March 19, 2024

Teachers recognized for excellence at NCSD board meeting

Six Newton teachers who received Excellence in Education Awards from the Newton Community Education Foundation were recognized at Monday night’s school board meeting. The teachers were nominated by students and parents for having an extraordinary impact in the district.

Susan Sheeks, fourth grade teacher at Aurora Heights Elementary; Melissa Sommars, second grade teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary; Jo Ellen Linn, special education teacher at Berg Middle School; Pat Riley, math teacher and golf coach at Newton High School; Ryan Comer, social studies teacher at West Academy; and Ann Nelson, librarian and media center teacher at Newton High School were honored for excellence.

Newton principals spoke about the contributions of each teacher and what makes them special. Speaking for NHS, Principal Bill Peters said Riley has done many great things with kids outside of the classroom, including coaching golf and baseball. Riley also does great work inside the classroom, Peters said.

“His absolute strength is working with kids, helping them understand and feel comfortable with mathematics,” Peters said. “That is not always easy, especially with someone who might struggle with math. Pat breaks it down really well, and he’s very comfortable and at ease with the kids.”

Peters had glowing things to say about Nelson, too. Nelson received the Above and Beyond award from NCEF. She works close with the principal to direct the curriculum and set the vision of the school, Peters said.

“Above and beyond doesn’t even begin to encompass what Ann does,” Peters said. “We have one of the best book clubs in the state of Iowa, and that continues to grow. She has more and more kids interested in that. She is irreplaceable. I love working with her, and I know everybody on our staff does as well.”

In addition to the NHS award winners, Peters spoke on behalf of West Academy about Comer. Comer cares about kids, Peters said.

“If there’s a change or something new coming down the pipe, he’s on it,” Peters said. “He’s open-minded, willing and he helps out in a lot of different places in the school district.”

Superintendent Bob Callaghan spoke about Linn’s contributions at Berg. Linn stepped up to help out when another teacher was dealing with personal illness, Callaghan said. She took over the teacher’s caseload and took care of all of the teacher’s students for a period of time.

“She’s also very strong for Veterans Day,” Callaghan said. “She produces a veteran’s wall and brings veterans in to talk. It’s one of her main loves in addition to all of her classroom duties and responsibilities.”

Thomas Jefferson Elementary Principal Tom Bartello said one of the things he loves about Sommars is her passion for kids. Sommars works to build positive relationships, Bartello said.

“The amount of time, energy and effort she puts in every day is just phenomenal. It’s an inspiring thing,” Bartello said. “She’s always thinking about kids and what she can do to improve their education and experience.”

This is not the first time Sheeks has been nominated for the award in excellence, said Aurora Heights Principal Jim Gilbert. Sheeks never runs out of energy, and the kids have a great affection for her, Gilbert said.

“She is the kind of person that gets there early and stays late. When I mean early, I’m talking about before 6 a.m.,” Gilbert said. “She works with individual kids before school, and then she also stays after school.”

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com