MIHS chemistry teacher Patty Weston receives award
Mercer Island High School science teacher Patty Weston has won the 2017 American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Chemical Education Glenn and Jane Crosby Northwest Region Award for Excellence in High School Teaching.
In its announcement, ACS said it was making the award to Weston “in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the quality of chemistry education in the Northwest Region.”
“I am truly honored and humbled by this award,” Weston said. “I love teaching high school students about chemistry, whether it is of the chemistry of minerals and Earth systems, applications in biochemistry, or links between our chemistry and physics curricula.”
With nearly 157,000 members, the ACS is the world’s largest scientific society and one of the world’s leading sources of authoritative scientific information. A nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, ACS is at the forefront of the evolving worldwide chemistry enterprise and the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe.
This year’s Northwest Regional Meeting will be held later this month at Oregon State University.
“We are lucky to have Patty as an educator and role model for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. “I cannot think of a more deserving teacher to be so honored.”
“Patty Weston is an amazing chemistry teacher,” said Principal Vicki Puckett. “She is very relational with her students, who are highly motivated to do their best in chemistry. In addition, Patty is a strong collaborative teacher who works with her colleagues to improve the chemistry curriculum.”
The ACS Northwest Region Award consists of a $1,000 cash award ($450 to the teacher, a $50 paid membership registration to the American Associate of Chemistry Teachers (AACT), plus $500 to Mercer Island High School in her honor, and plaques for the teacher and the school.
Heidi Jenkins appointed as new principal of Lakeridge
Heidi Jenkins has been appointed as principal of Lakeridge Elementary, Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano announced. The appointment is effective July 1, 2017.
“We are pleased to welcome Heidi to Mercer Island,” said Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. “What impressed me most about Heidi is her knowledge and experience in supporting teacher practices and her strong desire to build and sustain positive relationships with students, staff, parents and the wider community.”
During the past two years, Jenkins has served as principal of Oakview Elementary in the Centralia School District. She has 20 years of experience in education, including 18 years as a teacher in Battle Ground, Lake Washington, Burlington-Edison, and Arlington School Districts. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Portland in Elementary Education and masters in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University.
