CLARK — “Tonight’s always one of our most exciting nights of the school year because we’re able to showcase a number of our students and staff members across the district,” Superintendent Edward Grande said during the opening of the Clark Board of Education’s Showcase of Success at its Tuesday night meeting.
Each district school awarded a teacher and an educational services professional a Governor’s Educator of the Year award.
Arthur L. Johnson High School Principal Tara Oliveira awarded English teacher Joy Donaldson the Teacher of the Year award. Ms. Donaldson has been a part of the English Department for 20 years, teaching all levels and grades, as well as AP Research and AP Seminars.
“Any student who’s had her as a teacher leaves the class with an abundance of knowledge,” said Principal Oliveira.
ALJ’s media specialist, Carla Wagner, was presented with the Educational Services Professional of the Year award. Serving as the school media specialist, Ms. Wagner has created and presented educational information for students based on teacher assignments, which are unique for each teacher and class. Principal Oliveira stated, “Her attitude is contagious, and that positively models for students all the positives we can find in education and knowledge.”
For Carl H. Kumpf Middle School, Principal Richard Delmonaco presented sixth-grade mathematics teacher Lauren Fernades the Teacher of the Year award. Taking note of her availability to help students, Principal Delmonaco stated that Ms. Fernades is “such a pleasure to observe as a math teacher; her lessons are creative and innovative.”
Assistant Principal Amanda Clarke awarded the district occupational therapist Michelle Burdo with the Educational Services Professional of the Year award for her work with students to help improve their physical, sensory and cognitive abilities. Ms. Burdo helps students establish their independence and teaches them skills to break barriers affecting their emotional, social and physical needs.
Principal Shirley Bergin of Frank K. Hehnly Elementary School presented the Teacher of the Year award to special-education teacher Kayla Rodrigues for her insightful understanding of child development. Ms. Rodrigues creates an environment where students learn to celebrate each other. Researching and training effective modification and accommodation allows students with diverse needs to participate in class activities and achieve learning objectives.
Teaching Assistant Kristine Gilbert was presented with the Educational Services Professional of the Year award. A parent whose daughter has Ms. Gilbert as a teaching assistant was quoted by Principal Bergin as saying, “They say it takes a big heart to shape little minds, and Ms. Kristine has the biggest heart.”
Physical education teacher Christopher Raguseo received the Teacher of the Year award for Valley Road Elementary School. Principal Joseph Beltramba stated that Mr. Raguseo, “works tirelessly in school and out to give the students of Valley Road a top-notch experience, and it clearly shows on each student’s face when they leave his class every day.”
The educational services professional award was given to Maria DaSilva, a paraprofessional aide at Valley Road. Ms. DaSilva, who works with grades 3 through 5, was described as coming to work each day with a smile on her face, ready to offer a positive experience to her students. Assistant Principal Mallory Applebaum noted that Ms. DaSilva’s dedication to her students continues even as they grow, as she monitors them and ensures they stay on the right track.
Clark Preschool teacher Erin Van De Water was awarded Teacher of the Year for her love of the profession, dedication to her students, and love and care for them as if they were her own.
“When we interviewed her, we knew right away that she was a star, and she has really shined,” said Nicole Viola, director of special services, who presented Mrs. Van De Water her award.
