Polk County Public Schools
The following school district employees have been named Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year at their respective schools and are candidates for the county wide honor. The Polk County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year awards program will be held at the Lakeland Center February 23, 2012. The top teacher and school-related employee for Polk County will be announced during the program. The school-related award honors employees in support roles such as paraeducators, secretaries, food service, custodial, transportation and other responsibilities. The two winners will be announced among 16 finalists (eight finalists each for Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee). Finalists and winners receive cash and other prizes from event sponsors. The Polk Education Foundation provides financial support for the event along with numerous community sponsors.
Community members from local organizations and businesses judge nominee applications. Judges do not know nominees’ identities or the school where they work. Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees complete an application with categories that include leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement and teaching style.
Combined, Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees have 2,837 years of experience. The average experience for Teacher of the Year and School-Related nominees is 12 years each. The most experienced Teacher of the Year nominee has 38 years of experience. The most experienced School-Related nominee has 35 years of experience.
For the third year in a row, this invitation-only event will be broadcast live over a variety of cable and fiber optic television channels and websites. They are: Polk County School Board Television (Bright House Networks channel 614, Comcast channel 7, Verizon FiOS channel 45), PGTV, the county commission channel (Bright House channel 622, Comcast channel 5, Verizon FiOS channel 20), the school district’s www.polk-fl.net website and the county commission’s www.polk-county.net. Tune in to the event at 7:30 p.m.
The following school district employees have been nominated by their schools for the 2012 Polk County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year Awards.
TEACHERS OF THE YEAR and SCHOOL-RELATED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
Alturas
Alturas Elementary: Kaycee Atkinson, grade three; Deborah Gainey, Principal's Secretary
Auburndale
Auburndale Central Elementary: Luke Hart, Music; Julieanne Wright-Bradley, Parent Involvement Facilitator
Auburndale High: Angela Carroll, Health Science; Kenneth Wilson, Custodian
Boswell Elementary: Connie Furno, K-5 Visual Art; Alissa Conner, Physical Education Paraprofessional
Caldwell Elementary: Nicole Taylor, Network Manager; Gary Reaver II, Day Custodian
East Area Adult: Susan Stewart, Adult Education; Elizabeth Padilla, Student Intake Specialist
Lena Vista Elementary: Jennifer Deeds, 2nd; Jennifer Stambaugh, ESE Pre-K Paraprofessional
Stambaugh Middle: Criston Jensen, 6th Math/ESE Facilitator; Linda Grantham, LPN
Bartow
Bartow Elementary Academy: Brady Draper, grade four; Jason Howell, Physical Education Paraprofessional
Bartow High/IB/Summerlin Academy: Raschelle DeVore, Govt./Economics; Sharon LeVine, Secretary, Freshman Academy
Bartow Middle: Deloris Reece-Donaldson, ESE/VE - Inclusion; Vivian Trevino, Foodservice Manager
District Office: Maria Haag, Senior Director Secretary (School-Related nominee)
Floral Avenue Elementary: Leslie Hartgraves, 4th Reading/Writing; Patricia Browning, ESE Paraeducator
Gause Academy: Laura Hartman, Math/Algebra; Jernetha Oliver, Computer Lab Manager
Gibbons Street Elementary: Kathryn Holmes, grade one; Sheila Childs, Food Service Manager
Jean O'Dell Learning Center: Sheila Gibson, ESE; Lula Sanders, ESE Paraeducator
Spessard L. Holland Elementary: Andrew Baldwin, Network Manager; Mike LaSalle, Day Custodian
Stephens Elementary: Angelina West, 3rd; Margie Foreman, Paraeducator/Clinic Nurse
Union Academy: Shanna Calandros, 7th; Theresa Tillman, Terminal Operator
Davenport
Davenport School of the Arts: Tracy Miller, 7th Math; Denise Sottilaro, Clinic Paraeducator
Horizons Elementary: Leah Killinger, 5th; Vanessa Gonzalez, Secretary
Loughman Oaks Elementary: Margarita Gaviria, 4th; Barbara Pittman, Title I Paraeducator
Ridge Community High: Angela Clark, Athletic Director; Candy Morris, Financial Secretary
Dundee
