{"id":952,"date":"2015-06-05T00:52:20","date_gmt":"2015-06-05T04:52:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/?p=952"},"modified":"2015-11-06T11:57:28","modified_gmt":"2015-11-06T16:57:28","slug":"06_05_2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/06_05_2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Montgomery County&#8217;s Andrew Niebler Named 2015 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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Cell: 410-241-7108<\/p>\n<p>Baltimore, MD<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Andrew Niebler\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OvAo0CWTSQQ\">Andrew Niebler<\/a> of Montgomery County on Friday night was named statewide winner of the eighth annual Maryland <a title=\"Parent Involvement Matters Awards (PIMA)\" href=\"http:\/\/marylandpublicschools.org\/MSDE\/programs\/pima\/index.html\">Parent Involvement Matters Awards (PIMA)<\/a> program.<\/p>\n<p>Niebler, a volunteer at Westland Middle School, developed the Westland Cares program, designed to help students and their families gain stability by providing goods and services to those in need.\u00a0 It has the added effect of helping them feel welcome in their community.\u00a0 Westland Cares began as a holiday card-giving effort but quickly expanded to include a food and household item pantry, a holiday gift-giving andwrapping program, scholarships for afterschool activities, book fair certificates, and more.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAndrew has never looked for a quick fix\u2026 it has always been about neighbors connecting with neighbors,\u201d said Alison Serino, principal of Westland Middle.\u00a0 \u201cA secondary gift of Andrew\u2019s work with Westland Cares is the consciousness he has raised with other families.\u00a0 He calls on neighbors to help, and they do not disappoint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Niebler 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 earlier this week.\u00a0 The other finalists were:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li><a title=\"Joseph Cline\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qPz6gsdjUS4\">Joseph Cline<\/a>, Holly Hall Elementary School, Cecil County<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"June McClosky\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/aGruvt2haTo\">June McClosky<\/a>, Southern Garrett High School, Garrett County<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Sharmella Riggs\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/kQgkMdm8wVk\">Sharmella Riggs<\/a>, Leonardtown High School, St. Mary\u2019s County<\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Stephanie Truitt-Drimal\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/UTJeJ9CC3sI\">Stephanie Truitt-Drimal<\/a>, Cedar Chapel Special School, Worcester County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cParents and other volunteers make an important difference in the success of our students,&#8221; said Governor Larry Hogan.\u00a0 &#8220;I would like to congratulate all of the finalists for their continued involvement and significant contributions to Maryland\u2019s students, schools and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery noted that parent involvement is critical to Maryland\u2019s educational success.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAndrew Niebler saw a need, filled it, and then found new ways to improve that initiative,\u201d Dr. Lowery said.\u00a0\u201cStrong parental involvement strengthens our classrooms and schools, and Andrew never stops working to make Westland Middle better for students and the community. His commitment inspires us all.\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\u2019s West, BGE, Comcast, Rudolph\u2019s Office and Computer Supply, Maryland PTA, Cullins Trucking, Inc., Harvest Enterprises, Inc., The Mid Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc., and Target.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In addition to Andrew Niebler, \u00a0the semifinalists for the Parent Involvement Matters Award were:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><span style=\"color: #dc143c\"><strong><br \/>\n2015 Parent Involvement Matters Award (PIMA) Local Honorees<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong><u>Malinda Darber &#8211; Northeast Elementary School &#8211; Allegany <\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nAs President of the PTA, Malinda organized numerous fundraisers and ensured funds be used to support all students. She helped organize and carry out several movie nights at Northeast and organized various holiday activities, including a holiday shop for students during Christmas.\u00a0 <u><\/u><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><strong><u><br \/>\nKerry Petz \u2013 Arnold Elementary School &#8211; Anne Arundel<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Kerry is quite the advocate.\u00a0 She was a leader in encouraging a feasibility study for school construction for Arnold Elementary, galvanizing parents, governing bodies and school leaders. Success on this level led her to advocate for improved sidewalks and crosswalks to enhance walker safety.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nAnne Matthews \u2013 Gardenville Elementary School &#8211; Baltimore City<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Volunteering countless hours of her time in the classroom, hallways, running the school store and helping in the cafeteria only touches the surface of Anne\u2019s participation.\u00a0 Leading a beautification project, she orchestrated the painting of hallways and lockers with the school colors and worked to create a mural for the annual Scholastic Book Fair.\u00a0<u><\/u><\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nMonica Leigh \u2013 West Towson Elementary School &#8211; Baltimore County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\n\u201cGoing green\u201d is the theme for Monica Leigh, who created an \u201cupcycling program.