News

Friday, March 27, 2009

Tri-County GATE Honorees

Left to right: Barry Nitikman, Teresa Koontz, Rosa Lazarovitz

On Friday, March 13, the Tri-County GATE Council honored two educators and one parent from the Santa Barbara School Districts at the annual “We Recognize Our Own” luncheon. The Tri-County GATE Council, a volunteer organization, is an affiliate of the California Association for the Gifted.

Barry Nitikman, fourth grade teacher at Harding Elementary School, was acknowledged for challenging GATE and advanced learners. Principal Sally Kingston describes Mr. Nitikman as the “teacher of today.” “He is a life-long learner who continues to refine his practice through collaboration, reflection, and perseverance. If there is a way to reach a child, Barry will find it!”

Teresa Koontz, the districts’ elementary GATE program coordinator and GATE coordinator (K-12) for Carpinteria Unified School District, received recognition for her efforts in grant writing, GATE curriculum development and instruction, professional development, and parent support.

Rosa Lazarovitz, whose daughters attend the Santa Barbara Community Academy and La Colina Junior High School, was recognized for her volunteer work with the GATE Program. Mrs. Lazarovitz has served as the Academy’s PTA president, conducts an online computer lab program for GATE and high achieving students, and assists in the school libraries at her daughters' schools.

Honorees were treated to a luncheon and received a plaque and flowers.