1999 PPP VIP Award Winners
By Vickie Dickneite
March 05, 2008
1999 VIP Awards
All who contribute to their schools' Practical Parenting Partnerships efforts are special people. A few individuals have been selected by their peers as outstanding role models for others in their school communities. We are proud to honor the following PPP V.I.P.'s
Carolyn Clark - Lincoln Accelerated Elementary, Normandy School District
For the second year in a row, Carolyn Clark, parent liaison, is being honored for her contributions. Mrs. Clark is a very outgoing, energetic person who is devoted to PPP. According to co-workers at the school, she will do whatever it takes to make PPP a successful program. "Mrs. Clark does the best!", says Ramona Spencer.
Alyce Herndon - Moline Elementary, Riverview Gardens Schools
Alyce Herndon is the PPP liaison for Moline Elementary. Dr. Dennis Dorsey, Assistant Superintendent at Riverview Gardens states that "Alyce truly stands out as an advocate for parent participation. What separates Alyce from the pack is that she genuinely cares about ALL children - she has been an individual who has consistently been a 'cheerleader and evangelist" for improving and expanding the kinds of partnerships schools seek to have with families. She has not only done this for the schools where her children attend, but she has been a spokesperson for PPP throughout the district." Whether organizing a large school event, planning back-to-school rallies, preparing a 'test preparation video' for parents, or working toward passage of a bond issue, Alyce demonstrates that "she cares deeply about the mission of this school district and continually gives of her time and talent to support the district's goals."
Judy Marks - James E. Freer Elementary, Windsor C-1
Judy Marks is one of those persons who likes to stay in the background, but in reality is the backbone of the many aspect of Freer. Besides being a Free PPP Facilitator, she coordinates the Parent Volunteer Program. She started the program and continues to give many hours of her time to keep it a valuable resource at Freer. Judy also coordinates the Read to Succeed Program. She is one of those unique people who you can ask to do something and it gets done--you know you can count on Judy Marks!
Judi Myers - Smithton Elementary, Smithton R-VI
Judy Myers has been the inspiration for PPP in Smithton. When Saundra DeLarm first began as principal, Judi was the teacher who approached her with 'I would really like to get PPP started'. She worked diligently on a PPP grant application that was approved and expanded PPP to grades 7-12 the second year. Judi surveys parents regularly to see what their interests are and plans her activities to meet their interests. Judi will be retiring after this year and her enthusiasm and effort at Smithton Elementary will be sorely missed.
Sherry Nulsen - Smithton Elementary, Smithton R-VI
Sherry has been with the PPP program at Smithton since it began. She first served on the advisory board as a parent. She was faithful in her attendance at all discussion meetings and fun activities. Then she began volunteering to help with activities, followed by leading a discussion meeting and attendin a fall regional PPP meeting. Sherry is now a paraprofessional in the building. Judy Marks said, "She has not only been a great supporter of PPP, but has given me a lot of encouragement."
Candy Perris - Kingston K-14 Elementary, Kingston K-14
Candy Perris has been nominated by several people at Kingston. She receives high praise for her years of volunteering. Her helpfulness and creativity make her an asset to both teachers and students. "There is nothing she will not do for a teacher or a student--if it can be done, she can find a way!" they say. Candy is friendly to everyone and works hard for PPP, including starting a PPP newsletter that goes out monthly to each student, from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Bobbie Small - Lewis & Clark Accelerated Elementary, Riverview Gardens
Bobbie Small, PPP Parent Liaison, is full of energy. According to the school counselor, despite working at a school that had minimal parental involvement, Bobbie tirelessly organized activities designed to draw parents into the building. When another person might have given up, Bobbie continued to develop new ideas to involve parents and kids. She has been integral in organizing such activities as Doughnuts with Dad, Make It and Take It Nights, Read and Discover nights, an overnight lock-in, and a Gingerbread Store for Christmas shopping and fundraising.
We know that the enthusiasm and personal commitment of a school's principal will often determine the willingness of both staff and families to build partnerships for student success. The PPP Center recognizes several school principals who have been strong advocates of PPP in their district and in their region.
Steven C. Davisson - Principal, Ray Miller Elementary, Kirksville R-III
Steve has not only been the driving force behind the success of PPP at his school, but has also been a supporter of PPP at the state level. He has been a willing recruiter for PPP regional meetings. When asked to serve as a spokesman for PPP at the Missouri Council of School Administrators and PPP Center's series of workshops last year, Steve enthusiastically agreed. PPP salutes this busy administrator with time to promote parent involvement at the state level.
Robert Tate - Principal, West Plains Elementary, West Plains R-VII
Robert was one of the first principals to see the wonderful connection between Parents as Teachers and Practical Parenting Partnerships. He has been a staunch supporter of the growth of PPP within not only his building, but throughout the district and the surrounding area. West Plains sponsored an on-site PPP Implementation Training for their entire staff. Parent involvement is alive a growing through the leadership of Robert Tate!
Roger Vanatta - Principal, Stockton Elementary, Stockton R-I
Roger has been an exemplary administrator in participating in PPP at his own school and being a regular participant in the PPP Regional Meetings for several years. He has partnered with his staff in making personal calls to neighboring schools to share his PPP experiences, and he has often promoted PPP to fellow administrators at state conferences and meetings. Roger is a PPP partner!
The SPECIAL PPP VIP awards are presented to individuals who have given their time and expertise to promote Practical Parenting Partnerships at the state and national level.
The 1999 recipients are two outstanding leaders.
Ted Bowman - Trainer and Consultant, St. Paul, Minnesota
Ted Bowman is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in group dynamics and facilitation. He has shared his knowledge with PPP since its inception, contributing written material for the original training notebook and being a trainer for the original PPP training in October, 1992. He continues to serve on the PPP Advisory Board, on which his contributions have been highly valued. This year his facilitator information on grief will be added to the PPP notebooks. Anyone who has attended his conference workshops in the past undoubtedly will agree that Ted Bowman is an exemplary VIP.
Virginia Shain - Ph.D., Retired, University Extension, Kansas City
Virginia Shain is a remarkable woman, a leader in women's rise to administrative presence in education. She was one of the first women to earn her credentials as a school administrator, having to fight for her right to do so. She has applied her enthusiasm and her wisdom to Practical Parenting Partnerships. Virginia is a PPP State was one of the original PPP State Trainers and has served on the PPP Advisory Board for six years. She has been a strong advocate of PPP in the Kansas City area, always willing to help any school with its PPP effort.
