We have wonderful employees in Wicomico County Public Schools, and many of them go well beyond their job responsibilities to serve students, families and staff. As we recognize three shining examples each month of the school year with the Extra Mile Award, we’re thankful for the many staff members throughout our school system who go the Extra Mile.
At the Oct. 14 Board meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Micah Stauffer and the Board of Education were pleased to present the first set of Extra Mile Awards of this school year, for the month of September. Wicomico honored one employee from each of the three school system divisions – Academics & Instruction, Business & Operations, and Student & Family Services.
The Extra Mile actions of these award-winning employees support many of the school system’s strategic priorities: School Climate & Safety, Student Achievement, Student Engagement, High-Performing Workforce, and Parent & Community Involvement.
From Student & Family Services: Andrea “Andi” DePrima, Social Worker, Westside Primary
Westside Primary staff say they are truly thankful to have Andrea “Andi” DePrima as part of their school family. DePrima has built strong, positive relationships with Westside Primary students. She is often seen in the hallways offering guidance, encouragement, and strategies to help students manage moments of frustration. Her calm, compassionate approach helps create a supportive and nurturing school environment.
She comes to work each day with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to help others. Recently, she extended her support to the sister school of Westside Intermediate by providing counseling services for students as they transitioned to a new social worker. DePrima exemplifies what it means to go the Extra Mile, and Westside Primary and its community are fortunate to have her.
From Business & Operations: Mary Ludemann, Food Service Manager, North Salisbury Elementary
Mary Ludemann is always going the Extra Mile to make sure that the day goes smoothly for all of her cafeteria employees. She makes sure all North Salisbury Elementary students receive a hot meal, and that every item on the menu is available from the first lunch shift to the last. She always goes that extra mile to please her students, staff and all the teachers and other staff members she meets on a daily basis. In addition, Ludemann is only a phone call away to help other cafeteria managers when they have questions about how to make the best meals for their students and staff.
One more thing: For a very long time, Ludemann has made sure that everyone in the cafeteria gets “oh so special” cupcakes and cake for their birthdays or special occasion. She certainly deserves an Extra Mile award for the month of September.
From Academics & Instruction: Phil Portier, Elementary Social Studies Professional Development Coach, Central Office
Phil Portier certainly deserves to be recognized for going the Extra Mile. He filled in for the Supervisor of Secondary Social Studies while she was out on medical leave, while at the same time continuing to work in his role as Elementary Social Studies Professional Development Coach. He did a phenomenal job working with the secondary teachers, helping to make the start of the school year seamless through planning and delivering professional development for middle and high school Social Studies teachers.
In his role as the Elementary Social Studies Professional Development Coach, Portier has made significant strides in developing a comprehensive and engaging elementary social studies program that enriches student learning through inspiring teachers to bring “inquiry” alive in the classroom.
Students throughout Wicomico Schools, at all grade levels, benefited from Portier going the Extra Mile.
Wicomico Schools and the Wicomico County Board of Education thank these other Extra Mile nominees for the month of September:
Bennett Middle: Dana Bisker
Choices Academy: Tracy Finnegan
Glen Avenue Elementary: Jamie Ventra
James M. Bennett High: Abby Bivens, Sarah Webster
North Salisbury Elementary: Laura Becker, Tekeya Waters
Parkside High: Jeri Ward, Christopher Weiss, Andrea Miller
Prince Street Elementary: Montaye Purnell
Schumaker Complex: Molly Urban
Westside Intermediate: Holly Curtis
Wicomico High: Kenneth Johnson, Michael Landolt, Mike Lewis, Robyn Martin
Central Office: Cris Bryson (Accounting), Erica Cook (Human Resources), Cindy Dorry (Planning + Construction), Victoria Hudson (Transportation), Joe Vignale (Planning + Construction), Cyndi Wilmer (Facilities), Monique Workeman (Technology), Lydia Thomas (Student Records/Enrollment Compliance/Lead Data Analyst)
