Showing posts with label teachers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teachers. Show all posts

Parkwood teacher chosen as Shoreline School District Teacher of the Year

Friday, April 17, 2015

2015 Shoreline Teacher of the Year Faye Rasmussen, center,
with Parkwood Principal Ann Torres, left, and Superintendent Rebecca Miner.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


Faye Rasmussen, special education teacher at Parkwood Elementary, has been selected as the 2015 Shoreline School District Teacher of the Year.

Faye has worked in the District for 32 years, all but three at Parkwood, where she teaches students in grades 2 to 4 with moderate to severe disabilities. 

Parkwood’s “blending” program is considered a model for progressive, anti-bias, inclusive education. Faye’s self-contained students spend a portion of every day with their general education peers, building friendships, knowledge, community and shared visions for the future.

“The collective culture of our school is one of acceptance and inclusion, and Faye’s blending work serves as its foundation,” said Parkwood Principal Ann Torres. “She is truly exceptional in every way.” 

“Faye’s students might communicate verbally, non-verbally, in a language other than English, or all of the above,” her nomination read in part. “They may walk with their legs or travel in wheelchairs, be compliant or regularly exhibit ‘unexpected behaviors.’ It doesn't matter to Faye. Her students are her heart, and she works to truly challenge every student to achieve their highest potential. She expects greatness from her students, and they deliver.” 

Faye mentors new self-contained teachers at multiple sites and is highly sought after for special education internships. Last year, principals observed her class as an anchor classroom for “Distinguished” teaching in the Danielson evaluation system. She partners with Shorewood teachers and students so that high school students with behavior issues can use therapy dogs to teach social skills to Parkwood special education students. Faye collaborates with district IT staff to implement cutting-edge technology for students with severe disabilities and is constantly working to increase her leadership and expertise so that she can contribute to the professional community. 

Faye was raised in Shoreline and graduated from Shoreline High School, Shoreline Community College and Seattle Pacific University. 

She will be honored at a reception at 6pm Monday, May 11 in the Shoreline Center lobby prior to the School Board meeting that evening. The community is invited. The District will honor its certificated staff during Teacher Appreciation Week May 11 to 15.

The Shoreline Schools Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of teachers, administrators and parents from nominations received from throughout the District. The recipient receives a professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and becomes the District’s nominee for Washington Teacher of the Year.



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Northgate Barnes & Noble honors Shorecrest teacher

Friday, April 10, 2015

Brett Vlahovich and Hannah Cheung

Barnes and Noble bookstore is hosting Education Appreciation Days.

On Saturday, April 11, all educators are invited for a complimentary Educator Appreciation Days brunch 10:00am to noon. Pre-K to 12 educators save 25% on classroom and personal purchases, plus an additional 10% savings on new NOOK devices. Enter to win special prizes April 11 to 19.

Shorecrest teacher Brett Vlahovich is being honored as the Northgate Barnes and Noble “My Favorite Teacher.” He was nominated in an essay written by student Hannah Cheung.
Join Hannah, Mr. Vlahovich, Shorecrest students, family and friends at an awards ceremony at Barnes and Noble on Monday, April 13th, 2015, at 4:00pm.

The event features cake and beverages – teacher discounts – and a special Bookfair with proceeds going to Shorecrest.

Anyone buying books in person April 13-19 and telling the clerk it is for Shorecrest, will earn funds for the school.

The promotion runs even longer online. From April 13-24 purchase books through this link and use the voucher #11604345.

Northgate Mall, 401 NE Northgate Way #1100, Seattle, WA 98125, 206-417-2967



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Shorecrest Japanese teacher receives state award

Friday, March 6, 2015

Sachiko Smith
Photo courtesy Shorelne Schools

Sachiko Smith, Japanese teacher at Shorecrest High School, has been awarded the 2015 Leslie Birkland Award for Leadership and Excellence in Japanese education. This award is presented to one member of the Japanese teaching community in Washington state each year.

“Sachiko is known for her dedication to teaching Japanese, her passion for working with students, and her exceptional ability to lead the Japanese teaching community,” said Yoshitaka Inoue, president of the Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese (WATJ).

