Successories winners for the third quarter of the 2016-17 school year are, from left, Michele Nasner, Ashley Meyer, Kim Nichols, Kim Tyrell and Alicia Spraker
The third quarter winners in the “Successories” program have been selected for the 2016-17 school year, honoring a custodian, a school secretary, a special education teacher and two secondary teachers.
At the close of each quarter, a winner of a $25 restaurant gift certificate is randomly drawn from among the completed “Successories” forms at each school building. Carbon-copy forms and collection boxes to recognize district “Successories” — a combination of the words “success” and “accessories” — are in each of the main offices of Broadalbin-Perth’s four schools. Students, parents, community members and other faculty and staff are invited to fill out the forms to honor faculty and staff members for helping others become a success.
One person from among the completed forms each quarter also is selected to receive a personal day, which Superintendent Stephen Tomlinson will cover.
Michele Nasner, physical education teacher at BPMS, won this quarter’s personal day off. Middle school secretary Kim Nichols, intermediate school custodian Kim Tyrell, high school English teacher Alicia Spraker and TLC special education teacher Ashley Meyer all won gift cards.
Nasner received a Successory thanking her for assisting the school secretary with making sure things ran smoothly during state testing. Nasner, however, simply said she likes to help out and would have done it for anyone. “I usually like flying under the radar; I don’t need a pat on the back,” she said.
Nasner called winning the day off “phenomenal” and that she plans to go kayaking in the Adirondacks, provided she gets a day with plenty of sunshine. “It’s kind of like winning a million dollars in June,” she said of the prize.
Nasner said although Mr. Tomlinson likely will enjoy stepping back into his former role (He was a middle school physical education teacher before becoming an administrator), he might be surprised at the rambunctiousness and energy level the students have at the end of the school year. “It is nice for (Tomlinson) to see where we’re coming from and what we deal with on a day-to-day basis,” she said.
Nichols’ winning Successory recognized her for the work she does arranging coverage for teachers throughout the middle school, even when there aren’t enough substitutes. Nichols, who has been the BPMS secretary for the past 18 years, said she doesn’t feel handling this goes above and beyond. She is, however, grateful for the recognition. “It does make me very happy that others notice what I do for students and staff,” she said.
Nichols has been supportive of the Successories program, often giving them to co-workers. “I like that it’s not just for teachers. All staff should be acknowledged, so (Successories) is a real positive,” she said.
Tyrell, who works second shift as a custodian at the intermediate school, received a Successory for helping an Odyssey of the Mind team that met at the school many evenings while Tyrell was on duty. “Kim has gone above and beyond for us! Looking for supplies, cleaning up with us, helping to secure space to practice. We are so lucky to have her help and support,” the Successory noted.
Because working the later shift doesn’t typically afford opportunities to work with students, Tyrell said she was grateful to be part of the OM team’s journey. “I cried — I couldn’t believe it,” Tyrell said. “It feels good to be appreciated.”
A veterinary technician for 24 years before coming to work at the school district seven years ago, Tyrell said she likes that employees can express their gratefulness through Successories. “I hope that people will look at this and think that we all should be helping others and have a good attitude,” she said.
The Successory note Meyer received recognized her for “making a difference in students’ academic growth … She is able to take on any assignment … and is well prepared to meet her students needs.”
“I was really appreciative,” Meyer said of the honor, adding that teaching is her passion, so nothing she does ever seems like extra work. “Everyone goes above and beyond; it’s just what we do. But for someone to take the time is very nice.”
Meyer is a 2011 Broadalbin-Perth graduate who wanted nothing more than to return to the district to teach. After covering maternity leaves last year, this is her first year as second-grade literacy specialist. “I love B-P. It’s a unique district where we all appreciate teamwork and work together to make a difference in students’ academic growth,” she said.
Spraker has taught English at BPHS for the past 15 years and is an adviser for the Alliance Club. She received a Successory from a parent who expressed appreciation for Spraker putting her students above all else. “When chaperone and transportation plans started falling through for students wanting to attend the ‘Break the Silence’ rally on April 7, she stepped in … and with her passion made the trip happen by volunteering to drive a district van and rearranging her personal life to chaperone,” the Successory note read.
Spraker said the Breaking the Silence trip can be pivotal for some students, and she didn’t want any of them to miss it. “Going to this event is the most emotional thing in their lives. They can tell their story, and it can be the first interaction they have with a group in which they are totally accepted,” she said.
While Spraker said it is nice to be recognized, more than anything she was thrilled that one particular student was able to go because she was able to take the students to the event that evening. “Getting the Successory was nice, not for me, but just knowing that this student had support. It’s a nice ending to a sweet story,” she said.
All members of the B-P community are encouraged to take the time to recognize the good work of others by participating in the Successories program. All employees of the B-P school district are eligible for the day off; though Tomlinson is not licensed to drive a school bus, Director of Operations and Safety Mike Carney will fill in if a bus driver is chosen as one of the quarterly winners.
The next drawing will take place the third week of June when a grand prize winner of a $100 gift certificate also will be chosen from all Successories submitted during the 2016-17 school year.
