Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
May 3 - 7, 2021
From Dr. Vanessa P. Clark, Superintendent
Welcome to a special edition of the LTSD Superintendent's Newsletter.
Today marks the first day of Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, which is May 3-7. This past year is especially significant because our teachers and support staff have worked tirelessly to support our students in both the hybrid and remote models of instruction. If I've said it once, I've said it a few hundred times - last March, we did in two days what should have taken two years to plan and implement. No one ever imagined that schools would close and yet, we worked together to develop a plan that would best support our students. While no plan in a pandemic has been perfect, we managed to open our schools to students five days a week for in-person learning while still supporting our students remotely.
So this edition is dedicated to our amazing Lacey Township School District Teachers and Support Staff. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, your willingness to think outside the box, and most of all, for the countless hours you've spent developing new ways of teaching and learning and new ways of supporting our students both inside and outside the classroom.
Tune in throughout the week as this newsletter will feature a special message each day of the week to commemorate Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week 2021!
Friday, May 7, 2021 - Thank you Child Study Team, Technology Staff, Counselors, and Related Service Providers
- Our HARDWORKING Child Study Team Members
- Our INNOVATIVE Technology Team
- Our AMAZING Counselors and SACs
- Our DEDICATED Related Service Providers
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Thursday, May 6, 2021 - Thank you School Nurses!
To Our Hardworking and Dedicated School Nurses ~
As this pandemic transitioned from weeks to months to over a year, it has been your hard work and dedication that has seen us through. We know that you have been working nights and weekends to help our students, our families, and our staff stay healthy. While it has been challenging for all of us, it has been especially challenging for all of you to stay on top of contact tracing, daily symptom checks, and all things related to COVID...and you've done it all while still completing the rest of your job responsibilities. We are grateful for all of you. And what a fitting time during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week to say THANK YOU!
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 - Thank you Support Staff!
- Transportation and our AMAZING Bus Drivers
- Food Services and our OUTSTANDING Cafeteria Workers
- Our AWESOME Grounds, Maintenance, and Custodial Staff
- Our EXCEPTIONAL Secretaries
- Our EXTRAORDINARY Greeters and Duty Aides
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Tuesday, May 4, 2021 - Thank you Paraprofessionals!
It's Day 2 of Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week.
Today, we celebrate the important work of all of our AMAZING Paraprofessionals!
Thank you so much for all you do to support our kids all year.
You're the BEST!
Monday, May 3, 2021 - Thank You Teachers!
Today, we kick off Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week by saying THANK YOU to our amazing teachers! You don't just teach, you inspire! The NEA has added a special hashtag to thank all teachers so be sure to celebrate a teacher by sharing a special message on social media, tagging @NEAToday, and using the #thankateacher hashtag.
And...what better time to congratulate and celebrate the 2021-2022 Lacey Township School District Teachers of the Year. Take a read below to find out a little more about what makes each of them special.
Congratulations 2021-2022 Teachers of the Year!
Jennise Leonard
Cedar Creek Elementary School
Jennise Leonard – Cedar Creek Elementary School ~ I feel so fortunate to be a teacher in the school district I attended. It is a true privilege to work alongside some of the best educators who helped shape me into the teacher I am today. Life is funny that way, one day you’re pretending to be a teacher and dreaming about having your own classroom and in what feels like a blink your dreams become your reality. Over the past 10 years I have had the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of students into my classroom. I would say that one of the most precious gifts is watching a student's face as they read for the first time to witness their pride and enthusiasm. Those memories are the ones I will always carry with me. I am inspired by my students who have learned to believe in themselves and their abilities to succeed. The truth is, I love what I do. I love to be a part of the Cedar Creek Team, I love to teach small minds, I love to inspire, I love to make an impact. I am truly honored to be chosen as Cedar Creek Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year!
Kimberley Latwis
Forked River Elementary School
Kimberley Latwis – Forked River Elementary School ~ It is an absolute honor to be named Teacher of the Year. I am both humbled and excited to have won this prestigious award. I work in an amazing school and district with some of the best teachers and administrators. I believe through collaboration and support we all become better versions of ourselves, which has a direct impact on our Forked River family. I have worked in Forked River School for the past 17 years. Ever since I was a young girl, all I ever wanted to be was a teacher. I bring that excitement and passion to my planning and instruction each and every day. In my classroom, I challenge every student and meet them where they are. I do this through regular assessments that drive my planning and instruction. I build relevancy by incorporating specific things that are special and unique to each child. Year after year, this mindset and professional practice has allowed me to help all of my students reach their fullest potential. Blending that with establishing rapport and relationships I have seen so many of my current and former students excel into the best version of themselves. In such a unique year, with so many of the challenges my colleagues, students, and families have faced, this honor is that much more special. I would be remiss if I did not thank my family for all of the support they have given me year after year. Thank you.
