Wendy Newton, Richard Mann Elementary School

Moms can be particular, especially when it comes to their kids. So we knew when we got letters from several moms nominating First Grade Teacher Wendy Newton for a News 8 Golden Apple Award she must be pretty special.

It was an exciting day when we showed up at Richard Mann Elementary School in Gananda.

It's pretty obvious Wendy Newton is well thought of by parents and her Principal, Kim Ernstberger. "She loves what she does. She's passionate about what she does and she gives everything she has to work with these kids. She's real. You can see in everything she does that she's passionate. She knows what she has to do, she just brings it to the kids in such a way, it's a gift."

Wendy Newton brings out the best in her kids and they bring out the best in her. She says "They always tell the truth and tell very, very funny things and they keep you laughing all day. I feel so honored as a teacher to have so many students that are great and parents, we have such great memories. And the kids have learned so much. So I'm just totally honored by all of this. I can't believe it's happening. My heart is just pumping."

Wendy Newton is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read all the letters we got nominating her below.

Dear Channel 8,

    I'm writing nominating Wendy Newton at Richard Mann Elementary School in Gananda for the Golden Apple Award. Last year she was my daughters first grade teacher. My daughter enjoyed her class, going to school and the energy that she gave to the class. Wendy was great with my daughter went it came to addressing and working with her "anxiety issues with school work". Wendy made time to work with us and the counselors to make sure my daughter had a successful school year. I am happy to write this e-mail so I can give something back to Miss. Newton for the help and understanding she gave to our family.

Thank you for your time,

Rose Famellette

 Dear Channel 8,

     Wendy Newton was my daughter's first grade teacher last year. She is the most outgoing and special teacher. She will do anything for her children, she never yell's at them she is cool tempered. She does drama day on Fridays and it is great to watch. She puts on funny glasses and talks with a funny voice, my daughter still talks about her all the time. She loves her and always will.

Sincerely,

Dana and Courtney Sicker

 Dear Channel 8,

     My son is a student at Richard Mann Elementary School in Gananda. Last year Gavin had Miss Newton for his 1st grade teacher. Miss Newton exemplifies every quality a 1st grade teacher should have. Miss Newton has a very natural, maternal way of relating to the children. Miss Newton displays a genuine care and concern for each individual student. She strives to bring out the very best in each student.
     Her hard work and dedication is apparent in all that she does. There were so many occasions that she would begin her day early and meet with us Moms to plan out a special event or celebration for the kids, leaving no detail untouched. She is always happy and smiling. It is easy for anyone to see how very much she loves what she does.  I had the joy of helping out in her classroom and see her in action. Her students are always so happy and eager to learn. She motivates the children in such a positive manner, incorporating her silliness to get their attention and positive praise to keep their attention. It is truly magical to witness how wonderfully the children respond to her. 
     I can only close this letter by saying thank you for the opportunity to honor Miss Newton for a News 8 Golden Apple Award. She refers to her students as her friends and I am blessed to call her my friend. Thank you again for this opportunity.

Happily yours,

Tamara Britton

 
Dear Channel 8,

     I would like to nominate Miss Wendy Newton from Gananda for the Golden Apple Award. My son Sam had Miss Newton for first grade last year and our whole family loved her! This was Sam's first year in the school district and Miss Newton made the transition smooth. She challenged Sam to strive, even in the areas he did well. Our favorite story is about the sunflower. The class did a science project where they planted sunflower seeds. Sam came home with two seedlings. We planted them in the ground and they grew to be 8 feet tall in our back yard. They bloomed beautifully. They reminded us of Miss Newton's beautiful smile and her challenging the kids to grow.
     Miss Newton is full of energy. She channels the energy into teaching the children and also shares of herself so they can all relate. We enjoyed having Miss Newton as Sam's teacher and we hope our daughter will be lucky enough to have her as a teacher. Miss Newton is very deserving of the Golden Apple Award!

Best regards,

Cheryl O'Neil