To recognize the incredible work of employees, the North Penn School District (NPSD) has relaunched a new employee recognition program. The North Penn Es Award recognizes staff members who exemplify the four Es of NPSD- ensure belonging, elevate learning, engage community, and exceed expectations.
This year’s winners are Rebecca Geremia for elevating learning, Michael Flynn for ensuring belonging, Alice Murphy and Bernie Jones for engaging community, and Brent Talbot and Vivian Cao for exceeding expectations.
“These five winners exemplify the best of our incredibly talented NPSD staff,” said NPSD Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer. “While each and every one of our employees is essential to what we do, these individuals go above and beyond, and further our mission to ensure belonging, elevate learning, engage community, and exceed expectations.”
Rebecca Geremia is a kindergarten teacher at Gwyn-Nor Elementary School. She has taught in the NPSD for over 20 years and has been a mentor for many new teachers. She is always committed to the education of her students, going above and beyond to make sure every student is given the opportunity to succeed.
Michael Flynn has been a guidance counselor at Penndale Middle School for twelve years and exemplifies what it means to ensure belonging. His dedication to students goes beyond the guidance office. Flynn coaches multiple sports and has a constant presence in the school hallways and rooms to make sure students feel seen and heard. He fosters a culture of positivity at Penndale that is invaluable.
Alice Murphy is an English language development teacher at Knapp Elementary School and has worked in the NPSD for 15 years. For the last four years, Murphy has taught an Adult English Learner class for the community education program, helping parents and adults across North Penn to connect with their community. She has taught classes at the Educational Services Center, at Knapp Elementary, and has spent many Saturdays at the North Penn Mosque teaching English.
Bernie Jones is the head of security at North Penn High School, and has worked for the district for over ten years. Jones is a well-known presence at the high school, greeting students with a smile every day. He has fostered a culture of safety through building relationships with students, who know him as a trusted figure within the school community.
Brent Talbot has worked for the North Penn School District for 22 years, first as a bus driver and now as the routing specialist for the district. Talbot works diligently to create safe and efficient routes for all school buses, working through any challenge. He is able to work through weather conditions affecting routes, detours, accidents, and even driver shortages by filling in himself. He works hard every day to ensure the safety of all students.
Vivian Cao has worked in the technology department for 18 years, serving as the desktop and support specialist. She goes above and beyond to resolve any technology issues, always exceeding expectations to ensure the district’s technology can operate smoothly. Her behind-the-scenes efforts provide the entire NPSD with the support needed to operate efficiently.