GOOD APPLE NOMINATIONS
Good Apple Award Nomination Form
Return the completed form to the School Principal
The most valuable assets of the East Hampton Public Schools are our more than 300 employees — our teachers, office staff, IT staff, paraeducators, interventionists, custodians, food service workers, bus drivers, nurses, substitutes, administrators, and all others who contribute daily to the education of East Hampton children. Each has an integral role to play in the overall successful operation of the school system.
To recognize the outstanding contributions of the many people who are helping to ensure that East Hampton Public Schools are “opening doors to inspire every student to dream, discover, and achieve,” the GOOD APPLE AWARD continues as a proud tradition of our district. All employees of the East Hampton Public Schools are eligible to receive a Good Apple Award. Please note — past recipients of the Good Apple Award may be considered.
2024 GOOD APPLE AWARDEES
We honored our East Hampton Good Apples at Convocation on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024.
Good Apples are those staff members who make the
East Hampton Public Schools an outstanding school district as a result of their dedication and effort.
MEMORIAL SCHOOL
Ashley Labbe
This educator is a shining example of a Good Apple. She exudes positivity, and cheerfully greets staff and students every morning with a bright smile and calm demeanor. This classroom teacher approaches challenges by focusing on collaborative problem solving, and always considers what will be best for her students. As an enthusiastic member of her grade level team, she willingly shares resources and ideas that benefit all. The warmth of this teacher’s classroom can be felt the moment you enter, and it’s clear that her students are engaged and motivated to learn. This Good Apple always sets clear expectations and enforces discipline with a firm but fair approach. She can be seen celebrating her students' success with positive affirmations, admiration, encouragement, or special earned incentives. Memorial School is fortunate to have a teacher whose kindness, empathy and optimism continues to lift the spirits of so many.
Ashley Labbe is this year’s Good Apple.
CENTER SCHOOL
Emily Nichols & Therapy Dog Oakley
Since joining our team, Oakley has become an integral part of our school community. Whether providing a calming presence during stressful moments or encouraging students who are feeling overwhelmed, Oakley’s impact has been remarkable. His gentle nature and instinctive ability to connect with students create a supportive atmosphere that helps our learners thrive, both socially and emotionally.
Oakley’s day-to-day interactions with students provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and foster positive connections. He’s there for students during reading sessions, where his quiet companionship helps build confidence in emerging readers. His presence is also invaluable for students working on emotional regulation, as many children have shared how much they feel more at ease simply by spending time with him.
Being named the "Good Apple" recognizes Oakley’s unwavering dedication to promoting student well-being. We are immensely proud of the positive influence he brings to Center School, and we look forward to continuing to see the wonderful ways Oakley supports our students. Congratulations to Oakley for his well-deserved recognition as the "Good Apple"!
EAST HAMPTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
April Abrantes
April has contributed positively to our East Hampton Middle School community. Her positive outlook and ability to excite students in learning a new language is authentic. April is flexible and always looking to provide what is best for the student and family. As a student wrote, “I would like to nominate Mrs. Abrantes for the good apple award because she is always there to help no matter what and spreads positivity throughout the school. She deserves this award because of all the things she does for her students.” Another student writes, “she makes the classroom a comfortable environment and is really easy to talk too and very fun too! Every time students walk into the school, she always has a smile on her face and puts a smile on everyone’s faces”.
April is well deserving of this Good Apple award!
EAST HAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL
Laura Martin
Laura is an indispensable member of the EHHS Math Department. She works tirelessly in support of her students and is always willing to lend a helping hand whenever it is needed whether it be with developing new material or being a supportive friend. Laura is known to help make copies for her teammates or leave a special treat when a colleague is going through a difficult time. She is always happy to talk about the Patriots, her students, or an exciting new math strategy that will help her students. Laura has high standards for her students and for herself. She is respected by her students, parents, and her peers. Most afternoons, Laura can be found after school working with students to support their learning. She is always willing to make time to listen to her students, her colleagues.
Laura Martin is truly a Good Apple.
The Learning Center
Courtney Parmelee
Courtney joined our team at the beginning of this school year with such positivity and great energy. Her dedication to our students has been exemplary. She exudes such a calm, patient and compassionate way with the students and she gained their respect right from the start. Thorough and consistent in her delivery of behavior management and academic support, Courtney displays professionalism. She is an amazing team player with a sharp and creative teacher mindset. She carries out her duties with such efficiency and continually goes above and beyond expectation. Her daily presence and support at TLC has been a huge part of our students' successes this year. Additionally, she always finds a way to bring fun into our little world and brings smiles to all of our faces.
Because of her outstanding hard work and dedication to the students and staff at The Learning Center, Courtney is recognized as a very good apple!
The Transition Academy
Adam Karasevicz
Adam exemplifies the epitome of dedication and compassion in his role as a support figure for transition age students. Beyond his daily responsibilities, he transcends the call of duty, extending his unwavering support to students and staff across all grade levels. Adam's commitment shines through various avenues, notably in his provision of CPR trainings to staff, ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community. His willingness to step in and offer adult support during out-of-district transportation showcases his selflessness and reliability.
Moreover, Adam's kindness extends to ensuring students' accessibility to essential appointments by personally facilitating transportation, thereby eliminating barriers to their academic and personal growth. However, what truly sets Adam apart is not just his actions but the genuine empathy he exudes in every interaction. Students and staff alike are profoundly impacted by his compassionate demeanor, feeling understood, supported, and uplifted in his presence. Adam's unwavering dedication to the holistic well-being of the school community embodies the spirit of the Good Apple Award, making him a beacon of positivity and inspiration for all.