Golden Apples Awarded
At the Dec. 6 meeting of the Putnam City Board of Education, five employees were awarded Golden Apples by the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation. Each honoree received a brass apple and a check for $200.
Here are the honorees along with the write-ups that Foundation representatives read at the board meeting:
Sandy Cook
Teacher, Mayfield Middle School
During her 19 years at Mayfield, Sandy Cook has accepted numerous responsibilities such as textbook chair, team leader, tutor, math chair, union representative and committee member. This year, Sandy has demonstrated the characteristics of an outstanding teacher by accepting the responsibility to teach a new math class. This math program using accelerated math technology allows students individualized instruction. She has gone above and beyond by taking on curriculum mapping in the math department at Mayfield Middle School along with volunteering to tutor for the CRTs last spring.
Sandy also volunteers at every home sporting event collecting money managing the front gate. The funds that would be spent on event workers are now used for student athletes at Mayfield. This year she assisted the spirit club purchase pom-poms.
This worthy Golden Apple recipient can be described in one phrase: she’s a great teacher and "volunteer extraordinaire." Congratulations, Sandy Cook!
Andria Phillips
Teacher, Putnam City West High School
Andria Phillips is the consummate professional. She has taught in the Putnam City district for nine years and is currently at Putnam City West High School. Her constant and ongoing effort to achieve excellence for the Putnam City West choir is evident by the program’s growth and quality. She has implemented many new programs; among them is the Tri-M Music Honor Society which recognizes the students’ academic and choir performances. Not only does she orchestrate the Fall Dessert Review, Spring Dinner Theater, and the Yuletide Celebration which is an integration of all arts, she has also coordinated the expansion of the choir booster club.
Helping her students grow and mature is more than what she does, it’s who she is. Her selfless devotion and dedication to our students is respected and admired. Congratulations, Andria Phillips!
Linda Rogers
Teacher, Putnam City West High School
Linda Rogers’ service to education is unmatched. She has dedicated 38 years to education. Many of our Putnam City art teachers and student teachers were trained by Linda. Her desire to reach beyond expectations and serve as a role model for her peers year after year is an example of her commitment. As a visual arts educator, Linda began painting the Putnam City West High School’s courtyard windows 35 years ago, and has always taken on responsibilities that have made a difference.
Linda has also served and/or chaired the following organizations and associations, Oklahoma Art Education Association, Young Talent, PC District Oklahoma Art Education Association, Fine Arts Curriculum/Assessment Committee, Visual and Performing Arts Festival, Textbook Adoption Committee, District Arts in Education Planning team and Putnam City West Academic Council.
Please congratulate this phenomenal teacher, Linda Rogers!
Dr. Diane Welker
Principal, Central Intermediate
Dr. Diane Welker has devoted 21 years to the Putnam City School District. She has served as a teacher, Arts in Education coordinator, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal. Diane is also a trainer for the Great Expectations Principals’ Academy, and has labored greatly to have her entire staff attend Great Expectations.
After initiating Central Intermediate’s Title I program, she continues to find the necessary funds to make a positive difference. A few examples of her tireless work are the Principal’s Reading Challenge, Cub Clubhouse, and an independent PTSA program. Diane has also written several grants including a Putnam City Foundation grant and an Oklahoma Technology Grant. Her relentless efforts are making Central Intermediate students the very best they can be.
As Central Intermediate student Katelyn Kirklin would say, "She deserves this award for being such a hard-working and kind principal." Congratulations Dr. Diane Welker!
Sheila Zummer
Teacher, Hilldale Elementary
Sheila Zummer is an outstanding Title I teacher and vice-president of the PTSA at Hilldale Elementary. Her mission is working with struggling readers at the 4th and 5th-grade level. She also plans for approximately 15 reading groups per day.
In 1998, Sheila started the Hilldale book room and has taken a tremendous amount of time ordering books and continuously updating teacher resources. She has also taken on the responsibility of Reflections for Hilldale this school year. Another endeavor is teaching writing prep for the CRT. Spearheading a mentor program with Hilldale’s partner in education, Dominion Oil, she trains volunteers annually and consults the staff to match students to volunteers. In another attempt to promote success, Sheila made arrangements for Dr. Debbie Silver to present "positive parenting" at Open House. It was a huge success!
Serving on the staff development and hospitality committee proves that her involvement goes beyond the classroom. Congratulations, Sheila Zummer!
Do You Want to Nominate Someone?
Golden Apples are given twice a year to employees and volunteers who promote excellence in education. Any employee, patron or student may nominate someone for the awards.
Nominations for spring Golden Apple Awards are due no later than Friday, April 8. To download a copy of the Gold Apple Nomination form, visit /pdfs/Golden%20Apple%20Nomination.pdf