October 5, 2017 Stephanie Cronk

Today’s Apple For The Teacher Recipient is Stephanie Cronk from the Moravia Central School District nominated by Jim and Lisa Matijas.

My husband and I would like to nominate Ms. Stephanie Cronk for the 2017 Apple of the Teacher Award. Ms. Cronk is an exemplary 7th grade teacher in the Moravia Central School District, is a one of a kind educator and deserves to be recognized for the efforts and dedication she provides to her students.
Our son has struggled throughout the years in juggling the expectations of school, extracurricular activities and personal matters. There have been many times when he believed giving up was easier than putting in the hard work. As parents no matter how hard we tried to encourage him to work to his potential, it wasn’t until he started working with Ms. Cronk that he believed he had the potential to succeed.
Ms. Cronk was our son’s teacher last year we will do our best to recall the numerous ways she went above and beyond our expectations as parents. First, if you are a parent of a school aged child, you may have heard a time or two that your child is struggling either academically or socially. We were not exempt from having these very difficult conversations in the past; his emotional struggles were affecting his academics which became a cyclical problem. However, some of the first phone calls and e-mails we received from her were those of compliments and positive messages of how much she enjoyed working with him and what a great student he was. We couldn’t have been more excited to hear positive things from our child’s teacher. It shouldn’t go without mention that the entire 7th grade team often met to talk about students and additionally worked hard towards his success. Ms. Cronk would often share the positive messages from other staff as well.
Shortly before the Christmas holiday our son was struggling academically and it was questionable if he would be able to remain on the basketball team. On a Friday evening, Ms. Cronk offered to stay after school into the later hours of the evening to help him catch up on his academics, which allowed him to remain on the basketball team. She also attended some of his games to support him and his teammates.
In completing this recommendation letter, we asked our son why he liked Ms. Cronk so much. He states, She was an awesome teacher, she was always encouraging and she would bring us donuts, really good donuts! I know if given more time he’d be able to come up with many more examples of why she is a wonderful teacher.
As a fellow educator in a neighboring district, I would be honored to work with any staff member who displayed the professional, caring, dedicated and motivational qualities that Ms. Cronk possesses. She again is truly a one of a kind educator who I believe deserves to be recognized for her efforts to go above and beyond for her students.

 

October 10, 2017 Dionne DePuy

Today’s Apple For The Teacher Recipient is Dionne DePuy from the Cortland School District nominated by Alisa Beardslee.

I would like to nominate Dionne DePuy from Randall Elementary in Cortland for the Apple for the Teacher Award. I have had the pleasure of working with her as a parent of two for three years now. Words cannot really describe what she has done for me and my family.
My son had ADHD and sometimes struggles to keep focused in school. He had Mrs. DePuy in 3rd grade and now again in 6th. She has been more than understanding of his needs and is fully supportive to me as a parent. She allows him to learn and grow in his own way and is able to see past his disability to the bright, funny, and creative kid inside.My daughter also had her as a teacher in 6th grade. She was struggling with some issues at home and with the pains of getting older. Mrs. Depuy was not only a teacher to her but also became a counselor and a mentor. Even though my daughter has moved on to Jr. High, she likes to visit Mrs. DePuy for a much needed hug. She always makes herself available to me and my kids whenever we need her.
She has encouraged me as a parent that I’m not alone in my struggles and I have really felt that I am part of the process when it comes to my children’s education.We have laughed together and we have cried together. As a whole Mrs. Depuy has been so much more than just teacher. She is a comforter, a mentor, a counselor, a warrior, a role model, and most of all a friend. There is nothing I could do to thank her enough and that is why I am nominating her for this award.

October 12, 2017 Lisa Miller

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Lisa Miller from the Newfield School District nominated by Danielle Everhart.

I would like to nominate Lisa Miller for the “Apple for the  Teacher Award”. Lisa is a 2nd grade teacher at Newfield Elementary School. She encourages, and facilitates an environment that her students learn well in, and she makes learning fun and exciting. She goes above and beyond to not only equip students with the tools they need to learn, but she also equips the parents with the tools they need at home to help her students with success.
Lisa really gets to know her students and makes them feel special each and every day. I know this because two of my children have had her for a second grade teacher. Lisa is amazing at communicating with parents not only when there are concerns, but also just to say “Hey, your kid did awesome today!” She cares and that means the world to parents.  Newfield Central School District is lucky to have Lisa Miller on their faculty and she deserves this award!

