Teachers celebrated at Spirit of Education awards night
The first-ever Spirit of Education awards night was the start of something big, according to teachers and organizers.
More than 100 people were on hand on May 17 to see which educators had been selected to receive awards that ranged from innovation to inspiration to community service to going the extra mile.
Students and the public were invited to attend the event that was the brain child of Daily Bee circulation director, Heather Cunningham.
"This is a great way to give a pat on the back to deserving teachers," Cunningham said. Cunningham and a volunteer committee read all of the nominations and chose the winners. Representatives from local businesses, the chamber and civic groups were on the selection committee.
"It was hard to point out just a few teachers," she said. "All teachers deserve our thanks."
Supt. Dick Cvitonich and Bee Publisher David Keyes emceed the evening.
Spirit of Education Awards
Judi Lundak
Extra Mile award
It was a top secret mission to get Judi Lundak of Kootenai Elementary nominated. A fellow co-worker organized time for students to write in and tell us why she deserved this award.
Here's what some of her students had to say:
? She stays until five o'clock
? She's the best third grade teacher in the world
? She takes us on field trips and buys us pumpkins
? She is very pretty
One parent wrote "Judi Lundak goes the extra mile effortlessly. She is a natural. You will find her at school long after her contract requires: helping a student, discussing a concern with a teacher, calling a parent, or preparing the next school day to be the best one yet! The principal of the school said: "Mrs. Lundak has had a long and highly productive career as a teaching professional. She was blessed with a compassionate and caring personality and she understands how important it is to teach students to be personally responsible for themselves academically, behaviorally and emotionally. Judi teaches the "whole" child and she knows each child and his/her needs which helps her reach/teach her students."
Kathy Prummer, Inspiration award
Here's what a 5th grader had to say: " Ms. Prummer always goes above and beyond for the good of her students. She is a very encouraging teacher, making sure all students are reaching their full potential. She always goes above and beyond for the good of her students. When we lost Mr.Guthrie from our Sagle School teaching staff, Ms. Prummer was the first to act. She wanted to make sure that for the rest of the year, the students that were in his class would have someone familiar filling in. She understood that is was a very hard, so she wanted to make students feel as comfortable as possible. If we needed a hug we would go see Ms. Prummer!" Principal Don Moore wrote: "Kathy Prummer is a true inspiration to her students and to us here at Sagle School. She started the year without any idea she would wind up as a regular classroom teacher in 5th grade. Of course, none of us had any idea of what was in store for us come March 20, 2007. Kathy started as a 1/2 time teacher of Language Arts for 5th graders.
"The way she took the Rewards Program and turned it into a motivating activity was an inspiration in itself and a lesson for us all. However, the way Kathy stepped up and took on the unenviable task of replacing Steve Guthrie will always be remembered by the students and this staff. Her kind, wonderful demeanor, her beautiful heart, her compassion, and her desire to create a classroom environment where these students would not only heal, but flourish, has to go down as one of the finest moments in an otherwise tragic circumstance. She has helped not only her students through this ordeal, but she has been an inspiration for the parents and staff which has helped the healing process for us, as well.
Carlyn Blacker, Shining Star award
The Shining Star award goes to a school staff member in a non-teaching role who has shown outstanding support to their school and student body. This year's award goes to Carlyn Blacker of Washington Elementary. When it comes to her job as Office Manager here is what the staff at Washington Elementary had to say:
"Carlyn has the professional skills to do the day-by-day tasks of her job as office manager. All of these skills she does with confidence and great skill. She is most competent and extremely organized. The largest assets for our school are the "other" things that Carlyn does that aren't stated in her job description. She is like a mom to the students when it comes to comforting and caring. She is always there to provide the love and attention the children so often need. "
Dave DeMers, Middle School Innovation award
One 8th grader explains "When he is teaching, he realizes that some of the kids in our class learn in different ways and at different speeds. So he adjusts from class to class. He goes further than just teaching a middle school health and P.E. class; he also teaches manner, respect, and life lessons. He gets kids to do their best in everything without feeling pressured." He also says "I will take something away from this year that will help me in life." Principal Kim Keaton said, "David DeMers is a hometown boy made good. Janna Hull, our Middle School secretary, remembers Dave as a Sandpoint High quarterback, one of the most gifted athletes the school has ever known. Dave is devoted to our town and our community. He has always had the students of SMS best interest at heart and has never understood the concept of "we can't." David has started many sports programs at our school and dared to whisper the word "intramurals" instead of "competitive sports" to allow as many students as possible be involved in any activity that will keep students interested in school. Dave is innovative and caring in his philosophy and actions of allowing all students a chance to participate and become active adults."
Todd Claunch, Global Village award
His last name isn't Lewis or Clark but Todd Claunch, and 8th grade teacher at Sandpoint Charter school, is guiding his students on an expedition of sorts! "He motivates the students to get passionate about what they are learning and shows them ways to put that learning into practice. He has set up a photography lab where the students can take an elective. He is one of the teachers in charge of Night of the Notables and the World's Fair. Todd was also part of the team of adults who took the entire 8th grade class to Boise to see the Legislature while it was in session" one parent wrote. The principal of Sandpoint Charter school said that he brings projects that raise awareness about global issues and is the driving force behind those projects.
