May 4, 2005
LANSING – Florence Atto was surprised today when she was named 2004-2005 Michigan School Support Person of the Year today during a visit from interim state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jeremy M. Hughes. Atto is a secretary at the Doyle Center for Professional Development at Bloomfield Hills Public Schools.
“Outstanding school employees like Florence are the lifeblood of good schools around the state of Michigan,” Hughes said. “This award focuses positive attention on the tens of thousands of dedicated school support personnel across the state who rarely receive public recognition for their work.”
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm expressed the following message for Atto: "I want to thank Florence for her dedication and commitment to helping our children succeed. She is a great example of the extraordinary people who work hard every day to help our children receive a quality education in a positive environment."
The purpose of the Michigan School Support Person of the Year Award is to honor outstanding school support personnel for their contributions to the success of the learning community, as well as focusing public attention on the tireless work undertaken by school support personnel on a daily basis. This is the third year of the program.
“We are delighted to highlight the contributions of school support personnel in every Michigan school with this award,” said Kathleen N. Straus, State Board of Education President. “Florence represents the unsung heroes in support roles in our school districts.”
Atto, secretary with the Bloomfield Hills district since 1992, “…makes every person who enters the building feel like a valued guest simply because she sincerely considers each to be just that.” She is an “Ambassador of Good Will for the entire district,” commented her supervisor, Ms. Laurie McCarty, Director of Instructional Services.
Fluent in both the Chaldean and Arabic languages, Atto is a former para-professional educator for bilingual students and English Language Learners, and special education.
Christine Abbott, former supervisor, said of Florence, “She is an extraordinary person in both her professional and personal life. Florence has served as an interpreter for families who needed this support as they were new to our country and community... her enthusiasm and high energy level are seen in all that she undertakes. Florence has a “sixth sense” about knowing when someone is in need and immediately moves into a support mode to help out whatever that need may be.”
Cathy Cantor, a parent in the district, raved about Florence: “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how Flo’s cheerful personality really sets the tone for the Staff Development facility. Flo’s smile is always ready, she greets almost everyone who comes in the door personally, and she offers her help whenever she sees a potential need. With Flo there is no ‘my job – your job,’ that boundary just doesn’t exist for Flo. If she thinks she can help, she does. It’s just that simple.”
Maureen Wagner and Cynthia Dees, staff members in the district’s Deaf and Hard-of- Hearing Department wrote: “For many years, the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Department has used Flo’s unique communication skills to ensure quality programming for students from non-English speaking households. She individually encourages each student entrusted to her care. Flo sees potential where others see limitations. She takes great pleasure in mentoring the students and serving as a cultural liaison on behalf of the Chaldean/Arabic speaking communities…..She’s an advocate and supporter of special education. Flo’s a safe harbor for parents who seek her integrity and insight.”
For additional information on the Michigan School Support Person of the Year program, log on to www.michigan.gov/mde. Click on Recognition Programs. Click on Michigan School Support Person of the Year.
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