Write-ups for 2008 Mentor Awards

Nominee:  Cyndy Alkire

Nominated by:  Mike Peracchio

She was a great teacher (Chem & Biochem.) and outstanding class advisor (Class of 1999) when I was in high school.  She has remained a close friend since I graduated and she ahs given me much advice throughout the years, especially as I pursued a teaching certification.  She has been there to help me out whenever I have needed her as a first-year teacher, and she has shown me what it means to take a personal interest in students that need that little extra push.

 

 

Nominee:  Karen Bartolomeo

Nominated by:  Sue Clark

Karen has helped with getting information for our department meetings, help with “ABC” for FCS classes.  She has helped get information for the Perkins grant and is always ready to help with whatever is needed. Karen also is a supportive co-worker.

 

 

Nominee:  Gary Baumgartner

Nominated by:  Gabe Kendall, Kristen Duke, Paula Farley & Warren Herrington

There are several reasons why Gary deserves mentorship recognition.  Never once have we had to worry about supplies at the beginning of the year… he takes pride in making sure each member of the department is adequately stocked. After an illness to a dept. member, “…he took time out of his day to not only help me organize lesson plans, but he also coordinated and checked in on my subs for the week I was out recovering.  He made the whole ordeal as ‘painless’ (no pun intended) as possible.” “He’ll drop everything to help you out and he is always willing to give you anything you need.  He’s the best.”  He always makes time to listen to members of his department.  He has a great accent.  He matches his pen to his shire/tie outfit.  He speaks Pennsyltuky.

 

 

Nominee:  Richard Bednarz

Nominated by:  Judith Richard

Carl Jung has said “An understanding heart is everything in a teacher and cannot be esteemed highly enough.”  Richard Bednarz touches students’ hearts – even those with the most severe challenges.

 

Nominated by:  Lisa Macclain

Mr. B. is an outstanding teacher, works great with the kids and goes above and beyond the call of duty.  He has taught me a lot while working with him in the after school program,  patience being the most important thing when dealing with the high school kids.  I could go on and on, but I think you all know this.

 

Nominee:  Lynn Bernier

Nominated by: Sarah Woodin

For the past 3 years, Lynn has taken me under her guidance and helped me with curriculum, management strategies and shared her ideas openly.  As team leader this year she kept us informed, scheduled events for the school and field trips.  As a teacher, Lynn always has her students’ needs, interests and learning styles in mind.  She went out of her way to visit a student with cancer at the hospital bringing gifts from students as well as her.  She has a positive attitude and is an asset to GHR.

 

 

Nominee:  Michael Calli

Nominated by:  Gary Cesca

Over my time in Coventry Mike has consistently been an advocate for the best interests of students.  He also is there for parents and staff, and often is involved in activities to improve services at CHS.  I am most thankful for the insights he has provided me in our collaborations and he frequently has helped to keep me grounded when overwhelmed with the difficult circumstances of some of our students’ lives.

 

 

Nominee:  Paula Curtiss

Nominated by:  Janean Heckman

I first met Paula as a parent when my children attended CGS.  She is calm, patients and very knowledgeable.  Her rapport with students and parents is excellent.  Paula encouraged me to work as a sub and later apply for a permanent district position.  She has always made herself available to me during or after school hours for questions or support.  She is very organized and willing to share her expertise.  She has been a very important professional role-model and friend for many years.

 

Nominated by:  Therese McKeever

Paula should be on the poster for “the go to gal.”  She is always ready to offer assistance, give advice, or best of all, just lend an ear for whatever sticky situation falls our way.  She is quick with a laugh or a pat on the back… she’s a fabulous mentor.

 

Nominated by:  Joyce Manning

She has patiently nursed and oriented not only all the nurses and nurse subs in the district for years (everyone knows that challenge! Working with females; know it alls; bossy, opinionated, stubborn, obstinate, dictorial) but teachers, principals, supers, secretaries, parents, doctors, the list doesn’t end.  Her knowledge, humor and common sense are rare in most work places.  It’s a privilege to work with Paula.  It’s an honor to call her a friend.

