For Immediate Release
January 4, 2005

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

Subject: January Teacher of the Month Suzanne Bermpohl, Yorktown Elementary School

Ms. Bermpohl, a second grade teacher at Yorktown Elementary School, is a curriculum expert who is able to take the curriculum and present it in a way that students “can take full advantage of what is being taught.” This is because she adapts it to individual learning styles. She uses the strengths and weaknesses of students to her advantage to be able to teach them, whether they are special needs, average students or talented and gifted.
Her nomination, sent in by the Yorktown Awards Committee, further says that as a former cheerleader, Ms. Bermpohl still has “the enthusiasm of a high school cheerleader.” She gets “excited over her lessons and her students’ accomplishments.” “Her students love to come to school and learn every day.”

Ms Bermpohl introduced a program using “chips” to award students who speak politely, called the “Positive Language Program.” She “emphasizes and models positive behavior, language, and attitudes toward learning every day.” She is Chair of the School Wide Discipline Committee, which she has created into “a positive and rewarding plan that makes everyone happy and makes children aim to please.”

Yorktown Principal, Ms. Posko’s description of her classroom is fascinating, as she says that if you walk by you may find her “ dancing, singing, cheering or whispering.” “No matter what she is teaching, it turns into an exciting event.” “She spreads her positive energy around Yorktown and helps to make it such a wonderful school.”

Bowie City Council will recognize Ms. Bermpohl at the January 17 City Council meeting. She will receive a certificate of recognition and a $50 United States Savings Bond, funding for which is provided by program partner, the Washington Savings Bank of Bowie.

Main Street Caterers, will provide a special “lunch box,” so that principal Linda Posko and Ms. Bermpohl will take time out for a special lunch together.
Chick Fil –A is mailing meal coupons to Ms. Bermpohl with a congratulatory letter

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. Some examples are: a teacher who has a novel way of teaching that makes learning fun, or a teacher who helps a child feel comfortable on the first day of school, or whose attitude and enthusiasm toward teaching make them special in someone’s eyes. Nomination information is available at public, private and parochial schools located in Bowie, the Department of Community Services
at Bowie City Hall, as well as on the City of Bowie web site, www.cityofbowie.org. For additional information, contact Education Committee liaison Leni Stern, at
lstern@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3068.