March 2009 Spotlight:

Brenda Seidel from West Perry High School



Brenda Seidel does her job as audio-visual coordinator exceptionally well and spreads good cheer as she does it. Brenda adopts students who need a little extra attention. Students know that she really cares and listens to what is troubling them. She will often just say a few supportive words that are so specific to the situation and to the student's personal life, that the student knows that we care. She is often able to channel potential misbehavior to productive purposes. Mrs. Seidel celebrates birthdays and other significant events with students who she knows may not have anyone at home with which to celebrate, by bringing in home-baked goods. She has helped find donors of clothing for students who are in need and has even mended students' socks. Brenda also takes care of students who stay after school for rehearsals or practices, providing her homemade baked goods to get them through that afternoon hunger that teenagers experience. Mrs. Seidel goes out of her way to do nice things for no reason other than that she sees a need. Brenda practices acceptances of differences in people and a work ethic of which anyone would be proud and to which our students should aspire.


Tommie Mercado from Carroll Elementary

Talk to the students at Carroll and they will tell you that they love art class, and that they love Mrs. Mercado. Anyone who walks into the lobby and down the halls at Carroll will notice student art projects displayed in the showcase and on the walls. These art projects are well done.

Referring to the January/February 2009 "Principal" published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the subject of arts education for the whole child was featured. The article states that infusing visual and performing arts into the community adds critical components to educating the whole child. High-quality arts programs can contribute to the intellectual, physiological, and emotional well being of children. Decorating school walls with artwork impacts the school. Mrs. Mercado is a great supporter of arts education for the whole child and has earned special recognition as a result. She is a tremendous asset to our students, staff, and educational program.

February 2009 Spotlight:

Donna Campbell from Hidden Valley




Donna Campbell is a paraprofessional at our Hidden Valley facility. She began working for the West Perry School District when the program started in the fall of 1999. For the last eight and one half years, Donna has been an outstanding employee and has contributed immensely to the success of our emotional support program. Donna has a natural ability to relate to students. She supports the students with her listening skills and guides them to make responsible choices. Student have learned to be respectful and have developed positive self direction through Donna's efforts.

Mrs. Campbell is a positive influence on other members of the staff that she works with at Hidden Valley. Her dedication and commitment to the program have been exemplary. Donna has devoted a great deal of her time before and during the Christmas break to help facilitate the move from the Boy Scout Camp to the West Perry campus. She is always energetic and thrives on project to enhance our Hidden Valley Program. The West Perry School District is proud to have Donna on their staff.


The Tech Quartet from New Bloomfield Elementary




The New Bloomfield Elementary teachers honored at the February School Board meeting were recognized for their positive contribution to the culture and climate of the school. They have worked together to improve and expand the building website, design creative web pages for their classrooms, assist other staff with creating their web pages and implementing educational technology in their classrooms. Their outstanding leadership in the area of technology has increased communication with parents, staff, students and community. Diane Foose; Alison Snyder; Jennifer Koishal; Jane Chubb

 

Mrs. DiLissio motivates the students in her music classes and chorus with her wide-ranging musical knowledge, personal talent, and skills. The chorus has grown under her leadership and now includes a separate 6th grade chorus, as well as our 7th and 8th grade chorus. Jennifer is the Student Council advisor and makes it possible for students to attend leadership camps and workshops so that they can bring back new ideas to motivate the student body and enrich our school and community. She organizes theme days, spirit week, and dances at West Perry Middle School, and coordinates the annual lock-in which focuses on raising funds for local charities.