Jeff Klein of Warrington honored as "Unsung Hero"

Warrington resident Jeff Klein, a school counselor at Tamenend Middle School in Central Bucks School District, has been selected as an "Unsung Hero" in a new campaign recognizing public school suppoprt professionals, for which he also receives a $1,000 grant.

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6 to 10, 2019, CAPS (Council for the Advancement of Public Schools) and the Pennsylvania State Education Association/Mideastern Region (PSEA/MER) are sponsoring an “Unsung Heroes” campaign to spotlight the key roles played by support professionals who work in the public schools of Bucks and Montgomery counties. Every week through May 5, one hero is being featured online and on the CAPS Facebook page and the public is encouraged to vote for the grand prize winner.

“We want to bring attention to and thank these very valuable professionals who are so critical to the success of our students, and who are often not as visible to the general public as our classroom teachers,” said Alan M. Malachowski, president of PSEA/MER. “Without them and their colleagues across the region who serve in so many different capacities, the school experience would be not be as enriching for our students,” he added.

The four professionals are each being awarded a grant of $1,000 with the grand prize winner receiving a $2,000 grant for a school project of their choice, thanks to CAPS and PSEA/MER. To help bring these projects to fruition, the public is invited to see videos about these inspiring heroes and vote for their favorite at http://friendsofpubliced.org/unsung-heroes-of-bucks-and-montgomery-county-schools/

Jeff is described as the “go-to” guy when a student is in need of a friend, requires support for a variety of issues, wants to escalate his/her academic or outside pursuits, or has other needs. He coaches basketball, serves as the school’s athletic director, manages standardized testing, and organizes a Veteran’s Day Assembly every year. He also runs the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund 3-on-3 basketball tournament that has raised nearly a half-million dollars over the past 19 years, with Jeff organizing the effort for the past 15. One of his colleagues said, “He’s involved with almost every aspect of the school, and he does it all with a sense of humor and a huge heart. Students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other community members respect and admire Jeff.”

To mark the 20-year anniversary of Tamanend's involvement with the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund (KADMF) basketball tournament, and to encourage other students to get involved, Jeff will use the grant money toward the design and painting of a mural in the school’s gym. It will honor past participants and encourage future student involvement while highlighting the partnership between Tamanend and the KADMF. The total cost of the mural is $2,705, so additional fundraising will be necessary.

To learn more and to vote, visit the CAPS website at http://friendsofpubliced.org/unsung-heroes-of-bucks-and-montgomery-county-schools/

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