A Well-Deserved Award

Yantacaw Elementary School’s nurse, Mrs. Katherine Flannery, recently received the Jaycee Educator of the Year Award. She has been a school nurse for 25 years and at Yantacaw for 19 years. The award was given to Mrs. Flannery at a dinner at the Valley Regency on April 5, 2019.

“I can't put into words what a wonderful honor it is to be named Jaycee Educator of the Year. It is truly a great feeling to be recognized for the work you do and love,” said Mrs. Flannery.

As Flannery expresses her gratitude for winning this important award, she explains the advice she would give to any other educator eligible to win. “My advice to new educators is to be lifelong learners and keep current on any new trends in education. I would also advise them to utilize all the resources that are available and support what they are teaching,” said Mrs. Flannery.

In addition, Flannery is a proponent of community service and involvement. “I feel it is important for everyone to be active members of the community," she said. "Participating and getting involved in community activities is a great way of giving back to the community. Also, becoming active participants will help strengthen the community.”

Mr. Frank Francia, the principal of Yantacaw, has nothing but positive things to say about Mrs. Flannery. “She is patient and kind and her interactions with students are positive, caring, and respectful,” Mr. Franica said.  “Mrs. Flannery makes a substantial contribution to district events beyond the school building. She assists in other buildings throughout the district when they are in need of nurses and she assists with Kindergarten registration.”

Mrs. Flannery also demonstrates a deep and thorough understanding of medical knowledge and nursing techniques.  Her procedures for the nursing office are seamless and she is always prepared for unexpected situations. Mrs. Flannery leads and trains the Code Blue team, serves on the building 504 team, closely monitors all students with allergies, completes health screenings each year, and has developed and implemented the Random Acts of Kindness program.  She has invited the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey to interact with third and fifth grade students, has organized for a local dentist in town to speak with Kindergarten students, has invited a physical therapist from Kessler Institute to educate parents and students on proper backpack safety tips, and has organized assemblies focusing on proper nutrition and diet.

“Mrs. Flannery truly cares about the health and well-being of our students,” Francia states. “She holds the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality and is advocate for our students.  She is commended for her attention to detail and ensuring that all students are safe.”

 Mr. Francia truly believes that Mrs. Flannery was the best candidate for the Jaycee Educator of the Year Award because of her loyalty and dedication to the district.