Pittsburgh schools honor those who help students with disabilities
March 25, 2015 – by Eleanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – The board of Pittsburgh Public Schools tonight honored those who have earned Champion Awards for helping students with disabilities.
The annual Champion Awards are made by the Pittsburgh Local Task Force, an organization of parents and educators advocating for all students with disabilities.
The student award went to seventh-grader Lexie Bouchard of Pittsburgh Brookline PreK-8, who was honored for showing “outstanding courage and self-advocacy.”
Patti Camper, principal of Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 in Lawrenceville, received the J. Kaye Cupples Award, named to honor the former administrator whose work “forged the way and set the standard for inclusive practices across the district.”
Three teachers tied for an award named in honor of Marilyn McKinney Award, a city teacher “whose work provided the foundation for realizing inclusive practices throughout the district.”
The three teachers are Valerie Wilson, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12; Stacy Laurie, Langley K-8 in Sheraden and Karen Muxfeldt Smith, Carrick High School.
Two IEP teams were honored for “exemplary collaboration” at Sterrett 6-8 in Point Breeze, Arsenal 6-8 and Linden K-5 in Point Breeze.
Two schools, Brookline K-8 and Westwood K-5, were honored for welcoming all and “exemplifying access and inclusive culture.”
Three lifetime achievement award were made: Mary Jane Conley, retired executive director Cheryl Kennedy, program officer; and LeeAnn Wagner Cica, retired CITY Connections teacher.
Parent volunteer Aurelia Carter-Scott received a family support award. Nancy Hubley, manager director of the Western Pennsylvania office of the Education Law Center, received a community champion award.