Smith, who has taught at Shorecrest for 12 years, has worked with her colleagues to develop a Japanese Immersion Camp, the Hyogo Business and Cultural Center-sponsored Speech and Skit Contest and led student trips to Japan. She is a board member of the Washington Association of Foreign Language Teachers and for WATJ.


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Nominations for 2015 Shoreline Teacher of the Year due April 1

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Nominations are now being accepted for 2015 Shoreline Teacher of the Year. Nominations may be made by staff, students, parents, and other community members. Only a single nomination letter is required.

The nominee must be a certificated staff member employed by the Shoreline School District for at least 5 years. 

Nominations for Teacher of the Year are due in the Public Information Office at Shoreline Center by Wednesday, April 1, 2015.

The recipient will be recognized at a reception at 6pm May 11 before the School Board meeting. Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 11 to 15.

The Shoreline Teacher of the Year receives a grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, and is nominated for Washington State Teacher of the Year consideration.


Contact the Public Information Office at 206-393-4412 if you have any questions about the form and process.


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Meridian Park Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’

Sunday, November 2, 2014

John Herold, Kindergarten instructor
Meridian Park Elementary
honored as Hero in the Classroom

Symetra and the Seattle Seahawks honored Meridian Park Elementary School teacher John Herold as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Oct. 24, 2014 during a surprise outdoor assembly. Herold is a Kindergarten instructor.

“John Herold is a perfect example of a teacher that leaves a lasting impression on his students. He not only challenges students to be responsible, respectful kindergarteners, he also makes learning the most exciting thing in the whole wide world for them,” said Ann Yee, a Meridian Park Elementary School parent.  
“All three of my children have had Mr. Herold as their Kindergarten teacher, and my older children still remember all of the positive comments he made. 
"He has a way of making each and every five-year-old in his classroom feel like a superstar.” Yee nominated Herold for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.

“Mr. Herold hosts family evening events for the kindergartners throughout the year, creating a casual atmosphere for all the families to get to know one another. This is so important for parents as well as students since these families will be a part of each others’ lives for the next few years,” said Yee. “He has certainly played an important role in my family’s life these last seven years!”

From left: Symetra Communications Director Mike DiGioia;
John Herold; John Pleas, Corporate Partnerships, Seattle Seahawks.

Herold is one of 16 K–12 teachers across the Puget Sound area that will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2014 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies.

In addition, they receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field. Herold was recognized at the Nov. 2 game when the Seahawks took on the Oakland Raiders.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to make a real difference in students' lives; to go above and beyond in their day-to-day responsibilities; and to help students build life skills.

More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available here.

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Karen Mikolasy honored as Outstanding Educator

Friday, June 6, 2014

Karen Mikolasy
Excellence in Education
In a ceremony in Yakima, Karen Mikolasy was honored with the Excellence in Education Award for Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

This statewide award recognizes members of Alpha Delta Kappa for their outstanding contributions to education who are judged on professional dedication, knowledge, skills, professional achievement and success, school / community collaboration and contributions to the educational process.

Karen now advances to the regional level in Cheyenne, Wyoming, representing Washington State. 

Karen Mikolasy has been a teacher in Shoreline for twenty-seven years, teaching first at Kellogg Middle School, then in Shorewood and Shorecrest, where she was the head of the English Department.

After her Shoreline career, Karen volunteered to help fellow teacher Lynn Holmes in an elementary classroom with second and third graders. She also taught with the Rainier scholars, a program for students of color.

Currently she teaches for the University of Washington in the Language Arts Methods course and the Teach for America program. She is also a teaching coach.

“Really, “ she says, “teaching is learning and I am learning a lot.  So much from these great kids.”

Karen has been a member of the Alpha Delta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa for over 20 years.

  

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Shoreline Teacher of the Year named

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Principal Bill Dunbar, Vicki Gorman, and Superintendent Sue Walker.

Vicki Gorman, who has taught physical education at Shorewood High School since its opening in 1975, has been selected as the 2014 Shoreline Teacher of the Year.

She will be honored at a reception on Monday, May 12 at 6pm in the Shoreline Center lobby prior to the School Board meeting that evening. The community is invited. The District will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 12 to 16 in honor of all certificated staff.

