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Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence

DFEE Announces...

9-R Employee Appreciation Celebration Recognizes the Best

On May 3rd, the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence recognized outstanding teachers and staff members whose actions, directly or indirectly, have helped Durango School District 9-R students achieve their highest potential. The annual DFEE 9-R Employee Appreciation Celebration spotlighted these school district stars:

• Barbara McLachlan, Outstanding High School Teacher
• Jason Thomas, Outstanding Middle School Teacher
• Jeb Holt and Lori Smith, Outstanding Elementary School Teachers
• Marian Huffman, Sonia Miera and Gloria Smiley, Outstanding 9-R Staff Members

Overall, 63 district employees were nominated, including several principals and former award winners; DFEE received 92 enthusiastic nomination letters.

P.I.E. Award: Only four times in DFEE’s 28 year history has the board chosen to recognize one especially remarkable 9-R leader for his or her “Pride in Education.” This year, DFEE gave the “P.I.E.” award to Pete Harter, Needham Elementary School principal whose compassion and wisdom—and sense of humor—have enhanced the educational experience for Needham students and teachers for many memorable years. Pete received an inscribed pottery PIE plate, designed and hand-made by DHS senior Casey Freeman.

Big thanks are in order for the many people who helped make the event a memorable one. Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center hosted the 250-300 guests and honorees. Wells Fargo Bank and The Jewelry Works gave the winners cash awards and commemorative plaques. All nominees received recognition with certificates.

It takes a bounty of food and spirits to satisfy that number of guests, and so a number of generous local businesses joined in to supply food, drink and door prizes.

Appetizers and desserts came from: Bread, Carver Brewing Co., CJ’s Diner, College Drive Café, Cosmopolitan, Cyprus Café, Francisco’s, Gazpacho, Hot Tomatoes, Linda’s Local Food Café, The Lost Dog, Nini’s Taqueria, North and South City Markets, Chuck Norton’s Catering, The Ore House, The Red Snapper, Steamworks, Sunnyside Farms Market, Tacos Nayarit, and Zia Taqueria.

An array of generous gift certificates came from North and South City Markets, Cosmopolitan, Durango Joe’s Coffee, Ken and Sue’s, Maria’s Bookshop, The Nail Shoppe, Natural Grocers/Vitamin Cottage, Nini’s Taqueria, Ore House, and Zia Taqueria.

Standard Sales and Coca Cola provided the soft drinks, water and beer. Star Liquors provided the wine.

DFEE is honored to recognize the terrific employees of Durango School District 9-R, and we are grateful for such strong community support. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

 

May 18 Golf Tournament Hole Sponsors Wanted!

The annual Tom Hartney Memorial Golf Tournament will take place on Friday, May 18 at Dalton Ranch. In its 19th year, the tournament is the primary fund raising event for the DFEE, and the proceeds support the work DFEE does to provide programs, projects and technology for Durango School District 9-R.

Hole Sponsorships are available for $200 each. Every hole sponsor will be recognized with a sign handmade by Park Elementary School 3rd grade students; in addition, hole sponsors receive acknowledgement after the event in print media, on the website, in the DFEE annual report, and in our June DFEE newsletter.

The event provides a relaxed day of play on a beautiful course. There are a few team spots still open, but spaces are being taken fast so early reservations are recommended. Golfers receive lunch and a chance for door prizes.

To sponsor a hole or sign up a team, please contact tournament chair, Maryel Emrich at (970) 759-8170 or maryel@durango.net.

 

Year End Evaluations Due June 15

Our busy 9-R principals are reminded to submit evaluations for their DFEE program and incentive grants for 2011-12. The deadline is June 15. No forms this year. For specifics needed, contact DFEE at info@dfee.net or (970) 385-1491.