School Board Honors Cape St. Claire Elementary Volunteers

Five parent volunteers from were recognized on Wednesday by the Anne Arundel County School Board.

Each month, the board invites unsuspecting volunteers and educators to its meetings. Then, in front of the full audience, makes a special presentation in their honor. 

This month, the volunteer of the month award was shared by five parent volunteers at Cape St. Claire Elementary School: Theresa Holtzclaw, Cindy Eckard, Vicky Jenkins, Linda Mish and Geralyn Valente.

Board member Eugene Peterson read a prepared statement on Wednesday, which incorporated quotes and reflections from the school's principal and faculty members.

The following is an excerpt of what Peterson read:

These five women work as the morning traffic patrollers, helping with drop off every day, regardless of rain, snow sun, sleet. They're like the post office. Safety first is their motto as they efficiently and cheerfully direct hurried, often distracted drivers and children through their morning routine. 

They keep traffic moving smoothly. Greeting parents and students, they open car doors and help the students into school safely. Principal (Donna) Pergerson reports the morning traffic patrollers are a trustworthy and reliable team. We know we can depend on them.

Ushering students into school safely is only a part of what these volunteers do at Cape St. Claire Elementary.

Linda Mish has been a room parent and bakes for the PTO hospitality team and manages to raise five children in her spare time.

Geralyn Valente oversees as volunteer coordinator, managing an outstanding volunteer program. She provides volunteer training, reading program and plans enrichment events that support student achievement.

Vicki Jenkins serves as the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) hospitality chairperson. The staff is grateful for the wonderful social activities such as back to school night dinner, beat the winter blahs luncheon and the teacher vendor fair, which she coordinates with them. 

As PTO vice president of student activities, Theresa Holtzclaw works with the other officer and committee chairs to support CSCES, together they spend hours and hours on fundraising, beatification and providing assemblies, equipment and generally fine hospitality.

Finally, Cindy Eckard regularly uses her Spanish language skills to assist with two ELL (English Language Learners) students. The teacher reports that Eckard is dependable, consistent, and has made a huge difference in the students' English language progress.

For years these morning traffic patrollers have exhibited leadership and dedication to the students, staff and community. Principal Pergerson with great appreciation states that these volunteers maintain a cooperative, effective and outstanding working relationship. 'They share my vision of implementing outstanding volunteer programs and support of school goals.' We recognize your years of devoted time and talents. Congratulations for being chosen as the Feb 2012 volunteers of the month. 

You are a shining example of how we cannot do the work that we do for our students without great volunteers like you. Volunteers are second to none. We love you.