“Vicki is the heart and soul of Shorewood High School,” wrote her colleague in nominating her for the award. “Her dedication and commitment to our school is unparalleled.”

Vicki is head of the PE department, the cheer coach and the athletic director at Shorewood.

“Vicki is an exemplary teacher,” said Shorewood Principal Bill Dunbar. “When people say ‘Shorewood,’ they think of Vicki Gorman. She is the foundation of an excellent staff, and has led her department to consistently adapt and evolve the PE program with high standards for physical activity, skill development, fitness and growth. She is a person of the highest character who sets high standards and guides our young people in developing their character.

In 2008, Vicki was one of the first physical education teachers in the State of Washington to become a National Board Certified Teacher. She has since become a mentor to many other teachers wishing to obtain their own National Board Certification and become a scorer for the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

Vicki is a University of Washington graduate and did her student teaching at Shoreline High School. After two years teaching in Kirkland, she joined the first staff at Shorewood when the school opened in 1975 and has been at the school ever since.

She is the athletic director and cheer coach at the school and attends a multitude of Shorewood events each year in support of all the T-Bird teams.

“Mrs. Gorman is my role model,” wrote one of the cheer captains in supporting her nomination. “She is one of the kindest, most genuine women I have ever met. She has truly changed me for the better by encouraging me to be my best self and by teaching me to be an effective leader. I am so happy to have her in my life and lucky to have met such an inspirational woman.”

The Shoreline Teacher of the Year is selected annually by a committee of certificated staff, administrators, parents and the public information officer from nominations received from around the District. The Teacher of the Year receives a professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and is forwarded for Washington State Teacher of the Year consideration.


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Shorecrest's Vince Santo Pietro is finalist for national science teaching award

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Vince Santo Pietro
finalist for state teaching award

Vince Santo Pietro, science teacher at Shorecrest High School, has been selected as a state-level finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). 

Santo Pietro has taught science at Shorecrest since 1994. He was Shoreline’s 2012 Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for 2013 Puget Sound Regional Teacher of the Year.

Vince has served for many years as Shorecrest Science Club advisor, as school Webmaster, and on its emergency preparedness committee. He has been a member of District technology committees, served as the District's representative to the Washington State Public Health Lab assessment committee, and on the design team for the new Shorecrest building.

Each year he organizes a popular Astronomy Night that is open to the public. His students receive UW credit in the high school program, and he received a two-year Murdock grant to do astronomy research at the UW.

Vince is married to Nadine Santo Pietro, who teaches integrated arts at Echo Lake Elementary. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor of arts in Chemistry and from the University of Pennsylvania with a master of science in Chemistry. He also has a masters in education from Seattle Pacific University.

A statewide committee comprised of content-area experts and award-winning teachers selected the finalists during the summer. The national PAEMST program recently confirmed their nominations.

“These amazing teachers are not only innovating in their own classrooms,” said State Superintendent Randy Dorn, “they are also inspiring innovation in their colleagues. The leadership and mentoring of teachers like these make Washington a standout in STEM education. Their efforts will benefit students for many years.”

The national PAEMST program typically announces national award recipients in the spring. State-level finalists are recognized by regional and state math and science associations and invited to several annual state events for award-winning educators.


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Community invited to honor Shoreline School District retirees

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Shoreline School District
cordially invites our community to attend the

2013
Retirement Celebration

Monday, June 10, 2013
5pm, program beginning at 5:30pm

Shoreline Room, Shoreline Center
18560 1st Avenue N.E.
Shoreline, Washington 98155

Honoring 2013 Retirees:


Maureen Cline, Echo Lake

Mary Ann Dickie, Brookside

Sherron Grimsby, Shorecrest

Bonnie Halbert, Ridgecrest

Lila Ingebrigsten, Shorecrest

Kay Law, Ridgecrest

Arnie Moreno, Shorewood

Mary Peters, Shorecrest

Paul Plumis, Shoreline Center

Joneen Richards, Einstein

Diane Thompson, Einstein

Pamela Willoughby, Meridian Park

Updated 06-05-2013 8:15pm

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Teacher of the Year Frank Halferty recognized at reception

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Shoreline Schools Teacher of the Year Frank Halferty was honored at a reception before the school board meeting on Monday, May 13.

