Every week we celebrate SMCDSB staff members who have been recognized by a parent, student or colleague.

This week we are celebrating Anna Longo, a special education resource teacher (SERT) at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School. Anna was nominated by a colleague who said:

“Anna Longo has been SERT at Saint Gabriel the Archangel since 2009. Over the years she has become one of our students' most well-respected, knowledgeable, and passionate advocates. Anna always puts the needs of the students first. She connects and communicates with parents from the perspective of a teacher and a parent. Parents have sung her praises as she supported their children, their families, and their children’s teachers to develop the best plan for success.

Recently, Anna has become a fierce champion for children diagnosed with dyslexia. Not only has she pursued training on her own time through the Barrie Dyslexia Centre, but she also volunteers her time teaching children to read and has become affiliated with Dyslexia Canada. She has become an expert and using this training at SGA, she has made a tremendous difference in the lives of intermediate students who felt that they would never be able to read. Anna has given them an invaluable gift.

Not only a truly amazing teacher, but Anna is a supportive colleague who has gone above and beyond in her unwavering support to staff in difficult situations. Anna is always willing to lend a hand; is a friendly face to students, teachers, and administrators, and is a vital member of the school community. She is an exceptional colleague, SERT, teacher, advocate, mentor, and friend and she deserves to be celebrated.”

This week we also celebrate Crystal Arnold, an assistive technology trainer at academic services. Crystal was nominated by a colleague who said:

“Crystal has gone out of her way to assist me and my students with navigating, implementing, and attempting to fix computer glitches in the use of our assistive technology. She has worked through her lunches and stayed after school to help me. I cannot thank her enough!”