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Show B4 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 ^chools Covering what matters most School Board honors teachers Lindsay B. Wolsey STAFF WRITER Most of the time there are plenty of- seats available for anyone who wishes to attend a meeting of the Nebo School Board of Education. But when the agenda includes presenting awards for Teacher of the Year, it's standing room only in the hallways. At the School Board meeting held on April 9, 2008 attendees were treated to a slight departure from the regular agenda when Spanish Fork Junior High (SFJH) student Cynthia Drockton performed the Star Spangled Banner following the Pledge of Allegiance. SFJH Principal John DeGraffenried, Assistant Principal Scott Carson, and teacher Elaine Peterson were in attendance with their students. Peterson explained that 88 of her US History students recently attended a naturalization ceremony where 208 people were sworn in as citizens. SFJH students did more than just observe this ceremony — three of the students actually participated in part of the program. Kyle Adams led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, Cynthia Drockton performed the National Anthem, and Brian Miller gave citizenship remarks. Miller repeated his remarks for the School Board. "I consider my citizenship to be one of my greatest blessings," Miller said. He also spoke on what citizenship means, about the importance of being part of the community, appreciating the sacrifices mean by the founding fathers, and the importance of being part of the political process by voting. After Millers remarks, the Board viewed a Power Point presentation showing photos from the field trip, accompanied by America The Beautiful. Board Member Randy Boothe spoke for the Board when he remarked, "We couldn't be more proud to have Nebo School district represented with such fine students who are under the tutelage of a very fine teacher and administration. We're just as proud as we could possibly be. We're just grateful that you young people are representing our community so well, and this school district is lucky have you." Following SFJH's presentation, Coordinator Everett Kelepolo announced the recipients of the Teacher of the Year awards. Park Elementary teacher Sharla Thomas was selected as the Nebo School District Teacher of the Year. Kelepolo read excerpts from Thomas' application for this award, and pointed out that she has taught for 26 years, 17 of those at Nebo School District. "As I got through her application, I'd like to point out a few words that jumped out at me — mentor, specialist, coordinator, team leader — teacher extraordinaire is the way I would describe her," Kelepolo said. Kelepolo also related what his son Jordan, a former student remembered about Thomas'. "She listened to all of us. She cared about each of us, and she made sure we knew that we were cared about." Thomas was given a $250 from Nebo School District and a $250 from the Teachers Association and a trip to Disneyland from the Nebo Foundation and two plaques. Recipients of Elementary School Teacher of the Year for each individual school in the district are as follows: Ryan Cromar, Canyon Elementary; Angela Eckhart, Larsen; Chris Roberts, Rees; Laurel Koyle, Brockbank; Kari Dunn, Park; Kim Miller, Spanish Oaks; Jamie Pintar, East Meadows; Jill Shipp, Foothills; Robin Kerr, Mt. Loafer; Chris Vest, Salem; Jeanene Scott, Sage Creek; Becky t McDonald, Westside; Jennifer Grant, Art City; Corine Clark Brookside; Scott Earl, Cherry Creek; Cathy Condie, Hobble Creek; Barbara Chapman, Barnett; Denise Ray, Spring Lake; Robin Prostgaard, Taylor; Kari Glaser, Parkview; Julie Tracy, Wilson; Patsy Barlow, Goshen; Cleann Brost, Santaquin; Jennifer Bellows, Orchard Hills; Nichole Steiner, Orchard Hills; Nicole Steiner, Mapleton. Each award recipient received a plaque and a booklet presented by a member of the School Board. Security Insurance TOP DON HONORING EXCELLENCE AT SFHS Laura Vincent Senior Laura Vincent is the daughter of Alan and Karen Vincent of Spanish Fork. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, and her favorite classes include photography and interior design. Laura is a member of the SFHS track team and girls soccer.tearn. She likes skateboarding, snowboarding and chickens. On a road trip, she would travel to the East Coast and listen to rock. Jill Shipp Carrie Dunn "?" ? ! 