Stan Ward, December Teacher of the Month has been teaching 5th grade at Riversink Elementary School since they first opened their doors in August 2008.  Prior to teaching, he worked with the Florida Department of Health while simultaneously attending evening college classes at Flagler College.

Ward is a product of the Wakulla County School District, graduating from Wakulla High School, Shadeville Elementary School and Wakulla Middle School.  Ward shares his enthusiasm for teaching.  He states, “Every day is a new adventure when you work with students.  I enjoy teaching my students real-world skills they will need to be productive citizens.”

Team Building activities have been incorporated in the 5th grade team behavior plan.  “Building social skills, teamwork and sportsmanship creates a strong learning environment that is incorporated into the classroom,” notes Ward.

Stan Ward has contributed those same team building skills to the District Teacher Appraisal Advisory Team, the Riversink Science Night and the Riversink Brain Brawl.

RES Principal Jackie High adds, “It is a pleasure to have Mr. Ward on the Otter team.  He adds a touch of humor to every situation.  He enjoys his job and it carries over into everything he does.  It has been a joy to watch him develop into a leader at our school.  His dedication is appreciated.”

Meredith Lawrence, Wakulla Education Center’s Pre-K teacher, is also a Wakulla County School District Teacher of the Month for December.  She began her teaching career in January 2008 at Pre-K.  Before that time she was a waitress at Myra Jean’s Restaurant.

Lawrence first became a part of the Wakulla School System as a kindergarten student.  She grew up in Wakulla County, graduated from Flagler College and completed her internship at Medart Elementary School.

Lawrence adds, “Every day is a new adventure filled with reading, playing, singing, dancing, cooking and arts and crafts.  I love that my students are continually learning essential school readiness skills, while they believe they’re just having fun.”

Lawrence shared interesting views about Santa from her students following a Christmas story she recently read to them.  They included:

Santa has binoculars that can see through the roof so that he can watch me at all times.

I believe in Santa.  I keep telling my mom that Santa is real, but she just won’t trust me.

Santa has to use the back door at my house since I don’t have a CHIMEE.

Santa is a little bit circle-ly and has a fluffy belly.

Reindeer use their hooves to knock Santa down the chimney.

Santa likes to eat pizza, peanut butter sandwiches and even worms.

My mom doesn’t know that Santa is real, but everyone else does.

Santa gets fat; that’s all he does.

Wakulla Pre-K Principal Kim Dutton shares, “Ms. Lawrence is well respected by her peers.  She practices self-composure in the classroom to develop self-esteem with students and creates a true classroom community.  The students in her classroom learn to take responsibility for their actions and begin thinking of others with acts of kindness.  She is a leader with technology lessons in the use of the Mimio machine.  Students practice literacy and mathematical thinking skills with the use of digital Mimio lessons.  Students can’t wait for their turn to use the stylus pen to click and drag the correct object on the whiteboard during a lesson.  She is such a gift to Wakulla Pre-K.”

When not busy enjoying the many delights of her students Ms. Lawrence contributes to the school community as a member of the calendar committee, the coordinator of Bingo for Books, the technology representative and a mentor.
                          
The December Employee of the Month is the District Maintenance Department’s Supervisor, Robert Thompson.  Thompson is a graduate of Sopchoppy and attended the Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theological Studies.  After 24 years of dedicated service as a Supervisor he retires this month from the School District.  Mr. Thompson is the first employee to receive his retirement plaque and employee of the month plaque on the same day.

During his tenure the School District has increased by five new school plants, as well as, major renovations and additions to two others.  His department also advanced HVAC systems from a simple mercury thermostat to electronic thermostats controlled and scheduled by an Energy Management System.

Thompson has many memories; some of those include going to schools in the middle of the night during hurricanes, providing housing for the Bradwell Bay firefighters, unclogging sewer drains, receiving calls when electricity was out and many many more.  However, Thompson cites the most enjoyable part of his job is the interaction with the Maintenance Staff.  He said, “I have been privileged to help select and supervise the men that are the District Maintenance crew.  They are a credit to the Wakulla County School District.  I am appreciative that I have worked for and with my supervisor, Randy Bristol, Superintendent David Miller and our School Board.  Their confidence in me has enabled me to do my job to the best of my ability.”

Executive Director of Maintenance and Facilities, Randy Bristol, notes, “Mr. Thompson has shown a lot of growth and leadership as our Maintenance Supervisor over the past 24 years.  The department has relied on his knowledge and skills.  His leadership and friendship will be missed. We all wish him good luck in his retirement.”

Superintendent David Miller and the Wakulla County School Board applaud the dedication and energy these employees bring to the District as well as the positive attitude they display on behalf of the students, schools, the profession of education and communities they serve.

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