Lewes Elementary & Frederick Thomas Middle School Recognize Employees for Going Above and Beyond

Lewes Elementary School and Frederick D. Thomas Middle School recognized two teachers and two subsitutes at the Thursday, January 23 Board of Education Meeting. Each were acknowledged as the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) recipients, for their unwavering dedication and support to the students, staff, and families within their school community.

“Lewes Elementary is honered to recognized paraeducator, Edward Joyce, and substitute teacher, Teresa Flury as our GEM recipients this year,” said Dr. Kimberly Corbidge, Principal at Lewes Elementary. “Ed is an invaluable member of our school community, embodying teamwork, initiative, and positivity in all he does. Known for his collaborative spirit, he doesn’t hesitate to seek answers when needed, ensuring his support is always effective and informed,” continued Corbidge. “With exceptional organizational skills, he maintains schedules and responsibilities with precision, addressing issues proactively and resolving conflicts with calm professionalism. We are honored to have him as a member of our school community!”

Ms. Teresa Flury is described as exemplary substitute teacher who brings professionalism, care, and positivity to every classroom she enters. “Ms. Flury is passionate about creating the best learning environment possible, handling behaviors with skill, and fostering a sense of trust and respect,” said Dr. Corbidge. “Our teachers can always rely on her and are confident that their classes are in capable hands when they are not there. We are so grateful for all the support she gives at Lewes Elementary!”

The two outstanding members of the Frederick D. Thomas Middle School community who are recognized as GEMs are Mr. Haywood Burton and Mr. Robert Larsen. “Mr. Burton plays a vital role in our school and consistently goes above and beyond to support our staff and students,” said Mr. David Frederick, Principal at Fred Thomas. “In his role as a behavior manager, he connects with students and is able to make a profound difference in their lives. In addition, he’s a boys’ basketball coach, and is a supervising staff member of the Junior Justice League, consistently advocating for equity for our students. We are beyond fortunate to have him as a member of our team!”

Many times substitutes are often required to step into unfamiliar situations, but Mr. Robert Larsen has handled each substituting opportunity with ease. “Mr. Larsen is always willing to help out and step up in any role we need him in,” said Mr. Frederick. “He communicates effectively, and his professionalism sets a very high standard for all substitutes. He consistently goes above and beyond to provide a safe, efficient and caring learning environment for our students at Fred Thomas. It is a joy to have Mr. Larsen in our building!”