SARATOGA SPRINGS — WSWHE BOCES School Library Services presented their annual School Librarian of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards on June 8.
This year’s recipient of the School Library System Administrator of the Year Award is the Ballston Spa High School Assistant Principal, Al Mattice, nominated by Sarah Gunner Moorfoot.
“Mr. Mattice always listens to concerns and is thoughtful and measured in his responses. When we have had to discuss challenging issues (such as parental objections to library materials), he has been steadfast in his support of our students’ right to information and has taken the time to read and understand our updated district board policy on library materials and objection to instructional materials and controversial issues. I have been fortunate in so many things this year as a first-year librarian–and [this principal] is a huge reason why my first year has been such a joyful learning experience. He has been a sounding board, a teacher, a leader, and a friend for me and the library this year. I believe that Al deserves to be recognized for the hard work he has done this year and for the support he has provided the library,” stated Sarah Gunner Moorfoot.
This year’s recipient of the School Library System School Librarian of the Year Award is Milton Terrace Elementary School Librarian Mrs. Sheila McIntyre, nominated by Dr. Kathleen Chaucer and others.
Mrs. McIntyre’s Award nomination included statements from a total of ten administrators, teachers, and students. A few of the comments were:
•“[Mrs. McIntyre] is the heart and soul of our school community, a total class act, and I am honored to call her a colleague.”
• “She is a fierce advocate for our students and is able to establish rapport with our most challenging students. She loves the children who feel unloved, meets the children who feel unreachable, and gets to know our students so well that she is able to anticipate and recognize their needs.”
•“She plants, cultivates and nurtures the love of reading as well as supporting all aspects of learning to read for all members of her school community. We love her beyond measure, are grateful for her leadership at the building, district, and professional level, and are excited to nominate her for this award.”
