School Extra Miler awards
A number of Extra Milers awards have been given to school personnel at recent Morgan County School Board meetings.
Substitute teacher Richard Gramling was awarded an Extra Miler at the Berkeley Springs High School local school improvement council (LSIC) meeting on April 3.
Gramling was recognized for giving extra help to teachers, for stepping in during a teacher’s leave and for being dedicated to the students and faculty of the school.
Teacher Neil Heard was also awarded an Extra Miler for being an exceptional Spanish teacher who pushed students to excellence. Heard was a class advisor and head tennis team coach for the high school.
Chemistry teacher Kelly Cooney was given an Extra Miler for helping students learn concepts more easily and being caring. Cooney went above and beyond her job, was a role model for others and “was a true symbol of what teachers should be like.” She also was active in the community.
School Superintendent David Banks recognized the new high school administrative team of Principal Lance Fox, Assistant Principal Kristen Tuttle and Assistant Principal Jamie Harris as Extra Milers.
Banks said the three administrators exemplify the meaning of the word teamwork and lead by example. They positively influence everyone that comes into the school. Harris shared his own interests with students. Tuttle was professional, friendly and followed through. Fox was direct, respectful and compassionate and leads them to do their best, he said.
Pleasant View Elementary
Custodian Rocky Fox was honored with an Extra Miler award at the March 20 Pleasant View Elementary local school improvement council meeting.
Fox keeps the school looking good, makes the kids feel at home and safe and talks to them if they feel down. He’s also made their Apple Butter Parade float and put up a school trophy case, which he bought himself. Fox was applauded for going above and beyond in his duties.
Guidance counselor Jenna Epstein also received an Extra Miler award for “wiping tears and calming fears” and being someone in whom students can confide. As a new staff person, she had an instant rapport with staff and students. Epstein was called a “wonderful addition to the Pleasant View family.”
Cook Connie Wilson was awarded an Extra Miler for feeding 100 extra people at the school’s annual grandparents’ luncheon. Wilson puts in extra time, serves two desserts at their Christmas meal, improved the chicken fajitas and is said to make the best cinnamon rolls in the county.
Substitute custodian Gary Thompson also received an Extra Miler for moving the third grade furniture, artfully buffing the cafeteria floor and taking pride in keeping the school clean. Thompson is always looking to see how he can help the custodians.
The Extra Miler award is given to individuals that consistently go above and beyond their job expectations and who are a positive representative for their school and Morgan County Schools.
Other
At the March 6 Warm Springs Middle School local school improvement council meeting, Principal Gene Brock and Assistant Principal Rhett Beckman were recognized with a letter of appreciation by a group of teachers.
The teachers felt they were “two of the best administrators we’ve ever worked for” and said they always found time to listen to their concerns. They were a great team and led everyone to work together for the benefit of students.