October 17, 2017  Martha Nye

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Martha Nye from Homer Central School district nominated by Patrick and Juliann Quinn.

Exactly one year ago today, our family’s life was turned upside down.  Our eleven year old sixth grade son came home from school complaining of stomach pain.  Within a couple of hours, his pain was excruciating.  We rushed him to the ER, and after numerous tests were performed, he was transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.  He had to undergo numerous medical procedures and surgeries, and was out of school for more than 40 school days.
During this time, all of his teachers and school staff at Homer Junior High School were amazing.  They reached out to us to check on his progress, they sent meals, and did so many other things that showed what a wonderful school community that Homer is.
Even with all the school and community support, one teacher in particular went above and beyond to ensure that our son felt connected – both academically and socially – to his school and peers.  After seeing an article about a virtual learning experience for an ill student across the country, sixth grade Social Studies teacher Mrs. Martha (Riley) Nye took it upon herself to research how to virtually connect each of his Homer Junior High classrooms to our son while he was in the hospital and then at home recuperating.  On her own time Mrs. Nye met with the district tech department, set up the technology, and ensured that each teacher on his team of teachers knew how to operate the technology during classes.  He was able to sign on to his school Chrome book from the hospital and from home, and not only listen, but actively participate in each class.  Mrs. Nye ensured that he felt connected, which made such a difference in his recovery.  Mrs. Nye even “brought” him (via his Chrome book) to the gym for a school pep rally where he could see his peers and experience the excitement.
When our son returned to school, he still had many medical challenges.  Mrs. Nye checked on him and ensured that he never felt alone or too overwhelmed.  Our son is now in seventh grade and is much healthier than he was one year ago.  A couple of weeks ago, he wanted to go way out of his way to stop in and visit Mrs. Nye because according to him, she is a “legend.”  We hope that you will join us in honoring what an amazing teacher and person Mrs. Martha Nye is by giving her the Apple for the Teacher Award.

October 19, 2017 Christopher Bell

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Christopher Bell from Fall Creek Elementary School nominated by Kristin Dutcher.

Christopher Bell from Fall Creek Elementary school! This man is by far the best teacher I have ever seen. He truly goes above and beyond the required duties of a 1st grade teacher. He has an instinctive ability to connect with each student and is able to cater to their individual needs in a fun and nurturing way.
He runs the Friday morning program and talent shows at the school and you can feel his energy and excitement even after doing it for so many years. My daughter came home from school with a laminated birthday book with personalized happy birthdays from each student in her class. He is just a great communicator and I wish I could recommend him to future Fall Creek students and parents. I think Mr. Bell deserves recognition above all. He is the best!!

October 24, 2017 Mary Beth Howell

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Mary Beth Howell from Southern Cayuga Junior High School nominated by Brenda Meade.

My son and I would like to nominate Mrs. Mary Beth Howell, of Southern Cayuga Junior High School, for the Apple For The Teacher Award. Mrs. Howell teaches math to seventh and eighth grade students at Southern Cayuga. My son, Logan, has Mrs. Howell for the second year in a row.

Daily, I thank my lucky stars to have her in my son’s school life.  She goes above and beyond to treat him like her own child.  She makes sure he is organized, prepared, and learning in all of his classes – not just her own.  She is able to assess her students and knows when they need an extra push or some T.L.C.  She cares about them as people and then as students.  Because of this, her students remember her long after they leave her.  My daughter, a senior at Southern Cayuga high school, still calls Mrs. Howell her second mother.  I know that Logan will remember her fondly for many years to come.

Her math teaching skills are just as impressive as her people skills.  Mrs. Howell makes math understandable and relative to students lives.  By understanding both the math and the students, she is able to recognize when and why they are struggling.  Then, she uses her knowledge to help the students understand crazy math topics like solving algebraic equations.  Her love of math must be obvious in her teaching because it comes through my son, to me, at home.

I truly don’t know what I would have done for the past year and a quarter without Mrs. Howell looking out for my son.  He knows she cares and sees her as an advocate for him.  I would love to see her be honored with an Apple For The Teacher award so that she may see how incredibly special she and her teaching are to my family.  Thank you.

October 26, 2017 David Ferreira

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is David Ferreira from New Roots Charter School nominated by Wilson Boyce.