 

 

Nominee:  Wilfred Duchesneau

Nominated by:  Christine Kendall

Wil has been an excellent mentor for the two years that I have worked with him at the high school.  He has offered sound advice on classroom management strategies.  On days when my patience was low he offered insight and hope which helped me along.  His professional decorum as well as experience has helped me become a stronger teacher.

 

Nominee:  Jennifer Emerson

Nominated by:  Heidi Bosco

Jennifer Emerson has been a phenomenal mentor to me this year!  She is humble and dislikes when I refer to her as my mentor, but she has been an integral part of my professional growth this year. Her integrity is hard to compare.  She is thorough and reflective to the “nth” degree.  I believe if you look up “organized” in the dictionary you may find her name there.  I am grateful to her for all the time she gave me sharing her thoughts, experiences, and ideas for everything from curriculum & instruction to basic classroom routines.

 

 

Nominee:  Stacey Fulton

Nominated by:  Deanna Sokola

Stacey met with me numerous times to teach me about assistive technology available to our students.  She spent her prep time many Friday afternoons teaching me about software.  Her patience and support not only gave me new knowledge, but furthered the education of my students!

 

 

Nominee:  Barbara Hilton

Nominated by:  Alison Blair

Barbara Hilton has been coming to my art classes with students from the Able Room the past 10 years.  Over that time she has been the one to “modify” the art lesson presented and make it possible for the students to have success, pride and create sensational artwork.  Over the years I have been on the receiving end of the praise and I feel that she should be honored for her excellent artistic abilities in the art department.

 

 

Nominee:  Lois Johnson

Nominated by:  Michelle Swanson

Lois is an inspiring, energetic teacher.  She is always willing to try new things, and gets excited by new ways of helping her students succeed.  Her energy and dedication to Coventry kids is inspiring to all of us in the math department at CHS – she reminds us not to get “caught in a rut,” but instead to keep growing and trying new things throughout our careers!

 

 

Nominee:  Ronnie Kim

Nominated by:  Donna Plen

Ronnie has provided a willing and sympathetic ear with regard to both professional and personal concerns.  She has a gift for putting things in perspective, and for adding humor to a variety of situations.  Although I have not worked with her for three years, I know that I can always call her to discuss my ideas.

 

Nominee:  Kim LeBlanc

Nominated by:  Brenda Huckabee

Not only is Kim a dedicated and caring special ed. teacher, but she also goes above and beyond to improve the climate of the school, especially in the area of staff appreciation and cheering people up (not to mention supplying breakfast to celebrate Red Sox victories).

 

 

Nominee:  Adrienne Manzone

Nominated by:  Patti Wilson

Adrienne is a giving, caring person.  Several years ago Adrienne said to me that each child on our team deserves to be treated the way we want our own children treated; therefore, no conversation is too small and every moment is to be used as an opportunity to enrich each and every student.  Thank you for guidance, the sharing of materials and lessons, and most of all for your friendship.

 

 

Nominee:  Tina Moriarty

Nominated by:  Jodi Mansfield

As a new employee learning the ropes, I found guidance from Tina on a daily basis.  She always made me feel that I could count on her anytime, even when her day was already demanding.  When Tina is working, she has a unique gift of making everyone around her motivated to perform at levels they didn’t even know were in them.  In closing, the great Vince Lombardi once said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”  This quote reminds me of how I feel about Tina’s commitment, and what a wonderful asset GHR was given.

 

Nominated by:  Shari Piteo, Kathy Sandberg, Nora Jones, Lynn Bernier & Sarah Woodin

Tina is a wonderful person, para-educator, and friend.  She is always positive and professional.  Tina is an invaluable team member who is willing to take on a challenge and help in any way.  She is sensitive to individual needs and has the innate ability to quickly understand learning styles.  Her creative ideas and strategies help students to be successful.  Tina goes above and beyond every single day and does it smiling!

 

 

Nominee:  Shari Piteo

Nominated by:  Tina Moriarty

Each year I become a better Para because of Shari.  She has provided me with many opportunities for growth even when it meant a shift in workload to her.  She created a safe atmosphere that encouraged exploration and trial and error.  She was never too busy to offer guidance and training.  Most of all, I’ve learned from her example.  She always seems to understand our students as individuals and looks for creative ways to meet their needs.

