Staff recognitions - 2009

James Anastasio

Congratulations to our very own principal, James Anastasio, for being selected as “Administrator of the Year” by the Maine Association of School Libraries.  Jeff Small, our school librarian and president of the Maine Association of School Libraries had the privilege of presenting the honor to Jim last night at the school board meeting.

Michelle Beach

Michelle is the Hussey School Secretary. Mrs. Beach greets every parent, student, staff and community member who calls or stops in at Hussey with a warm welcome.  She is as efficient and organized as she is nice!  Mrs. Beach is continually improving and updating the office procedures at Hussey School.  She displays a super human amount of patience in all situations; even when she is dealing with Mrs. Michaud!  Mrs. Beach is much loved at Hussey, in fact, she has her own holiday here; each spring we celebrate “Mrs. Beach Day” just to remind her how much we appreciate all she does to support our school community.  Mrs. Beach is the mortar that holds Hussey School together. April 30,2010 - Today, April 30 was “Mrs. Beach Day” at Hussey and had a fish theme to celebrate as she keeps the “school” swimming in the right direction. Each class and/or individual student wrote special notes to her. The Pre-kindergarten class said that they like to hear her voice as she calls on the speaker.  Several other classes told her that they appreciate that she sends notices home and many parents called in to say how much they appreciate her help and support with notices, sick children, etc.Mrs. Michaud said she recognizes Mrs. Beach for looking at the procedures at Hussey to see if they are efficient and organized and if they can be improved for the next time.Mrs. Beach is unfailing kind, patient and calm even when things can be chaotic at Hussey. On behalf of everyone at Hussey Elementary School, please accept our deepest appreciation.

Jody Beaulieu

Mrs. Beaulieu is the secretary for the Capital Area Technical Center.  Jody Beaulieu is the first face most people see when they come to the Capital Area Technical Center.  She personifies “customer service” and greets everyone, students and adults alike, with respect, kindness and a genuine smile.  Like all amazing school secretaries, she balances any number of tasks with good humor and professionalism that stands as a model for the students and staff of our school.  Her caring demeanor is always evident, even in the most trying of circumstances.

Lori Bolster

Mrs. Bolster is in her third year as Principal of Lincoln and worked previously in the school department as a special education teacher. Mrs. Bolster is an excellent school leader in every way imaginable.  She’s highly visible in the building and on the playground, is extremely well organized and makes it her priority to ensure that every student at Lincoln gets a first-rate education.  She knows all of the students by their names at Lincoln and in addition, knows what makes them special as a “Lincoln Learner”.  Her experience in special education is invaluable as she works with students who are part of our specialized populations in autism and Functional Skills.One of  her greatest assets is her ability to work with people.  Knowing well the staff at Lincoln, Lori remembers what is important and special to people, such as birthdays and other life events. Lori, on behalf of all of the students at Lincoln and the staff, please accept our gratitude for the great work that you do.  We appreciate you!

Paula Bourque

The Wellness Person for the month of October is Paula Bourque. This is what Jamie Palmer had to say about Paula, “I know that Paula considers wellness as one of the most important aspects of her life. Although she is incredibly busy, she takes time out of her daily schedule to fit in a run/walk/bike. She has motivated staff to start running, and to participate in races as well. I know from personal experience that Paula’s support and guidance is extremely motivating. Paula is also very concerned with healthy food choices for both her and her family.” Congratulations to Paula for her ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Sue Briggs

Sue is a food service worker at Gilbert as well as works as a crossing guard for the City of Augusta. Mrs. Briggs is the kind of individual who does what ever needs to get done cheerfully and without any complaint.  She is a true team player.  The students at Gilbert think the world of her as she is always smiling and is very kind to them.  Mrs. Nichols, the Director of Food and Nutrition describes Mrs. Briggs as hard working, dependable and a terrific asset to the Food and Nutrition program. The Augusta School Department is extremely fortunate to have individuals such as Mrs. Briggs on board.

