{"id":2683,"date":"2016-06-03T21:07:28","date_gmt":"2016-06-04T01:07:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/?p=2683"},"modified":"2016-06-03T21:07:28","modified_gmt":"2016-06-04T01:07:28","slug":"charles-countys-thomas-gordon-named-2016-winner-of-parent-involvement-matters-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/charles-countys-thomas-gordon-named-2016-winner-of-parent-involvement-matters-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Charles County&#8217;s Thomas Gordon Named 2016 Winner Of Parent Involvement Matters Award"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><em>Ceremony Honors Parent Volunteers For Positive Impact On Maryland Public Schools<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>For Immediate Release \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Cell: 410-241-7108<\/p>\n<p>Baltimore, MD<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/marylandpublicschools.org\/MSDE\/programs\/pima\/gfx\/ThomasGordonSrCharlesCounty2016.jpg\" alt=\"Thomas Gordon, Sr., of Charles County\" width=\"120\" height=\"146\" align=\"left\" hspace=\"6\" vspace=\"6\" \/>Thomas Gordon, Sr., of Charles County on Friday night was named statewide winner of the ninth annual Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Awards (PIMA) program.<\/p>\n<p>Gordon, a volunteer at Indian Head Elementary School, developed the Keeping Kids in Coats Program, designed to help clothe economically disadvantaged students in the cold weather months.\u00a0 He also serves as a robotics coach, volunteers in the school\u2019s PBIS program, and is a fixture in the school community.<\/p>\n<p>Timothy J. Rosin, principal at Indian Head, said that Gordon\u2019s involvement is deep, spending year after year on a variety of programs designed to make the school a better place to learn.\u00a0 \u201cThe Maryland Parent Involvement Matters award is the most logical plan of action&#8211;to recognize him for the impact he has made in the lives of some many of our students,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>Gordon was selected among the five finalists announced at the gala awards ceremony at Martin\u2019s West.\u00a0 The finalists were narrowed down from a list of 24 semifinalists announced last month.\u00a0 The other finalists were:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li>Chen Chen,\u00a0 County Schools, Anne Arundel County<\/li>\n<li>Cheri Pegues, Towson High School, Baltimore County<\/li>\n<li>Earnest Moore, County Schools, Prince George\u2019s County<\/li>\n<li>Donna Turnamian, Evening High School, Wicomico County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 align=\"center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/marylandpublicschools.org\/MSDE\/programs\/pima\/video2016pimafinalists.html\"><br \/>\nPIMA Videos: 2016 Finalists<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cMaryland schools are at their best when parents and other volunteers are working to improve each classroom for every child,&#8221; said Governor Larry Hogan.\u00a0 &#8220;I congratulate Mr. Gordon, along with all of the finalists, for outstanding contributions to our State&#8217;s students, schools and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Acting State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon noted that parent involvement is critical to Maryland\u2019s educational success.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThomas Gordon has been willing to do whatever it takes to improve the entire school community,\u201d Dr. Salmon said.\u00a0 \u201cStrong parental involvement strengthens our classrooms and schools, and Thomas never stops working to make Indian Head better for all students. His tireless commitment is an inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>PIMA is the nation\u2019s first and only statewide award program of its kind, honoring parents and guardians for their critical work.\u00a0 The PIMA Program recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland, nominated for their contributions in one or more of the five areas of parental involvement:\u00a0 Communication; Volunteering; Learning; Decision Making; and Community Collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>Many of the honorees from previous years have become parent involvement advocates on the statewide level \u2013 serving as members of task forces, presenters at statewide meetings, and participants in education conventions as well as focus groups.<\/p>\n<p>The PIMA Program is supported by: Martin&#8217;s West, Maryland PTA, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland&#8217;s 24 School Systems, Rudolph&#8217;s Office and Computer Supply, and Target.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nIn addition to Thomas Gordon, the semifinalists for the Parent Involvement Matters Award were:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 align=\"center\">2016 Parent Involvement Matters Award (PIMA) Local Honorees<\/h3>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong><br \/>\nCharity Walters and Angela Frost<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>John Humbird Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Allegany County<\/strong><br \/>\nThis dynamic duo, Charity Walters and Angela Frost, spearhead John Humbird\u2019s volunteer program by providing helping hands to support students and teachers. Together, they share in decision making roles at the school and district level by serving on school level committees as well as the district\u2019s Parent Advisory Council where they network with other local parent advocates on school initiatives.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chen Chen<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Anne Arundel County Public Schools<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Anne Arundel<\/strong><br \/>\nUpon completion of Anne Arundel County Public School\u2019s International Parent and Community Leadership Academy, Chen Chen recognized a need to bring together parents of the Chinese community who are otherwise spread across the County and not connected.\u00a0 She created an online community for Chinese parents living in the County to network with one another and share educational resources and information.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aaron I. Simpson<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Edmondson-Westside High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Baltimore City <\/strong><br \/>\nAaron Simpson\u2019s involvement in Edmondson-Westside High School\u2019s <em>Life Skills Program<\/em> has been pivotal in leading parents to support their children who have an intellectual disability.\u00a0 During parent nights, cultural shows, and other related school-based activities, Mr. Simpson is actively sharing his experiences and expertise on how parents can be responsibly accountable for their children\u2019s learning needs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cheri Pegues <\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Towson High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Baltimore County<\/strong><br \/>\nRecognizing the many needs of Towson High\u2019s diverse community, Cheri initiated <em>Adopt a Family,<\/em> a community drive to assist several families with various supports from clothing to school supplies. Her organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound decision-making have resulted in numerous donations benefiting students and families at Towson.