\u201d\u00a0 This involves training the school\u2019s team of Greener Cleaners &#8212; three or four students from each class &#8212; to assist with upcycling waste in the cafeteria: from chip bags to energy bar wrappers. Her efforts go a long way in recycling and at the same time, contribute funds to her school.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nKimberly Koteff \u2013 Plum Point Elementary School\u00a0 &#8211; Calvert County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nWith more than 100 new families coming to Plum Point, Kimberly organized a welcome barbeque for new families and students to meet current families and students as well as teachers, administrators, and staff members.\u00a0 She also helped raise money for technology needs such as iPads and Smartboards, thereby encouraging the installation of wireless internet throughout the building.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nDanielle Jacobsen \u2013 Ridgely Elementary School &#8211; Caroline County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Danielle was integral in forming the PTA Facebook group, which quickly relays information to parents and helped to greatly increase parent and teacher involvement.\u00a0 She spearheaded a fundraiser that doubled fundraising goals and is also became the school\u2019s unofficial graphic designer \u2013 creating school spirit wear, flyers, posters, and yearbook layouts.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nSara Zaranski \u2013 Robert Moton Elementary School &#8211; Carroll County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nSara created a parent volunteering project for grade level teams that enhances communication and parent volunteering needed at the school.\u00a0 She compiled a volunteer schedule, suggesting ways parents can support teachers and students and upgraded communications about upcoming events so they run smoothly and seamlessly. <u><\/u><br \/>\n<u><\/u><\/p>\n<p>Joseph Cline \u2013 Holly Hall Elementary School &#8211;\u00a0 Cecil County<br \/>\nJoseph is the spirit and volunteer behind the creation of a rain garden habitat and outdoor classroom to assist Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education initiatives at the school. Joseph identified experts in the community who donated their time to help plan and create the habitat, in addition to securing materials for little or no cost from local businesses or organizations. Both the school and the environment have benefited greatly.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nYolanda Judge \u2013 C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School &#8211; Charles County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Yolanda assists teachers in the classroom, helps administration with office needs, and serves as PTO President. Under her leadership, the PTO membership has tripled, participation and feedback during PTO meetings has significantly increased, and the quality of parent nights greatly improved.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nShelli Blake \u2013 Warwick Elementary School\u00a0 &#8211; Dorchester County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nGood marketing and a new name made a huge difference as Shelli overhauled a less effective parent organization with a new brand &#8211; <em>Parents Assisting Warwick Students, or PAWS<\/em>. In its first year, more than $15,000 was raised to purchase student materials, provide funds for field trips, offer assemblies, and sponsor Spring Fest.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nTracy Herald \u2013 Kemptown Elementary School &#8211; Frederick County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Tracy planned and executed the school\u2019s first STEM night &#8211; a successful parent outreach activity. Through her work as an employee of WeatherBug, the world\u2019s largest weather and climate-sensor network, Kemptown became a weather reporting station used by students on a daily basis.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nJune McClosky &#8211; Southern High School\u00a0 &#8211; Garrett County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nJune\u2019s daughter, Samantha, dreamed of attending art school and pursuing a career in the arts.\u00a0 After losing her in a tragic car accident, June turned her grief into something positive \u2013 creating the\u00a0 Samantha Funding the Arts Foundation, which has brought grants to schools for art and music supplies, provided field trip opportunities, and helped bring special performances to schools and the community at large.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nSusan Kipp &#8211; Youth\u2019s Benefit Elementary School &#8211; Harford County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nAs STEM Club Coordinator and STEM Representative in the school\u2019s PTA, Susan created a school Facebook page connecting and encouraging families to participate at monthly after-school STEM events.\u00a0 She also established a partnership with Aberdeen Proving Ground scientists, who bring scientific demonstrations and lessons to students in grades K-5.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nRichard Ryans &#8211; Ducketts Lane Elementary School &#8211; Howard County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Richard took the reins and charted a new course for his school\u2019s PTA. He established an official PTA Charter and helped families get to know each other, the new school, and its staff.\u00a0 He also successfully led the development of a PTA Strategic Plan, focused on building a strong school community and shaping parent involvement initiatives for the year.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nAlberto Rosanova \u2013 Worton Elementary School &#8211; Kent County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Alberto has been a leading member of Worton\u2019s Watch D.O.G. Program, which was developed by the National Center for Fathering and designed to increase the number of positive male role models in schools.