Greenwich Public Schools Announces Difference Makers For December 2024

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced this week that 54 GPS employees have been named as "Difference Maker" award recipients for December 2024.

The employees are being recognized for having made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of the town's schools.

"We continue to be grateful and impressed with the amazing support our staff is receiving from the GPS community," Jones said in a news release. "We created this program to shine a light on the wonderful and selfless work being done throughout our district. As we announce our third month of Difference Makers, we are seeing the depth of talent and caring of individuals that educate and look after our students on a daily basis."

The Greenwich Public Schools Difference Maker award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day, according to the school district.

Each building holds its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions.

GPS families, students, co-workers, or community members can nominate their difference maker online. The awards are open to all employees of Greenwich Public Schools, full or part-time, in good standing. It excludes contractors or employees of other town agencies. Nominators can be staff, families, students, or community members.

The December 2024 Difference Makers are as follows:

Greenwich High School

Lucy Arecco (house administrator)
Chantel Carey (professional assistant)
Patricia Chan (Spanish teacher)
Keith Contorno (English teacher)
Piera Cronin (psychologist)
Kara Peters (English teacher)
Eleanor Ritch (English teacher)
Lisa Scarogni (art teacher)
Mary Beth Smith (English teacher)

Windrose

Dr. Garfield Charles (program coordinator)

Central Middle School

Colleen Alfano (school counselor)
John Forlenzo (custodian)

Eastern Middle School

Kevin Crawford (custodian)
Michelle Friedman (social worker)
Julie Wang (math teacher)

Western Middle School

Kimberly Matarese (science teacher)
Amber Pietrafeso (English teacher)

Cos Cob School

Stephen Babyak (fifth grade teacher)
Victoria Bee (kindergarten & Special Education teacher)
Kristy Bennett (kindergarten teacher)
Lauren Bird (assistant principal)
Laurie Brehm (kindergarten teacher)
Kelly Clarke (first grade teacher)
Philip D'Amato (physical education teacher)
Meagan DeBona (music teacher)
Michael Fina (physical education teacher)
Betsy Sahr (ALP teacher)

Glenville School

Andrea Casson (media assistant)
Carolyn Kalinski (ALP teacher)
Tracey Zeranski (cafeteria monitor)

Hamilton Avenue School

Dr. Daniel Hoppe (music teacher)
Emily Khoshaboo (social worker)
Angelina Lucas (school nurse)

International School at Dundee

Lindsey Babyak (Special Education teacher)
Cheryl Clark (media assistant)
Marlene Fernandez (Special Education teacher)
Rosanna Sangermano (third grade teacher)
Alison Tepper (ESOL teacher)

Julian Curtiss School

Ariel Wilshaw (ALP teacher)

New Lebanon School

Colette Kraemer (speech pathologist)

North Mianus School

Megan Collins (Special Education teacher)

North Street School

Jessica Jagde (school psychologist)

Old Greenwich School

Suzanne Gold (art teacher)
Sandra Zuccarello (literacy specialist)

Parkway School

Lea Attanasio (media specialist)
Gail Griffin (fifth grade teacher)
Diana Luzzi (speech pathologist)
Kimberly Rich-Zeale (math interventionist & learning facilitator)

Riverside School

Madelyn Hand (first grade teacher)

Central Office

Danielle Commisso (speech/language pathologist)
Karen Martin (network specialist)
Eugene Matejek (Special Education coordinator)
Kirk Mertz (building maintenance mechanic)
Allison Pugni (PPS Data Specialist)