Kim Church

Kim Church is the Lincoln Elementary Nurse. Mrs. Church is new to the Augusta School Department but not new to the position of school nurse, having worked at the Sabattus School in Sabattus, Maine.  Mrs. Church is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and has a Bachelors’ in nursing. Mrs. Church is a compassionate individual who has a keen sense of students’ needs.  She is self confident, reliable and competent in her nursing skills, according to her principal, Mrs. Lori  Bolster.  She has a unique ability to relate to the experiences of children and parents.  Her positive “can-do” attitude is welcomed by all at Lincoln Elementary School.Kim, on behalf of all of the work that you do for Lincoln, please accept our deepest thanks.

 

Bruce Cooper

Mr. Cooper is a Social Studies teacher at Cony High School. Mr. Cooper will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame today, October 9, 2009 for his work as a coach during the 1990’s while at Lawrence High school.  His record of accomplishment is recognized at a federal level and he will join other nominees in a ceremony in Connecticut. We are very fortunate to have one of our staff members receive such a prestigious recognition.  Congratulations Bruce!

Jessica DeJongh

Mrs. DeJongh is a first grade teacher at Farrington Elementary School.  She is in her second year in the Augusta School Department and prior to coming here taught for several years at the Durham Elementary School.   Carolyn Neighoff, principal at Farrington Elementary School had this to say about Jessica: “Jessica DeJongh is a teacher who truly believes in the “whole child” concept.  She knows each of her students academically, socially, and emotionally and supports them in each of these dimensions.  The connections she makes with her students and their parents are exemplary.  Jessica has developed well practiced routines in her classroom and displays creativity in her lessons.  She uses data to inform her instruction and to get her students excited about learning”.   Jessica, thank you for all of the hard work that you do with students- it makes a difference!

 

Caroline Eldridge

Caroline is in her third year at Hussey and prior to working in second grade she was at Gilbert Elementary. Mrs. Michaud, Hussey principal, described Mrs. Eldridge as a fabulous teacher who takes great care to differentiate instruction for all students.  Her classroom is always a busy working environment and students have many opportunities for movement.  Additionally, she always contributes greatly to the professional learning conversations held with colleagues, sharing ideas and thoughts and asking for feedback.  Her classroom is very organized, efficient and welcoming.   Mrs. Eldridge has embraced the community service piece and is currently working on a project to send funds to children in Haiti.  The students are organizing a raffle and penny drive. They will send the money through the Red Cross. Anyone wishing to donate to their projects is welcome do to so and should contact Michelle Michaud at 626-2461.  On behalf of the Augusta School Department, Caroline please accept our thanks for the great work that you do with students.  It makes a difference!

Gail Holbrook

Gail has worked in the Superintendent’s Offices for the last three years and has decided to retire after a sudden illness.   Among Gail’s considerable skills is her ability to organize a myriad of different and often competing items for time in central office.  She’s terrific at juggling multiple projects and ensuring that all deadlines are met.  Her technology skills are impeccable and she’s made the newsletter more interesting and appealing by adding graphics, photos, e-links, etc.  While everyone in the central offices will miss Gail, I think that I will miss her the most.  She’s been a terrific assistant and helped me considerably.  We wish her well with her retirement and hope she enjoys travel and time off with her family.

James Jurdak

Mr. Jurdak was honored as the Business Official of the Year by the Maine Association of Business Officials. This prestigious award is given once a year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to education through their role as a business official.  For anyone who has had the privilege of working with Mr. Jurdak, they know that he is extremely bright, hard working and an exceptional thinker.  He has served well the Augusta School Department and has decided to retire and go fishing!  On behalf of everyone in the Augusta School Department, please accept our congratulations for your recent award

 

Kendra Lakeman

Mrs. Lakeman teaches at Lincoln Elementary School, first in kindergarten and now in second grade. Mrs. Bolster, the principal at Lincoln said “Mrs. Lakeman celebrates everyone’s learning style and ability.  She recognizes the uniqueness of children and there is a great deal of mutual respect in her classroom.  She made a seamless transition to second grade and has embraced the second grade learning standards.  She works collaboratively with the entire staff, doing a considerable amount of work to plan vertically with the third grade teachers and the first grade teachers.   Mrs. Lakeman, we much appreciate the hard work that you do at Lincoln Elementary School.  Your classroom is a bubbly learning environment where students grow both as good people and good citizens. Thank you for your efforts to make the Augusta School Department a great place for kids.

