Middle Gate Elementary School music teacher Tina Jones was recognized during the Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday, September 15, during the board’s Celebration of Excellence portion of the meeting.

Mrs Jones was selected by the district as the 2015-16 Newtown Public School Teacher of the Year, and the district announced the  honor in June.

The Board of Education has a practice of highlighting accomplishment in the district during its Celebration of Excellence portion of meetings.

Newtown’s Director of Music Michelle Hiscavich, Middle Gate Elementary School Principal Chris Geissler, and Newtown Federation of Teachers President Tom Kuroski spoke during the meeting about Mrs Jones.

“There aren’t enough wonderful words for Tina: energetic, enthusiastic, caring, loving, calm, “ Ms Hiscavich said. “She creates an environment of students who are interested and love music. They can’t wait to please her in class.”

Ms Hiscavich congratulated Mrs Jones for earning the title of Teacher of the Year.

Mr Geissler said Mrs Jones “gives her all,” including her heart for the community.

“She gets it, because she knows it is about the kids,” said Mr Geissler, “and she has remained not only a teacher but a learner herself.”

Mr Kuroski said he could not think of a more deserving person for the title.

“I just hear that you are an excellent, excellent educator,” said Mr Kuroski, “and as a representative of the Newtown Federation of Teachers congratulations to you and your award.”

Mrs Jones was accompanied to the board meeting by her parents, who flew up from Florida for the event, her husband, Michael, and their son Brady.

Mrs Jones thanked her fellow Middle Gate teachers present for the meeting for their support and encouragement.

“I have such a great time working with you all at Middle Gate,” Mrs Jones said, “and I can’t think of a better bunch of people and friends who have come to support me.”