Maureen Flanagan, Urban Choice Charter School

The idea behind our Golden Apple Award is to honor people who have a positive impact on students at school. That could be a Teacher, a Principal, a Resource Officer or Bus Driver. Today we surprise School Nurse Maureen Flanagan at the Urban Choice Charter School.

Wiping a runny nose is one of the many things Nurse Flanagan does. Deborah Nettle nominated Maureen because she taught her son Matt many lessons about life. "And teachers come in all shapes and sizes and I think sometimes we forget that. And I think teaching can be done at any time at any place and she definitely teaches children."

Principal Moniek Silas-Lee says Maureen is a teacher through and through. "It's ironic we call her a nurse and not a teaching nurse because that's exactly what she does all day long. She takes care of all the students, she takes care of all the staff. This building could not function without Maureen. She's truly phenomenal."

Maureen Flanagan has worked with kids in schools for years, Golden apple Award is very appropriate. "Well, I actually am a school nurse teacher. I'm a dinosaur. But I love it. I love the children, I love the staff. We have a great community here. A great family."

Maureen Flanagan is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read the letter we got nominating her below.

Dear Channel 8,

Our family has had the pleasure to know and be loved by Mrs. Maureen Flanagan the school nurse at The Urban Choice Charter School. She has made a lasting impression on our family unit that will not be forgotten. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes. Learning can happen in any environment. Our family would most definitely consider her a teacher of the highest quality. We have not been a part of The Urban Choice Charter School in over a year but Mrs. Flanagan will always remain in our hearts. She always greets you will a smile and a hug whether your a parent or a child. She eagerly answers any and all questions regardless of how ridiculous they may sound. She greets everyone by name and makes them feel comfortable no matter how personal the problem might be. Mrs. Flanagan has patiently assisted our family through some challenging medical and personal difficulties. Urban Choice Charter School, I hope you realize how lucky you are to have such a phenomenal teacher on your staff. We realize we could still can her on the phone today even a year after leaving the school she would cheerful assist us in any way possible. We love you for all that you do for children and their families Mrs. Flanagan.

Sincerely,
Deborah Nettle, Dwight Alexander and Matthew Swift