At the recent meeting of the Weatherford School Board, Superintendent Beau Rees recognized Elizabeth Baker, music teacher at Martin Elementary. Baker recently received the Athena Award from the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce.
The Athena Leadership Award is given to a woman who demonstrates professional excellence, community service, and empowerment of women.
The award is named after the strong, enlightened goddess Athena. The Athena Awards Program is part of Athena International, a non-profit organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders.
The Athena Award is a prestigious award that, since its inception in 1982, has been presented to more than 8,000 recipients in over 500-plus regions representing 48 states and 11 countries. The Ladies of the Chamber Board select this award and it is sponsored by the Jerry Durant Auto Group each year.
Baker is in her 19th year of public school music education and in her 14th year at Martin Elementary, where 11 years ago she founded Martin Musicals. She is also the chair of the Cultural Arts Committee for Downtown Weatherford and was recently named the Community Theatre Instructor of the Year by the Parker County Theatre Company.
Also, the district's public information director Charlotte LaGrone recognized the Weatherford High School Volleyball team for earning post-season awards and accolades. Among their success, the entire team earned academic all-district.
The Lady Roos finished with a 23-19 record, including 7-5 in District 3-6A for a tie for third place. They advanced to the bidistrict playoffs.
iWork grant
The presentation cited the district's career and technical education (CTE) program was awarded an iWork Grant through Workforce Solutions of North Texas, for this past summer.
"This grant allowed our teachers to participate in externships," Hernandez noted, describing that teachers were matched with professionals in their field or a field they wanted to explore.
She added that teachers who participated in the Summer 2024 iWork: Teacher Externship initiative "Walked in the shoes" of an industry professional.
Hernandez acknowledged that through several days of job shadowing experience, they gained valuable information on current workplace practices, requirements, tools, trends, skills, and opportunities.
"This experience will enhance teaching practices by incorporating industry relevance to better prepare students for their future," she declared.
Teachers who participated were Uriel Quijas, Emily Bramhill, Jessica Pugh, Russell Fletcher, Tim Duggin, Dunia Dake, Ashley Madonna, Sarah Johnston and Holley Thornton.
Marie Hernandez, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, presented a comprehensive presentation on the ROOted in Excellence Series.
This month’s focus was Tison Middle School. It details the overview of how the professional learning community, curriculum walks, and collaborative meetings give teachers the opportunities to look at lessons and dissect student data to achieve academic excellence.
Lori Boswell, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, presented a report that showed the financial progress of the district and if any adjustments needed to be adjusted in the spending plan.
The board also approved a land purchase agreement with Meritage Homes.
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