What is the Impact Award?
In 2011, the Montrose Education Foundation created the Impact Award. In its first year, only the 2011 Teacher of the Year Award recipients were eligible to apply. ...
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2017 Teachers of the Year Announced
L to R: John Steele, High School Teacher of the Year; David Perfors, Middle School Teacher of the Year; Tracy Reinhard, Elementary School Teacher of the Year
The Montrose Education Foundation, Inc. hosted a breakfast for the Teacher of the Year candidates on March 21, 2017. Sixty-one teachers were nominated this year and were introduced during the American Education Week Reception which was held on November 17, 2016. Eighteen outstanding educators completed the Candidate Essay Questionnaire, which is based on the Colorado Teacher of the Year Standards and were eligible for consideration. The 3 level recipients; Elementary, Middle & High School Teachers were awarded a $500 check by Alpine Bank to use in their classrooms. They are also eligible to apply for the Montrose Education Foundation $10,000 Impact Award.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
Elementary – Tracy Reinhard – Johnson Elementary – K-5 Music Teacher
“Through experiences of making music, students exercise and refine important thought processes that empower them to be good problem solvers, abstract thinkers and thoughtful decision makers.” -Quote from Mrs. Reinhard.
“Tracy is thorough and mindful in teaching and provides a wide range of activities which students seem to appreciate and thrive on.” -Excerpt from nomination form from a colleague.
Middle – David Perfors – Columbine Middle – Technology Coach
“It really boils down to 3 things; 1, you must believe that all kids can learn. 2, you must be willing to work as hard or harder than you expect any of your students to work. And 3, you must be willing to embrace technology.” -Quote from Mr. Perfors.
“Mr. Perfors is Columbine’s Tech Coach and he does an outstanding job working with both teachers and students.”–Excerpt from nomination form from an administrator.
High – John Steele – Montrose High – English / Technology Coach
“It is the responsibility of a teacher to engage students with an adaptable state of mind rather than a ridged one. The curriculum can and should change as the teacher learns from his students by engaging them rigorously and enthusiastically.” -Quote from Mr. Steele.
“Mr. Steele opens the world of academia to our young minds with welcoming and inspirational arms.” -Excerpt from nomination form from students.
Nominate a Distinguished MHS or OHS Graduate!
The MEF Distinguished Alumni Award is designed to honor Montrose and Olathe High School graduates who exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and/or service to their communities. Click here for a nomination form.
Montrose Education Foundation Awards $10,000 Impact Award to Centennial Middle School’s Creation Center STEM Lab
Left to right: Sandy Head, MEF President; Amy McBride, MEF Board; Meghan Waschbusch; Deann Balash, MEF Board; Steve Schiell, MCSD Superintendent
At its American Education Week reception at the Montrose Pavilion on November 17th, the Montrose Education Foundation (MEF) awarded its annual Impact Award and a $10,000 check to the Centennial Creation Center, a permanent lab for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at Centennial Middle School (CtMS) in Montrose.
MEF created the Impact Award in 2011 to support innovative projects that enhance educational opportunities in the Montrose and Olathe School District. Under the Award guidelines, only recipients of the MEF Teacher of the Year award can apply.
The Centennal Creation Center project will convert an unused classroom and several “pods” to create a state-of-the-art STEM lab, and then outfit it with cutting-edge engineering tools and equipment. The new lab will be used as a “Makerspace” facility for engineering and shop students. CtMS has seen engineering class enrollment double in the past year. The project also implements a summer camp geared toward Makerspace ideals, including learning, collaboration, problem solving, and self-expression.
“Montrose Education Foundation is excited to support Centennial Middle School’s efforts to impart skills that will inspire careers in engineering,” said Amy McBride, MEF Impact Award coordinator. “We are investing in the makers of the future.”