From left, Superintendent Sue Walker, Board members David Wilson, Dick Nicholson, Halferty - holding the ceremonial mace he carried as a Shoreline High School Drum Major, Board member Dick Potter, Board President Debi Ehrlichman, Board Member Michael Jacobs.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

Two members of the Washington Music Educators Hall of Fame, retired Shorecrest High School teacher Ken Noreen, left, and his former Shoreline High School student Frank Halferty.


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Teacher of the Year reception May 13

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The members of the Shoreline School Board
and Sue Walker, Superintendent,
cordially invite you to a reception honoring
certificated staff members
and
Frank Halferty of Einstein Middle School, 
2013 Shoreline Teacher of the Year
Monday, May 13, 2013,
6:15 p.m., in the Shoreline Center Lobby.
Refreshments provided by Shorecrest Culinary Arts

All district staff and community members
are invited to honor Frank and express their appreciation to all of our
caring and dedicated certificated staff members. Shoreline Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 13 to 17.



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Frank Halferty of Einstein to be honored as 2013 Shoreline Teacher of the Year

Friday, April 19, 2013


2013 Shoreline Teacher of the Year Frank Halferty, left,
with Superintendent Sue Walker and Einstein Principal Stephanie Clark
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


Frank Halferty, band director and music department head at Einstein Middle School, has been selected as the 2013 Shoreline Teacher of the Year. 

Halferty will be honored at a reception at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13 in the Shoreline Center lobby. The community is invited. The District will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 13 to 17.

“Frank has the universal respect of peers, students, parents and administrators, and shows the highest degree of professionalism,” a parent wrote in nominating Halferty for the award. “He provides a teaching environment that fosters vast musical and personal growth in his students.”

In 2012, Halferty was elected to the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) Hall of Fame. The Washington Music Educators Association is the largest arts organization in the state, and represents more than 2,000 music teachers in the state of Washington.

“Frank exemplifies everything that defines a great teacher,” said his colleague Dan Wing, Einstein and Shorewood orchestral music director, WMEA president and the 2008 Shoreline Teacher of the Year. “Every aspect of his classroom work and community presence shows his commitment to excellence, caring for others, patience, persistence and the complete sharing of his passion for teaching.”

Halferty, a graduate of Shoreline High School, has taught at Einstein since 1993 and serves as the District Music Coordinator. He holds two Bachelor of Arts Degrees from Seattle Pacific University in Music Education and Music Theory and Literature. He received a Master of Music in Composition from New Mexico State University.

Currently Halferty has more than 200 compositions and arrangements in print, including the Folk Song Trilogy performed by the Shoreline School District Honor Choir in its concert with the Cascade Youth Symphony at Benaroya Hall in 2011. Halferty has 38 years of experience teaching instrumental music at all levels, and has held numerous positions as director of choirs and community groups. He is the recipient of 14 ASCAP awards, Outstanding Educator Awards in both the Shoreline and Lake Washington School Districts, and the Outstanding Music Educator Award from the Sno-King Music Educators Association. Halferty has also served as a board member on the Shoreline Lake Forest Park Arts Council. He maintains a busy schedule composing, fulfilling music administration and teaching duties, guest conducting, and adjudicating music festivals.

The Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee from nominations solicited from around the District. Halferty will be the District's nominee for 2014 Washington State Teacher of the Year.



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Four District teachers earn National Board Certifications

Friday, January 11, 2013



Four Shoreline School District teachers have received their certifications from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

The teachers and schools are:

  • Briahna Attebery, Einstein Middle School
  • Tammy Ceesay, Shorewood High School
  • Chrisy Francescutti, District literacy specialist
  • Andie Holsten, Einstein Middle School


With this latest announcement, Shoreline now has a total of 65 board-certified teachers currently working in the District. Numbers released by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards show that Washington has the second-most new NBCTs (575), behind only North Carolina, and is fourth overall in the total number of NBCTs (6,817). This achievement brings the total number of teachers certified nationwide to more than 100,000.

