Area April 25, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 District will recognize Teachers of the Year by Frank J. McMahon At the May 14 board of education meeting, the Ramapo Indian Hills school district will recognize two educators for their outstanding performance. Ramapo High School Principal Louis Moore has announced that Josephine Kelly, who teachers Spanish at Ramapo High School, is his school’s honoree. “Our district seeks input from staff, students, and parents in the selection process,” Moore advised. “This recognition is most appropriate. Ms. Kelly is a brilliant teacher and wonderful colleague.” Indian Hills High School Principal Al Evangelista announced that Maria LaBarbiera has been chosen as the Bergen County Teacher/Educational Services Professional Recognition Awards recipient. “Maria has dedicated over nine years of service to the Ramapo Indian Hills High School District as a teacher and a coach,” Evangelista said. “It is our honor to recognize Maria as the 2012 Indian Hills High School Teacher of the Year.” The Annual Educational Services Professionals Recognition Program was enacted in 2004 for the purpose of acknowledging those who hold educational services professional certificates and exhibit outstanding performance. According to the New Jersey Department of Education, the premise of recognizing educational services professionals is based on the fact that the public school system is made more successful by the work of these professionals. The NJDOE claims they provide important services outside of the classroom environment that improve students’ academic opportunities, workforce preparedness, and overall quality of life, and the recognition of outstanding educational services professionals demonstrates the department’s appreciation of their contributions and encourages others to strive for the same. The Teacher Recognition Program was developed in 1985 to acknowledge teachers who exhibit outstanding performance. The premise of recognizing teachers, according to the NJDOE, is based on the fact that the success of the public schools is due to the teaching staff’s quality and dedication. The NJDOE claims that recognizing excellence encourages teachers to strive for excellence and, by giving the teaching profession the stature and recognition it deserves, more capable people will be attracted to the profession. The NJDOE also notes that outstanding performance should be acknowledged. Both programs pay tribute to tenured educators for their effective use of instructional techniques and methods; establishment of a productive classroom climate and rapport with students; development of feelings of self-worth and love of learning in students; use of creativity, innovation, and efficiency in the classroom; ability to increase (continued on page 15) Atlantic Stewardship Bank recently announced the appointment of Mark J. Maurer of Mahwah as senior vice president and commercial loan division manager. Maurer will serve at the bank’s office located at 400 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne. Maurer has over 25 years of progressive management experience within the financial services industry, most recently as senior vice president and commercial banking team leader for a large regional bank. He has expertise in development and management of commercial banking relationships, commercial real estate lending, and credit Maurer named ASB’s senior VP Mark J. Maurer analysis. Maurer received a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Rutgers University in Newark. He is active in his community, where he volunteers as a youth athletics coach for Mahwah Recreation and at Saint Paul’s Interparochial School in Ramsey. Maurer is also past director of the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We are pleased to welcome Mark Maurer to Atlantic Stewardship Bank’s Senior Management Team,” said Atlantic Stewardship Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Van Ostenbridge. “Mark brings a wealth of commercial lending experience to our senior management team, having spent his career in the lending arena. In addition, he enthusiastically supports Atlantic Stewardship Bank’s goals and tithing mission.” Atlantic Stewardship Bank maintains banking locations in Midland Park, Montville, North Haledon, Pequannock, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Westwood, Wyckoff, Hawthorne, and Wayne. Established in 1985, ASB is a full-service community bank serving both individuals and businesses. The bank is a subsidiary of Stewardship Financial Corporation trading on the NASDAQ under the symbol SSFN. The bank’s website is www.asbnow.com.