 

Adrienne Meehan

Adrienne is the Assistant to the Special Education Director, Mrs. Madore and has worked in the Augusta School Department since 1981.   Adrienne is an extremely hard working individual.  However, during the summer of 2009, she’s been asked to work doubly hard and pitch in to help the Superintendent as her Assistant has been out on leave.  Given Adrienne’s talents and abilities to multi-task, she’s been able to balance her special education duties (and there are many during the summer months) with the additional work from the Superintendent’s office.  She does everything cheerfully and without complaint.   The Superintendent’s Office is very fortunate to have individuals of Adrienne’s caliber on board.  Adrienne, on behalf of the School Department please know how much we appreciate your efforts.  You have been invaluable this summer.

Rachel Millett

Rachel has been the Lead Planner for the Wellness Committee and serves as the Co-Chair.  She has been instrumental in organizing the “Paws and Claws” 5K race and the Health fair, both scheduled for October 16th. In addition, she goes above and beyond her regular work to help all grant coordinators and the Curriculum Coordinator.  She assists with the interpretation of financial data and requirements from the Maine Department of Education. Rachel, on behalf of everyone in the school department, please accept our thanks for the great work that you do. March 12, 2010: Mrs. Millett helps maintain a number of items in the Superintendent’s Office, including certification, federal grants and application materials.  She is highly adept with technology and responsible for scanning information into the school department’s network, notably materials from prospective applicants, providing information to the Maine Department of Education, the Department of Labor and to our insurance carriers.  Mrs. Millett is often the first person that people speak to when they call the Superintendent’s Office.  Mrs. Millett is extremely polite and helpful. This week Mrs. Millett pitched in and helped out considerably with the preparation of the School Board package and getting information out to members in our community about the board meeting.  Her technology skills were immeasurably helpful as so much now goes electronically.   Rachel, thank you again for all of your help - you’re terrific

Erin Sirois

Mrs. Sirois is the Early Childhood teacher at the Capital Area Technical Center and prior to coming to the Technical Center was the Pre-School Teacher at Lincoln Elementary. Mrs. Sirois brings to the CATC position a wealth of experience with young children and an advanced degree. Mrs. Sirois started in the Early Childhood program in January, transitioning from her position at Lincoln.  Making any change mid-year is challenging and even more so for Mrs. Sirois as the students were planning for the Skills USA Championships.  Taking in stride the many things she had to learn, Mrs. Sirois quickly became familiar with the Early Childhood program and its students, including the “big kids” as well as the “little kids” who attend the program three days a week.  The focus for all of the students, big and little, has been literacy as well as an improved communication system with parents.  Mrs. Sirois has done a great job and we commend her enthusiasm and expertise.  She’s done a great job with the transition and we appreciate her hard work.

Jeff Small

Jeff is the Librarian from Cony and Certification Coordinator. Jeff is being recognized for his positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty in preparation for the staff workshop days. When the first day speaker requested a presentation screen, laptop and projector on Friday evening, for the Monday morning presentation, Jeff worked Saturday morning to arrange for that equipment. He also showed up at 6:00 am on Monday to help out when the screen was delivered and set up. During the second workshop day, Jeff circulated throughout the building to identify rooms with working projectors for the curriculum mapping presenters. His positive attitude and attention to detail allowed for a smooth start to both workshops.   Jeff, on behalf of everyone in the Augusta School Department, thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that everyone’s start to school was a good one

Robert Smith

Robert Smith is a Support Room staff member at Gilbert Elementary School.  Mr. Smith is in his first year with the Augusta School Department. Mr. Smith uses a variety of instructional and motivational techniques when working with students. He makes effective use of humor and has established an excellent rapport with his students.  One of his greatest strengths is adjusting the pace of a lesson to customize it for individual student needs.  Mr. Smith works with a terrific group of students who can sometimes be reluctant learners.  He works well with the other members of the Gilbert team and is an excellent addition to the Augusta School Department.

