Fall River Public Schools recognized 8 employees for their hard work and dedication with 2024 Crystal Apple Award

A few select employees in Fall River were recently recognized for their contribution to the school community.

The Fall River Public Schools recognized the hard work, reliability, perseverance, and commitment to excellence of 8 employees on Friday who always show dedication to the school community.

The recipients were given The Crystal Apple Award with a description of why they were so deserving.

Adam Coderre TEACHER STONE SCHOOL
“This secondary teacher is described as the “epitome of a great teacher,” doing everything he can every day to help each student gain the knowledge, skills, tools, and support to be successful. Not only does he create a learning environment that fosters risk-taking, respect, and perseverance for students, he serves as a mentor to his colleagues as well. He is the first to offer help, even to administrators, and takes his professional responsibilities seriously. He is a teacher who is always interested in trying to understand what motivates students, and continually makes changes to his teaching style to help meet students where they are. He models professionalism and accountability – showing up early every day, often one of the last to leave, and taking graduate classes in the evenings, but also models self-care by knowing when to take a break and catch his breath. He provides consistency and a voice of reason in the school community.”

Crystal Martinez TEACHER VIVEIROS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“This elementary teacher is described as a leader and a mentor who embraces feedback from others and helps her team move forward. Her classroom door is always open for teachers to observe her well-structured, engaging lessons, and she extends herself personally to assist other educators in learning and growing in their practice. She goes the extra mile to ensure students feel loved, safe, and supported, building relationships with both students and their families. Peers describe her impact on them personally and how she has been a “constant help” from their first days at the school.”

Danielle Arruda ACADEMIC COUNSELOR MORTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Going above and beyond is nothing new for this school-based administrator. Multiple nominations referenced all the ways in which she has established herself as a resource for both students and adults – providing a safe space for discussion, counseling, coaching, and sharing of good news. She builds relationships with students and is able to support other adults to do the same. She is described as someone with exceptional planning and organizational skills that are manifested in the school’s daily schedule, the smooth administration of MCAS, after-school events, and summer programming. She is said to be an amazing leader, advocate, and coach, and is praised for her collaborative approach to streamlining and delegation of tasks.”

David Fisher CUSTODIAN FALL RIVER LEARNING CENTER
“Opening a new building is easy on nobody, and the school custodian is no exception. But this custodian took on a “new-to-us❞ site this year and appeared to do it with ease. He is described as “dependable, hardworking, and someone who takes pride in his work and the building he is charged with maintaining,” and apparently, he does it all with a smile on his face. He is said to be “so pleasant to work with” as he takes care of everything in the building.”

Jennifer Braga CLERK HENRY LORD COMMUNITY SCHOOL
“It seems no matter the need, this school office clerk is always there to help. She is the first smiling face seen by students, families, and staff upon entry, and is characterized as being a “positive light” in her school. Professional, organized, poised, and supportive are just a few of the ways staff describe this individual who “works diligently” and “never complains”. She possesses a wealth of knowledge she is willing and ready to share, and never hesitates to support staff.”

Julie Suneson INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT LIAISON RLM RESILIENCY PREP ACADEMY
“This Instructional Support Liaison has been working hard, learning, and growing for a number of years in the district. She has always committed to doing whatever she is asked and has delivered with nothing but grace, patience, and pride. She has stepped into different roles when needed and has gained the respect of both students and staff in the school. This year, in particular, she has been knocking it out of the park in the way that she has upped her game to support students in learning grade-level content. She has participated in teacher PD, been on the receiving end of coaching and feedback, and has taken everything she has learned right back to the classroom and the students who are depending on her. She is professional. She is dedicated. She is exceptional.”

Kyle Krudys SUBSTITUTE TEACHER DURFEE HIGH SCHOOL
“Described by one peer as someone who “might be the most important person at Durfee High School,” this staff member is said to “keep the train on the reels,” daily, in the district’s largest building. Phrases like “extraordinary asset wildly underappreciated, and levelheaded disposition,” and words like “unwavering, unflinching, consistent, and calming” are no stretch of the truth when attributed to this individual. He takes on hallway duties when needed, covers classes at a moment’s notice – from individual classrooms to large seminar rooms – and in a calm and respectful way that creates a safe environment for all students. He has taken over some of the most challenging classes over the years, and has time and time again risen to the occasion when faced with situations even veteran teachers may have difficulty handling. It’s time to give credit where credit is due.”

Kathryn Ratkevich VICE PRINCIPAL GREENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“This school administrator is appreciated and celebrated for being a “teacher first” who #showsup for students and staff every day. She is described as calming, motivational, genuine, and compassionate – a leader who lets people know they are valued with kind words, notes, and an end-of-day thank you. She greets everyone with her trademark smile and is often found participating in classroom activities across grade levels and content areas. She doesn’t get a break all day, yet somehow finds time to listen and make sure people feel heard. She is a leader who has not forgotten the challenges of being a classroom teacher, and one who is able to find positivity even in difficult situations. She’s relatively new to the role, but has taken it on with grace and finesse!”