Volunteer Marylou Hatton (center) is congratulated for the VIPS “Unsung Hero”award. (L-R) Franklin Avenue Principal Chris Tolpa, First grade teacher Wendy Bard, Hatton, WPS Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and School Committee member Cindy Sullivan. (Photo submitted).
WESTFIELD – Wednesday morning, Tiger’s Pride at Westfield Technical Academy served brunch to a special group of volunteers, the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS). At the breakfast, VIPS Coordinator Tina Macy recognized VIPS volunteers for completing 7,764 hours of community service this year throughout the district.
Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski thanked the volunteers “for making our schools a better place for our students to learn.”
Macy then announced that the 2018 Virginia Trela “Unsung Hero” award would go to Marylou Hatton, a volunteer at Franklin Avenue Elementary School.
In nominating her, Franklin Avenue first grade teacher Wendy Bard said Mrs. Hatton has been an asset to her first grade learning community for nearly nine years. “She brings years of experience and knowledge to the 23 learners at Franklin Avenue School,” Bard said.
“Mrs. Hatton joins our busy classroom weekly and students are always eager to work with her. She supervises students working at centers, reads with students and often provides the entire class with warm stories and shares her love for reading. Every year, Mrs. Hatton tells the students about the book sale at our local library and encourages them to create their own library at home.
“Mrs. Hatton not only supports the students when they read and write but she is also a listening ear. More importantly, students will share connections to stories as they read and Mrs. Hatton will provide her life experiences with the students. She tells stories about trips to other countries and stories about her adventures with her four sons and grandchildren. Students appreciate their time with Mrs. Hatton and view her as a kind, warm and a caring person,” Bard continued.
Bard also shared thoughts from some of her students about their volunteer, Mrs. Hatton.
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan, VIPS Coordinator Tina Macy and WPS Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski at the VIPS volunteer appreciation brunch on Wednesday. (Photo submitted)
Bella said, “She’s a good helper because she helps students when they have trouble with words.”
Stella said, “We like to read to her and she likes it because she loves us and reading.”
Gianah said, “She tells us about things like plants and she listened to me read a chapter book and told me it was a good book.”
Sophia said, “Mrs. Hatton told me the second grade teachers will like how I read this book. She told me to keep reading if you want to read chapter books and always practice.”
Esperanza said, “When I was reading with Mrs. Hatton, it felt amazing. It was nice because she asked me questions and she smiles at me.”
In bestowing the award, Tina Macy also presented Franklin Avenue Principal Chris Tolpa with a plaque to hang at the school for one year.
More information about VIPS and how to volunteer at the schools is available online at www.schoolsofwestfield.org, by calling 572-6345 or by email at [email protected].
