Ally Van Valkenburg

🍎🌐🎉 During the October 23 Board Meeting, the District recognized 3 employees who each received awards from the Educational Media Association for 2024. These awards go to media specialists and principals who promote innovative practices that positively impact the media programs in Palm Beach County Schools. Congratulations to: 🏆 Michelle Martello, Media Specialist at Diamond View Elementary - Received the Outstanding Elementary Media Service Award 🏆 Sally Smollar, Media Specialist at Plumosa School of the Arts - Received the Outstanding Secondary Media Service Award 🏆 Kristen King, Principal at Jerry Thomas Elementary School - Received the Outstanding Principal Award Meet the Awardees: 📖 Michelle Martello, Media Specialist at Diamond View Elementary School, received the Outstanding Elementary Media Service Award. She is in her 13th year with the District, and says that the best part of her job is helping students discover the magic of books and seeing them get excited about reading. She also loves working with teachers and organizing events that bring the whole school together to celebrate literacy. 🌟 Sally Smollar, Media Specialist at Plumosa School of the Arts, received the Outstanding Secondary Media Service Award. Ms. Smollar has worked for the District for 29 years. For her, the best part of her job is getting to know the students from the time they enter kindergarten, watching their personalities emerge as they grow up, and seeing their potential for the future. 🤩 Kristen King, Principal at Jerry Thomas Elementary School, received the Outstanding Principal Award. She has been with the District for 22 years. She says the best part of her job is the opportunity she is given to have a positive impact on students. The morning greeting is one of her favorite times of the day, and she loves guiding her school staff who work tirelessly to help students reach their maximum potential.

Happy National School Counseling week to ALL of our amazing and dedicated School Counselors. Thank you for all that you do for our students, staff, and families. School would not be the same without you. We love you!