I, Wilson Boyce nominate David Ferreira or New Roots Charter School for the Apple for the Teacher award, because he has done so much for the school. David Ferreira is not only a music teacher, but a teacher of excellence. He not only teaches us music, he teaches us life. David Ferreira has several classes, including a steel drum band, a rock band, a history of pop music course, and a music theory course. David Ferreira lets his students decide what the music program is, and what songs they play. David Ferreira always says “It is not my band, its their band.” The New Roots Music teacher has not only revitalized the music program at New Roots, but made it thrive even more. In 2015, a contest was being held across Tompkins county in which any school could write a letter to the contest, and win a whole set of Steel drums. David Ferreira wrote a letter, along with several other schools in Tompkins County. David Ferreira won the Steel drums for New Roots, and started up what is called “Roots of Steel.” David Ferreira is a real gem to have at New Roots Charter school, and we hope to have him for many more years.

October 31, 2017 Mrs. Marian Luce

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Mrs. Marian Luce from Appleby Elementary in Marathon. Nominated by Nani Coleman.

I would like to nominate my son’s kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Marian Luce, from Appleby Elementary in Marathon, for the Apple for the Teacher Award.  I believe she is deserving of this recognition for significant reasons.  Mrs. Luce definitely takes a hands on approach to teaching. Each spring, she has her kindergarten class plant a garden.  Then, the next fall, her new students get to harvest the vegetables.  Having already had another one of my children go through her class, it is so rewarding to see the excitement her students get from learning something new. Her approach, of getting them out of the classroom to work in the garden, proves that she definitely knows the right way to shape young minds.

Mrs. Luce also goes above and beyond to make sure each child is not left behind, no matter what their ability. My son, Tanner, who is currently in Mrs. Luce’s class, has encountered some difficulties in learning.  I had expressed my concerns to Mrs. Luce at the beginning of the year. I mainly just wanted her to be aware of Tanners situation, but was completely taken away by the honest concern she had for him. Mrs. Luce has taken me step by step through the process of getting Tanner the extra help her requires. Her emails and telephone calls give me constant encouragement that she is continuing to do everything she can to help Tanner. She has also taken time out of her day to meet with me personally to discuss all of the options that will best benefit my son.

Mrs. Luce’s honest concern for the well being of her students, as well as her hands on approach to learning, make me feel that no other teacher is as worthy as she is for being recognized with the 2017 Apple for the Teacher Award.

November 2, 2017 Danielle Rumsey

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Mrs. Danielle Rumsey from the Odessa School District. Nominated by Kim Laursen.

Mrs. Danielle Rumsey never gets a break! There are always kids in her classroom, and she loves it that way. Even during her free periods and lunch, she welcomes students in her room. She is in her third year of teaching Middle School Math, and her students know that if they need math help, or just an adult who will listen and wisely advise, this busy mother of two fills the bill.
Her community involvement extends far beyond the Odessa school, which is just a three block walk from her home. She is active at the church, and currently involved in acting and singing and building scenery for the Lake Country Players of Watkins Glen. She attends as many sporting events as she can because the students all want her there to come see them play. I have heard many parents comment about how their kids love having Danielle for a teacher, even if it is math class (insert kids wrinkling nose here!).

November 7, 2017 Karla Tracy

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Karla Tracy from the Dryden School District. Nominated by Kaelee Rydzik.

Karla Tracy a kindergarten teacher at Dryden Elementary deserves this award for so many reasons. Karla was my son’s teacher last year, he is my first and I was more nervous than he. She was there on every level, she was so kind to my husband and I and truly cared for all the kids, but especially made my baby feel like his own person. Throughout the school year, he grew not only his pants size. She taught him so much and has really opened his eyes to school, learning and making friends.
The school year flew, our emails, and phone calls have been some of the most reassuring messages I’ve ever received, and in this day and age knowing your baby is safe is like no other feeling. Karla has calmed this nervous mom and allowed me to realize my Elbie will be ok and will strive and grow into a fantastic person. Her kindness and patience helped mold our entire family for the following school year. All teachers deserve this award, but especially Ms. Tracy.

November 9, 2017 Babs Carr

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Babs Carr of Groton School District. Nominated by Douglas Yurubi.

Babbs Carr- Business Teacher at Groton Central School for 23 years.

Heads the following Programs:

*Interact Club: Is a community service club. It is part of the Groton Rotary Organization. Students come together and decide on projects or events that they would like to help out with in the community.

