Staff Members Surprised with Appreciation Awards
Interim Superintendent Hank Hurd got to experience what it is like to surprise staff members with gifts on Feb. 15 and 19 when he recognized the Staff Appreciation Award winners for this quarter.
Four teachers and a specialist in Human Resource Services were recognized for going above and beyond. They were nominated by colleagues and parents for the award. There is still time to nominate staff for the quarterly awards program. The third and final Staff Appreciation Awards deadline for 2009-10 is April 20. Click here to nominate someone for the award: http://www.dpsnc.net/staff/staff-appreciation/appreciation-form
The goal of the program is to encourage our employees to be more customer-service oriented by recognizing them for outstanding efforts. The program values employees for some of the same character traits that have been adopted for students, including perseverance, respect and responsibility. Recipients receive a plaque and a $40 gift certificate to Elmo’s Diner (thanks to Elmo’s for partnering with DPS on this program!).
Here’s more about each of the winners:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kelly McNamara, Bethesda Elementary School
Nominated by a parent—“This is our first year with DPS and she has exceeded my expectations as to what I was expecting for a kindergarten class…The dedication that I have seen from Ms. McNamara is outstanding!” Kelly McNamara teaches kindergarten at Bethesda, a position she has held since 2007. She previously taught at Eastway and in New York.
Luann Bryan, Hillandale Elementary School
Nominated by a parent—“You have made your classroom a fun, creative learning environment which motivates and gives our children the confidence they need to face our challenging world. Mrs. Bryan is always upbeat with her children and the parents she interacts with…Mrs. Bryan is a great asset to the Durham School System!!!!” Bryan has been a third grade teacher at Hillandale since 2006. Previously, she was a substitute teacher and director of marketing with the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Yolanda Reilly, Shepard Middle School and Fayetteville Street Elementary School
Nominated by a co-worker—“She is exemplary in every area; she cares deeply about the plight of our students, she works hard at establishing rapport and meaningful relationships with the students, she understands rigor and relevance in regards to teaching the IB curriculum and she is always on the cutting edge of teaching…” Reilly teaches physical education at Shepard Middle School and Fayetteville Street Elementary School. She previously taught PE at Hillside High School.
HIGH SCHOOL
Miriam Morgan, Southern School of Engineering
Nominated by a co-worker—“She is highly respected by the administration, peers and students for her vivacious character that permeates throughout the corridors of SSoE. She is unwavering and unyielding in her commitment to education within the classroom and outside of the classroom setting.” Morgan is an engineering teacher at SSoE. She previously was a technology educator in Person County Schools and was a technology facilitator and career development coordinator at Southern High, a teacher at Riverside and a teacher at Durham School of the Arts.
CENTRAL SERVICES
Sharon Seckler, Human Resource Services
Nominated for her support in helping Community Education transition to HRMS—“I even called her at home on her day off needing help and she took care of the situation without hesitation and was glad to do so! DPS is very fortunate to have her as their employee.” Sharon has worked as an administrative assistant, technician and specialist in DPS Human Resource Services since 2004.