 

Nominated by:  Nora Jones

Most teachers have one bag or briefcase that they lug home each night and lug back to school each day.  Shari is the only teacher that I know that packs 3 bags – one filled with papers to be corrected; one with special ed. reports & IEP’s; one with resources to write lesson plans.  She is an amazing teacher, a kindhearted friend who is dedicated to the profession.  She has creative and innovative modifications for our students – always doing what is best for them.  We are very fortunate to have Shari on our team!

 

Nominee:  Robert Plaster

Nominated by:  Melissa Klar

He has guided me through my first two years of teaching in multiple ways.  Whether it be on the field, in the gym, or at the lunch table, he knows how to make each and every day enjoyable with a laugh.  I have felt comfortable with my teaching through his guidance on a daily basis.  Thank you Plaster!

 

 

Nominee:  Donna Plen

Nominated by:  Doreen Pelletier

Donna is always at school with a smile on her face.  She is the voice of reason to both myself and students.  She shows the “human” side of herself when she talks about her children’s accomplishments.  Her door is always open to talk to when you have a question or concern about a student.

 

 

Nominee:  Jennifer Ray

Nominated by:  Jean Ballok

Jennifer Ray has been the paraeducator union president for many years.   She is the “Historian” of the Coventry paraeducators.  Jennifer has given countless hours of her personal time during negotiation years.  She is the backbone of the paraeducators.  When there is a food drive at CGS she, along with her husband Ken, check dates on cans to make sure the contents are good.  If the date is old she will bring the items to a local grocery store to exchange them for updated items.  She packs the boxes and delivers them to Human Services always with a smile.  Jennifer is a model for us all to emulate.  Thanks!

 

 

Nominee:  Sharon Sandman

Nominated by:  Alicia Dinda

Sharon has been a wonderful clinical supervisor during my fellowship year.  She not only helped me to develop my professional skills, but she was always willing to lend an ear and offer advice in a moment’s notice.  Sharon has been a great resource, sharing all of her knowledge and skills with the entire team of speech pathologists here in Coventry.

 

 

Nominee:  Pat Trask

Nominated by:  Gina Olearczyk

She doesn’t hesitate to lend a hand no matter how much she is already involved in.  She is genuinely interested in helping teachers / colleagues and cares about students.

 

 

Nominee:  Pauline Vromans

Nominated by:  Elaine Guyette & Laura Myslinski

Pauline goes beyond her para duties on a regular basis.  She arrives early and is always ready to jump into whatever situation awaits her.  She is extremely observant of students’ needs and behavior and offers constructive feedback that enhances their learning environment.  Pauline is so creative!  What I love about her is that whenever we discuss a new idea she runs with it.  The next day she hands me her creation!

 

 

Nominee:  Patti Wilson

Nominated by:  Adrienne Manzone

Patti Wilson was the most successful first year teacher I’ve ever seen.  She continues to be a high energy dynamo in the classroom and one of the most caring teachers in our school.   She enthusiastically shares her dynamic lesson plans with colleagues and is the “go to” person for strategies dealing with challenging students.  I can’t imagine teaching here at CNHS without her support.

 

Nominated by:  Mary Arnini

Patti is a great mentor, motivator, role model, teacher and person.  She really makes learning “come alive” as she captures the attention of all her students.  Patti is a positive role model who has taught me a lot about how to motivate and inspire every student.  Her passion for teaching is genuine and reflected in the comments of her students and her colleagues. 

 

 

Nominee:  Sarah Woodin

Nominated by:  Kathy Sandberg

Sarah is an outstanding addition to the fifth grade staff.  She has excellent rapport with students, parents, and staff.  Her lessons are creative and challenging with the focus on making each student succeed in his or her learning.  She is in tune with each student’s learning style.  She is a very talented teacher whose energetic, fresh, and positive attitude is a great asset to our school.

 

 

Nominee:  Kathy Zanotti

Nominated by:  Colleen Hamblett & Cristy Rau

Kathy has brought her obvious talent and knowledge of computer technology to our classrooms in a variety of ways.  However, she has also asked to be “Guest Reader,” chats with children as they pass, and engages them throughout the day.  Kathy is very comfortable in the company of young children.  She is a natural with the young students in our school.