Allison Tavino, Dake Junior High School
By: Kevin Doran
Updated: November 9, 2010
Some kids face more challenges than others in school. We got a great letter from a young lady with Attention Deficit Disorder. Kaitlyn McQuown asked us to surprise her History Teacher Allison Tavino at Dake Junior High School in Irondequoit.
I asked Kaitlyn what it's like to have ADD? "It makes it hard for you to concentrate in school and it really makes things tough. You've really got to realize it's all about the work."
Allison Tavino gets Kaitlyn. "Mrs.Tavino has helped me by understanding how I learn. She shows me pictures and then I can answer the questions. She's always taking the time to meet with me during lunch or meet with me after school."
Dake Junior High School Principal Tim Terranova says Mrs. Tavino makes history come alive for her students. "She absolutely loves kids, she does anything for them and she never gives up on them. She's incredibly skilled at being able to teach them. So that combination of skill and belief and love just makes her fantastic."
Allison believes the secret to reaching students starts with a positive relationship. "And then once that trust is established it's easy to work on the academic part afterward. I think teaching is just inherently rewarding, but to be honored like this is just so special, so thank you."
Allison Tavino is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read Kaitlyn's nominating letter below.
Dear Channel 8,
Mrs. Tavino is the best teacher I have ever had. As a child with *ADD* you really need a teacher that takes the time to help you with whatever you need. This teacher is Mrs. Tavino. She is always there to help and very concerned with all of her students needs.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn McQuown, 7th Grader, Dake Junior High School
