SEPTA Honors Chris Dugan and Carol Ann Sinatra
When it comes to supporting and strengthening the Huntington School District’s special education instructional program a large group of parents does so with gusto. Each year the Special Education PTA careful selects recipients of its Distinguished Service Awards and then lavishes praise on the honorees to leave no doubt their efforts are very much appreciated.
Huntington SEPTA established the award to recognize those who have gone the extra mile and played a key role helping students with special needs reach their full potential.
SEPTA Co-Presidents Madeline London and Nancy Levine explained the criteria for the award and then extolled the virtues of the 2009 recipients, teacher Chris Dugan and teacher aide Carol Ann Sinatra, who both enthusiastically accepted their honors. A crowd of about 125 gave the pair a rousing round of applause at the annual PTA luncheon last week at The Harbor Club in Halesite.
Ten nominations were received this year and a six-person committee reviewed essays and other materials that documented how the individuals facilitate inclusion, interact with students, make a difference in the youngsters’ lives and share their special qualities with parents and other staff members.
Mr. Dugan, who is a sixth grade inclusion teacher at Woodhull Intermediate School, “has a special way with students who have special needs,” according to written materials submitted by Andrea Frisenda, the teacher who nominated him for the award. “He does not enable them but challenges them in a gentle, calm manner.” Mr. Dugan created this year’s class motto: “It can be done,” and he “is constantly assisting both students and teachers,” Ms. Levine said. “He always has a positive attitude and reinforces a student’s success with praise.”
Mrs. Sinatra, a 1:1 aide at Washington Primary School, “has a great deal of patience and knows that little steps in learning go a long way,” according to the nomination submitted by teacher Debbie Quiles. “She is exceptional at scaffolding activities to ensure that maximum learning occurs and takes each student from where they are and provides experiences that will maximize success.”
Mrs. Sinatra “is always open and willing to listen to others’ ideas and is revered by her colleagues,” Mrs. Levine said. Ms. Quiles called her “one of the unsung heroes of the school district.”
In an emotional acceptance speech, Mrs. Sinatra eloquently spoke about how much she loves her job and the people she works with. But, she saved her warmest words for the students. “They are the superstars. They are my heroes,” she said.
Mr. Dugan said he thinks every day about the advice given to him by his own parents and tries to live up to it by working hard and trying to make a difference in the lives of the students he teaches. “I have also been fortunate to be able to work with a fantastic teacher in Mrs. Frisenda.”
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