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PUPP Lab teacher wins Golden Apple; board hears results from new Parker Center program
Summary
A Parker Center teacher who leads the district—irst-year PUPP Lab was recognized as a 2025 Golden Apple recipient, and board members heard that the PUPP Lab is producing notable social-emotional gains among students with individualized education plans.
The Harlem UD 122 Board of Education recognized a Parker Center teacher, Allison, as a 2025 Golden Apple Foundation award recipient and heard details about the district—irst-year PUPP Lab during the May 19 meeting.
The Golden Apple selection process includes nomination, submission of a portfolio, interviews and classroom observations; Allison described being one of six winners selected from nearly 600 nominees and said the process helped her reflect on her work. "It helped me reflect on why I do what I do," Allison said.
Allison told the board the PUPP Lab (the kindergarten version of the district learning lab) serves children with individualized education plans who need intensive emotional and behavioral supports. "Kids that I had start the year that perhaps could not even be in a classroom without, you know, crying or cussing ... are now coming to school smiling. They're asking their grown ups to come to school on the weekend even," Allison said.
Why it matters: the PUPP Lab provides targeted supports for students with significant social-emotional and behavioral needs and will remain a district program going forward if staffing and results continue as reported.
Board remarks highlighted the award and the program's local significance. Several board members praised the staff and the program's early outcomes and congratulated Allison for the Golden Apple recognition and the PUPP Lab progress.
Next steps: Allison said Golden Apple winners can serve on committees and help encourage colleagues to apply for the award. The district will continue the PUPP Lab and monitor outcomes for potential expansion and sustainability.
Context: The board framed the recognition alongside other honors presented at the meeting, including athletic awards and administrative recognitions. Allison has worked at Parker Center since 2017 and described the program as her "happy place."