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tammy Brunstrom<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Huntingtown High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Calvert County<\/strong><br \/>\nTammy is a volunteer extraordinaire. From her current position as PTSA President and officer for the Booster Club, she has organized fundraisers, served on school level decision-making committees, and held many PTA\/PTSA board positions, never losing sight of what she does benefits all parents and students.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kristen Robinson<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Greensboro Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Caroline County<\/strong><br \/>\nShe may be soft-spoken and quiet, but behind the scenes, Kristen provides Greensboro with a great deal of love and support through her tireless efforts of organizing Family Fun Day.\u00a0 The schools biggest fundraiser, school staff, families, and business and community partners enjoy a day of fun while raising money to support educational programs at Greensboro.\u00a0 In its third year, a new addition will be Kiss the Pig. It\u2019s sure to have the kids and parents squealing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Daniel Simon<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Eldersburg Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Carroll County<\/strong><br \/>\nDaniel Simon is a groovy parent volunteer at Eldersburg Elementary who has made a significant contribution to the school community by organizing and holding an annual event called Groovy Science Night. Through this project, students have the opportunity to experiment with topics such as thermal imaging, environmental science, and chemistry.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Timothy Dominick<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Leeds Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Cecil County<\/strong><br \/>\nThrough his work with Orbital ATK and his support of public education, students in Cecil County benefit from Timothy Dominick\u2019s desire to bring STEM to all children. From having all of the kindergarten classes at Leeds have their names travel to space as virtual crew members to organizing a school-wide assembly for NASA\u2019s Orion EFT-1 Launch to arranging for an astronaut to speak with second grade classes, Mr. Dominick is providing opportunities so students can take-off as our future STEM leaders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kimberly Conner<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>North Dorchester High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Dorchester County<\/strong><br \/>\n\u201cApproaching Arts and Athletics\u201d is a project that has developed and evolved over the last six years thanks to Kim Conner.\u00a0 Her efforts to organize, facilitate and communicate fundraising incentives to students, parents, and the community has afforded students band trips to Florida and transportation to local parades, nursing homes, and community centers, not to mention lending her professional talents as a Nurse Practitioner to assist coaches on the playing field.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jeff Downing<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wolfsville Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Frederick County<\/strong><br \/>\nWolfsville Elementary, located on top of a mountain in North-West Frederick County, now serves as a hub in the community thanks to Jeff Downing\u2019s efforts. Through his door knocking, leg work, and trips to the market, Jeff created <strong><em>All Pro Families Breakfast<\/em><\/strong> which brings together 70-80 family members, staff, and students to enjoy a hot breakfast to discuss interesting topics and current events, with the purpose of uniting the community around children.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Regina Holliday<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Grantsville Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Garrett County<\/strong><br \/>\nFrom the brush to the canvas, Regina Holliday brought art to life by organizing the <strong><em>Granstville Art Walk Project<\/em><\/strong> to raise awareness for the fine arts in the community. Working with all classes, splashing colors and creativity, student masterpieces along with local artists work were displayed at local businesses and later auctioned. Her efforts raised over $600 to benefit students and the fine arts program at Granstville Elementary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sandi Easton<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Bakerfield Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Harford County<\/strong><br \/>\nSandi Easton has been instrumental in the transformation of family engagement at Bakerfield Elementary. From serving on the school\u2019s Improvement Team to fundraising for educational resources, to starting a PTA with active staff and parent membership, Sandi is a valued asset and greatly admired by staff and parents alike.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Scott Brown<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Swansfield Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Howard County<\/strong><br \/>\nScott Brown is one mighty dad who started <strong><em>Mighty Men.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0 This program focuses on providing positive male role models for students and providing an extra set of eyes and ears to enhance the school\u2019s safe and nurturing environment while reducing bullying.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Stephanie A-R Edwards<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Kent County High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Kent County<\/strong><br \/>\nStephanie Edwards is not one to allow a little hard work to scare her away! She was quick to offer up her expertise and agree to serve as Treasurer for the high school\u2019s newly formed Athletic Boosters where she has been instrumental in taking on tedious tasks like filing paperwork to become a new 501( c)(3) as well as helping to form the new bylaws.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lori A. Green<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Northwest High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Montgomery County<\/strong><br \/>\nThere was no way parents of the African American Parent Council were going to move forward in planning a summit without Lori Green.\u00a0 As the <strong><em>heart and soul<\/em><\/strong> of this Council, Lori spent countless hours at Northwest organizing the Council\u2019s Summit to begin a dialogue among parents, students, and teachers to discuss the issues related to achievement gaps of many African American students.