In Stephen Biscotte’s classes, “the students are expected to DO science, not just KNOW science” – so says one of Mr. Biscotte’s colleagues.
The Roanoke County Education Foundation has announced that Stephen Biscotte, anatomy and physiology teacher at Cave Spring High School is the recipient of the 2011 Golden Apple Award. Among his many accomplishments, Biscotte has implemented several new instructional projects including the PIT (Physicians in Training) Crew and a new green outdoor classroom and eating area.
Each year, teachers from across Roanoke County Public Schools are nominated by students, parents, co-workers and administrators to receive the highest award presented to a teacher by the Education Foundation. This year, 114 teachers were nominated to receive the award – 27 teachers were named as semi-finalists.
In addition to the Golden Apple Award, the Education Foundation also named three Golden Apple finalists, one for the elementary school level, one for the middle school level and one for the high school level.
The Golden Apple finalists were: Christine Stanley – First grade teacher at Bonsack Elementary, Laurel Look – sixth grade health and P.E. teacher at Glenvar Middle and Steve Franco – Theatre Arts at Glenvar Middle and High schools .
The Education Foundation also recognized a new teacher who has taught in Roanoke County for three years or less with what is known as the “Green Apple Award.” The winner of the 2011 Green Apple Award is Janet Barney, a fourth grade teacher at Burlington Elementary School.
“We are very proud of all the teachers at Roanoke County Public Schools,” said Education Foundation Chairman Lenora Downing. “The Golden Apple Award recognizes the best of the best when it comes to teaching. We were extremely impressed with all our finalists. It was very difficult to select a winner,” Downing said.
In addition to receiving a check for $3,000, Biscotte received an additional award – the use of a brand-new 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV for one year, courtesy of First Team Hyundai.
“We’re thrilled to embrace education and recognize the hard work of our teachers. We’re pleased we can help teachers know how much the community appreciates everything they do,” said David Dillon, President and General Manager of First Team Auto Mall. The car also comes with custom license plates that read GR8- TCR. (Great Teacher).
The Roanoke County Education Foundation has provided more than $720,000 in scholarships to 1059 graduating seniors; more than $186,000 in classroom scholarships to more than 1000 teachers; and more than $265,000 to support travel and educational programs. In all, that’s nearly $1.2 million in support the teachers and students at Roanoke County Public Schools.
Support for these programs comes from corporate and private donations. To make a donation, go to supportroanokecountyed.org or call Jean Wynn at 540-562-3900 ext. 10113.