798-3500 Chris Vest Kim Mellor Local elementary schools nominate top teachers Sharla Thomas was named the Nebo District Teacher of the Year at the Nebo School Board meeting, held Wednesday, April 9, 2008. Congratulations to Mrs. Thomas, as well as all the other local nominees! Riverview Elementary Sharla Thomas "My greatest love in my profession is working with children. My philosophy of teaching dates back through years of working with our nation's most valuable resource: our children. I believe it is my responsibility and honor to help each child in my class achieve his/her highest potential and develop positive character traits that are essential in our society. I endeavor to provide an atmosphere where each child is treated with dignity so they are capable of learning to read and write and think in an atmosphere that is nurturing and safe. I love to learn and endeavor to instill that love of learning to my students." Brockbank Elementary Laurel Koyle "My philosophy of teaching began to develop when I was just a child and my dad was a teacher at my school. I loved walking to school with him and seeing him in the lunch room and ojher areas of the school. When I got in fifth grade he was my teacher! For many years he let me help him get things ready for his class. I grew up knowing that I would become a teacher like my dad. He has been my life-long mentor." Canyon Elementary Ryan Cromer "I believe that teaching is more than academics; it is a responsibility to help children progress emotionally and socially. I want them to learn how to be good people and properly respect others no matter who they are. I try to have my class be unified and learn to accept and appreciate one another despite differences. The only rule in my classroom is "RESPECT," and we frequently talk Sponsored by: "A about what it means to respect one anH u 8 C l i n t V 290 N. Main Spanish fork other. This is truly an anchoring prinAllied ciple that helps drive the actions of the Insurance • class and my actions as a teacher as I A>G> E >N interact with students." r nc Robyn Kerr Angela Eckhardt Chris Roberts Jamie Pintar Ryan Cromar Laurel Koyle Sharla Thomas East Meadows Elementary Jamie Pintar "My philosophy of education is to provide an environment which allows my students to feel safe and be who they really are. I chose to work in education because I love to work with people, especially children. I love to see people, both young and old, succeed. As an educator in the public schools, I am given a unique opportunity to work with the world's greatest children. Parents are sending their greatest accomplishments to me." Foothills Elementary Jill Shipp "'You gotta love what you do!' There is not a teacher in my school that has not heard these words come out of my mouth, and I truly love what I do. Every child is capable of learning. My job is to tap into each child's learning modality and motivate that student to love learning. If you love a student first, the learning will follow. Dedication, trial and error, and perseverance are the keys." Larsen Elementary Angela Eckhardt . "I have heard it said that it is not important what you do, but who you become from doing it. 1 think that this quote exemplifies my philosophy of teaching. Too often, teachers concentrate on things that don't matter and lose sight of the big picture. Lessons and activities are an important part of school, but the most important job teachers have is to help students to reach their potential and become people who contribute to society. Kindergarten is where most students have their first real social experiences, and though it has become a cliche*, everything you need to know you really do learn in kindergarten." Park Elementary Carrie Dunn "I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a teacher. I often imagined how wonderful it would be. I loved children and believed that I could make a difference in their lives. I couldn't imagine anything better than knowing that you helped someone and made a difference in their lives every day. I wanted to be just like the teachers in my memory who had made such a difference in my life." Rees Elementary Chris Roberts "My whole goal in teaching is summed up by a quote from Ron Miller that hangs in my classroom: 'Our work is not about a curriculum or a teaching method. It is about nurturing the human spirit with love.' I believe that if my students feel my care for them then they will give their best and be willing to try new things. I want to help them on their path of discovering who they really are, and, in the words of Joseph Campbell, 'find their bliss.'" Salem Elementary Chris Vest Mr. Vest loves the classroom and he loves his students. He stays in communication with parents and always gives his students the extra time they need to succeed. His greatest thrill is to see the "light" in the eyes of a student when they have succeeded at learning. He is a true advocate for children. Spanish Oaks Elementary Kim Mellor • "All students should have a teacher who is passionate about teaching. I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience, therefore, I strive to make my classroom a place Mt. Loafer Elementary where learning is an adventure and Robyn Kerr I encourage my young students to "I believe that there are many respon- discover new things and investigate sibilities held by a teacher that extend far their world. One of the best parts of beyond covering the core curriculum. A teaching for me is watching my #stuteacher should inspire a love of learn- dents* faces light up as they succeed ing, share the magic of books, challenge in mastering a skill or discovering each child, and help each child see that something new. This is what I think who they are makes a difference." teaching is all about!" |