 

Stephanie Turgeon

Mrs. Turgeon is the Student Services coordinator for the Capital Area Technical Center.  In addition to her myriad of duties for CATC, Stephanie is also an enthusiastic advocate for wellness. As part of the Augusta School Department’s wellness initiative Mrs. Turgeon conducted two “Zumba” classes.  Nearly fifty staff members took part in the two-session, ½ hour program.  “Zumba” is a combination of aerobics and dance and is a lot of fun.  The School Department’s Wellness team donated a variety of door prizes to the events, including books, DVDs and water.  Everyone who attended admired Mrs. Turgeon’s energy level and enthusiasm as it’s a lot of work!  One certainly gets a good work out. Mrs. Turgeon will be teaching “Zumba” classes through Adult Education beginning January 5 from 3:30-4:30.  Individuals interested in signing up for the class should contact the Adult Education office at 626-2528.  On behalf of the School Department’s Wellness Team and those individuals who took the class, Stephanie please accept our appreciation.  Staying fit and having fun are important goals, especially when it’s dark and cold outside.  Your enthusiasm is contagious!

 

Kim Willard

Kim is a member of the payroll department in central office. Each pay period, the school department pays well over 600 people.  It is essential that each of those checks be absolutely correct and Kim does a super job.  She is also the benefits specialist in the school department. She helps staff navigate the maze of  procedures necessary to ensure that benefits are correct and if employees need changes, Kim is there to help.  Everyone in the central office pitches in to help each other and Kim is a great example- whether it’s covering the front area, helping with personnel  or being available to assist with the audit, Kim is always there.  Kim, on behalf of everyone who receives a paycheck from the Augusta School Department, we appreciate your work.  Thank you for all that you do.

 

Lynne Adams

Lynne Adams is the Assistant Special Education Director. Lynne divides her time among duties at Cony, outside placements and State Agency clients, and other programs within the School Department.  Lynne has been with the Augusta School Department since 1984. Donna Madore, the Special Education Director, had the following to say about Lynne:“Lynne is dedicated, conscientious, and a real expert in working with parents and families.  She also has tremendous knowledge of Special Education law and is invaluable when helping to put together programs for students with out-of-district agencies.”Lynne, on behalf of the Augusta School Department, we’d like to thank you for your service to students and their families and for the wonderful contributions that you make to the School Department.

Tim Bonsant

Tim is the Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach and has been named by the Kennebec Journal as the Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach of the Year.Athletic Director Paul Vachon had the following to say about Mr. Bonsant:  “Tim has been a great addition to the Cony Athletic Department.  His leadership ability was evident from the very first day of practice.  His passion, demeanor, discipline, and work ethic were accepted and practiced by his basketball team. We are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Tim Bonsant as our Varsity Boys'  Basketball Coach at Cony High School!   Congratulations, Tim on being voted KVAC Coach of the Year!  You are very deserving of this honor.”

 

Phil  Castonguay

Phil has worked in the Custodial Department since June of 1999 and is a tireless professional, taking great pride in the standard of care that he gives to buildings within the School Department. On a snow day, Phil is often one of the first individuals to arrive, assuring that walks and paths are cleared and that, if necessary, emergency vehicles could access the building.  He is also on call periodically and is asked to come back and check a facility long after others have gone home because an alarm has gone off and fire and safety personnel need to be let into a building. Upbeat and positive, Phil always has a good word to say about his colleagues and the Maintenance and Custodial Department, and we are lucky to have someone of his caliber on staff. Phil, on behalf of what you do for the schools and our students, please accept our deepest thanks. Your work is appreciated.

Lynn Cobb

This week the Spotlight on Excellence shines on Mr. James Jurdak, Mr. Phil Poulin, Mr. Butch Ross, and Ms. Lynne Cobb for their significant contributions to help the Hodgkins Middle School become prepared to receive students on Monday, April 27th. All three individuals spent long hours between Friday, April 24th, and Sunday, April 26th, to help organize, clean, and insure the school was ready to open for students on April 27th. Mr. Phil Poulin had to meet the First Department on Friday night at 11:30 p.m. and then be back at school again on Saturday, April 25th, to meet Dr. Brown so that pictures may be taken and an insurance assessment be prepared. Mr. Ross and Mr. Jurdak were both on site for both days this past weekend to help with the clean-up as well as to help others assisting with the formidable task at hand.

