The Making a Difference Awards recognize the many examples of individual teachers, aides, drivers, safety, and other District staff that are making a difference in the lives of our children throughout our buildings. On June 21, 2024, Superintendent Dr. Larry Washington, Board of Education President Sharon Williams, Vice President Robin White, Secretary William Hewlett Jr, and Trustee Kristie Johnson, delivered the Making a Difference Awards to each of the June recipients.
Marcel Moreau- Little Britain Elementary School
Marcel is a bustodian assigned part of his day at LB. Marcel speaks French/Creole and has been assisting teachers with his translation skills here at LB. He has assisted with several children in 1st grade who struggle making the difficult transition to school and life in New York.He has demonstrated sincere compassion to newcomer students speaking French and Haitian Creole and has positively impacted their daily lives at school. He has become a role model for many students, and for my student in particular, relating to and uplifting this student and their family while they establish themselves in the United States. Marcel consistently assists in a willing and ready manner, stepping into the role of translator and perhaps more importantly mentor and advocate as our families.
Nicole Bosi- Little Britain Elementary School
For several years, Nicole has been the advisor for multiple clubs at Little Britain - Yearbook, Little Britain Ambassadors, and Odyssey of the Mind. She has built an excellent rapport with students throughout the building. Nicole is known to spend several hours throughout the school day planning engaging lessons both for clubs and her science/social studies classes. Nicole creates a structured learning environment that accommodates students of all abilities. Students have learned to apply academic skills in a real world context. They have developed time management skills and most importantly, they have gained self confidence.
Ari Contzius & Nicole Redeker- Washingtonville High School
Mr. Contzius and Mrs. Redeker are more than music teachers, band directors or conductors. They are role models, confidants, cheerleaders, de facto parents and our best resource for all things life.The fruit of their efforts can be seen from beyond our building and district borders. This past fall Washingtonville High School had 27 students participate in the Orange County Music Educators Association's (OCMEA) honors music festival. Students are selected based on an audition to participate. Those 27 Wizards out performed a lot of students from other schools in our area. I don't have the exact numbers for how many of our students were selected as top musicians in the state to participate in the New York State Band Directors Association's (NYSBDA) All State Honors Band Festival this Spring. But we had a good handful there.If that isn't enough to convince you. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) organization awarded Washingtonville CSD their "2024 Best Communities for Music Education" award for the 11th year in a row. These are not coincidences. It's not about being recognized. I don't think that matters. It's about letting them know that they make a difference.