Creative: Donna Wojcik, Instructional Resources Service
Let us count the ways she demonstrates creativity in her thoughts and her approaches toward her job. Teachers receive candy attached to the materials in each kit; informational materials for teachers include a poem, illustration and always humor; she provides expert advice on frogs and other jumping, crawling and slithering organisms; and staff members are eager to return year after to count straws, spoons and wash aquaria. Running a kit service is so much more than counting and cleaning science materials and sending them out. The true measure of success of the service is the trust that exists between the teachers and Donna Wojcik. They know they can call her with a problem and not only will it be solved, but they will also be listened to and maybe even crack a smile! Her creativity and customer driven service are assets that make her perfect for the great job she does.

Customer Driven: Joyce Claypool, Substitute Calling
She is the definition of customer driven. She arrives at BOCES between 5:15-5:30 each morning to start calling substitutes for districts with unfilled positions. She asks, begs, convinces and cajoles subs into accepting some tough jobs. Among the lines she uses: “How bad could it be, it’s just a half-day – you can do it for a half day!” “”Can you try it today? If it’s bad, I won’t ask you ever again.” On behalf of our school districts, Joyce Claypool will NOT take no for an answer. When everyone else is tired of calling, Joyce keeps going like the Energizer bunny! She always goes above and beyond in her effort to fill 100 percent of our clients’ open jobs. This year, as a full-time employee, her commitment to providing quality service to our school districts has become more apparent. She has even taken it upon herself to e-mail absences and then train South Colonie’s head nurse so that the district can have a better handle on upcoming absences and better utilize their “travel” nurses. She does all this and more with a smile and a quick laugh. Joyce is dedicated and has a wonderful work ethic.

Dedicated: Kelly Perrine-McGrath, Instructional Resources Service
Although relatively new to BOCES, she is very dedicated to learning what is required to get the job done. She is committed to quality work and takes initiative where appropriate by making suggestions or making changes when needed that consistently result in work well done. Despite being new, Kelly Perrine-McGrath is often the one providing support to other staff members. She is the type of person who is completely committed to her job, is extremely conscientious and her work ethic and integrity are shown daily. Kelly’s cooperative spirit, good nature and great sense of humor are much appreciated, and she is an asset to the IRS team!

Integrity: Cathy Welling, CAPIT
She is an outstanding individual who consistently goes above and beyond for all school districts and children. Cathy Welling always remains ahead of the curve, educating herself on the best practices in her field, seeking new skills and certifications, and tirelessly completing every task with excellence – not to mention she is an awesome and dynamic presenter!

Leadership: Christy Multer, Communications Service
She has become one of the most influential writers and public relations practitioners on our team. Each year, she continues to raise her own level of performance as well as that of her colleagues and never shies from a challenge! Christy Multer is an outstanding writer who willingly tackles some of the most difficult and important topics affecting education. When she raises the bar in her work for the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake school district, she is quick to share her breakthroughs with the entire communications team. In doing so, she builds our collective expertise and credibility as leaders in educational communications. Christy is also respected for her insights and ability to provide strategic communications advice to school administrators and team members alike. Her leadership inspires her colleagues to reach higher, think smarter and remember to have a few good laughs along the way!

Student-centered: John Peters, STEP
You won’t find a more supportive and student-centered teacher. He arrives at work early each day because he believes it is important to prepare and greet students with a calm, positive demeanor. John Peters always sets a nice tone by casually chatting with his students as he hands out morning assignments. He loves to make jokes, which has been particularly helpful in easing the tensions of new students. Students often come to the STEP program unprepared to work, so John will make arrangements to drive to their home school districts to pick up the work and materials necessary for students to be successful. He is at his best working one-on-one with unmotivated or easily distracted students. Periodically, he stops to rewards students with a game of computer Scrabble. John is sensitive and tunes in when students seem to be having bad days. He asks questions about what is troubling them. Many of our students come to school hungry, which is why John brought in a toaster oven and microwave so they can have something warm to eat. When students have a productive day, John will send them home with a happy memory of a great trivia game in which they learn about historical, scientific or mathematical information. We are all lucky to have the support of John!

Supportive: Heather Faubert, School Support Services Division
Each and every time I ask for assistance regarding the business office, handling of budgeting, purchase orders, etc., Heather Faubert is always willing to investigate and resolve the issue on my behalf. She is very pleasant and approachable.

Teamwork: Cathy Newell, Arts Enrichment and Substitute Coordination
She is the consummate team player in our division -- always ready to pitch in with a large project and do what needs to be done. Sometimes she is the one taking the lead and overseeing the project, for example, as coordinator for the Odyssey of the Mind tournament. She leads and directs with grace and humor. If there were only one word to describe Cathy Newell’s approach to work, it would be “willingness.” She demonstrates teamwork in her ability to divide her time between two programs to help each run successfully. She juggles various projects in a way that only she can do. When help was needed to hang artwork for the Art Show, Cathy cheerfully stepped in. She understands the importance of obtaining approval for new substitute teachers and will redo board packets again and again to ensure that every sub is listed on the appropriate agenda. Her ability to maneuver between two programs efficiently, and graciously work with so many different people on so many different tasks demonstrates her exemplary teamwork.

Teamwork: Darlene Lane, Communications Service
She is the unsung hero of coordinating our annual Division-wide events. Among her efforts over the years – the Souper Bowl, September picnic, and annual Halloween Party. Her ability to work with the whole division, her energy and enthusiasm make School Support Services a better place to work. As the production and printing services coordinator, Darlene Lane also serves as the “hub” of the 43-member Communications team. She is the person staff call when they need help – from the new staff member who has no idea where to begin with designing or printing a publication to the seasoned staff member who absolutely has to squeeze the design of a last-minute brochure on to the graphics schedule. If there’s a printing problem, a lost delivery of newsletters, questions about a bill, or a need to shout, “Stop the presses” – Darlene handles the calls – all day long! She fields questions and problems with finesse and good humor, often staying after hours to catch up after a busy day of interruptions. She is the consummate team player – cheering us on and cheering us up by helping us solve problems and achieve common goals in the work we do for schools districts. She is our team’s most valuable player!