 

Kirk Cooper

Mr. Cooper is one of the Security Officers at Cony High School and joins Mr. Bob Vachon as a very effective team in discouraging inappropriate student behavior at the secondary level. Mr. Cooper’s myriad of responsibilities include patrolling the campus of Cony and CATC to insure students are in class, communicating and supporting the Administration, and discussing with parents and families the inappropriate behavior of their children. Cony High School Principal James Anastasio had the following to say about Kirk: “Mr. Kirk Cooper has been working Security at Cony High School for 8 years.  During that time, he has created an excellent relationship with students, staff, community, and administration. In addition to his daytime Security role, he has coached basketball and currently coaches Middle School Cross Country and High School Track.  He can also be found providing Security at many evening events. Mr. Cooper makes a huge contribution to the safe environment and comfortable climate at Cony.  His welcoming smile and pleasant demeanor serve him very well and contribute greatly to his effectiveness at Cony.”Please accept our sincere congratulations for the great work that you do!

 

Mindy Doiron

Hussey Principal Michelle Michaud had the following to say about Mindy: “Mindy Doiron is in her first year as our Pre-School Classroom Teacher at Hussey School. Mindy goes to the gym at 5:00 a.m. to get her workout in before school and before getting her two young daughters off to their schools.  Even with this crazy morning schedule, Mindy is always one of the first staff members to arrive for the school day. Mindy always has a cheerful attitude and shares her boundless energy with her students and our staff.  Those early morning workouts really seem to energize her for the day.  Since she spends her days with a classroom full of 4-year-olds, she needs all the energy she can find!”

Karen Douglas

Hussey Principal Michelle Michaud had the following to say about Karen: “Karen Douglas, Title 1 Reading Teacher at Hussey School, planned and coordinated a live theater performance for the benefit of all Augusta School Department’s Elementary School students. The Theaterworks Company performed Charlotte’s Web on our own Cony Auditorium Stage on April 1st.  Karen booked the production company over a year ago, arranged to use the Cony Auditorium, sold extra tickets to surrounding schools bringing the price for our schools down to $1 per child.  She coordinated with the sending schools to meet the needs of all guests, directed the volunteers for the day, worked with the custodial staff to accommodate the Theater Company, and brought donuts and coffee to the actors to help fuel them up for a great performance. We had two shows during the day; our first session was sold out!  We had ten extra seats for the second show.  This is an exciting opportunity for our students to experience a live theater performance in our own beautiful facility.  This is the second show Karen has coordinated for us, and we hope to bring another live theater opportunity to our students for the 2010-2011 school year.”

 

Tim Folsom

Tim is a sixth grade teacher at Farrington Elementary School. The spotlight shines on Tim Folsom, Kennebec Journal 2008 Golf Coach of the Year. Congratulations, Tim!

Janice Foster

Adult Education Director Mary Barnes had the following to say about Janice: “Janice Foster is our English, ESOL, College Reading, etc. Teacher here at KLC.  She received "Outstanding Teacher of the Year" in Adult Education for the State of Maine. Jan is the epitome of an excellent teacher who uses a variety of instructional strategies appropriate to learners' needs and goals. She possesses exemplary communication and collaboration skills and has been part of new State initiatives in STAR Reading, Curriculum Development, and Equipped for the Future practices. Proof of Jan's teaching ability can only be measured by great student evaluations, student retention, and students' success and advancement.  Jan has been with us for over 20 years, and we are grateful to have her teach here.”

Eleanor Gay

Eleanor is an Educational Technician and works with students at the Capital Area Technical Center. Eleanor has been with the Augusta School Department since 1989. Eleanor provides services to students from a variety of communities, including students at Cony High School. She is thoughtful, patient, and quite adept at answering challenging student questions. Eleanor also works with a variety of committees in the School Department, including the Certification Committee, in addition to planning In-Service activities for support staff. Thanks to her efforts, support staff members will participate in a series of workshops sponsored by the Maine Support Network.  The title of the series is, “Supporting Your Students to Better Behavior – It’s All About Learning”. Workshops will include Positive Behavior Supports, Understanding Students with Social Struggles, Coaching Students for School Success, Using Social Thinking to Improve Student Behavior, and Helping Students to Learn to be Responsible. The workshops will be held in the Auditorium at Cony High School and will include materials and follow-up information for use in schools. Eleanor, we would like to thank you, first and most importantly, for your work with students.  It really makes a difference. Second, we’d like to thank you for your assistance in helping to set up a wonderful series that will be quite helpful to support staff in schools.

