UCS teachers honored for making a difference

Two Utica Community teachers have been named recipients of this year’s “Make a Difference” Award.

Ms. Ashley Sack, Special Education teacher of the Core Plus program at Beck Centennial Elementary and Mrs. Stefanie Taylor, Learning Center teacher at Beacon Tree Elementary have earned the honor from the Macomb County Parent Advisory Committee.

Each year,the committee, through the Macomb Intermediate School District, offers parents the opportunity to nominate an educator who has made a significant impact on their child’s school experience.

This is the eighth year UCS educators have earned this award.

Sack teaches in the Core Plus program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Ashley was nominated by Tracy Brinker, parent of a second grader, who said "Ms. Sack demonstrates that families are an integral part of the educational process to ensure success for all students.

She said: "This year he has made a complete turnaround and I know it is because of Ms. Sack. I cannot thank you enough for all she has done!”

Taylor was nominated by Simone Boraggina, parent of a second grade student.

"Mrs. Taylor gets to know each of her students and their interests," she said. "This helps a child’s self-worth and when a child has good news, she makes it a point to share it with the whole class and thus allows each child to 'shine.' "

The teachers were honored at the May 23 Board of Education meeting.