Kelley School third grade teacher Marcy Peters was ”absolutely surprised and completely caught off guard” March 12th when WROC’s News 8 Golden Apple Reporter Katrina Irwin and several others, wearing big smiles, unexpectedly flocked into her classroom.
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Peters, who was conducting her morning circle meeting with her students, was shocked to learn she was a Golden Apple award winner.
“It was a very emotional moment, I wasn’t expecting it,’’ she recalled later in the day. “It’s quite an honor. I’m very, very honored and very appreciative.”
Equally excited about her receiving the award was the contingent that followed the WROC team into Peters’ classroom, especially Kelley School Assistant Principal Christina Sullivan who nominated Peters for the award that is given out weekly to outstanding educators in the region.
In her nominating letter, Sullivan wrote:
“Marcy Peters will be retiring in June 2024. She is the epitome of small, home-town community. She goes above and beyond for her students, colleagues and the community. When you think of Newark, you think Marcy Peters. Her commitment to the district and the community is inspiring! She has worked with so many students and supported the community! She is an amazing teacher who focuses on her students each and every day! She needs to be recognized for all of her efforts and her amazing journey she's had at Newark CSD.”
Others who came to Peters’ classroom to see her receive the award were her “significant other” Mike Majors, her parents Linda and John Peters, her brother Todd Peters, Kelley Principal Nate Goodness, Superintendent Susan Hasenauer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Krista Lewis and some other Kelley school staff:
"Marcy Peters epitomizes the heart and soul of Newark Central School District education. Her dedication and genuine care for students, staff, and families earned her the Golden Apple Award. Marcy's ability to connect with students on a personal level, coupled with her passion for teaching, creates an environment where students thrive not only academically but also emotionally and socially. As we celebrate Marcy Peters' well-deserved recognition of this Award, we also reflect on her remarkable journey as an educator. Marcy's legacy of kindness, compassion, and dedication will continue to shape the future of Newark Central School District. We are immensely proud to have her as a part of our school community," Goodness said after Peters received her award.
“Marcy is a very talented teacher and a wonderful person. She creates top-notch learning experiences and lasting relationships with her students and families. We are so fortunate to have Marcy here in Newark,” Lewis said.
“Bob Talbert once said, "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best, and Ms. Peters does just that each and every day. Her patience, understanding, acceptance, and most importantly the atmosphere of belonging that has been established in her classroom, are characteristics that make her an exemplary teacher and the perfect candidate for this award. Our District and our students are extremely lucky to have felt her impact,” Hasenauer said.
A Newark native, Peters, who will retire at the end of June, has been at Kelley School during her entire 32-years of working in the Newark Central School District.
Peters received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Nazareth University.
After the WROC team left, Peters said her students were “so excited” not only about her receiving the Golden Apple Award, but that they too were going to be on television and “would be famous.”
“They carried on about it throughout the day and said they can’t wait to see the report on television when it airs April 9th at 5:45 p.m..”
Not only did Peters receive a “goody bag” from WROC; flowers from administrators and some faculty; but Majors, whom she lives with in Sodus Point and who owns Pontillo’s Pizzeria in Newark, sent over some sheet pizzas for faculty and staff to enjoy in her honor.
Peters, who said she loves children, said her love for teaching was instilled in her by many of her teachers when she was attending Newark schools “who made such a positive impact on my life.”
“I love teaching and it’s very important to me to build positive relationships with my students and their families so we can work as a team to help students be the best they can be. I believe when that happens, the best learning happens.
Looking back over her career, Peters said Kelley School has been like home.
“I always will be proud to have been part of the Kelley School family.”