Star Award Winners - Fall 2006

Congratulations to this quarter’s Star Award winners, who will be recognized at the Suffolk School Board’s November 9th meeting. The two honorees were awarded a U.S. Savings Bond, courtesy of program co-sponsor the Suffolk Education Foundation, as well as a certificate and distinctive star lapel pin.

The winner of the Star Award for Support Staff is Donald Bess, a teacher assistant at Kilby Shores Elementary School.  His nominators wrote that “Bess makes the morning announcements a brand new adventure every day with his delivery of the latest breaking news while hip-hopping to the beat of one of the greatest top 10 hits from past decades.  Bess, also known as ‘Mr. B’ by his students, is definitely a star in the hearts and minds of both students and staff at Kilby Shores.  Bess has worked as a co-teacher in the self-contained special education classroom for nearly 15 years.  He is multi-talented and his creative teaching style, sense of humor, flare for dramatics, love of music, and love for the students turns the classroom into a ‘stage’ and each child is given a ‘starring role.’  Several years ago his lead teacher missed the last two months of school while out on medical leave.  Bess managed to keep the ship afloat while juggling students, schedules, and subject matter.  In the midst of it all, he managed to keep a smile on his face and his sense of humor continued running full steam ahead.  Bess also works hard to come up with themes and ideas for the yearly Black History Celebration assembly program.  He has been the creator, artistic director, and producer for more than 10 years.  The special education students and department members always play important parts in this live theatrical event.  Bess has also served as co-sponsor of the Kilby Shores Puppet Club.  Bess also videotapes the PTA grade-level performances each month and often makes copies for faculty members, students, parents or grandparents that were unable to attend.  Bess is not just concerned with the students’ grades, he is also determined to build character.  He often shares his personal tragedies and childhood experiences with his students in an effort to help them realize that ‘where you are doesn’t necessarily determine where you are going.’  One of Mr. Bess’ favorite quotes, ‘Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars,’ is what he personally wants for each of his students.  In the eyes of the students, parents, and co-workers, Bess is simply ‘out of this world.’”



The winner of the Star Award for Instructional Staff is Shirley Simpkins, an assistant principal at King’s Fork Middle School.  Her nominator wrote that “Simpkins gives 120 percent effort to constantly improve instruction for the good of the students in the building.  For the past two years, she has been the guiding force as the school has implemented special projects using a state school improvement grant.  Simpkins has been meticulous in having the instructional staff document all achievements related to the grant.  She has been instrumental in leading the staff to ensure all decisions are data-driven.  She gives countless hours to plan staff in-service activities so that teachers can stay up-to-date in instructional strategies to better serve the students.  King’s Fork Middle has held two family night activities this school year which Simpkins has orchestrated.  The school had whole families attend our dinners as well as mini-workshops presented by teachers to help parents understand what’s happening in the classroom at King’s Fork Middle.” 

    for more information about Star Awards click here