The district recognized students of the month, teachers of the year and more
The majority of the February Palmyra Board of Education meeting was dedicated to recognizing students and staff for their achievements.
Principals Ken Holloway and Mark Pease recognized the students of the month from Palmyra High School and Charles Street School. The students of the month for January were fourth grader Connor McCann, sixth grader McKenzie May, seventh grader Ian Elstone, ninth grader Abby Willse and 11th grader Joshua Ross.
The district also recognized fourth-grade teacher Debbie Falcone and fifth-grade students Maura Russell, Brayden Minnix and Ryan Quigg.
Last year, the three students from Charles Street School learned about the dangers of polystyrene in food containers while in Falcone’s fourth-grade class. They decided they wanted to ban the product in schools, and got assemblyman Troy Singleton on board. Earlier this month, the students testified in front of the Environment and Solid Waste Committee in an attempt to ban the use of polystyrene in New Jersey schools. They received a unanimous vote for the bill to move forward.
A representative from Singleton’s office attended the Board of Education meeting to present the students with certificates.
“Thank you for your hard work in representing the school proudly and, most importantly, recognizing something with the help of your teacher that is an environmental concern,” Superintendent Brian McBride said.
Pease recognized the Teacher of the Year from Charles Street School, Joe DeFranco, saying DeFranco has touched a lot of young lives.
“I call him the musical genius of Charles Street School. He’s done so much for the fine arts in our town and in our school district,” Pease said. “You’re still, in my eyes, one of the best music teachers I’ve encountered.”
DeFranco has been with the district for 27 years and says what he loves most about his job are the “amazing students” as well as sharing his passion.
Pease also recognized the Educational Services Professional of the Year, Lisa Childs.
“She may not be the loudest person in our school or the most boisterous person in our school, but she is an impact player and makes a difference,” Pease said.
Holloway recognized Mike Tumelty, the Teacher of the Year from Palmyra High School who has been with the district for 29 years. Tumelty teaches history, special education and is in charge of the Palmyra Learning Academy.
“I look to him for advice, for wisdom, for assistance when needed,” Holloway said. “[He] has always been there for me, and I appreciate that from the bottom of my heart.”
Holloway also recognized Samantha Crean as the Educational Services Professional of the Year at Palmyra High School.
“She’s more than just a counselor,” Holloway said. “She’s there for [the students] when they have difficulties … they can go to her. She’s got a trusting and comforting environment that the students gravitate to.”
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.
