Jan. 5, 2018 -- Two students and two teachers from Heights Middle School were recognized by the Ohio Lottery's Partners in Education program for their outstanding work in the classroom.
Students
Eighth grader Griffin Vacchelli was honored by the Ohio Lottery as an Academic All Star for the Partners in Education program for the month of October.
Vacchelli’s work is described as “meticulous.” He uses kind words towards his classmates and is polite to the teachers and helpful in the classroom. He tries his best and is happy to take on challenges. “Griffin is able to ignore the negative behavior of peers,” said Lynne Gaines, HMS intervention specialist.
November's honoree was Taufiq Sharif-Ivey.
“I admire Taufiq because he is truly dedicated to his school work and his sport, soccer. He already in the sixth grade mastered the art of time management as he works during CONNECT tutoring, then goes each day to a two-hour soccer practice and many times returns home to complete more work. When I work with him he stays focused, asks significant questions and has a natural curiosity about the world,” said Ms. Gaines.
Sharif-Ivey is in advanced math and he takes pride in his Spanish class. He is on the merit roll at the school.
Vacchelli (L) and Sharif-Ivey (R).
Teachers
Adrianna November was recently recognized by the Ohio Lottery’s Partners in Education program as a Teacher of the Month for October 2017. She teaches eighth grade at HMS.
Ms. Gaines explained that “Adrianna would sit with me hour after hour explaining best practices of teaching and encouraging me to strive for excellence in the room. As special education teachers we face many challenges, but she has always been encouraging to me and all of our students, giving in every single way and generous with her time teaching me and our students. She is a leader to her peers and a great role model and mentor."
Seventh and eighth grade teacher Lia Radke is the Teacher of the Month for November.
“Lia Radke is a master teacher who is eager and genuinely tries to help newer teachers become better. She constantly gives me teaching tools and resources to work with,” said Ms. Gaines.
Ms. November (L) and Ms. Radke (R).
For being recognized as students and teachers of the month, all four honorees will receive an assortment of Partners in Education merchandise from the Ohio Lottery along with a gift card.