Jeramie Greenleaf

Jeramie is a Life Skills Teacher at Hodgkins Middle School. Jeramie was named the Kennebec Journal 2008 Soccer Coach of the Year.  Jeramie, congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

Kathy Hayes

Lincoln Principal Lori Bolster and District Team Wellness Member Jan Whitfield had the following to say about Kathy Hayes:  “Lincoln School Nurse Kathy Hayes is always there for staff and students alike, looking after our health.  She encourages staff to participate in after school exercise class (being an active participant herself).  She is a positive role model.  She is organizing our Amazing Things Group at Lincoln School, which is focusing on wellness activities in the school and individual classrooms.  We are currently focusing on the Food Pyramid, and each grade level is focusing on a different part of the pyramid and talking about them at our Lincoln Pride Assemblies. Kathy is also chairing a committee to plan a school-wide health fair.  The three goals of the fair will be: 1) to incorporate elements of a healthy lifestyle in our classrooms;2) to have a whole school event (the fair in May); and 3) to work on improving the home-school connection.                           Kathy is a ray of sunshine at Lincoln School.”

Judith Howard

.Judith is an Administrative Assistant at Kennebec Learning Center and has been with the School Department since 1997. Mary Barnes, Director of Adult Education, had the following to say about Judith: “Judith Howard is our Administrative Assistant for Augusta Adult Education in charge of the Kennebec Learning Center. Judith is always so warm and caring, and is the first person our students meet.  She sets the tone of hospitality and welcome for the Kennebec Learning Center.  She is very patient with our students and most helpful to our staff. She oversees the daily operation of the Learning Center by keeping track of budgets and grants and doing reports for the State, and she multi-tasks better than anyone I know.

James Jurdak

This week the Spotlight on Excellence shines on Mr. James Jurdak, Mr. Phil Poulin, Mr. Butch Ross, and Ms. Lynne Cobb for their significant contributions to help the Hodgkins Middle School become prepared to receive students on Monday, April 27th. All three individuals spent long hours between Friday, April 24th, and Sunday, April 26th, to help organize, clean, and insure the school was ready to open for students on April 27th. Mr. Phil Poulin had to meet the First Department on Friday night at 11:30 p.m. and then be back at school again on Saturday, April 25th, to meet Dr. Brown so that pictures may be taken and an insurance assessment be prepared. Mr. Ross and Mr. Jurdak were both on site for both days this past weekend to help with the clean-up as well as to help others assisting with the formidable task at hand.

 

Nancy Kelly

Mrs. Kelly is the Teacher/District ESL Coordinator and has been with the School Department since 1985.  She will be retiring at the end of the 2008-2009 school year with 24 years of experience in the Augusta School Department. Mrs. Kelly’s passion and advocacy for ELL learners is recognized not only in the Augusta School Department, but also throughout the State of Maine.  Mrs. Kelly is available to help her students and their families during the day and after school. One of the many projects Mrs. Kelly has done with her students during her career in the Augusta School Department was a production titled, “Our City by the River – Life in Augusta, Maine”. Through Mrs. Kelly’s efforts, each year there is an International Potluck Dinner put on at Cony High School.  It’s a great event and brings together many diverse cultures and families.We will greatly miss Mrs. Kelly when she retires at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, and we wish her well.

Meylon Kenney

Mr. Kenney works at Cony High School and has been with the School Department since 1972. Jim Holland, an Assistant Principal at Cony High School, had the following to say about Mr. Kenney: “Mr. Kenney is a Cony High School graduate.  He began teaching at Cony in 1972.  He taught Social Studies for many years and now works with students in the Learning Center.  He has coached Track and Football.  In 1974, he began the Hockey Program. Meylon has had a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of students.  It’s no wonder he is often referred to as “Mr. Cony”. Thanks for your dedication to Cony High School and your students.”

Gretchen Livingston

Gretchen has been selected as the Rotary Teacher of the year and will receive this award on June 4th at the UMA Holocaust and Human Rights Center. Gretchen teaches at Cony High School.  She is an extraordinary person who has a positive impact on both students and Teachers.  She is an outstanding Coach who teaches lessons about team work and human dynamics to her players on the field. Gretchen has been a part of the Literacy Team, Advisor/Advisee Committee and New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges Steering Committee at Cony. She uses instructional techniques to improve student literacy in her classroom, and she has made presentations to her colleagues on this topic. As a member of the Advisor/Advisee Committee, she plans and distributes weekly activities for Teachers to do with students. On the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges Steering Committee, she is working to make Cony better for students, faculty, and the Augusta community. Gretchen has a positive impact on everyone and is respected by all of her students and colleagues. The Augusta School Department is extremely fortunate to have an individual of Gretchen’s caliber on staff. Gretchen, we join the Rotary Club of Augusta in saluting you as their Teacher of the Year.

