To:

Members, Board of Education

From:

Maurice O. Green, Superintendent
Nora Carr, Chief of Staff

Date:

June 5, 2009

RE:

GCS Volunteer of the Month for June 2009

Before becoming an elementary school, Sumner served students in kindergarten through high school. Mary Beth Winfree graduated from the old Sumner School, and now she has returned to share what she learned with a new generation of students.

For more than seven years, this outstanding community member has been sharing her time in a third-grade class, mentoring students, reading aloud in class, proctoring exams and even providing snacks for special occasions. She’s not alone – her sister and husband both volunteer at the school, as well. Sepideh Gregory, the teacher Winfree assists, can’t help but feel spoiled by all of the tender loving care this volunteer provides. “Mrs. Winfree is the model of patience and kindness to all the students and teachers in this school,” Gregory wrote in her nomination of Winfree.

American Express and district officials surprised Winfree with Volunteer of the Month honors in a brief ceremony at the school. As Volunteer of the Month, Winfree received a gift bag and $25 gift card from American Express, which has generously partnered with Guilford County Schools (GCS) to support the volunteer recognition program. Her photo will hang at Sumner as well as the district’s central offices.