School District Honors Three Staff Members

As the school year comes to an end, three staff members are being honored by the District for their work to serve students. School Social workers, School Counselors and Licensed Mental Health Professionals support students outside of the classroom and ensure the District supports the whole child and not just their academic needs.

At Harns Marsh Middle School, Judes Albert spearheaded a partnership with the Harry Chapin Food Bank to open the largest on campus food pantry in Lee County. Serving 150 students, family, and staff per week, the pantry is a staple resource at Harns Marsh Middle School. It’s just one of the initiatives Albert has taken to ensure students and families are supported, engaged, and have the resources necessary to succeed and why he was named the School Social Worker of the Year.

“Students who at one time were not coming to school at all, are now participating in Mr. Albert’s ‘No Excuses’ program to earn incentives for being at school,” said Harns Marsh Middle School Principal Alex Dworzanski. “This program has resulted in many of the students who were once failing, now becoming students who have earned credits to go to high school and be successful.”

Dr. Bruce Hyman, School Counselor at The Sanibel School focuses on academic achievement, social and emotional development, and college and career readiness of all K-8 students on the campus. He was chosen as the School Counselor of the Year for his innovative approaches to counseling, leadership within the community, and advocacy for students’ well-being.
“Dr. Bruce's dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts to support our students' academic and personal growth have truly made a difference,” The Sanibel School posted on Facebook.

The District’s Licensed Mental Health Professional of the Year is Elizabeth Brumm. Licensed Mental Health Professionals provide individual and group counseling with signed parental consent to those students who have mental health challenges. Brumm started her career with the District as school social worker, earned her Master’s in Social Work at Florida Gulf Coast University and is a licensed clinical social worker. She was honored with this award for the experience and expertise she brings to the schools and students she supports.