WESTFIELD-Hugs, tears and cheers filled the cafeteria of Westfield Technical Academy on Thursday night as the Shining Star Awards were presented by the Westfield Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
The annual award ceremony recognizes excellence in supporting special education and more than 20 teachers received a special plaque by a student in their class.
Teachers receiving Shining Star Awards pose with their students during a Thursday night award ceremony at Westfield Technical Academy.
Dr. Martha von Mering, the new director of special education for the Westfield Public Schools, opened the program by recognizing students with “exceptionalities.”
“We are here tonight to recognize excellence by teachers and students with exceptionalities,” said von Mering. “We need to embrace the term exceptionalities and use it more often.”
von Mering added that the teachers being recognized embody what it means to be a caring, dedicated teacher and mentor to students.
“These teachers on a daily basis provide students with a safe environment to grow academically, socially and emotionally, and in the end these students realize the amazing potential each and everyone has and the gift they have to give others,” said von Mering, adding her door “is always open.”
Dr. Martha von Mering, the new director of special education for the Westfield Public Schools, offers opening remarks at the Shining Star Awards ceremony on Thursday night.
von Mering encouraged those in attendance to also attend a SEPAC meeting.
“SEPAC is open to everyone – teachers, neighbors, administrators – and we have an active group that meets monthly and engages each other in conversation,” said von Mering.
Sarah and Madelynne Timmerman presented a Shining Star Award to Julie Neuser, on right, a teacher at Franklin Avenue School, during the Shining Star Awards night on Thursday.
As the evening unfolded, students stood proudly next to their nominated teacher as accolades were read by members of the SEPAC leadership team generated from nomination forms completed by parents and students.
For Ryen Baudin, a fifth grader at Southampton Road School, he was “thrilled” he was asked to stand with teacher Jennifer Smidy and present her award.
Madelynne Timmerman, a fifth grader at Franklin Avenue School, was equally excited to stand next to teacher Julie Neuser.
“She always helps me,” said Timmerman.
Sarah Timmerman added that Neuser first taught Madelynne in third grade and has continued to mentor her.
“Ms. Neuser is Madelynne’s go-to teacher,” said Sarah Timmerman.
Ryen Baudin presents a Shining Star Award to Southampton Road School teacher Jennifer Smidy during Thursday night’s Shining Star Awards program.
Teachers recognized during the hour-long program included Sarah Arnett, Ceci Brunelle, Cecilia Christian, Jamie Curran, Mary Franzen, Amy Galaska, Doris Love, Penny Redfern, and Yvette Rodriguez, all of the East Mountain Road Transition Program; Neil Barnet, South Middle School; Gail Britton and Melinda Kis, Highland Elementary School; Laura Donnelly, Russell Elementary School; Deb Fiddler, Lori Lyncosky, Courtney Phelon, Joanne Roselli and Kathy Schabowski, all of North Middle School; Kristen Hall, Liz Harris and Julie Orzolek, Munger Hill School; Karen Kennedy, Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy; Julie Neuser, Franklin Avenue School; Jennifer Smidy, Southampton Road School and Lisa Wojcik, Westfield Technical Academy.
For Wojcik, as well as the other teachers feted, the awards program was special.
“Receiving the award makes me feel very honored and privileged,” said Wojcik at the end of the evening. “I love working with the students and this recognition is much appreciated.”
As the night came to a close, Melissa Rutkowski, a member of the 2017-2018 SEPAC leadership team, thanked all of the nominees for the contributions they make every day to helping students and their families.
“We can’t say thank you enough for all that you do,” said Rutkowski as she extended her open arms to the group of teachers assembled for a photo at the end of the presentation.
SEPAC’s mission is to advocate for children with disabilities and their families by participating in the planning, development, and evaluation of special education programs.
SEPAC meetings are scheduled the first Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Westfield Technical Academy. Upcoming meetings are June 7, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 6. The 2017-2018 SEPAC leadership team includes Dawn Altieri, Rachel Bullock, Michele Douglas, Laura Marx and Rutkowski.
“We encourage parents to attend our meetings because it is a good way to meet other parents and learn how to navigate the system,” said Douglas.
For more information on SEPAC, send an email to [email protected].
On a related note, von Mering encouraged those in attendance to attend a program May 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Westfield Technical Academy featuring speaker Lisa Dieker, Ph.D., who will present a lecture on “Learning to Let Your Child Lead His/Her Future: Advocacy and Success for Individuals with Differing Abilities.” von Mering said the program will provide parents with an overview of the practices of inclusive schools including the range of ways services are delivered and provide practical ideas to support parents working collaboratively with their child and their school to create as much independence as possible.