 

Megan McDonough

Prior to teaching in Augusta, Megan taught at the Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School in Tampa, Florida, for two years. Megan uses a variety of motivational techniques to engage and sustain student learning.  Mrs. Michaud, her Principal, notes that Mrs. McDonough uses a variety of resources to adapt instructional strategies to best meet the needs of her class.  She promotes a positive learning climate by providing the students with excellent instructions related to all academic and social tasks. Mrs. Michaud had the following to say about Megan: “Megan McDonough is a First Grade Teacher in her first year of teaching at Hussey School.  She also has two years’ experience in a Grade 1 Classroom in Florida.  She missed the snow so much she decided to come to work with us at Hussey School! Megan has a positive “can do” attitude with her class, her teaching peers, and the entire Hussey Community.  She has created a classroom environment that encourages and supports student learning.  Whenever I am in that end of the building, the buzz of activity in her classroom draws me in to see what excitement is going on!  I always see students actively involved in learning activities. Ms. McDonough is a great addition to the Hussey School community!”

 

Tina Meserve

Tina is the Curriculum Coordinator for our schools. Ms. Meserve won the 15th Annual Rise ‘N Shine 5K Race and set a course record in the Female Category.  Ms. Meserve’s time was 19 minutes and 5 seconds, which exceeded the previous course record (19 minutes and 30 seconds)by 25 seconds.  The race began at sunrise on September 26th in Augusta and raised money for the Augusta YMCA.

RACHEL MILLETT

Rachel is the HR Assistant in the Superintendent’s Office and has worked with literally hundreds of individuals during the summer of 2008 as part of the hiring process. We have many, many prospective candidates who call the Superintendent’s Office to inquire about open positions, many of whom follow through with an actual application. We also have the individuals selected for positions in the School Department who need to be properly set up with all of the Human Resource forms that need to be completed, including health care, tax information, etc. Rachel has worked long hours during the last week to make sure everyone was ready for the opening of school, including organizing the New Staff Orientation and helping to facilitate the two Staff In-Service Days. Rachel, please accept our thanks for the tremendous effort that you put forward.  We appreciate your hard work.

Carolyn Neighoff

.Carolyn is the Principal at Farrington Elementary School.  Prior to serving in this role, she was the Assistant Principal at Cony High School and, prior to working in Administration, Carolyn was a Department Head and Physical Education Teacher. As an educational leader, Mrs. Neighoff not only looks carefully at what Teachers are teaching, but also examines what students are learning.  She appropriately holds high expectations for her staff and students and works hard to promote strong academic expectations at Farrington Elementary School. Mrs. Neighoff was instrumental in bringing the Reading First Program to Farrington and has demonstrated that it made a significant impact on the educational achievement of students. During the 2007-2008 school year, one of the areas of focus at Farrington was community service.  The school added a greenhouse to help better demonstrate their objective to educate the whole child. Mrs. Neighoff was also instrumental in forming a K Club at Farrington.  The Group has focused on homelessness and hunger in the Augusta area and produced a DVD that will be shown to the Augusta Board of Education on November 12th. Carolyn, on behalf of all the work that you do, please accept our thanks for your interest in and support of raising the academic achievement levels for students and insuring that we look at students holistically.

Jane Pare

.Jane Pare is a Third Grade Teacher at Gilbert School. Gilbert Principal Sue Dionne had the following to say about Jane: “Jane has taught in Augusta for thirty-five years.  Her first year in Augusta was at Nash School, which was a four-room schoolhouse.  The rest of her teaching career has been at Gilbert School.  Jane is always friendly and positive to students, parents, and staff.  She always goes above and beyond her regular school day activities.  Whenever I ask her for assistance, she always helps out with a smile. Jane is a lifelong learner and models this for teachers and students. When Jane is not with her Gilbert family, she is with her own family.  She especially loves to spend time with her two grandchildren. Gilbert School is fortunate to have a teacher of her quality.  Jane, thank you for all that you do for Gilbert School.”

