This afternoon P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker handed out the last two teacher Impact Awards as part of Round 1. This portion of the awards highlighted the teachers with the most significant overall student growth during the 2022-2023 school year.
Our very own Mr. Tony Krupa, who teaches 8th grade Math here at Schmucker, was a winner; and so was Brian Griman, who teaches College Algebra, Pre-Calculus & Trigonometry, and Calculus courses at Penn High School. Dr. Thacker was able to surprise both Griman and Krupa with the help of some other members of P-H-M A Administration: Asst. Superindent of Instruction Dr. Heather Short, Director of Professional Development Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, and Director of Literacy & Title I Ryan Towner. P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom was also on hand. The Foundation covered the cost for the awards given to each winner.
To surprise Mr. Krupa, Dr. Thacker enlisted the help of Principal Sarah Smith and Assistant Principals Cam Brundage and Matthew Garber. At Penn, Principal Dr. Sean Galiher interrupted Mr. Griman’s class to surprise him.
Serendipitously, both Krupa and Griman’s children were both in their father’s classroom today when they received the surprise awards, making the awards even more special.
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Krupa was recognized because his students had 85% growth in proficiency from Clear Sight 1 to ILEARN. Krupa also had two of the top three highest growth 8th grade math classes.
Griman received his Impact award because he had the largest increase of student growth in passing, from PSAT to SAT. The growth in the number of students proficient from PSAT to SAT was 11%.
P-H-M appreciates all teachers across the district for their commitment to helping their students achieve academic success.
Round 1 of the Impact Awards is now complete. Round 2 of the Impact Awards will be handed out mid winter.
