Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced on Thursday that 54 district employees are “Difference Maker” award recipients for the month of December.
These are staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of our schools.
“We continue to be grateful and impressed with the amazing support our staff is receiving from the GPS community,” Dr. Jones said in a release. “We created this program to shine a light on the wonderful and selfless work being done throughout our district. As we announce our third month of Difference Makers, we are seeing the depth of talent and caring of individuals that educate and look after our students on a daily basis.”
The Greenwich Public Schools “Difference Maker” award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day. Each building holds its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions.
GPS families, students, co-workers, or community members can nominate their difference maker online and is open to all employees of Greenwich Public Schools, full or part time, in good standing. It excludes contractors or employees of other town agencies. Nominators can be staff, families, students, or community members.
Lucy Arecco, Bella House Administrator and Social Studies Program Administrator,with State Rep Hector Arzeno and GHS principal Ralph Mayo. Oct 6, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Greenwich High School
Lucy Arecco (house administrator)
Chantel Carey (professional assistant)
Patricia Chan (Spanish teacher)
Keith Contorno (English teacher)
Piera Cronin (psychologist)
Kara Peters (English teacher)
Eleanor Ritch (English teacher)
Lisa Scarogni (art teacher)
Mary Beth Smith (English teacher)
Garfield Charles, the program administrator for the Windrose program, addresses students and their families at the graduation ceremony as Dr Toni Jones looks on. June 18, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Windrose
Dr. Garfield Charles (program coordinator)
Central Middle School
Colleen Alfano (school counselor)
John Forlenzo (custodian)
Eastern Middle School
Kevin Crawford (custodian)
Michelle Friedman (social worker)
Julie Wang (math teacher)
Western Middle School
Kimberly Matarese (science teacher)
Amber Pietrafeso (English teacher)
Phil D’Amato, Kerry Gavin, Dr. Toni Jones, Michael Fina at the Cos Cob School elf-themed mini golf course. Dec 21, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager
Cos Cob School
Stephen Babyak (fifth grade teacher)
Victoria Bee (kindergarten & Special Education teacher)
Kristy Bennett (kindergarten teacher)
Lauren Bird (assistant principal)
Laurie Brehm (kindergarten teacher)
Kelly Clarke (first grade teacher)
Philip D’Amato (physical education teacher)
Meagan DeBona (music teacher)
Michael Fina (physical education teacher)
Betsy Sahr (ALP teacher)
Andrea Casson Vaz and New Lebanon School principal Daniel Russo give feedback to the 5th graders at dress rehearsal of Finding Nemo Kids. Nov 25, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Glenville School
Andrea Casson (media assistant)
Carolyn Kalinski (ALP teacher)
Tracey Zeranski (cafeteria monitor)
Hamilton Avenue School
Dr. Daniel Hoppe (music teacher)
Emily Khoshaboo (social worker)
Angelina Lucas (school nurse)
International School at Dundee
Lindsey Babyak (Special Education teacher)
Cheryl Clark (media assistant)
Marlene Fernandez (Special Education teacher)
Rosanna Sangermano (third grade teacher)
Alison Tepper (ESOL teacher)
Julian Curtiss School
Ariel Wilshaw (ALP teacher)
New Lebanon School
Colette Kraemer (speech pathologist)
North Mianus School
Megan Collins (Special Education teacher)
North Street School
Jessica Jagde (school psychologist)
Suzanne Gold, an art teacher at Old Greenwich School with her artwork “Lily with Insect” selected for Art to the Ave.
Old Greenwich School
Suzanne Gold (art teacher)
Sandra Zuccarello (literacy specialist)
Parkway School
Lea Attanasio (media specialist)
Gail Griffin (fifth grade teacher)
Diana Luzzi (speech pathologist)
Kimberly Rich-Zeale (math interventionist & learning facilitator)
Riverside School
Madelyn Hand (first grade teacher)
Karen Martin
Central Office
Danielle Commisso (speech/language pathologist)
Karen Martin (network specialist)
Eugene Matejek (Special Education coordinator)
Kirk Mertz (building maintenance mechanic)
Allison Pugni (PPS Data Specialist)