Marcia BarenBregge, Parent
Former PTA President/Spec. Ed. Paraprofessional
Marlton Elementary School
Prince George's County Public Schools
Nominated by Aurora Reed, Reading Teacher
- Marcia BarenBregge recently won the Prince George’s County Public Schools Outstanding Supporting Personnel Award. In 1999, Ms. BarenBregge’s last of three children graduated from the school, but she stayed on. During those 17 years she has volunteered weekly in the classroom and served as the PTA president. In 2007, BarenBregge was hired as a special education paraprofessional. Teachers and administrators said she became an indispensable asset, this led to the award nomination. It is Ms. BarenBregge’s responsibility to assist special education students stay focused when in regular classrooms; her creative influence can also be found all over the school – from bright colored murals displaying students’ accomplishment - to honor roll lists that adorn the walls of the school.
Kim Bettencourt, Parent
Padonia International Elementary, Cockeysville Middle School and Dulaney High School
Baltimore County Public Schools
Nominated by Jeannie Dolan, Padonia International Elementary
- Mrs. Bettencourt is definitely a parent making a difference. She has been an active PTA Board Member at Padonia since 1993 and with that an active parent. She is “the voice” of Padonia in recruiting parents to participate and volunteer. Mrs. Bettencourt is also involved at Cockeysville Middle School where she chairs two committees. According to her colleague, “if we could bottle up Kim’s energy and her dedication to Maryland schools it would be worth millions.”
Shelia Chandler
Parent Volunteer
Burnt Mills Elementary School
Montgomery County Public Schools
Nominated by Glenis Quimby, MCPS
- Shelia Chandler is an avid, consistent, dependable, and supportive parent volunteer at Burnt Mills Elementary School. Her daily presence has contributed an immeasurable amount of hours allowing our teachers to carry out the reading instructional program. She has worked relentlessly in the reading room by assisting teachers in collecting appropriate instructional materials for each quarter, and helping students select independent reading materials to encourage reading at home. Ms. Chandler not only supports the reading room, but spends ample hours in the classroom assisting teachers. Her unselfish support has made a valuable difference in the daily function of the school.
Denise Daniel, Parent
Harlem Park Elementary Baltimore City Public Schools
Nominated by Helen Davis, BCPS
- Ms. Daniel is a parent volunteer and a “main-stay” at Harlem Park Elementary. According to school staff, “her enthusiasm and dedication is hard to surpass.” Ms. Daniel will help out in the classroom, the office, the cafeteria, and she even helps out the schools’ custodial staff when needed. She also is known to cook for the staff if she thinks they need a lift. She will turn in any direction to help Harlem Park’s students.
Joyce Leathers
Parent, PTO Member, Volunteer
Charles Carroll Middle School
Prince George's County Public Schools
Nominated by Anita Naves, PGCPS
- Joyce Leathers is a parent who is very involved in her children’s education and school activities. She is also an active member of the Parents and Teachers Organization (PTO). Ms. Leathers volunteers her time between two schools, helping out wherever needed. In addition, she works diligently to increase membership and parental involvement. Ms. Leathers is one of Charles Carroll Middle School’s finest example of parental involvement.
Sam Macer, Parent
Woodlawn Middle School
Baltimore County Public Schools
Nominated by Barbara Scherr, MSDE
-Mr. Macer is the Parent Involvement Chair of the Baltimore County PTA. He is an extraordinary advocate for parents and helping parents understand their role as equal partners in education. He is commended for his outreach in bringing parents together to educate them on important issues on NCLB and the role of parents as decision makers. Mr. Macer has reached out to schools in need of strengthening their parent involvement efforts. Mr. Macer was honored during Foster Parent Appreciation Month by former Governor Ehrlich to highlight the important service he and his wife provide to their two foster daughters.
Deborah Norris
PTO Vice President/Parent
Oxon Hill Middle School
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Nominated by Janice Gaskins, PGCPS
- Deborah Norris has partnered with Oxon Hill Middle School to provide an array of personal hygiene items and clothing to the students. Ms. Norris donates school uniforms, and serves as the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Vice President. In addition, Ms. Norris is a very active parent in the community as well.
Eileen Harmon Redmond
PTO President
Oxon Mill Middle School
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Nominated by Janice Gaskins, PGCPS
- Eileen Harmon Redmond, after an unplanned event, stepped in as Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President at Oxon Hill Middle School, on short notice. Mrs. Redmond planned and carried out a fall festival for the school, which was very successful. The festival consisted of vendors, a food court, a moon bounce for the students, as well as games and prizes. DJ Captain Fly of WPFW Radio did an onsight air segment to highlight the festive event.
Van Bokkelen Elementary School, PTA
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
Nominated by MSDE
- The Van Bokkelen Elementary School Parent Teacher Association will receive the Phoebe Apperson Hearst-National PTA Excellence in Education Partnership Award. It is the PTA’s highest national award recognizing family, school and community partnerships that support student success. The PTA created partnerships with the state’s education department, community-based organizations including the local Boys and Girls Club and the YWCA, local and national businesses, and a community college. Those partnerships helped parents obtain their general elective diploma; provided workshops and presentations on topics that support student learning and positive youth development. In winning the award, the Van Bokkelen PTA was able to effectively demonstrate the difference that family-school-community partnerships can make. The Van Bokkelen PTA will receive a monetary award, as well as attend the 111th Annual PTA National Convention and Exhibition in St. Louis to receive an award.