The national certification process takes a minimum of 18 months. Teachers must demonstrate in their four-part portfolio a deep understanding and application of the national standards that are in place for their field of teaching. A national panel of peers then assesses the portfolio. Teachers also take a six-part examination in their content area.

The Shoreline School District supports the National Board Certification program by paying half of the registration fee. Those who complete the program receive a yearly salary bonus approved by the Legislature. Teachers attaining certification provide service either teaching professional development classes, supporting or mentoring colleagues, or working on projects.

Created in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the quality of teaching and learning.


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Shoreline teacher honored as Teacher of the Week by STAR 101.5

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Shari Wennik with her Echo Lake students


On Friday, November 2, 2012 at 9:15am, STAR 101.5 surprised Echo Lake Elementary teacher, Ms. Shari Wennik, and presented her with the STAR 101.5’s Teacher of the Week award.  

In a local contest conducted by STAR 101.5 radio, Shari Wennik, a 5th and 6th grade teacher, was nominated by her student, Millie Dowden. STAR 101.5’s Afternoon Show Host, Curt Kruse, made a surprise visit to Ms. Wennik’s Echo Lake classroom in Shoreline, (19345 Wallingford Ave N).

Each student received a goody bag full of prizes from Applebee’s, Washington State Employees Credit Union, Dairy Farmers of Washington, KOMO 4, and STAR 101.5!  

Shari Wennik received a personalized plaque from Issaquah Trophy and Awards, a $100 check from Washington State Employees Credit Union, and a $100 Applebee’s gift card. Plus, Ms. Wennik got a makeover courtesy of Blanc N’ Schwartz Salon in Kent.


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Breann McKenzie of Ridgecrest selected as WSECU Teacher of the Week

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Breann Mckenzie
Teacher of the Week

Breann McKenzie, special education teacher at Ridgecrest Elementary, has been chosen as a Teacher of the Week by the Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU). 

She will be honored at the Seattle Mariners game on Sunday, Sept. 23 and receive a $500 classroom grant.

Breann was nominated for the award by a parent and is among 24 teachers being honored by WSECU and the Mariners this year.

She has taught in Shoreline Schools since 2002 and at Ridgecrest since 2006.

More information on the WSECU Teacher of the Week Program.


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Douglas Shook selected as Kellogg Middle School assistant principal

Wednesday, June 20, 2012


Lisa Gonzalez-Scott will become Kellogg principal

Douglas Shook, new Assistant Principal
Kellogg Middle School
Douglas Shook has been selected as the new assistant principal of Kellogg Middle School, Superintendent Sue Walker announced. His appointment is effective July 16 and is subject to approval by the Shoreline School Board. Shook succeeds Lisa Gonzalez-Scott, who will become Kellogg principal.

Shook has been an assistant principal at two K-8 schools for St. Lucie County Schools in Fort Pierce, Florida for the past five years. Under his leadership, the schools in which he has worked have seen a significant increase in achievement based on student assessments. He also designed and implemented the K-8 master schedule, chaired Response to Intervention (RtI) data teams, led Professional Learning Communities, and led staff in various professional development activities. Most recently, he worked at the district level to implement their new teacher evaluation system.

Shook previously taught high school and middle school science in St. Lucie Schools and served as middle school athletic director. He graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree and from Florida Atlantic University with a Masters in Education Leadership.


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Shoreline School District 2012 retirees celebration attended by more than 200

Saturday, June 16, 2012



More than 200 attended the Shoreline School District Retirement Celebration on June 11 at the Shoreline Center.

Retirees honored included, front row from left: Shorecrest custodian Rocky Fridell, Ridgecrest teacher Kathy Hitchner, Deputy Superintendent Marcia Harris, Lake Forest Park teacher Diana Bettelli, Highland Terrace teacher Becky Edy, and Shorecrest teacher Barry Majorowicz. Back Row from left: Shorecrest paraeducator Jane Rogers, Einstein teacher Eileen Berlin, Parkwood teacher Kathleen Ward, Meridian Park ECE psychologist Barbara Whitson, and Student Services specialist Lori Cunningham. Photo by Larry Gill.


