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Paul DeCanto honored with Dr. John F. McEwen 'Do What's Best for Kids' Award; district recognizes retirees
Summary
Mrs. McEwen presented the Dr. John F. McEwen 'Do What's Best for Kids' Award to Paul DeCanto of the technology department for sustained behind-the-scenes service; the committee also recognized multiple retirees and announced State House certificates and commemorative granite apples.
At the start of the meeting Mrs. McEwen presented the Dr. John F. McEwen 'Do What's Best for Kids' Award to Paul DeCanto of the technology department, citing examples of his prompt assistance to staff and parents and his willingness to translate for families and help across buildings.
Mrs. McEwen said nominees came from the community with support from the administration and praised Paul as "a role model for what it means to go above and beyond every day to do what's best for kids." She described a number of incidents in which Paul provided critical, timely support: troubleshooting a computer program for a school psychologist so a student could be tested, translating during an IEP meeting, and moving between buildings to ensure staff needs were met.
Following the award the committee recognized district retirees. Dr. Marcus and others presented certificates and a granite apple to those present and named retirees who could not attend. Staff and retirees acknowledged in the meeting included (as listed by the committee): David Fleck (assistant principal, high school), Kathy Meade (para-professional), Patty Conover (Duval para), Bob Davidson (social studies coordinator grades 6–12), Erica Yates (first-grade teacher, Duval), Dan Moriarty (science teacher), Nancy Smith (art teacher, Indian Head), Ann Marie Highslip (preschool staff), Michelle Hickey (cafeteria site manager, Hanson Middle School), Rhonda Briscoe (cafeteria staff/manager), Rosalie Gregorie (music teacher), Michelle Lindor (human resources manager), Alsina Smith (assistant director of food services), Diane Walberg (cafeteria worker), Lisa Forbes (special education administrative assistant), Mike Graybill (PE teacher), Maureen O'Neal (parent volunteer), and Kathy Fackson (parent volunteer). The committee noted certificates from the State House and thanked retirees for their service.
The presentation emphasized service to students and families amid challenging budget and staffing environments.
