Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, and the Board of Education honored 12 teachers at the start of the school board’s meeting on Tuesday, May 5, with the district’s 2014-15 Profiles in Professionalism Award.

This is the first year for the award, which honors local educators, school personnel, and parents.

“It’s an opportunity this evening that the school board has a chance to witness 12 outstanding employees for the town Board of Education,” Dr Erardi said before he named each of the 12 honorees alphabetically. “And I am absolutely certain when I say the 12 employees represent so many others that could be standing with them this evening.”

The honorees were chosen after nominations were sought from throughout the district, according to Dr Erardi.

“They were recognized, because under the radar screen and very quietly they go about doing great work for students in very different ways,” said Dr Erardi.

A plaque will be created with the names of the Class of 2014-15 Profiles in Professionalism honorees, as Dr Erardi called the group.

The honorees were Middle Gate Elementary School teacher Linda Baron, Newtown High School administrative assistant Nathalie DeBrantes, Sandy Hook Elementary School administrative assistant Joanne Didonato, NHS teacher Jason Edwards, School District Director of Facilities Gino Faiella, Reed Intermediate School and Newtown Middle School’s PTA President Tracey Jaeger, Reed teacher Gael Lynch, Head O’ Meadow Elementary School math/science specialist Gail Maletz, Reed teacher Valerie Pagano-Hepburn, NMS teacher Nadia Papalia, Hawley Elementary School paraeducator Marabeth Pereira, and Hawley custodian Steven Richardson.

Dr Erardi introduced each of the honorees and read from the nominations that earned them the award.

“Linda Baron inspires. Linda Baron motivates, nurtures, and excites all of the learning environment,” Dr Erardi read about the Middle Gate fourth grade teacher. “Her students come back to visit her, they write to her often, and they share lifelong memories.”

When reading Ms DeBrantes’s multiple nominations, Dr Erardi said the NHS administrative assistant is always nice, pleasant to talk to, and works hard all of the time. Ms DeBrantes, according to the nominations, works with efficiency, grace, integrity, problem solving, creativity, and passion.

“There’s an expression at the high school, ‘Ask Nathalie she seems to know everything,’” the superintendent read.

Joanne Didonato, according to the nominations Dr Erardi read, has an ability to connect with students, parents, and staff. The Sandy Hook School administrative assistant is also, Dr Erardi continued, “the calm when there is a storm, and she can also be the storm.”

Ms Didonato’s nominations also described her as “one truly amazing individual,” “one of a kind,” “a model in professionalism for all of us,” and “an icon throughout the Sandy Hook community and the entire district.”

“The Voice of all Newtown High School athletic events,” or NHS teacher Jason Edwards, was described as “the consummate professional.” The nomination continued saying Mr Edwards’s communication with students and parents is consistent, fair, personal, and professional.

“He serves Newtown High School proudly and we are all extremely lucky to have Jason Edwards on staff,” Dr Erardi read.

Gino Faiella, who has served as the director of facilities for the past eight years, has “transformed the Newtown Public Schools custodial and maintenance staff into an extremely dedicated and motivated team,” Dr Erardi read.

Mr Faiella, according to the nominations, also puts in tireless effort daily while going about his job with an unassuming manner. He was also described as approachable, accessible, experienced, and committed to the greater school community.

Tracey Jaeger, who has been president of multiple PTAs, often at different schools at the same time, was described as getting “a lot done” while being, one nominator wrote, “Newtown’s only unpaid administrator.”

“She is definitely an asset to our community,” Dr Erardi read, “and embodies all that we hold as a Sandy Hook community to be.”

Gael Lynch was nominated for putting the needs of her students first, making her students feel welcomed, and for being “an excellent educational leader,” according to Dr Erardi.

“Ms Lynch embodies the idea of being a lifelong learner,” Dr Erardi said. “She is always stretching herself to be a better educator, a better writer, and a better person. You couldn’t ask for a better role model for our students.”

According to the nominations, Gail Maletz instructs her Head O’ Meadow students at a high level, and her dedication “could never be condensed into a single paragraph. She is also loved and respected by her peers, and brings a light sense of humor to the school environment.

“She is a mentor to all staff and an inspiration for all students,” read Dr Erardi.

Valerie Pagano-Hepburn was described as going “above and beyond for her students each and every year.” The Reed teacher is fun with only high expectations, and she teaches empathy for others, according to the nominations.

“[Ms Pagano-Hepburn] is a role model for all educators,” Dr Erardi read.

Nadia Papalia was nominated for being an outstanding staff member at Newtown Middle School, who exemplifies compassion, commitment, and perseverance.

“Her care for others is evident through the relationships she establishes with both staff and students,” Dr Erardi read. “It is an honor to have her on [the] faculty. It is an honor to have her as part of our school community.”

Marabeth Pereira has served as the Hawley PTA president and is now a paraeducator at the school. Ms Pereira consistently helps staff and students at Hawley to resolve any technical issues in the teaching and learning environment, according to her nomination. She was also described as kind, willing, and able to extend a helping hand.

Hawley’s Steven Richardson was nominated for being friendly, helpful, and a hard worker.

“He continually goes out of his way to assist anyone with anything at anytime without complaint while still completing all of his work to perfection,” Dr Erardi read.

Board of Education Chair Keith Alexander shared the board is thankful for each of the nominees making “the school system great.”