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Shoreline Schools honors retirees Monday, June 11

Saturday, June 9, 2012


The Shoreline School District will hold a retirement celebration on Monday, June 11 beginning at 5pm in the Shoreline Room at Shoreline Center (north end) to honor the 2012 retirees.

The Shoreline Center is at 18560 1st Avenue NE, Shoreline 98155.

2012 Retirees:

Eileen Berlin, Einstein
Diana Bettelli, Lake Forest Park
Lori Cunningham, Student Services
Becky Edy, Highland Terrace
Rocky Fridell, Shorecrest
Marcia Harris, Deputy Superintendent
Kathy Hitchner, Ridgecrest
Barry Majorowicz, Shorecrest
James Nickel, Food Services
Jane Rogers, Shorecrest
Mary Servais,  Parkwood
Kathleen Ward, Parkwood
Barbara Whitson, Meridian Park ECE




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Symetra Financial and Seattle Seahawks host 24 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom Recipients at CenturyLink Field celebration

Wednesday, May 23, 2012


Symetra Financial and Seattle Seahawks honor teachers from Shoreline School District
Photo by Larry Gill. See end of article for names and titles of those pictured

On Friday afternoon, May 18, 2012, Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored the 24 Puget Sound-area teachers who were recognized as “Symetra Heroes in the Classroom” during the 2011 NFL season, at a special celebration at CenturyLink Field. 

Among the 2011 honorees were 9 Shoreline School District teachers, including:
  • Ali Airhart—Syre Elementary School
  • Tracy Anderson—Meridian Park Elementary School
  • Michael Callahan—Cascade K-8 Community School (formerly Room Nine Community School)
  • Anne Marie Culver—Kellogg Middle School
  • Diana Dillard—Shorewood High School
  • Jennifer Etter—Shorecrest High School
  • Kay Law—Ridgecrest Elementary School
  • Therese Russell—Brookside Elementary School
  • Marybeth Scherf—Lake Forrest Park Elementary School


Symetra CEO Tom Marra and Seahawks Vice President of Community Relations Mike Flood hosted a luncheon in the Coach’s Loft, welcoming the teachers, their school principals and special guests, including Seattle Public Schools Interim Superintendent Susan Enfield and Shoreline School District Superintendent Sue Walker.


Syre Elementary School second grade teacher—and 2011 Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient—Ali Airhart reacts to her “personalized” locker in the Seattle Seahawks locker room. Photo by Larry Gill.

Following lunch, the teachers received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, which included taking in a view of the field from the press box. The festivities wrapped up in the Seahawks locker room, where each teacher was surprised with a “customized” locker complete with nameplate. Each teacher’s locker’s contents included a plaque commemorating his or her “Heroes” award, a hardcover book that captured moments from the 2011 classroom presentations,  and a copy of the May 18 edition of the Seattle Times, which featured a salute (p. C3) to all 24 Symetra Heroes in the Classroom recipients.

Seahawks Defensive End Red Bryant was a special guest speaker. Bryant shared a very personal story about Sue Brooks, an English teacher at Jasper High School in Texas. “As for a teacher who had an impact on my life, there’s no question, her name is Sue Brooks,” Bryant said. “The impact that she had on my life gave me the opportunity to be before you guys right now.” [Read more about Bryant and Sue Brooks.

Background-Symetra Heroes in the Classroom Program
Twenty-four K-12 teachers across the Puget Sound area were honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2011 NFL season. Teachers from the Seattle, Shoreline and Renton public school districts were recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations. In addition, they received tickets to a Seahawks home game and were acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field.

Teachers are nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to balance the core curriculum with students’ individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students’ long-term success.

MVP Award
In addition to honoring exceptional teachers on and off the field, each of the schools represented by a 2011 teacher Hero was eligible for an MVP Award, which provides funding to enhance learning via an innovative student achievement program. Three $10,000 grants were awarded at the end of the 2011 football season to Dimmitt Middle School in Renton, Meridian Park Elementary School in Shoreline and Roxhill Elementary School in West Seattle.


