Without those folks, no school could function, and all the little things they do day in and day out to make that school a better place translates into better learning for your child.

Giving those people a pat on the back is the concept behind “Champions for Children,” a long-running employee recognition program of the Lawton Public Schools. Since its inception in 1999, more than 150 employees have been presented the honor, at the rate of around a dozen each year.

Any full-time LPS employee may be nominated as a Champion. The primary selection criterion is the employee’s dedication to their profession and for going “that extra mile” for students.

Nominations may be submitted to the LPS Office of Communications in the John Shoemaker Education Center.  Nominations for the 2010 award will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10.  Any received after that date will be held over for consideration in 2011, so it’s not too late to nominate that special person in your child’s life.

Nominations must be submitted using the official form and must be accompanied by at least one letter of nomination that gives specific examples of the nominee’s outstanding service. The letters are an important part of the evaluation process, since their quality and the examples of service they describe are the main factors in selecting honorees. A panel will evaluate nominations and choose up to a dozen LPS employees to be recipients of Champions for Children awards, which will be presented at the annual LPS Celebration of Education in April.

Nomination forms are available in the principal’s office at every school in the district, or at the information desk at the Shoemaker Education Center, 753 Fort Sill Blvd.

Article courtesy of Lawton Public Schools.