The Ansonia Board of Education named its 2010 – 2011 Teacher of the Year last week and recognized scholars, a teacher and community members involved with Prendergast Elementary School.
Teacher of the Year
Amy Cosciello, a first-grade teacher at Mead School, was named the 2010 – 2011 Teacher of the Year.
“Her smile radiates. It radiates right through her children,” said Superintendent Carol Merlone in her introduction of Cosciello. “Parents and children love Amy. She’s kind and caring and she’s concerned about each and every student. And she lives the life of a teacher every single day.”
Prendergast Recognitions
The school’s mission “urges all parents, staff members, and community members to become collaboratively involved” in the students’ learning, according to Prendergast Elementary Principal Lawrence DiPalma.
To that end, DiPalma recognized student achievement and the work of teachers, parents and community members in the school.
CMT Scholars
DiPalma recognized 22 students who met “advanced” levels — the highest possible level — on Connecticut Mastery Tests last year.
They are:
- Timmy Betancur
- Emily Lucke
- Samantha Rowland
- Victoria Zelanin
- Elizabeth Cavanaugh
- Marie-Ekaterini Coniku
- Tamarrah Haynes
- Stepanie Umeugo
- Bryson Cafaro
- Joseph Fasciano
- Jessica Vives
Parent Involvement
DiPalma also recognized parent Lynne Resnick for her involvement in the Building Data Team, PTO and the classrooms.
Teacher
Jessica Koziel was recognized for implementing a “math mentors” peer tutoring system, which partnered high performing students in fourth through sixth grade with low performing students in the lower grades.
Community Member
Retired teacher Laura Lane was recognized for her involvement in the district.
Lane’s work “inspires each of us,” DiPalma said.