mark Waguespack has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service through the national Prudential Spirit of Community Award Program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The award recognizes middle and high school students who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. As an outstanding service-learner, he has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for giving more than 100 hours of service and will receive a letter and a certificate sign by President Obama.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENTS

During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, several athletic teams took the initiative to focus not just on winning, but on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer awareness and research. Saluted for the efforts of athletes, coaches and fans to save lives and advance research on breast cancer were:

The Parkside High School Girls Field Hockey Team, for doing the Susan G. Komen “Play 4 the Cure” game. The athletes wore pink, sold pink wristbands, and raffled a pink blanket. Referees donated their time. All proceeds benefited the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The James M. Bennett High School Clippers Volleyball team, which hosted a JMB Dig Pink match against Parkside to benefit the Side-Out Foundation. This event was part of the National Dig Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Rally to promote breast health education and raise funds to eradicate breast cancer.

The Wicomico High School Football team, which hosted a Crucial Catch game to honor those who have successfully fought or been lost of cancer. Funds were raised for research and proactive health promotion through Crucial Catch, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and Women Supporting Women.

MARYLAND ARTS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION

Several Visual Arts teachers were recognized on Oct. 15th at the 2010 Maryland Art Education Association’s annual conference for their outstanding contribution to the local school community in the field of Visual Arts:

Erin Davis – James M. Bennett High School - Master Teacher at the High School Level
Julia Kohut – Parkside High School - Master Teacher at the High School Level
Eric Hupke – Pittsville Elementary/Middle School - Master Teacher at the Middle School Level
Dawn Littleton – Prince Street and Northwestern Elementary Schools - Master Teacher, Elementary Level
Stephanie McCoy – Parkside High School - Outstanding New Teacher at the High School Level

OUTSTANDING PDS SERVICE

Wicomico County Public Schools benefit greatly from the partnership with Salisbury University in Professional Development Schools, or PDS sites. It takes committed staff members to make the PDS program work. The Board recognized for Outstanding PDS Service:

Lori Bock, Social Studies supervisor for Wicomico County Public Schools

Last spring, Salisbury University recognized a number of outstanding PDS mentor teachers and PDS Site Coordinators with plaques:

Outstanding PDS Mentors: Krista Brown - Salisbury Middle, Jennifer Hill – Pinehurst Elementary, Lori Menzel - East Salisbury Elementary, Marsha Rickards - Prince Street Elementary, Erin Smith - Wicomico High, Bennett Middle: Teresa Parrott and Brett Buffington

Outstanding PDS Site Coordinators: Cheryl Doughty - James M. Bennett High and Theresa Spicer - Fruitland Intermediate

NATIONAL BOARD RECERTIFICATION

The process of obtaining National Board Certification is a rigorous one, and teachers who successfully complete the process are certified for 10 years. Two educators who were among the first in Wicomico to obtain National Board Certification have been recertified. Holly Hatton, supervisor of elementary special education, and Carla Lewis, coordinator of instructional technology, were recently notified that their portfolios for National Board Recertification were accepted.

HEALTHY U WINNERS

Healthy U of Delmarva annually awards $6,000 to local community members and groups for promoting healthy choices. James M. Bennett High School was chosen as the $1,000 Education Winner for the 2010 Huey Awards presented by Healthy U of Delmarva and Salisbury University. JMB’s faculty and staff have implemented a Wellness Team to promote fitness and fellowship, with community 5K events, a Biggest Loser contest, and individual exercise programs. The Wellness Team also started a Wellness newsletter and wiki space. Kim Nutter, a JMB faculty member, was chosen as the $1,000 Individual Winner for the 2010 Huey Awards. She was rewarded for her efforts to change her lifestyle both with an exercise program and nutritional habits.

BAND DIRECTOR RECOGNITION

Gary Hammer, Band Director at Bennett Middle School, was the cover shot and featured article in the nationally distributed publication School Band and Orchestra Magazine. The article, “Foundations 1st”, was published in the September 2010 edition of the magazine. The article concerns the trials & tribulations of middle school band directors and some of the solutions Mr. Hammer offers from his perspective as a 33-year band director and music educator. He has been at Bennett Middle since 1989, and previously worked with students at James M. Bennett High School. For a look at the full article, please visit the website: www.sbomagazine.com and click on “Archives” in the left-hand menu.

MARYLAND CHARACTER EDUCATION SCHOOLS

Each school year, the Maryland State Department of Education recognizes schools for their outstanding leadership and programs which focus on character building. These exemplary character education schools must show evidence of values throughout the school, moral actions of students and adults, positive behavior programs, caring school communities, participation of families in school activities, positive self-motivation of students and staff, and inclusion of curriculum materials with values-embedded concepts. Two Wicomico schools have earned recognition in 2010 through the Maryland Center for Character Education:

Westside Primary School, Principal Kris Gosnell and former Principal Glendon Jones. Westside Primary highlighted its M&M Program – code for Marvelous Manners. Students can be nominated to the M&M Club each month for special recognition.

Pittsville Elementary and Middle School, Principal Mike Cody. Pittsville focuses on creating a school community centered on restoring civility through respect. Focusing on civility supports academic success and a positive learning environment and helps prepare students for life.

The Board also recognized Willards Elementary School, a past Maryland Character Education School, for being selected by the Maryland Center for Character Education as the November 2010 Best Practices of the Month. The organization’s website features the Willards “Dolphin Good Character Club.”

RECYCLING WINNER

The results of the school system’s 2009-2010 Third Quarter Recycling Contest have been tallied. From March-June 2010, Wicomico County Public Schools recycled a total of 111,785 pounds of paper material during this time frame. That’s a fantastic effort by our students, staff and schools to keep waste paper out of the landfill. This quarter’s recycling winner, with 12.68 pounds of paper per students, was James M. Bennett High School, which won the $1,000 recycling prize from Walmart.

SOMIRAC FRIEND OF READING

SoMIRAC – the State of Maryland International Reading Association Council – recognizes with the Friend of Reading Award businesses and community organizations that have made a significant contribution to the field of reading and literacy. Printer technicians Curtis Hearne and Wayne Warrington of the school system’s Print Shop have been recognized as a Friend of Reading for outstanding service and support of SoMIRAC over the past 20 years. They have done an outstanding job of serving SoMIRAC’s print needs, and have delivered student generated anthologies, conference programs, brochures and other printed materials to the doorstep, many times on a “need like yesterday” basis.