TOAST volunteer Ken Skinner recognized

as statewide PTA Volunteer of the Year

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 7, 2007) -- At Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology, Ken Skinner tops the list of the school’s volunteers. This year, that recognition extends across New York state as well.

Mr. Skinner was recognized Oct. 22 at a dinner in Latham as the New York State Parent-Teacher Association Volunteer of the Year. A fixture at TOAST and an inspiration to all who have the opportunity to meet him, Mr. Skinner volunteers three days a week in an integrated kindergarten classroom and a sixth-grade classroom. The Times Union featured Mr. Skinner in a Nov. 25 article.

“Mr. Skinner is truly an asset to TOAST,” said Principal Rachelle Salerno, Ed.D. “His dedication and commitment to our students and programs is heartwarming.”

A retired social worker, Mr. Skinner always is looking for ways to help more children and build positive experiences for them. He strives to make community-based and real-life connections with students, bringing in other volunteers to excite the sixth-graders about learning and motivate them to work toward their dreams.

Most recently, he wrote a grant to bring a ballroom dancing program to TOAST last spring, researching the activity and interviewing instructors after he learned of the positive effects similar programs have had in other urban school districts. Once the program was established, he volunteered two additional days to help coach the students.

The program has helped to increase the students’ self-esteem and establish positive relationships, Dr. Salerno said. Mr. Skinner now is in the process of raising funds to continue the program next spring.

The City School District of Albany salutes Mr. Skinner for his dedication to the children and families of the TOAST community!

The City School District of Albany serves approximately 9,000 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. The district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students in addition to neighborhood schools. The district is more than halfway through its comprehensive facilities project to newly build and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary and middle schools. The ultimate goal of the facilities project is to provide schools with the resources necessary to help students succeed in the 21st century.