Polk County Public Schools
Cindy Wickham, a foodservice manager at Lakeland’s Dixieland Elementary, was named the Polk County Public Schools 2009 School-Related Employee Of The Year at a special event held on February 12.
More than 1,200 teachers, staff members, community members, event sponsors and guests attended this event at the Lakeland Center. Click here to view Wickham’s profile. The School-Related Employee Of The Year Award is for paraeducators, secretaries, maintenance, foodservice, transportation and others in support roles.
Prior to the eventual naming of Wickham as the winner, School-Related Employee Of The Year finalists were announced.
Finalists received $500 from event sponsors. The Polk County Public Schools are the largest employer in Polk County with more than 13,000 employees.
Medical Clinic Paraeducator, 3 years experience
Daniel Jenkins Academy (Haines City)
JoAnn is a registered nurse. Although she could be employed elsewhere in a more lucrative position, she believes her place is working with students and parents in a school setting. In addition to her duties in the medical clinic, she always volunteers to help out wherever there is a need in the school. JoAnn became a role model to a student having difficulty and with her guidance the student made a positive turnaround. When another student was injured and had to hobble on crutches on the school’s hilly campus, JoAnn took it upon herself to secure a wheelchair and pushed the student to class so he would be on time for instruction. When JoAnn notices a child in need, she will bring in clothes or other necessities.
Physical Education Paraeducator, four years experience
Lake Alfred Elementary
Sherry is a master of all trades. She will supervise students at breakfast, tutor students in reading and work as a paraeducator in physical education class. If she is asked to come in early or stay late, she cheerfully accepts. Sherry works with students having behavioral problems and helps them to make better choices. She organizes the school’s track and field day, recruits community members for the Great American Teach-In and will solicit donations from organizations to support school activities. Sherry also organizes the school’s fire safety courses with the local fire department and works in the school’s pick-up area when parents arrive in vehicles after school to transport their children. Sherry does any job she is asked although it may not be part of her job description.
Custodian, one year experience
Kingsford Elementary (Mulberry)
Layne has been with her school only one year but she has made a tremendous impact as a custodian. During the summer, her school had six summer programs going on simultaneously and also added six portable classrooms requiring classroom relocations. Without additional custodial hours, she dug into the project, moving furniture room by room and completing the moves while still maintaining the appearance of the campus. Layne beautified an outdoor lunch area with decorative tree stumps, plants, wind chimes and flags. Her demeanor has unified the custodial crew and she always asks teachers if there is more she can do to help. It is also significant to note that Layne earned her GED after 41 years.
Secretary/Terminal Operator, 12 years experience
Polk City Elementary
Sunnie is well-known in her community and is an alumnus of the school where she works. Throughout the years, she has worked as a paraeducator in both kindergarten and in the medical clinic at her school. Currently, she is working as a secretary and terminal operator. Sunnie has a contagious smile and is able to multi-task under pressure. She is the calm in the middle of a storm with phones ringing, staff members asking for help, deadlines to be met and parents needing assistance. Sunnie works nine to 10-hour days and then volunteers additional hours at after-school functions or before school tutoring. She has been a member of her school’s Parent-Teacher Organization and the staff at her school call her irreplaceable.
Lab Manager, 12 years experience
Bartow High/IB/Summerlin Academy
Jackie has superior organizational skills. She is efficient and relates equally well with students, faculty and parents. She accepts responsibility readily and her work often extends beyond the school day . Her daily goal is to make sure students and staff have all the resources they need. She goes about her work with a positive approach although she may not always feel well. Jackie is persistent and does her job with a smile.
Paraeducator, one year experience
Purcell Elementary (Mulberry)
Claudia has been with her school for one year. She is another employee making a big impact in a short amount of time. Claudia has completed master’s courses in Puerto Rico and is currently in Polk Community College’s Educator Preparation Institute fulfilling the requirements to become a teacher. She took a position as an English For Speakers Of Other Languages paraeducator to gain experience before seeking a teaching position. Her school’s staff is constantly amazed by her enthusiasm and eagerness. Claudia is able to make quick progress with English-deficient students using a variety of creative methods to help them learn the language.
Custodian, two years experience
East Area Adult School (Auburndale)
Angel maintains a campus and buildings. Because of his hard work, school administrators get many compliments for the appearance of their physical plant. Pretty and striking are some of the comments they have received. Community people will be so impressed that they ask administrators, “Who does your landscaping?” Angel is the man responsible for that beautiful upkeep and maintenance. He is adept at handling a staff and takes ownership in the appearance of his campus. Angel is a member of the school’s School Advisory Council and helps out with Spanish translations. Skilled, dedicating and hard-working are other words used to describe this U.S. Army veteran.