\u00a0 Alberto has logged more hours than any of the other volunteers and is the first to arrive and the last one to leave at all activities.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nLatrena Hines-Bean &#8211; Columbia Park Elementary School &#8211; Prince George\u2019s County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Latrena mobilized parents, students and staff and formed the Columbia Park Elementary Beautification Committee that transformed the school grounds, which had become a dumping place for trash. She managed to recruit the largest turnout of parents, staff, and students for a Beautification Party that has had a lasting impact on the school.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nDominique Ellingsworth-Mohen &#8211; Sudlersville Elementary School\u00a0 &#8211; Queen Anne\u2019s County<\/u><\/strong><br \/>\nDominique\u2019s trademark volunteer project is Sudlersville\u2019s Earth Day Celebration. From scheduling experts of the Department of Natural Resources, to recruiting volunteers and organizing activities, she is involved in every aspect of the event. Her goal is to make sure the celebration provides an educational as well as a fun learning experience for the students.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nSharmella Riggs &#8211; Leonardtown High School \u2013 St. Mary\u2019s County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Sharmella, an Aircraft Systems Acquisition Manager at the Naval Air Warfare Center, volunteers on the school\u2019s Executive Diversity Council as the STEM Educational Outreach Team Lead. She also serves as the Ladies of Excellence program mentor, helping female students with workshops ranging from budgeting to dressing for success and from resume writing and job applications to workplace etiquette.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nTara Evanusa &#8211; Greenwood Elementary School &#8211; Somerset County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>When asked to serve as the PTA president, Tara wasted no time in recruiting parents and family members. Within the first month of the school year, the PTO membership increased significantly \u2013 the largest jump in five years.\u00a0 With new parents on board came new ideas, more increased fundraising activities, and a greater sense of community involvement.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nColleen Gabler \u2013 Easton Middle School \u2013 Talbot County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Colleen\u2019s volunteer efforts are highlighted through the school\u2019s basketball program. Recognizing that middle school students need a safe place to be on a Friday night, and that basketball provides just such a haven, Colleen is involved in every detail of the program.\u00a0 She even makes certain that after practice, all participants have a hot meal before they leave and a safe ride home.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nLauren Myers &#8211; Pangborn Elementary &#8211; Washington County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>When Pangborn\u2019s PTA dissolved and only a skeleton group remained, Lauren stepped up and became its president. Since then, parents have hosted many successful events as well as a variety of fundraising programs which have contributed significantly to the school. Lauren was able to create success through structure and accountability<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nDr. Glenn Hornstein &#8211; Westside Intermediate School &#8211; Wicomico County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Four years ago, Glenn, an emergency room physician, created a vibrant Westside Chess Club.\u00a0 A Chess Tournament came next and this year included more than 100 students from all parts of Wicomico County. \u00a0Glenn is convinced that chess enhances memory, boosts spatial and numerical skills, increases problem-solving, and strengthens logical thinking. Many teachers agree, noticing academic improvement among Chess Club students.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u><br \/>\nStephanie Truitt-Drimal &#8211; Cedar Chapel Special School\u00a0 &#8211; <\/u><\/strong><strong><u>Worcester County<br \/>\n<\/u><\/strong>Stephanie knows first-hand the challenges facing families needing resources and support for their special needs students.\u00a0 She created a network of parents and organizations called Parents Helping Parents, which has greatly improved communication and awareness among families and organizations. As a result, contributions have poured in for needed technology that can help instruction.<\/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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Cell: 410-241-7108<br \/>\nBaltimore, MD<br \/>\n<a title=\"Andrew Niebler\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OvAo0CWTSQQ\">Andrew Niebler<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/06_05_2015\/\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8230;Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"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":[5,9],"tags":[47,49,48,50],"class_list":["post-952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-newsreleases","tag-2015-winner-of-parent-involvement-matters-award","tag-parent","tag-parent-volunteers-for-positive-impact-on-maryland-public-schools","tag-volunteers"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/952","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\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=952"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":954,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/952\/revisions\/954"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/msde\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}