Milford Public Schools Recognize the Best

With the school year coming to close Tuesday, paraprofessionals, parents and teachers were recently recognized for their accomplishments this school year.

“My hat is off to the Milford Schools,” said Dr. Elizabeth Feser, Superintendent of Schools, who joined the district just two months ago, said at the Milford Public Schools' annual "End of the Year Celebration 2011" event June 13.

“I have never been in a district that recognizes the paraprofessionals, the parents and the teachers [in this way.]”

Feser called the June 13 event at the Parsons Government Center “an amazing exhibit of what educators and parents can do” to maximize the school experience for the children.

“There is a sense of community, and I’m proud to be part of it,” Feser said.

She praised the honorees for “staying the course when waters got tough, keeping the focus on the students.”

 Finalists are selected from a list of honorees chosen from each school in three categories: Para-Educator of the Year, Parent of the Year, and Teacher of the Year. A panel of organizers reviews the nominations and selects the final district-wide honoree from each list.

Parent of the Year, from East Shore Middle School, is Melissa Wunder. Cathy Williams, principal of East Shore, called Melissa a “parent who keeps moving forward, teaching by example as a wonderful role model.” Naming some of the many activities in which Wunder has participated and led, Williams said she chaperoned, chaired events, wrote numerous successful grants, was a PTA officer and is currently Second Vice President of the PTA Council.

In addition, Wunder has volunteered for United Way campaigns, was a Girl Scout leader, and a member of Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities.

Para-Educator of the Year was announced by Wendy Kopazna, a member of the selection committee and Milford Public Schools Director of Human Resources who described “Paras” as a “vital, enthusiastic and trusted” component of the school experience.

Para of the Year, Megan Cole, was recognized by Gordon Beinstein, principal of Harborside Middle School.

“Megan is the one constant ray of light with a profoundly disabled child” with whom she works each day. “With equal amounts of persistence and humor” she encourages the student and acts as an advocate for his family. Although it is her first year at Harborside, the faculty unanimously selected her as “Para of the Year” in the school.

Teacher of the Year, David Shimchick, was introduced by Steve Madancy, Principal of Pumpkin Delight School. Madancy called Shimchick, a math specialist, “a teacher extraordinaire” who is a “coach, an interventionist and a tech wizard.”

Recognizing Shimchick’s ability to make lessons appealing, engaging and fun, Madancy noted his habit of briefing teachers, setting a model and working together to meet the needs of each child.

The final honors went to teachers who will retire at the close of the 2011 school year. Assistant Schools Superintendent Mike Cummings, who, until recently, served as interim superintendent, introduced each of the 21 retirees and wished them well. Cummings noted that “Educations done right is shared practices and shared wisdom.”