Marie Bourke Leadership Award

About the Award: This award recognizes an outstanding LPS principal and the impact they have on the lives of students and teachers.

Awarded Amount: $1,000

Nominated By: Parent

Based on the criteria (above), why do you feel this person should be considered for the Marie Bourke Leadership Award?

Pam is a true leader. She has a vision for what she wants in her school. She presents that and then leads her team and students to follow the vision. She wants to create leaders and positive role models. She wants everyone who is part of the Norwood Park family to really feel that. To be proud and represent Norwood and the Vision she has. She is supportive of PTO and creating fun and educational activities for students and families. She helps facilitate a learning garden and creates fun unique experiences for all our students.
 

What is the nominee’s school’s vision, and how has the nominee demonstrated successful sharing of that vision through students, staff and community members? Share specific examples of ways this vision has been implemented and has become part of the school culture. 

She wants to create a strong group of educators who continue to learn. She is most proud of former students who have become teachers, some or which have come back to teach at Norwood. She creates opportunities for instilling self confidence in her students. From reading daily announcements to having student ambassadors to help other students. She really is a selfless leader who wants the best in all her staff and students. She wants to leave a legacy that people will be proud of.

Describe the ways in which the principal has created shared leadership and participation by staff and community members. What projects or initiatives started by the nominee have been most successful in terms of shared leadership opportunities and what made them so successful? How have lessons learned impacted forward progress?

Pam has worked with the CLC program to start and be the first in the district to complete Parenting Partners. A workshop to help facilitate and encourage parents to be a better version of themselves. To help and build support in parenting.

Explain how the principal has impacted student achievement in their school over the past three years. What about the principal’s approach is innovative, student-centered, and sustainable? How has the principal engaged the school community in these efforts? Please share demonstrated improvements in student achievement during the principal's tenure.

Pam has continued to foster creativity in students from the science fair to other learning opportunities. Test scores have gone up for our school. Being supported by Pam with the PTO is huge. She allows us to have ideas and run with them. Allowing opportunities for all students to be involved. She hosted a "wake the bed" garden event that connected students with other adult in the community with knowledge of gardening.

What impact does the nominee’s leadership have on other leaders in the school or district? How does this leader work to empower teachers, students, parents and other staff to become leaders?

She has been principal for 13 years. Upon announcing her retirement she has people reach out from all over the district, the state and country. She has a strong interest in creating leaders she empowers her staff to do what is best for the students and encourages them to become more. I have heard her speaking to 5th graders at their promotion and many have said they want to be a teacher or principal because of her or their teacher. She is a kind and firm leader that truly cares. She has created a one of a kind family environment at Norwood.