-
June - Farina Education Center & Buildings and Grounds
Dianne Maylen – Information Services Specialist
Dianne Maylen is a critical member of the Data & PowerSchool team. She played a crucial role in transitioning to PowerSchool often working from home to meet deadlines. She continues to assist with the report card rollout, student registration & making sure we stay compliant with PIMS reporting. She is dependable, hard-working and a valuable asset to the team.
Pat Gavanus – Secretary to the Director of Pupil Services
This Award of Excellence is given to Pat Gavanus as a small token of appreciation for everything she does to support Methacton School District staff, students and families, the Pupil Services Department and its Director. Pat's is a dedicated employee who has a strong work ethic. She has extensive knowledge of the department's processes, procedures and timelines and does an excellent job adhering to these protocols and ensuring that everyone else follows them too. She knows how to appropriately handle confidential information and complex student-related matters. In addition, Pat is a multi-tasker who knows how to deal with the constant interruptions that occur in the Pupil Services office at least a 100 times a day. Pat is, without a doubt, a tremendous asset to the District and the department!
Brad Casagrande - Arcola Custodian
Brad Casagrande has been employed by Methacton School District since 2002, beginning his career as a bus driver. Brad was hired as a Custodian in 2010, working in the Arcola building. In his time here, he has performed well in multiple areas, serving on the second shift and working with Methacton staff, students as well as outside groups. These requested services have always been successfully completed and always with a smile. Brad always helps and can be counted on, no job has been too big or too small. Most recently, Brad passed the Pa Pesticide Applicator tests and now is able to help out the district even more through this cross training effort.
May - Methacton High School
Rhonda Asher - Secretary to the Principal
Mrs. Asher exemplifies dedication to Methacton School District. She has served for many years in multiple roles within the District. Ms. Asher's true sense of selflessness and dedication to duty are manifest in her propensity to work well before and beyond the standard work-day to meet the unique and diverse needs associated with the principal’s office. Rhonda Asher is a trusted leader at the High School and her grace under pressure and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to the students and staff of Methacton High School.
Leah Millrood - Methacton High School Counselor
Ms. Milrood is a compassionate and dedicated school counselor. She serves as an advocate for her students and, whether she is assisting with the college search and application process or working to ensure the continued good mental and social health of her students, Ms. Milrood works diligently to ensure that her students are successful and that they receive the individualized attention they need. Over the past two school years, she has also assisted in a leadership capacity with the implementation and integration of the PowerSchool student information system. Leah Milrood is a valued member of the Methacton High School family.
April - Arcola Intermediate School
Sharon Branca - Seventh Grade Teacher
Ms. Branca has served is our district for 19 years. She has a passion for math and truly loves kids! You can find her creating fun ways for kids to learn in her classroom, coaching on the tennis courts, assisting with the science fair, chaperoning dances and mingling with the kids at lunch every day. She is one of the leaders for the Maine Exchange Program and rumor has it she has done a split on the dance floor! She too is a Philly fan!
Ben Horn - Arcola Custodian
Mr. Horn has served in our district for 17 years. He is always willing to assist others in any way he can. He is caring, kind and considerate. Mr. Horn is also a Philly fan and loves to cheer on his favorite sports teams such as the Eagles! This year he stepped-up and filled-in for our head custodian. He is a true team player and you can find him at Arcola each day with a smile.
March - Skyview Upper Elementary School
Jen Volpe - Fifth Grade Teacher
Ms. Volpe instructs 5th grade ELA and social studies. She consistently meets the needs of a diverse group of learners. She is a genuinely warm, caring teacher with a flair for teaching writing. Ms. Volpe engages students in cooperative learning and is a highly effective communicator with families.
Betsy McGarvey - Instructional Aide
Ms. McGarvey serves as an instructional aide. Her calm demeanor and caring nature help her to make connections with students and to help them through the student day. She focused on supporting students both academically, socially and emotionally. Ms. McGarvey also regularly assists with covering other classes.
February - Worcester Elementary School
Sue Fazio – Worcester Office Assistant
Sue is retiring as one of Worcester’s Office Assistants at the end of this year. She comes to school EVERY day with a positive attitude and smile! Sue’s connection with our students begins with the office and continues into lunch and recess. She supports students with requests to call home and missed bus or car pick-ups. Sue is the model office greeter making families feel welcome. Sue also shows off her culinary skills by treating the staff to rice krispies treats, gingerbread men, and her infamous pasta. Yes, she did make it to Bobby Flay’s cooking show – she’s that good!
Jen Slater – Worcester Reading Specialist
Jen is the most flexible, yet structured teacher we know at Worcester. As our building reading specialist, she leads the way for our benchmark testing throughout the year. She collaborates with classroom teachers to sort through data and enhance instructional strategies. Jen is never too busy to assist a colleague. She is also always willing to plan events to celebrate reading! Jen’s professionalism goes above and beyond each day at Worcester.
