Teacher of the Year: MARIA O’ROURKE

Maria O’Rourke, a 1st grade teacher at Charles Wright Elementary School, has been selected as Wethersfield’s 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year. 

Ms. O’Rourke started her teaching career in Bloomfield and came to Charles Wright in 1999.  Over the last 10 years, she has presented to staff on Action Research, 1st grade Reader’s Workshop, Character Development, Memory Boxes, Memoirs, Mentor Text, and Literacy and Music Connections.  She secured a $500 grant from the CT Reading Association in 2003 and 2005, published a report with INTASC on Arts Education Standards, and had her Arts Integration lesson published by Dr. Sue Snyder.

Ms. O’Rourke earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and French, and her Masters in Education from St. Joseph College.  She also went on to earn a Masters +30 at the University of New England.

As Charles Wright’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. O’Rourke’s message is that “all children can learn if we set high standards and keep students motivated.  It is important to expose students to different cultures, traditions, and ideas so they can more easily adapt to the ever-changing society.”

Support Staff Recognition Award: CHERYL CHADSEY

Charles Wright School is proud to announce Cheryl Chadsey as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Support Staff Recognition Award.  Cheryl is a seasoned educator who always puts children first.  Her combination of high-energy and a serious work ethic keeps students motivated and on task.  Furthermore, Mrs. Chadsey is always willing to go beyond the call of duty and work past her scheduled work time to assist students and staff in need.  Last year and again this year, Cheryl stepped up and volunteered to run the Charles Wright after school homework club two days a week.  She does not limit the homework help to any specific number of students or a specific student population, but instead offers help to all who needed it.  This year alone there are 34 students who eagerly await Mrs. Chadsey’s leadership and support.

Parent Recognition Award: LORETTA SKOWRONEK

Charles Wright School is proud to announce Loretta Skowronek as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Parent Recognition Award.  For the past 2 years, Loretta has served as co-president of the Charles Wright PTO.  Loretta always shows enthusiasm, dedication and the ability to “get things done”.  She continuously is supportive of the arts and has shown that she is kind, helpful and always ready to listen.  There is no task Loretta would refuse to do – from “pulling weeds” in the school garden to chairing multiple PTO committees, she always steps forward wherever there is a need. Loretta’s enthusiasm is contagious and her work ethic outstanding. This certainly was demonstrated by the fact that Loretta organized and worked at both a school and community booth at the Cornfest simultaneously!

Student Excellence Award: JACOB SKOWRONEK

Charles Wright School is proud to announce Jacob Skowronek as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Student Excellence Award.  Jacob is serious about education.  In school, Jacob can be found reading with first graders and playing in the school band.  For Jacob, learning extends far beyond the classroom.  He is involved with scouting, helping neighbors with yard work and working at almost all school and church sponsored events.   Jacob says he values the small family feeling at Charles Wright and the closeness of his neighborhood.  Jacob sets a fine example for all to follow.  

Student Excellence Award: MADELINE TURCOTTE

Charles Wright School is proud to announce Madeline Turcotte as the recipient of the 2009-2010 Student Excellence Award.  Madeline is a kind, polite young lady who is very well liked by her peers.  She has been involved in Student Council, helping teachers set up their classrooms in the fall and other school sponsored events.  Outside the classroom, Madeline participated in the cove cleanup, and donated her hair to “locks of love”. After school hours, Madeline can be often be found spending time with an elderly neighbor.  Madeline believes her school and community involvement are important in helping her achieve her future goal of becoming a teacher.