News & Media - Press Releases

April 12, 2006

TEACHERS RECEIVE KIDS FIRST AWARDS

Three teachers were recognized this month with the Kids First Award, a program sponsored by the CFISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) and the Special Education Department, recognizing teachers and staff members who make a difference in the life of a child (or children) with disabilities.

“These teachers and professionals do amazing things that are above and beyond the call of duty which is truly touching to parents,” said Carol Podraza, SEPAC committee member and Kids First Award coordinator. “This extra kindness, gratefulness, generosity, and helpfulness cannot be bought or asked for…it totally comes straight from the professional’s heart.”

This month’s recipients of the Kids First Award are teachers Vicki Cox from Farney Elementary, Christina Godfrey from Moore Elementary, and Carol Mumma from Fiest Elementary. Each teacher received a surprise visit from Podraza (and a group of fellow co-workers) who presented the Kids First Award, balloons, a button, and a tri-board with special words from the people who nominated them.

The goal of the Kids First Award program is to acknowledge those staff members who incorporate “best practices and innovative approaches to include all children,” according to Mike Mize, special education program director.

Past winners included Charlottie Fischer, Life Skills aide from Farney Elementary; Cindy O’Brien, principal at Sampson Elementary; Debbie Kruse, teacher from Holmsley Elementary;

Jillian Darcy, Life Skills teacher from Cook Middle School; Mosha Marshall, science teacher from Cook Middle School; and Alison Horstman, first grade teacher from Post Elementary.

Administrators, parents, teachers or other school personnel can nominate any CFISD staff member who they feel makes a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Nomination forms should be mailed to: Mike Mize, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, ISC South, 10300 Jones Road, Houston, Texas 77065.

For nomination forms go to the district website at www.cfisd.net or call Mike Mize at 281-897-6452.

Vicki Cox pictured with student Lauren Wiginton and her mother Kelley who nominated Cox for “watching over Lauren’s safety, building her self-esteem, and allowing her daughter to be her own unique self.”

Christina Godfrey was nominated by Luann Beck, speech pathologist at Moore Elementary, for “having the unique ability to recognize her students’ strengths and using them to counter their weaknesses.”

Carol Mumma was nominated by Cynthia Taylor, a CFISD parent and teacher, for “having the ability to make modifications at the ‘drop of the hat’.”

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