January - Woodland Elementary School
Noreen Fusco - Woodland Recess Aide
Noreen has been Woodland’s recess aide for years. Her primary goal is always keeping kids safe on the playground. She is conscientious, fair, and hard working. For four hours a day, Noreen walks around the Woodland property, whistle in hand, monitoring students during their free recess time. She is alert and pays attention to every student to make sure they are enjoying their free time in a safe way. If a child gets injured, she is quick to respond. You can hear Noreen over the radio communicating with the nurse, secretary, counselor, and principal. During indoor recess, Noreen can be found walking from room to room keeping the volume down while ensuring the students have safe, indoor fun. Noreen is respectful to both students and teachers and is a key member of the Woodland staff.
Rebecca Flaherty - Grade 3 Teacher
Mrs. Rebecca Flaherty is a third grade teacher at Woodland. Although Becca is an experienced educator, there are many “new” things that have happened to her this year. She has faced every challenge with grace and professionalism. First, Becca was an Audubon teacher and is now part of a whole new faculty at Woodland. This is the first year she is teaching third grade with a brand new ELA resource. Not one of Becca’s former teammates is on her current third grade team. Lastly, Becca welcomed a new baby to her family last spring. Becca has handled all the change and “newness” of this year with positivity and excitement. She has made a great connection with the teachers on her third grade team and has made an effort to get to know other teachers at Woodland. Becca shares her ideas but is still eager to learn from her teammates. You can always count on Becca to have a smile on her face and look at the bright side of any situation. She is loyal, conscientious, and dedicated to teaching children. Mrs. Flaherty is the definition of a TEAM player and is an asset to the Woodland staff.
December - First Student Transportation at Methacton &
Aramark Food Services at Methacton
Carol Bickel – Aramark Food Services
Ms. Bickel makes a positive impact on the Arcola/Skyview community by enriching and nourishing the lives of our students each and every day. Since being promoted to head cook in September 2016, Carol has raised the bar for the food service program at Arcola/Skyview. Her attention to detail and focus on quality and freshness have resulted in increased student satisfaction and participation. Carol prepares over 500 meals a day and coordinates service for both schools, always with a smile on her face and willing to take on a new challenge. From batch cooking made-from-scratch chili for the elementary schools to preparing delicious pulled pork sandwiches and hearty chicken and rice soup, Carol plays a very important role in our efforts to increase our scratch cooked offerings. Her focus on delivering the best possible experience for our students and faculty makes her a true asset to the cafeteria program at Methacton School District.
Harry Williams – First Student Transportation Services
Mr. Williams has been a school bus driver for Methacton since graduating from Methacton 30 years ago. He continues to be an excellent driver for First Student so I was very excited when he applied for the Routing Assistant position within our office. Harry has proven to be a wonderful addition to our staff. He is always so friendly and courteous to parents, customers and co-workers. Harry is very dedicated and excited to learn everything he possibly can. What a joy it is to work side by side with him every day. His training, knowledge of the district, and hard work supporting this year's routing project has been nothing short of excellent. I look forward to seeing Harry succeed and move up within the company. He is a valued asset to our team.
November - Eagelville Elementary School
Annette Cramer – School Nurse
Mrs. Cramer is a supportive school nurse. She cares a lot about the Eagleville school community; students can count on her every day. She makes it her business to learn about the students and families in our school so that she can establish relationships with them that help her to serve them in the best possible way. She spearheads all of the giving programs that help families in need. She serves as Watchdog Dad program coordinator; and as a positive role model for our wellness program, Annette coordinates wellness outings and activities for staff. Mrs. Cramer is an asset to the Eagleville family and a staple in the Methacton community.
Jen Smith – Math Support Title I Instructional Aide
Even though Ms. Smith joined the Eagleville family just last year, she has had an impact on the students and staff. She assesses students for math needs and provides instructional support to them. Always professional and positive, Jen offers to help any student! She works closely with Cindy Golden to improve student achievement in math.
October - Arrowhead Elementary School
Professional Staff - Mary Beth Moyer
Mary Beth Moyer is the epitome of a natural teacher. On a daily basis she challenges her students to think, collaborate, and have fun. She incorporates a wide variety of instructional strategies to engage students in learning. Her use of technology in the classroom is exceptional. In addition, she provides students with a warm, caring, and nurturing environment. Mrs. Moyer is not only a strong student advocate but she exhibits the essence of a true team player. She always willing to help anyone in need! Thank you for all that you do for Arrowhead students, families, and staff!
Support Staff: Sandy Portzer
Ms. Portzer is a strong student advocate. The daily support and care she provides to Arrowhead students and faculty is a true inspiration. Sandy is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs assistance. She is conscientious, reliable, flexible, kind, and friendly. Our students love Mrs. Portzer! When you think of our district and school theme as TEAM (Together, Everyone Achieves, More), you think of Sandy Portzer because she is the ultimate team ultimate team player! Thank you Sandy!