Scott Phair

Scott was recognized by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges for his work as a Commission Member from 2003-2008. Dr. Pamela Gray-Bennett, the Director for the New England Association of Schools & Colleges recognized Scott for his contributions concerning the Consolidation process, the initiative around local assessment systems, and for the significant work he did as part of the Leadership Council and as one of the Review Committee Chairs. Dr. Bennett said, “You are a straight-shooter, very logical and practical.  I really like the way you always said what you thought.  I particularly enjoyed the way you laced your comments with a dry and wonderful sense of humor.” Scott, thank you for your work on this important Commission and for balancing that responsibility with your duties as the Director of the Capital Area Technical Center.

Phil Poulin

This week the Spotlight on Excellence shines on Mr. James Jurdak, Mr. Phil Poulin, Mr. Butch Ross, and Ms. Lynne Cobb for their significant contributions to help the Hodgkins Middle School become prepared to receive students on Monday, April 27th. All three individuals spent long hours between Friday, April 24th, and Sunday, April 26th, to help organize, clean, and insure the school was ready to open for students on April 27th. Mr. Phil Poulin had to meet the First Department on Friday night at 11:30 p.m. and then be back at school again on Saturday, April 25th, to meet Dr. Brown so that pictures may be taken and an insurance assessment be prepared. Mr. Ross and Mr. Jurdak were both on site for both days this past weekend to help with the clean-up as well as to help others assisting with the formidable task at hand.

Tom Reuwer

Adult Ed Director Mary Barnes had the following to say about Tom Reuwer: “Tom Reuwer, teaches GED Prep, careers, and science for Adult Education at our Kennebec Learning Center and the Kennebec County Correctional Facility.  Tom makes sure he eats nutritiously, exercises several times a week at the YMCA next door, and plays "Ultimate Frisbee" with a group.  Tom hikes, bikes, and likes to travel to other countries with his wife, Gretchen.  He has an even keeled disposition and takes things in stride.”

Lynn Richard

Lynn is the Wellness Person for the Month of April. Donna Wardwell, District Wellness Team Member, had the following to say about Lynn: “Lynn Richard is a Special Education Teacher at Gilbert Elementary School.  Last year, Lynn decided she had the desire to change her lifestyle and eating habits, not only for herself, but also for her son.  She wanted to be a role model for a healthy lifestyle.  Her desire quickly changed into action.  Lynn has not only lost a considerable amount of weight, but she has more energy and stamina.   Way to go, Lynn, for your willpower and, most importantly, for not only being a role model for your son, but for all of us!”

Butch Ross

This week the Spotlight on Excellence shines on Mr. James Jurdak, Mr. Phil Poulin, Mr. Butch Ross, and Ms. Lynne Cobb for their significant contributions to help the Hodgkins Middle School become prepared to receive students on Monday, April 27th. All three individuals spent long hours between Friday, April 24th, and Sunday, April 26th, to help organize, clean, and insure the school was ready to open for students on April 27th. Mr. Phil Poulin had to meet the First Department on Friday night at 11:30 p.m. and then be back at school again on Saturday, April 25th, to meet Dr. Brown so that pictures may be taken and an insurance assessment be prepared. Mr. Ross and Mr. Jurdak were both on site for both days this past weekend to help with the clean-up as well as to help others assisting with the formidable task at hand.

Shawn Totman

Shawn, a Social Studies teacher at Cony High School,  was named the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference (KVAC) Wrestling Coach of the Year. Athletic Director, Paul Vachon, had the following to say about Shawn: “Coach Totman is passionate about the sport, has a great work ethic, instills discipline in his team, and really cares about his kids.  Cony is extremely fortunate in having Shawn coach 3 varsity sports at Cony High School!  In this day and age, you just don’t see that type of commitment from many people!  It’s not hard to see why he is so well respected by his peers in the coaching profession.”The Cony High School Wrestling Team won the Eastern Maine Championship on Saturday night, January 31st, in Skowhegan, and they will go on to compete at the State Championship on Saturday, February 7th, at the Augusta Civic Center.