For Immediate Release
April 8, 2008

Contact: Leni Stern
Community Outreach Specialist
301-809-3068
lstern@cityofbowie.org

Whitehall Elementary School’s fourth grade math and Science teacher, Mr. Peter Benac has been selected as the Education Committee’s Teacher of the Month for April 2008.

According to student Quinn Braatz, Mr. Benac makes math “more fun and interesting.” “I understand it a lot better now and my grades have improved.” “He has always told me that he believes in me and he has given me more confidence.” “He challenges me to work hard and try my best.” Quinn refers to him as the “best teacher I’ve ever had.”

Mr. Benac is always happy and in a good mood, “is always smiling,” and “keeps a positive attitude.” He “inspires” students to work hard and “challenges us to always do better.”

Mr. Benac is also this students’ science teacher. This is Quinn’s favorite subject, and Mr. Benac adds to the students’ enjoyment “because we always do experiments in class.” This helps students to “really understand the lesson.”

Former students come to visit and talk to Mr. Benac, and “students in the younger grades hope that they will be in his class.” “He really deserves this award, because he is so dedicated to his students and we all love him.”

Mr. Jerenze Campbell, Principal at Whitehall Elementary, refers to Mr. Benac as “an exceptional educator that has the ability to connect with his students in order to pull out their very best.” “He has adjusted to the ebb and flow of education over the years to remain up to date with best practices and our changing culture of learners.”

Mr. Benac will be recognized as teacher of the Month, by Bowie City Council their Meeting on April 21st, at 8pm. He will receive a certificate of recognition and a $100 United States Savings Bond, for which funding is provided by program partner, the BB& T Bank. Mr. Benac and Principal Jerenze Campbell will enjoy a special lunch together, with their gourmet “lunch box” provided by the program’s Teacher of the Month partner Main Street Caterers.

The Teacher of the Month program recognizes Bowie teachers for their teaching excellence,
as well as for the “little things” which mean a lot to students, parents, and peers. Nomination information is available on the City of Bowie web site, www.cityofbowie.org, or at the Department of Community Services at Bowie City Hall. For additional information, contact Education Committee liaison Leni Stern, at lstern@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3068.