Megan Snover
Lanoka Harbor Elementary School
Megan Snover – Lanoka Harbor Elementary School ~ Being selected by my peers as Lanoka Harbor School's Teacher of the Year is an honor! But I could not have accomplished this accolade alone. The administration and staff at my school are dedicated and caring professionals who make our students a number one priority. It is my pleasure to be a part of the Lanoka family. As a graduate of the Lacey Township School District, I began my educational journey in kindergarten at Lanoka Harbor School. After many positive experiences in Lacey and attending Rowan University, I was able to come back "home" to Lanoka Harbor School. Being able to work alongside some of the wonderful teachers I had as a student and become part of this dynamic team of educators has helped me to become the best teacher possible. I could not imagine a better place to do what I love, TEACH! Over the past 16 years educating fourth graders, I have fostered positive relationships with my students and their families, many of which have continued well past their time at LHS. I enjoy hearing about my past students’ current accomplishments and successes, as well as being a mentor for them when they need advice or guidance. It has always been my goal to create a classroom that is safe and welcoming for all students and personalities, structured to provide an environment that encourages their differences and allows for maximum growth, both personally and educationally. I always strive to motivate my students to become independent, life-long learners. I look forward to many more years of making a difference in the lives of my students.
Lori Savage
Mill Pond Elementary School
Lori Savage - Mill Pond Elementary School ~ Thank you to my Mill Pond School family for nominating me as teacher of the year. I am truly honored and humbled by this award. It has been a privilege to work with an amazing team of administrators, educators, and staff during my tenure. Our craft as educators goes far beyond the curriculum. Our goal is to support, value, and care for each student we have the opportunity to work with. I have fond memories of my past teachers who not only supported and cared for me, but instilled in me a passion towards education. My personal teaching philosophy centers around creating opportunities for not only learning, but for building confidence. As I embark upon each day, my quest is to create an environment where my learners feel comfortable with inquiry and communication. This allows for great connections in the classroom that ultimately lead to conquering any challenge that may come their way. To witness a student reach for the stars and shine with success is one of the greatest gifts I have ever been blessed with. Knowing that they feel valued and cared for warms my heart. I have been extremely fortunate to be part of the Lacey Township School District since 1999 where I began as a paraprofessional. This opportunity is what solidified my decision to return to college and earn my degree in education. I graduated with honors from Kean University, with my degree in Elementary Education, grades K-8, and English. I had the privilege of being hired to teach 5th grade ELA, Math, and Science in 2009, and then transitioned to teaching 6th grade ELA and Social Studies in 2014. I am forever grateful that my life’s path has allowed me to travel here and I look forward to what my future journey holds in Lacey Township with the amazing students I have yet to meet.
Charlie Rieder
Lacey Township Middle School
Charles Rieder - Lacey Township Middle School ~ It is an honor to be named Lacey Township Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. Ever since I was an elementary school student, all I ever wanted to do was teach physical education and coach. I have been blessed to do exactly that for 41 years. During this time, I have been surrounded by amazing administration and teaching professionals. I have had the opportunity to teach all 12 grade levels and enjoyed each of them. Aside from teaching, I have spent 38 years coaching middle school soccer and high school football and tennis. Coaching has allowed me to help our athletes win 2 state football championships, 3 divisional soccer titles and 13 divisional tennis championships. Having experienced so many academic and athletic accomplishments, the highlight of my career was having my 3 children as students during their middle school years. With no end in sight for retirement, I will have my first of many grandchildren join me at LTMS next year. Thank you Lacey Township Middle School for allowing me to do the job I love to do, every day!!!!
Doreen O'Sullivan
Lacey Township High School
Doreen B. O’Sullivan ~ The desire to be a teacher was evident in me at a very young age. As a child I always would gather with my friends and play “school”, and I always wanted to be the teacher! By the time my senior year of high school rolled around I followed my heart and pursued my desire to be a Teacher of the Deaf. My career over the past 30+ years in education have taken many twists and turns and I have learned more things than I ever thought possible. I discovered a love for teaching Reading, which at the start of my career, wasn't even on my radar. Teaching, like life, takes you on unexpected journeys. Being open to those journeys and enjoying those new experiences are the key to growth. I hope to never stop growing. I am both honored and humbled to have received this award.
Lacey Township School District
Email: vclark@laceyschools.org
Website: laceyschools.org
Location: 200 Western Boulevard, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-971-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laceyschools/
Twitter: @LTSDSup