The Special Education Cooperative Golden Apple Award winner received honors based on the cooperative’s Goal 1 criteria, which means they contribute to the development and/or improvement of programs, services or curriculum, and foster staff growth, effectiveness or professional development.
Melinda McDaniel
Special education instructor Melinda McDaniel of Roosevelt Elementary School is the recipient of the quarterly Golden Apple award.
She was nominated by Tasha Lang and the STAR staff.
According to Lang, “Melinda McDaniel has been in this district for just over a year. Since that time she has helped the district grow in understanding what is best for all students and staff. She is currently a regional trainer of trainers, teachers, and administrators in working together and doing what is best for their staff.
She is also co-coordinator on the district’s Autism Team, the Assistive Technology Team,and SAFE Team. While helping lead the district, McDaniel provides on-the-job training to her STAR staff and others. She also continues to help her families grow by providing visual supports and other resources outside of the school day. McDaniel has helped the STAR program grow in the district, state and nation.
When asked something of her, McDaniel has always gone above and beyond to help improve programs and services and foster staff growth, effectiveness and professional development.”
Mavis Pinalto
Special education paraeducator Mavis Pinalto of Roosevelt Elementary School is the recipient of the quarterly Golden Apple award. She was also nominated by Tasha Lang.
Lang describes Pinalto as a great advocate for our students.
Lang said, “Pinalto is on her ninth year of being a paraeducator. In those nine years, she’s advocated for all students who cross her path.
This past year we celebrated her 75th birthday. To us that is just a number because Pinalto can outwork any of us young kids on any given day. Last year one of my paras snapped a picture of Pinalto and another student in our sensory tent (which is not big) reading stories to help calm him down. She is also found pulling students on scooters, pushing them on swings, and a lot of other physical work to help with their sensory needs.
While being Pinalto’s supervisor she has never complained about her job, she comes in smiling knowing she is going to give it her all. Each student has their own connection with her and you can see how much she cares for all students. She is fully dedicated to her job and obviously not for the money, but because she loves what she does.”
Here are a few things other staff in the past have said.
School principal: “I appreciate that Pinalto always is smiling, positive and encouraging with all students, not just the students with whom she is assigned to work. She is a valuable asset to our entire building, not just the special education department.
Kindergarten teacher: “Pinalto is always so caring and patient will all the students. She never stops going, helping where ever there is a need!”
Third-grade teacher: “Very nice, friendly and supportive to teachers. Friendly face to see at school!”
Fourth-grade teacher: “I think the thing that sticks out to me about Pinalto is how she always gives 100 percent to whatever she is doing in the school and how warmly and respectfully she treats all students. She really has such compassion for working with students with special needs that is so evident.”
Fifth-grade teacher: “Whenever I see her in the hallway with a student, she is so kind and patient! She is a role model for all of us when it comes to how to build a loving relationship with students. I want to be her when I grow up!!!”
Resource teacher: “She is AWESOME!!”
Gifted teacher: “She is so humble and doesn’t even realize how awesome she is!!!”
OT: “I think that she is perfect for Golden Apple. She has so much patience with the kids. Awesome lady!”
PT: “Mavis has patience beyond what I can imagine with all the students she assists each day. She never tires of helping them get to the locations they need to go, will repeat directions as many times as they need and will help them do the work they are assigned no matter how much repetition or assistance they need. She truly celebrates in their gains as well.”
Music teacher: “She is patient and kind and always willing to go beyond the call of duty. She is always cheerful too!”
Art teacher: “Pinalto is so patient, kind, joyful, positive, calm and wise. She is such an asset to our school. She treats every student with respect and love. Mrs. P is amazing!”
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