Charlotte County Public Schools

Nominated by Ashley Daley
 
Melissa Slicker is a shining example of all CCPS core values. She is exceptionally skilled in collaborating and communicating with her colleagues and students. Melissa is always the first to share any new ideas she comes across and any new platforms she learns about, and she is always prepared to assist anyone in learning and applying that new material. If Melissa doesn’t know an answer, which is rare, she will find the answer for you! In between her many roles and responsibilities, such as Senior Class Sponsor and PPC Co-Chair, she recently kickstarted a new initiative at LBHS, “What’s good with Lemon Bay?,” a weekly email chain which LBHS staff can reply-all to with good news and updates on our school, classrooms, and students. It has fostered a sense of community and pride, bolstering the already strong sense of positivity at Lemon Bay. Melissa is a skilled English teacher whose communication and collaboration is central to the success of not only her classroom or her department, but the success of the school as a whole.

Nominated by Ryan Handy - Construction Specialist at Construction Department

Over the entire time I have worked in the Maintenance and in the Construction Department, I have noticed Mr. Billy Williams go above and beyond to make everyone feel like they have the ability to grow.  Mr. Williams on numerous occasions put me in a better position to succeed and make tough decisions. He backed me no matter what the outcome was.  Mr. Williams encouraged me to grow as a staff member, inspiring me to become a Facilities Specialist, taking a supervisory role within the Maintenance Dept., then asking them to offer me another more challenging, tougher role as a Construction Specialist on the hurricane recovery side.  Mr. Williams additionally has recommended that I prepare myself for the next step as construction manager in the coming months.  I am not the only person with this story.  I have witnessed Mr. Williams do the same for many other staff. He believes whatever the case may be, it's always for the betterment of the children.

Nominated by Assistant Principal Michael Henry of Lemon Bay High School

Mr. Hoffman often connects our community and ties it to the classroom. For example, a community member reached out to Mr. Hoffman, asking if the school would be able to prepare over 2,000 strawberries for their upcoming community event. Mr. Hoffman organized his ServSafe-certified students and incorporated this project into a lesson. This was a great way for our students to practice and improve their culinary skills while helping our community. He has participated in community cook-offs where he has the students prep and organize for events that serve well over 200 people and produce products. Mr. Hoffman consistently goes above and beyond to bridge the gap between our school and the community, fostering a strong sense of partnership. His dedication to incorporating real-world projects like strawberry preparation and community cook-offs not only enhances our students' practical skills but also instills in them a deep sense of civic responsibility. Under his guidance, students not only learn culinary techniques but also develop invaluable teamwork and leadership skills, preparing them for success beyond the classroom. The success of events organized by Mr. Hoffman, such as the community cook-offs, showcases his exceptional ability to inspire and mobilize both students and community members toward a shared goal. His commitment to providing students with hands-on, meaningful experiences demonstrates his unwavering passion for education and community engagement.

Nominated by Kaitlyn Chavarria (Language Arts teacher at CHS)
 
 We are excited to announce the recipient of our May "Living Within Our Values" award: Mrs. Summer Nicklas! 
"Mrs. Nicklas, a veteran teacher of CCPS, championed a new initiative called Tarpons for our Troops, providing care packages for Tarpon Alumni soldiers currently deployed overseas in our nation's military. Parents rallied behind the cause, offering logistical support and encouragement. School staff provided organizational assistance, ensuring smooth execution. Students inspired by their teacher's passion mobilized to collect supplies and letters. Local businesses contributed resources and support. Tarpon Alumni enthusiastically joined in, strengthening the bond between past and present students. Through one teacher's vision, this initiative united the school community and reinforced the enduring legacy of Tarpon Alumni.”