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Earnest Moore<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Prince George\u2019s County Public Schools<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Prince George\u2019s County<\/strong><br \/>\nEarnest Moore, also known as <strong><em>Mr. PTA<\/em><\/strong>, is a staunch advocate and unstoppable volunteer making a positive impact on public education.\u00a0 Having served as the district\u2019s PTA President, Mr. Moore has not slowed down in his involvement.\u00a0 From serving on the district\u2019s Parent and Community Advisory Council to a newly formed Student Safety Task Force to connecting with parents representing diverse cultures and languages, Mr. Moore has been an integral partner in education representing the voices of parents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cinda Anthony<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Sudlersville Middle School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Queen Anne\u2019s County <\/strong><br \/>\nSpring arrived at Sudlersville Middle School\u2019s spring concert when Cinda Anthony brought the stage to life with a flower garden complete with a picket fence and giant sunflowers.\u00a0 Not to mention, when the choir gowns needed some alterations, there she was to lend a helping hand.\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s sewing a gown for a student or making sure the trees on the stage have lights, Cinda is tireless and works until the job is done!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jason Mandeville<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Mechanicsville Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>St. Mary\u2019s County<\/strong><br \/>\nWhat gets kids talking at Mechanicsville Elementary is how Mr. Mandeville exploded a pumpkin and a jack-o-lantern face appeared! Sharing his passion for learning about scientists and how they have impacted our lives has enlightened second through fifth grade students in the school\u2019s Science Club.\u00a0 It\u2019s no wonder students at Mechanicsville can\u2019t wait to get their Science Club reminder of what the next Tuesday Science Club will bring!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Timothy Bozman<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Princess Anne Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Somerset County<\/strong><br \/>\nThere\u2019s nothing like having the Chief of Police as an involved parent at school!\u00a0 Tim Bozman blends his professional networks to support outreach and awareness programs to benefit students and parents at Princess Anne Elementary. He can also be found on the field coaching extracurricular sports for kids all the while he has been working on and just graduated with his Bachelors in Science Degree. Congratulations Tim!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Suzanne Wieland<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Chapel District Elementary School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Talbot County<\/strong><br \/>\nNo better person to take on fundraising for an improved playground at Chapel District other than Suzanne Wieland. Thinking \u201coutside of the sandbox\u201d, Suzanne coordinated <strong><em>Pennies for Playgrounds<\/em><\/strong> raising over $45,000 from spare change brought in by students to donations from businesses. As this project is now underway, you can find Suzanne at Chapel District helping where needed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jennifer Poffenberger<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Boonsboro High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Washington County<\/strong><br \/>\nBoonsboro High has all-star player Jennifer Poffenberger on their team.\u00a0\u00a0 Jennifer serves on the school\u2019s Improvement Team, assists as a parent advisor for the school\u2019s Student Government Association, and most recently, scored big with raising money to install a new state of the art scoreboard and sound system in the athletic stadium. Way to go Jennifer!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Donna Turnamian<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Evening High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Wicomico County Public Schools<\/strong><br \/>\nWe know that \u201cIt takes a village to raise a child\u201d, and as a part of that village, Donna Turnamian didn\u2019t need to be asked twice by her church to lend a hand for the County\u2019s Evening High School. As a school that does not have a traditional PTA, where parents may work multiple jobs, and some students\u2019 parents are not in the picture. Donna has helped bring together caring adults who serve as \u201csurrogate\u201d parents, secured personal items for students, and provided support to students so they graduate and receive their diploma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Janice Clark<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Stephen Decatur High School<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Worcester County<\/strong><br \/>\nStephen Decatur High is lucky to have Janice Clark who is their \u201cJanice of all trades.\u201d\u00a0 Her positive spirit brings crowds of students and adults to the school store to purchase school merchandise, and if not at the school store, she can be found in the drama department where she spends much of her time helping with productions from carpentry to photographer to seamstress.\u00a0 She is available all hours of the day and late night too, but only for her Stephen Decatur family.<br \/>\n<a title=\"Thomas Gordon, Sr., Charles County hi-res photo.\" href=\"http:\/\/marylandpublicschools.org\/MSDE\/programs\/pima\/gfx\/ThomasGordonSrCharlesCounty.jpg\"><strong>Thomas Gordon, Sr., Charles County hi-res photo<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">\u00a0###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ceremony Honors Parent Volunteers For Positive Impact On Maryland Public Schools<br \/>\nFor Immediate Release \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Cell: 410-241-7108<br \/>\nBaltimore, MD<br \/>\nThomas Gordon, Sr., of Charles <a href=\"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/charles-countys-thomas-gordon-named-2016-winner-of-parent-involvement-matters-award\/\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8230;Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,5,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-announcements","category-news","category-newsreleases"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2683","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/56"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2683"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2683\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2700,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2683\/revisions\/2700"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2683"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2683"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2683"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}