May 29, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 FLOW Area Teachers of Year recognized by regional trustees by Frank J. McMahon The Ramapo Indian Hills High School District recently recognized two educators for their outstanding performance. Superintendent Lauren Schoen announced at the last board meeting that Ramapo High School science teacher John McCormick and Indian Hills High School science teacher Sue Hoyt are the 2013 Bergen County Teacher Recognition Program honorees. Schoen pointed out that McCormick has been a science teacher in the district for 22 years and has spent 38 years in education, while Hoyt has been a science teacher in the district for 21 years and has spent 32 years in education. “It is an incredible accomplishment to be named a recipient of this award,” Schoen said. The school board also approved resolutions granting each teacher an expenditure of $100 for educational materials of their choice for use in their classrooms or in the libraries. At press time, both educators were also due to be recognized at a Bergen County Teacher Reception luncheon for all Bergen County Teachers of the Year. The Bergen County Teacher Recognition Program was developed in 1985 for the purpose of acknowledging teachers who exhibit outstanding performance. The premise of recognizing teachers, according to the New Jersey Department of Education, is based on the fact that the success of the public schools is due to the quality and dedication of the teaching staff. The NJDOE claims that recognizing excellence will encourage 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. In addition, the NJDOE believes that, as in other professions, outstanding performance should be acknowledged. The program pays 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 student achievement through a learning-focused environment; ability to contribute to the quality of professional development in the district; and ability to use educational technology in an effective and efficient manner. Every public school district in New Jersey is permitted to nominate one teacher or one educational services professional from each school for recognition. The recipient must have demonstrated excellence over a period of time in the district. A panel that includes district teachers, administrators, community residents, and board of education members selects the annual winners from among those nominated by students, parents, and other faculty members. FLOW Notes Sports poster sponsors sought The athletic department at Ramapo High School is seeking community sponsors for its sports poster program. Funds raised by the sale of the posters will benefit athletics at Ramapo High. All American Sports Posters has been contracted to produce the posters. For sponsorship information, contact RHS Athletic Director Ron Anello at (201) 556-1500 or All American Posters at (800) 556-1380. Class of 2014 sells umbrellas The Ramapo High School Class of 2014 is selling umbrellas to raise funds for Project Graduation. Sixtyinch golf umbrellas are available for $21 and a 36-inch telescopic automatic folding umbrella is available for $16. Both umbrellas are green with the white Ramapo logo. To place an order, contact Laura Policastro at laurapolicastro464@gmail.com or (973) 271-4056.