Some of the things they have done are highway cleanup, reading at the local head start, yard work at the Benn Conger Inn, Seniors vs. Staff Basketball Game (raising money for families in need in the community), raising and collecting items for the SPCA and local animal shelters, raising money for the Tompkins County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit to purchase a flak jacket for their new K-9,Community Garden helpers, assisted at the Groton Bicentennial Celebration, Rotary Golf Tournament and the building of the local playground.

*Yearbook- She has been the yearbook advisor for over 15 years. She has helped to design, organize and create and sell the yearbook. She has run fundraisers and sold ads to help cover the cost of producing the books and purchasing equipment.

*Senior Co-Advisor- She has been the co-advisor for the past 5 years where they have planned events for the senior class like Positive Pancake Day, a trip to NYC in the fall and to Hershey Park in the spring, tailgate picnic at homecoming, Deck the Hall decorating for homecoming and holiday time, and senior dish to pass lunches.

*Early Degree Program- She helped to implement a program at Groton High School where students could take high school courses and earn college credit. They have the opportunity to earn enough credits through TC3 to earn a Liberal Arts Degree and graduate college before graduating high school.

*Seniors vs. Staff Basketball Game- She started the game at first for entertainment, but it lead to a great way to bring the community together to watch the staff play against the students in a fun environment. The game grew to a charity event where the students in her Interact Club and College & Prep Class Plan, organize and run it. It gives them communication, teamwork, public speaking and organizational skills. Money is given to local families in need, the SPCA, local animal shelters or charities like American Cancer Society.

*Team Leader- For many years she has been the Team Leader (also known as Department Chair, Department Facilitator). In that position she has lead meetings for her department, attending meetings and also being a liaison between administration and the faculty.

Babbs goes far and beyond for her students and community.

November 15, 2017 Kelly Muir

Today’s Apple For The Teacher recipient is Kelly Muir of Watkins Glen School District. Nominated by Cheyenne Stansfield.

Kelly Muir, an English teacher at Watkins Glen High School, is quite a special woman and an extraordinary teacher.  Beautiful inside and out, her students are privileged to have her as part of their high school experiences.  She unquestionably deserves to receive a 2017 Apple for the Teacher recognition.

As a teacher, Muir is a jack-of-all-trades, teaching nearly every grade in the school.  Her specialty is the senior class.  She instructs two separate types of senior English courses:  English 12 and college-level ACE English.  Many of these classes are devoted to senior thesis papers or college capstones.  This is no easy task for her considering the assistance required for research, paper construction, topic approvals, and grading every step of the process for each student.  On top of that, I have personally seen her go out of her way to schedule times with students to provide extra help.  Throughout the school year, she gladly takes time out of her busy schedule to chaperone 12th grade trips, going as far as Washington D.C.  The senior class is not where her enthusiasm for teaching ends, however.  Muir assists younger students through English lab classes.  With this incredible teacher around, no student goes without help.

As if her position of teacher isn’t enough, Muir is also the adviser for the Watkins Glen chapter of the National Honor Society, a very demanding role.  There are inductions to the club twice a year, for which Muir does a great deal of work  from running rehearsals to expediting tasks.  Each year, she assists the members in conducting a Charity Ball dance to raise money for organizations in the community.  Perhaps her most outlandish, yet incredible, contribution as adviser was sleeping in a cardboard box overnight at the school with chapter members to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.  This was a true testament to her dedication for the position, but even more than that, the level of care she has for her society members.

How can this amazing teacher possibly have time to contribute more to her students? Somehow she does.  She contributed to me in more ways than I can count throughout my time in Watkins Glen High School.  I will never forget her being the MC for the annual talent show specifically during my sophomore year.  Introducing the next act somehow turned into a rally for keeping art programs in public schools.  The next fall, my junior year, was my first time trying cheer leading.  Competition was nerve-wracking, but Muir’s smiling face in the crowd relaxed us all.  She went to half of our competitions that year to support her students, simply out of love.  Not only did I see her every day in class my senior year, but I saw her at my senior class play.  Not just one night, but at every performance given that weekend.  Muir was enthusiastic about helping me get in to college, and to this day, I am grateful for everything she gave me: every memory, every smile, every word of advice, every hug, and every recommendation letter.

Kelly Muir is a shining star as a teacher and a human being.  High school is only four years, but the impact she has on her students is everlasting.  She deserves to be recognized for her selflessness and dedication to each student that walks through her door.