Donald E. Woods Center: Rosalee Carter, ESE; Predette Kennedy, ISS Paraprofessional
Dundee Elementary: Nicki Towns, Music; Carol Leighton, Network Manager
Dundee Ridge Middle: Edward Congdon, Agriculture; Luz Osorio, ESE Paraprofessional
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake Elementary: Ausonia Farr, VE 1st-3rd; Anelia Baker, ESE Primary VE Para
Lake Region High: Karri Reich, 9-12 Geometry; Bonnie Spires, Paraeducator
Pinewood Elementary: Gayle Harsell, 5th; Gayle Conley, Title I Paraeducator
Eaton Park
Oscar J. Pope Elementary: Margaret Stairiker, 4th; Jolene George, Main Dish Server
Eloise
Snively Elementary: Veita Stephens, Media Specialist; Helen Mack, Paraeducator
Fort Meade
Fort Meade Middle-Senior: Susan Cannon, grade two & six; Laura Weeks, Foodservice Manager
Anna Woodbury Elementary: Winona Sturgill, grade four & five; Deborah Carlton, Principal’s Secretary/Terminal Operator
Lewis Elementary: April Willis, Kindergarten; Theresa Johnson, CDAT
Frostproof
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary: Stella Hatton, grade four; Alice Brantley, Principal's Secretary
Frostproof Elementary: Debrah Wrye, K-2nd Library Media Specialist; Melissa Bruneau, Network Paraeducator
Frostproof Middle-Senior: Anthony Stanciu, 9th Math; Laurie Hortert, Registrar/Terminal Operator
Haines City
Alta Vista Elementary: Diane Hill, Kindergarten; Gaylon Yeaton, Day Custodian
Bethune Academy: Ashlee McIntee, grade one; Mamie Hall, LPN School Nurse
Boone Middle: Edwin Velazquez, Language Arts; Lillian Daily, Principal's Secretary
Daniel Jenkins Academy of Technology: Sarah Carden, Social Studies; Matel Malpartida, ESOL Paraeducator
Eastside Elementary: Viviana Torres, grade five; Jannetta Dorsey, Computer Lab Paraeducator
Haines City High/IB: Joshua Nelson, Band; Brenda De Leon, Secretary
Sandhill Elementary: Linda Rivera, 3rd, 4th, 5th Dual Language; Michele Hunter, ESE Paraeducator
Highland City
Highland City Elementary: Lisa Groubert, Kindergarten; Catherine Gericke, ESE Paraprofessional
Lake Alfred
Karen M. Siegel Academy: Maricela Reecy, Pre-K; Marie Charles, Lead Custodian
Lake Alfred-Addair Middle: Leonda Melton Narramore, Science; Deborah Thomas, Secretary
Lake Alfred Elementary: Ana Figueroa, 4th; Janisse Marquez, ESOL Paraprofessional
Lake Wales
McLaughlin Middle & Fine Arts Academy: Fannie Paige, Parent Involvement Facilitator; Kimberly Wurth, Registrar/Attendance/Terminal Operator
Roosevelt Academy: Nita Propst, ESE 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th; Ana Castro, Paraprofessional
Spook Hill Elementary: Deeann Finnell, Reading/Science Resource; Rosita Rodriguez, LPN
Lakeland
Bill Duncan Opportunity Center: Lindsey Smoot, 6-8 Social Studies; James Lowe, Network Manager
Blake Academy: Jill Steinbauer, Kindergarten/grade one; Jastin Barfield, Secretary
Carlton Palmore Elementary: Dretha Fennell, Music; Tracie Gaughf, ESE Paraeducator
Churchwell Elementary: Brenda Turner, grade three; Sandi Mahoney, Media Paraprofessional
Cleveland Court Elementary: Christina Ward, grade one; Diane Kossman, Principal/Finance Secretary
Combee Elementary: Emily Tait, grade three; Marleni D'Aiello, ESOL Paraprofessional
Countywide ESE: Joanne Lascola, grade seven & eight; Armanda Kelly, Paraprofessional
Crystal Lake Elementary: Howard Mathis, 5th Science; Tina Fout, Food Service Manager
Crystal Lake Middle: Jeanne Stearns, 8th Science; Diana Llewellyn, Secretary
Dixieland Elementary: Dee Ann Frey, grade three; Pam Cash, Clinic Para
Doris A. Sanders Learning Center: Melanie Peter, Secondary Nursing; Luz Santa-Alicea, Paraeducator
Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary: Jennifer Bishop, K-5 Art; Sandra Mason, ESE Paraprofessional
George Jenkins High: Cathy Bell grade 10 & 12 English; Eloise Moffett, Principal's Secretary
Griffin Elementary: John LeClair, grade four; Zudie Smith, Parent Involvement Paraprofessional
Harrison School for the Arts: Matthew Davis, Music; Michael Holbrook, Custodial Foreman
Highlands Grove Elementary: Terrenna Arbolaez, K-3 ESE; Lynn Stenger, Terminal Operator
Jesse Keen Elementary: Angela Huron, 5th; Brenda Stacy, Custodian Foreman
Kathleen Elementary: Andrea Borden, 3rd; Deborah Cabral, Child Dev. Assoc. Teacher
Kathleen High: Donna Cole, Biology/Anatomy; Ralph Carter, Custodian
Kathleen Middle: Michael Faughn, Science; Paulette Hall, Principal/Finance Secretary
Lake Gibson High: Marcia de Meza, 10-12 Science; Bridget Jorge, Finance Secretary.
