Staff Awards and Accomplishments
Gale Gerhardt (in photo at right), first grade teacher at Kirkland Elementary School, won a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award. She received $1,000 to use for school needs. Diane Mueller, a Northridge Elementary School third-grade teacher, has also been recognized as a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, and likewise received a $1,000 check to purchase classroom items. Dee Dee Stafford, a Spanish teacher at Putnam City North High School, was a Sam's Club High School Teacher of the Year and also received a $1,000 check for the school.
Nona Burling of Ralph Downs Elementary School received an Administrator Award at the State Superintendent Awards for Arts in late April.
At the 2005 Oklahoma Education Association Awards Banquet, Vivian Rice was recognized for Excellence in Education with the "Teachers Teaching Students Award." "Rice was honored for "Composing Your Own Song. "
Putnam City North English teacher Randy Baker was one of four Oklahoma educators took top prize in a teacher award program co-sponsored by the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education and the Oklahoma Council for the Social Studies. Baker was presented the "Golden Apple Teacher Appreciation Award", along with $500 and a trophy, at a reception at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank-OKC Branch. The award recognizes teachers who use innovative ways to incorporate economics and financial literacy concepts into the classroom.
Kathy Shofner of Central Middle School was the Heartland Rotary Club Teacher of the Month in March. Troyce Tate of Will Rogers Elementary School was honored by the club in April, and Susan Baker of Putnam City North High School was honored in May.
Health Coordinator Georgene Westendorf passed the examination to become a Nationally Certified School Nurse. She is now one of only seven national board certified school nurses in Oklahoma. Certification represents a national standard of preparation, knowledge and practice.