For Immediate Release
November 29, 2007

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

November 2007 Teacher of the Month
Heidi Clifton, Rockledge Elementary School

The Bowie Education Committee has selected Heidi Clifton as Teacher of the Month for the month of November. Ms. Clifton was nominated by parents of a student at Rockledge Elementary School, where she is a Second Grade Teacher. Ms. Clifton is in continuous communication with parents, working with them to direct their children’s energies appropriately as she tunes in to the students’ learning styles and personalities.

The parents who submitted Heidi Clifton’s nomination, are Mr. and Mrs. McKinney. They greatly appreciate this teacher’s ability to motivate and challenge their son, within a very short period of time at the beginning of the school year. Because of this teacher’s efforts he has greatly improved his “demeanor and classroom conduct,” and is now complimented and praised “for his good grades and consistent good behavior.”

They feel strongly that the teamwork and communication between this teacher and parents is wonderful. They are very thankful that Ms. Clifton, understands that students have “unique learning and development situations,” and that she took the time to acknowledge this and to work with them to find a solution to their son’s difficulties in the classroom, before this became a serious problem.

Rockledge’s Principal, Ms. Pamela Landry, describes Ms. Clifton as “an exceptionally talented teacher whose keen insight into the learning styles of her students supports them in achieving success. She works above and beyond to tweak the right lesson, communicate with parents, and lead the second grade team.” She makes school “a wonderful experience” for her students.

Bowie City Council will recognize Ms. Clifton as Teacher of the Month at a future City Council Meeting. She 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. Main Street Caterers will treat her and Principal Linda Posko with a “lunch box,” for a special lunch together. .
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.