Lake Gibson Middle: Jessie Peterson, Reading; Karen Presson, Guidance Secretary
Lakeland High: Justin Troller, American Govt./Leadership; Salvador Ledesma, Custodian, Daytime Lead Worker
Lakeland Highlands Middle: Stacy Huey, 6-8 Computer Applications; Norma Castellanos, ESOL Paraeducator
Lawton Chiles Middle Academy: Deborah Tregler, Civics and World Cultures; Jessica Rogers, Computer Lab Manager
Lincoln Avenue Academy: Lisa Hutchinson, 4th; Robert Townes, Custodian
Medulla Elementary: Wendy Frankel, 5th ESE/VE; Audra Montalbano, ESE Paraprofessional
North Lakeland Elementary: Caitlin Wright, 3rd; William Basel, Custodian
Padgett Elementary: Sharilyn Young, Network Manager; Kay Lane, ESE Self-Contained Paraeducator
Philip O'Brien Elementary: Jimmy Lisenby, 5th; Melinda Dennis, ESE Inclusion Paraprofessional
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary: Lea Chamberlain, 2nd/3rd ESE; Devin Taylor, ESE Paraprofessional
Rochelle School of the Arts: Michael Schweim, 8th; Mary Beth McAfee, Clinic LPN
Scott Lake Elementary: Michelle Estroff, 3rd; Laura Reuss, ESE Paraeducator
Sikes Elementary: Heidi Kindle, 3rd; Tami Reynolds, ESE Paraprofessional
Sleepy Hill Middle: Homer Boatwright, Jr., Band/Orchestra; Laurice Jones, Terminal Operator
Sleepy Hill Elementary: Stacy Denty, Music; Marielys Garcia, ESOL Paraeducator
Socrum Elementary: Kerri Foster, AIF Math; Stacy Shehane, Secretary
Southwest Elementary: Heather Zipprer, 4th/5th; Barbara Manetta, ESE Paraprofessional
Southwest Middle: Ariel Lehman, 6th/7th Math; Wendy Capik, Paraeducator
Tenoroc High: Patricia Denham, Library Media; Debbie Comparato, Secretary
Valleyview Elementary: Kendessa Currens, 1st; Felix Nuñez, Custodial Foreman
Wendell Watson Elementary: Heather Carlson, 3rd; Jean Rodriguez, Secretary
West Area Adult: Kenneth Rivera, Adult Education; Sable Bishop, Custodian
Winston Elementary: Yolanda Robinson, First/Second; Monica Acuna, ESOL Paraeducator
Mulberry
Kingsford Elementary: Laura Carns, 3rd; Linda Smith, Principal's Secretary/Terminal Operator
Mulberry High: Zachary Murdock, Band; Robin Exum, Principal's Secretary
Mulberry Middle: Alison Landry, Title I Facilitator; Sterling Hagins, Custodian
Purcell Elementary: Nichole Styron, 5th; Norma Reyes, ESOL Paraprofessional
Poinciana
Lake Marion Creek School: Dennis Vosburg, Network Manager; Elba Concepcion, Secretary
Laurel Elementary: Nicole Pasqualitti, Kindergarten; Debra Spence, Pre-K Paraeducator
Palmetto Elementary: Rosa Bradley, 3rd Dual Language; Bibi Khan, Foodservice Interim Manager
Polk City
Polk City Elementary: Amanda Terry, Music/TV Production; Barbara Martin, Paraeducator, LPN
Winter Haven
Brigham Academy: Renee Parrish, K-5 TRST; Debra Norris, Clinic Nurse/Paraprofessional
Chain of Lakes Elementary: Jill Baird, Kindergarten; Dalmia Alvarez, Night Custodian
Denison Middle: Santia Garcia, 6-8 Visual Arts; Denise Foster, Food Service Manager
Elbert Elementary: Joy Currier, grade three; Shelly Lord, Food Service Manager
Garden Grove Elementary: Candice Straughn, ESE/VE; Alexandra Eve, ESOL Paraeducator
Garner Elementary: Nancy Copeland, grade two; Peggy Helms, Child Dev. Assoc. Teacher
Inwood Elementary: Beverly Marrall, Kindergarten; Steven Monk, Day Custodian
Jewett Middle Academy: Leslie Howard, 8th; Candyce Kernodle, Clinic Nurse/Paraprofessional
Jewett School of the Arts: Christine Godwin, 4th; Carolyn Young, Terminal Operator
Lake Shipp Elementary: Theresa McCawley, 2nd; Shurla Skipper, LPN Clinic Paraprofessional
Ridge Career Center: Teresa Provenza, Pharmacy Tech Instructor; Mary Horner, Accounting Specialist I
Wahneta Elementary: Danielle Bilbrey, 3rd; Beverly Rosmon, Parent Involvement Paraprofessional
Westwood Middle: Nancy McDonald, 8th; Lori Dixon, Guidance Secretary
Winter Haven High: Linda Robinson, Business/Marketing; Gina Cea, Finance Secretary
