Simon A. McNeely Honor Award Recipients
Ms. Lisa A. Lloyd (Esperanza Middle School) and Ms. Mary G. Wood (Margaret Brent Middle School) have been chosen by the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) to receive the Simon A. McNeely Honor Award.
The Simon A. McNeely Honor Award is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated active involvement in school and community affairs, utilized instructional innovations, presented or actively participated in professional workshops and conferences, and exhibited outstanding teaching and service in the field of physical education.
Ms. Lloyd and Ms. Wood will receive their awards during the MAHPERD Annual Convention in Towson on Friday, October 17, 2008.
Kilcoyne and O'Dell Participate in Maryland Leadership Academy
Ms. Cynthia Kilcoyne, speech language pathologist team leader, and Ms. Sherry O'Dell, special education teacher, have been selected to participate in the Special Education Leadership Academy (SELA) sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (DSE/EIS).
The purpose of this academy is to identify potential leaders in the field of special education currently employed by local school systems and to support each individual as they prepare for a potential administrative role in the field of special education.
Ms. Kilcoyne and Ms. O'Dell, having demonstrated strong leadership skills, were nominated by their special education supervisors. They are dedicated to the students with whom they work, are mentors to their peers, and will participate in intensive seminars throughout the 2008-2009 school year that focus on administrative and leadership skills. As participants in SELA, they will individually design and work on an internship project that will have a systematic impact on the needs of special education students and their families.
Upon completion of the academy, Ms. Kilcoyne and Ms. O'Dell will be recognized at the Special Education Leadership Conference hosted by MSDE.
Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Ms. Mary Kaye Roper has been named the 2008 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD). Ms. Roper is a physical education teacher at Hollywood Elementary School.
Ms. Roper is recognized for her work at the county and state level. She has participated in curriculum writing workshops helping draft the Voluntary State Curriculum, and then applying it to instructional units within St. Mary's County. Ms. Roper has been a presenter during county inservices, the MAHPERD Convention, and the Maryland Wellness Summit.
In 2007, Hollywood Elementary School was named a Maryland Demonstration School for Physical Education. In partnership with her fellow physical educator, Ms. Trish Tillotson, she has been instrumental in creating a developmentally appropriate physical education program and has organized fundraisers for the American Heart Association (Jump Rope for Heart); annual field days for all students; special fun runs; a fifth grade physical education show with a different theme each year; and Family Fitness nights supported by students, their parents/guardians, and local health-related businesses and agencies.
Ms. Roper will receive this outstanding award at the MAHPERD Annual Convention in Towson, Maryland on Friday, October 17, 2008.
Mark Smith Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award
The Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) 21st Century Extended Learning Programs within the Youth Development Branch has named Mr. Mark Smith, coordinator of special programs for St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS), as the first recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the field of extended learning and has shown an ongoing commitment to enhance the quality of life of others.
"Mark is so deserving of this award," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "He has been a champion of after school programs in St. Mary's County and thousands of children are benefiting each day from his dedication and outstanding work."
Smith oversees high quality after school programs that include chess, gardening, robotics, money matters, healthy living, African drumming, stepping, jewelry making, Jeopardy, and so much more. He is credited with the ability to combine public, private, and foundation funds for SMCPS programs that close the achievement gaps in reading and math for students challenged by high poverty.
Dahlstrom Named Educational Office Professional of the Year
Mrs. Beverly Dahlstrom, administrative assistant to the superintendent of schools, has been named the Maryland Association of Educational Office Professionals' (MAEOP) 2008 Educational Office Professional of the Year.
This MAEOP award recognizes an educational office professional who truly makes a difference in the lives of parents, students, staff, and the community by providing support above and beyond the call of duty.
"Beverly Dahlstrom is the quintessential office professional," said Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools. "She is talented, highly competent, and very friendly, and exemplifies the school system motto of "Work Hard and Be Nice."
Mrs. Dahlstrom will be honored for this award during MAEOP's annual fall conference held Friday, October 17, 2008, in Leonardtown at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center located at 24005 Point Lookout Road. The award presentation will take place between 12:15-1:00 p.m.