Melissa Baker, Extra Mile award
One student wrote " She is underpaid, but does an amount of work that is worth a million dollars. She helps her students. Whenever a student needs her help, she simply helps them. She makes us feel comfortable and safe. Mrs. Baker is a very good teacher!" The principal went on to say, "Missi Baker will always go the extra mile. Last year, SMS asked her to start a school newspaper and it has become a school-wide success with intriguing student-centered articles that our students, staff, and parents greatly enjoy. This year, Missi has been part of our school-wide effort to improve the reading skills of our students that are not at grade level. She readily agreed we needed to address the issue and took on this very demanding class: direct instruction for 120 minutes, grueling not only for the students, but the teacher as well. The class is inter-active and scripted, non-stop for the full 2 hours. Missi's students have benefited from her help and keen understanding of reading practices and fidelity to our program. Missi has proved time and again she will go the Extra Mile for our students.
Kathleen Taylor, Innovation Award
Kathleen Taylor, a third grade teacher at Sagle Elementary, "makes learning fun and gets kids excited about subjects that many of them dread, such as math and science," said Principal Don Moore.
Taylor had a project called "Penny Power" this year. Throughout the year, students brought in loose change and placed them in numerous jars around the classroom.
She developed a wide range of activities, including counting, volume, weights and measures as well as the banking process.
Students shopped for food at Safeway and Yoke's from lists provided by the food bank. The students learned about giving back to the comunmity as they weighed and donated the food.
Alan Millar, Community Service Award
A community member nominated Charter School Principal Alan Millar because of the way he recently handled a student.
"Recently a young student was brought before Alan on a safety issue," the nominating letter stated. "After the young man had explained his misadventure, we went into executive session to discuss the consequences of it. An idea was brought to the table on how this young man could pay back the community. With Alan's open approach to educational issues, he was excited about the student doing community service at the fire station."
Millar has been known to "lead students and teachers with his innovative approaches to education."
Patrick Lynch, Middle School Inspiration award
Selecting Lynch for this award was a slam dunk because of the numerous letters of support he received from students.
"I think Mr. Lynch is the coolest teacher ever," one student wrote. "He is so funny and makes math so much fun."
Principal Kin Keaton said: "Pat has been inspiring teachers for an incalculable number of years. His high energy style of teachig, quick wit and intense love of math and teaching it to kids is contagious. One parent wrote that Lynch had helped her daughter make math her favorite subject when it had ranked below spinach before Lynch's touch.
"Pat is an inspiration to all of s at Sandpoint Middle School to work hard, stress our brains and grasp the larger picture," a co-worker wrote.
Karen Scott, Shining Star award
Scott, an occupational therapist for the school district, received numerous letters of praise and excitement.
One parent wrote: "She is always welcoming with a smile, a kind word and a passion for experiencing every moment of life in a magical, whimsical, positive and caring way.
"I have no doubt that she imparts this spirit to every student with whom she works, every student and teacher she passes in the hall, and every other individual — parent, citizen or staff member — who is fortunate to cross her path.
"Leading by example, she instills fine qualities in our youth including discipline, humor and a commitment to excel. Ms. Scott is — simply put — a role model for our students and our community."
Woody Aunan, Innovation Award
"Mr. Aunan has been a prominent advocate for new and innovative teaching techniques from day one" This student went on to say that "He definitely tries his very vest to teach outside of the box in order to engage his students. It's amazing how you learn when you want to learn it, when what you are learning is presented in a new and entertaining way that captures your interests and holds your attention." Another student remembers what Mr. Aunan told them at the beginning of the year, "The student will leave before I do!" "And it's true, if a student needs help on any of the material being covered in class, Mr. Aunan is always available after class." From the wireless transmitters, to the sealed off "Special Room" in his classroom we agree that Mr. Aunan should be selected for the Innovation Award.
Wendy Auld, Extra Mile award SHS
A student raised her hand. "Can you show us #24 on the board?" she asked. The teacher nodded silently, and, as she didn't have her answer book with here, motioned with her hands for the student to tell her the problem. "Why aren't you talking?" another student asked. The teacher took out her marker. "I have laryngitis," she wrote. "I haven't been able to talk for 3 days." "Why don't you just whisper?" the student asked. "It hurts to whisper" she wrote back. "Wow," I thought. "Why isn't she at home?" The questioned was soon answered! One of the more lazy students in the class (the person writing didn't want to mention any names) remarked, "How about we just play games and not do anything today since you're sick?" he said. She continued to teach the lesson silently throughout the rest of the period. Even more astonishing was the fact that she taught our class the next two days the same way. No talking, whispering, nothing!
Chandra Martz, Inspiration award, CFHS
One junior at Clark Fork High School wrote, " Mrs. Martz is an inspiration to me. She has been there for me whenever I have needed her. One day I was feeling like nothing was going right and everything was falling apart, what did Mrs. Martz do? She went out and bought me flowers just to brighten my day and to show that someone is always looking out for me. I look up to Mrs. Martz. It seems like no matter what is going on in her life, she is always willing to help another person who needs her. She is not only a teacher. She is a helper, a giver, a friend, not only to me but to everyone."
Phil Kemmick, Shining Star, CFHS
The last award went to someone who "continuously goes over and above his job description." One person wrote, "In his tenure as principal we have seen remarkable changes in the culture of our school. During the long hot summer of 2005, Phil, along with students and parents, took it upon themselves to paint the school. He wasn't paid for the extra duty, his sole reimbursement was satisfaction in a new look for a rundown old school. He seeks out the best in teachers, and supports creative excellence.
We have a poem to read from the staff at Clark Fork Jr/Sr High that was wrote for Phil!