STONEHAM — Stoneham Public Schools is pleased to announce that the District recently honored five Town employees with the Crystal Apple Award.
Each year, the Crystal Apple Award is given to five individuals in recognition of their positive impact and exceptional service to Stoneham Public Schools. The award symbolized clarity, vision, and nurturing of children in public education.
Honorees were recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, June 9.
“Congratulations to all of our nominees,” Superintendent Macero said. “I am honored to be recognized alongside my colleagues, who all are dedicated and devoted members of the Town of Stoneham. They have given so much to all the members of our community from students, to staff to parents and their fellow employees.”
Superintendent John Macero
Superintendent John Macero was nominated for the award by School Committee member Jaime Wallace.
Superintendent Macero assumed the role of Superintendent in 2017, and will retire this August.
During his time in Stoneham, Superintendent Macero expanded the District’s performing arts program and was instrumental in moving the Stoneham High School (SHS) Building Project forward.
He has worked tirelessly to guide the District during the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Because of his efforts, the District was one of the first to open back up to in-person learning in Fall 2020.
He leaves the District having created many lasting traditions, including the reading of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” around the holiday season and the senior graduation procession through the middle and elementary schools.
“John, thank you for all you brought to Stoneham and all you have done for our community,” said School Committee member Jaime Wallace. “We wish you happiness and a much-deserved rest in your retirement, and we certainly will miss you.”
Assistant Principal Sandra Fulmer
Central Middle School Assistant Principal Sandra Fulmer was nominated for the award by Nikki Clark and Central Middle School Teacher Jina Spinella for her positive impact on students, staff and the community. Clark will assume the position of Assistant Principal this upcoming school year following Assistant Principal Fulmer’s retirement.
Assistant Principal Fulmer has served the District for more than 20 years. She began her career with the District in 1998 as an eighth-grade science teacher, before her promotion to Assistant Principal in 2007.
She is recognized for her passion for engaging children in the wonder of science through exploring scientific methodology and reasoning.
In the nomination, Clark noted that Assistant Principal Fulmer cultivated her students into becoming critical thinkers and thoughtful, independent members of the community who understand the responsibility of the scientific community to examine the world.
“Sandra’s integrity and humility are inspiring. She has been a fierce advocate for our students and has encouraged our staff to support our students’ general well-being all else,” Clark said. “Our school, our Town and our community are better because of the influence she has had and the encouragement she has given.”
Executive Secretary Debbie Pettengill
Debbie Pettengill, Executive Secretary to the Town Administrator, was nominated for the award by Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan and Human Resources Director Donna Gaffey for being a reliable resource to the school community.
She first served the Town as Confidential Secretary to the Chief of Police from 1980-1986. After taking some time off to raise her children, she returned to the Police Department in 1999 as the Confidential Secretary to the Chief of Detectives. She remained in this role until 2021 when she was appointed as the Executive Secretary to the Town Administrator. She retired from this position in May 2022.
She temporarily served as Interim Town Administrator from October 2018 to February 2019. During that time, she worked closely with the School Department during budget discussions to develop a fair and generous budget.
As Executive Secretary, she served as a liaison between the schools and the Town on many matters. Town Administrator Sheehan and Director Gaffey note that Pettengill served this position with diplomacy and grace.
“Deb’s ability to deal with Department heads, staff, and residents in a congenial and efficient manner has made her indispensable to Stoneham. Now that she has retired, she will be greatly missed,” Town Administrator Sheehan said.
Band and Chorale Director Jack McShane
Stoneham High School Band and Chorale Director Jack McShane received two nominations for the award, one from SHS Education Support Professional Marcella DiLisio and her sonfreshman Evan DiLisio, and the other from Sharon Iovanni. He was nominated for his devotion to helping students succeed and express themselves through music.
McShane is known for coming in early and staying late and putting his heart and soul into every musical performance
DiLisio’s son is McShane’s student. She noted that McShane has given her son the opportunity to challenge him musically in new ways.
“As a parent, I see a nurturing teacher, who loves listening to and performing music with his students. I see a teacher who is as passionate about passing that love on to my son as I am,” DiLisio said. “I can hear the progress that my son has made in both his technical and improvisational skills, and he will be the first to tell you, the credit goes to Jack McShane.”
Iovanni’s grandson also is a student of McShane. She noted that McShane has her grandson inspired delight in her grandson and has contributed to his eagerness to be a part of band, jazz band and the musical.
“As our students begin the process of returning to a somewhat more normal school life, I believe that the arts will play a key role in helping them express themselves,” Iovanni said. “Having teachers like Mr. McShane to encourage and support their creativity and to give them avenues to express their feeling through voice or instrument will give them confidence and hope for the future.”
Special Education Teacher Kyle Roberts
Stoneham High School Special Education Teacher Kyle Roberts was nominated for the award by the parents of the students in his RISE classroom for supporting their success.
Parents noted that his greatest attribute is his unyielding commitment to the enrichment and inclusion of all the children in his class.
“Mr. Roberts is one of those teachers you come across once in a lifetime. He sees the individuality that each student possesses and continuously strives to focus on their strengths,” parent Heather DiPlacido said. “We, the parents, are forever in debt for the accomplishments our students have achieved under his guidance.”
In addition to his duties as a special education teacher, Roberts also coaches basketball and runs the school store.
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