UCS staff honored for making a difference in special educaction

Fifteen UCS Special Education teachers have been honored for the difference they make in our community.

The teachers were honored through the Macomb County “Make a Difference” Award program, given annually to individuals who have had a positive effect on the lives of special needs students.

Below are the honored teachers and comments from their nomination forms:

Theresa Waite, Teacher at Beck Elementary – “Mrs. Waite goes to work every day with one single mission – to get the very best out of our students, whatever that is. She does this because she loves her students and sees their immeasurable value, whatever their challenges.”

Wendy Stemmerich, Teacher at Eisenhower High School – “Her name should be on the diploma with my son. Her e-mails at times have brought me to tears…it’s hard to believe that one person can care so much about her students. Mrs. Stemmerich is that person."

Angela Cheslock, Teacher at Bemis Junior High School – “My student is on the honor roll every time because of Mrs. Cheslock.”

Delaney Maki, Teacher at Havel Elementary – “I see a huge difference in my son. Every day I get a note from Ms. Maki on how my son is doing, what he did and what her plans are to help him get what he needs to achieve his goals.”

Lynn Fonacier, Social Worker at Stevenson High School – “Lynn is so kind and caring to every person she encounters. My son knows he has a trusted adult in her and that he can go to her anytime he needs anything. His high school experiences has been better because of Lynn and we will be forever grateful for her kindness and compassion.”

Kim Kauflin-Potapa, Paraprofessional at Oakbrook Elementary – “My son loves her. She is easy to work with and is hard working, loyal, sweet, and just an all around great person.”

Douglas Kish, Teacher at Henry Ford II – “Mr. Kish is a great role model for my son. He takes the time to speak to him on a personal level. He has made a great impression on him and we are forever grateful.”

Jennifer Ritchie, Teacher at Morgan Elementary – “Mrs. Ritchie treats all students as her own. She takes away from her own personal time to listen and understand my challenges. She communicates my concerns to others so my husband and I don’t have to navigate issues alone.”

David Murray, Teacher at DeKeyser Elementary – “Mr. Murray brings laughter and excitement to the classroom. He takes the time to listen and know hi students and stubbornly does not accept more than their best.”

Kristin Oprita, Teacher at Heritage Junior High School – “Mrs. Oprita works hard for her students. She is always there for them, is not afraid to go to bat for them, and takes the time to make sure all of her students are doing their personal best.”

Shannon Pihalja, Teacher at Burr Elementary – “She is always there for my child. She shows so much affection and treats him as though he is her own.”

Sara Saunders, Teacher at Henry Ford II High School – “You just knows how much she cares for the well-being of her students. My so has had a great high school career. He has gown and matured with the guidance of the great teacher team at Henry Ford II.”

Catherine Schreiber, Teacher at Henry Ford II High School – “Mrs. Schreiber shows her students that there is someone there to help and listen when they need it. She is always there at any moment whenever you need her.”

Heather Webber, Speech Pathologist at Eisenhower High School – “I feel that she really cares about my son and our entire family, for that matter. My son will graduate this year, but I am excited for the families of her next caseload to experience the love and support that we did at Eisenhower High School.”

Source: Utica Community Schools

Mr. Robert Monroe, Superintendent of Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org