Group photo: STANDING, left to right, Tom Marra, Symetra CEO; Sue Walker, superintendent, Shoreline School District; Tracy Anderson, Meridian Park Elementary School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Amy Jessee, principal, Meridian Park Elementary School; Diana Dillard, Shorewood High School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Michael Callahan, Cascade K-8 Community School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Marybeth Scherf, Lake Forest Park Elementary School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Jennifer Etter, Shorecrest High School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Craig Degginger, public information officer, Shoreline Schools; Jim Pirak, Symetra SVP, Corporate Marketing.

KNEELING, left to right, Ali Airhart, Syre Elementary School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Lisa Gonzalez Scott, principal, Kellogg Middle School; Anne Marie Culver, Kellogg Middle School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; Trinh Pham, principal, Cascade K-8 Community School; Aimee Miner, principal, Lake Forrest Park Elementary School; Therese Russell, Brookside Elementary School and Symetra Hero in the Classroom recipient; and Bill Dunbar, principal, Shorewood High School. Photo by Larry Gill



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Vince Santo Pietro, 2012 Shoreline Teacher of the Year

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Vince Santo Pietro, science teacher at Shorecrest High School, has been selected as the 2012 Shoreline Teacher of the Year.

From left, Shorecrest High School Principal Pat Hegarty,
Shoreline Teacher of the Year Vince Santo Pietro, his wife Nadine Santo Pietro,
and Superintendent Sue Walker.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools


Vince has taught science at Shorecrest since 1994. He will be honored at a reception on Monday, May 14 prior to the School Board meeting that evening. The public is invited. Shoreline will honor its certificated staff members during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 14 to 18.

“Whatever the task – managing an experiment in chemistry, coordinating and communicating a technology initiative, or jumping in as the go-to guy when you take 160 people on a 10-day trip to Ireland – Vince Santo Pietro is not only one of our school leaders, but he also believes in the importance of being a team player and partner,” his nomination read in part. “ 
In his classroom Vince is the master of questioning strategies, probing students and encouraging higher level thinking skills as he provides feedback to push students toward their learning goals. He incorporates real world applications to make subject matter relevant, and stays current with developments in his teaching assignment.”

Vince has served for many years as Shorecrest Science Club advisor, as school webmaster, and on its emergency preparedness committee. He has been a member of District technology committees, served as the District’s representative to the Washington State Public Health lab assessment committee, and on the design team for the new Shorecrest.

Each year he organizes a popular Astronomy Night that is open to the public. He teaches for the UW in the high school program, and he received a two-year Murdock grant to do astronomy research at the UW.

For the recent trip by the Shorecrest marching band, pipers, Highland Dancers and flags to Ireland, Vince worked on the staff team to handle many of the organizational logistics for band director Vince Caruso to make the trip a success.

In the community, Vince was one of the founding members, and a clarinet player, of the Around the Sound Community Band, a performance group dedicated to the joy of music and sharing that joy through community service. The band began as a Shorecrest senior project.

Vince also volunteers for the Fremont Arts Council, and has served as head of security for the famous Fremont Solstice Parade. Finally, Vince is devoted to his church community, the University Congregational United Church of Christ. He has served on several of the church’s boards and committees, notably, the facilities board, and he worked on a committee helping to organize the moving and packing through an extensive remodel. Recently he helped organize and presented a series of programs exploring faith and science.

“Vince brings as much zest and pride and pleasure to a new lab experiment as he does to a brand new iPad, as much passion to a Power Standard as he would to correcting an astronomy quiz. Vince is a doer not to keep busy, but to stretch and to grow and to keep on learning and trying, and it is that fundamental, innocent, unvarnished revelry in learning that makes him such an unassuming but tremendously powerful role model for our students. Vince personifies the most basic cornerstone of our work – learning - in everything he touches at Shorecrest, and indeed in our larger community,” his nomination concluded.

Vince is married to Nadine Santo Pietro, who teaches integrated arts at Echo Lake Elementary. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor of arts in Chemistry and from the University of Pennsylvania with a master of science in Chemistry. He also has a masters in education from Seattle Pacific University. He began his career in the science museum industry, first with the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and later with the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.

The Shoreline Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of certificated and classified staff, administrators and parents from nominations received from throughout the District. Vince will receive a $500 professional development grant from the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation and will be Shoreline's nominee for the 2013 Washington State Teacher of the Year.



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