Silver Ridge Elementary
Roles
- 2003 – 2004 – Substitute Teacher
- 2004 – 2005 – Fitness Instructor
- 2004 – Present – Morning Announcements Sponsor
- 2004 – 2006 – Aftercare Counselor
- 2005 – 2007 – Technology Instructor
- 2005 – 2008 – Safety Patrol Sponsor
- 2006 – 2014 – Aftercare Supervisor
- 2007 – 2014 – Micro-Tech Computer Specialist
- 2009 – 2010 – TLC Advisory Board Member
- 2009 – 2012 – Summer Camp Supervisor
- 2010 – 2012 – Aftercare Cadre Member
Accomplishments
- Selected as the employee of the year in 2007.
- Became a finalist for District employee of the year in 2007.
- Developed the business plan and piloted the first school-based Summer Camp program in the history of Broward County Public Schools.
- Founded a television production program called Russell’s Roving Reporters that served over 500 students since 2005.
- Taught students from Pre-K through Fifth and worked school’s special needs population.
Mr. Russell has held the position Micro-Tech Computer Specialist at Silver Ridge Elementary for 7 years. Through this position Mr. Russell has consistently demonstrated his knowledge, growth and interest in technology with all stakeholders. He not only educates children and staff in technology but also increases their confidence. His approach is always positive and encouraging.
Under Mr. Russell’s guidance a Technology Club for students was organized in which he has trained students to be “Roving Reporters.” The “Roving Reporters” highlight newsworthy events at our school, complete interviews, and video clips that are supervised by Mr. Russell. The finished product is broadcast to our entire school on the morning news and school website for our community.
Mr. Russell maintains and creates our school website. His talent and creativity truly shine in this task. Video clips and still photos of school events are publicized to our school community enabling all stakeholders to be involved.
Leadership and vision are also strengths for Mr. Russell. He was the co-supervisor for the Silver Ridge After Care program for 7 years. While acting as the supervisor, Mr. Russell safely monitored over 20 staff members in a program of over 250 children.
Mr. Russell also developed and presented a Business Plan for the first District School Based Summer Camp program at Silver Ridge Elementary School in 2009. Based on his vision, there are now over 15 District Summer Camps. These camps allow the students of our District to remain in school-based sites for the summer, thus increasing the marketability of our schools and District.
As one can see Sean Russell has many talents and capabilities. He is a leader, visionary, and an asset to our District.
Sean Russell began substituting at Silver Ridge in 2003. He quickly earned a reputation among teachers for following through with lesson plans and maintaining discipline in the classroom. He was the substitute of choice and thus we kept him very busy. We knew Sean would be a suitable staff member at Silver Ridge. When fitness was added as an activity class under the direction of our PE teacher we knew that Sean was the perfect person for the job. Working as a Fitness Coach with our PE teacher, Sean was dedicated and committed to getting children motivated to be fit. He brought flare and substance to the class by developing a website and fitness mascot, Mr. Gund. Sean became involved in our school and did his best to contribute to its reputation and success by joining our Technology team. His knowledge of technology and commitment to our school has helped our technical growth by leaps and bounds with the addition of Promethean Boards and document cameras. His efforts on our behalf were evident in the constant help he offered to teachers in the area of technology and the support he offered to parents through his website and his parent training.
When technology was added as an activity there was no question regarding the perfect person for the job. Under the supervision of our Media Specialist, Mr. Russell made technology the activity of choice for our students. Sean impacted students as well as staff in the development and enhancement of technology skills. He started our first Technology Club and he found a way to expand our Media production crew by adding Roving Reporters. This crew is a backup to our TV crew and provides a way to include more students and to showcase school-wide events and topics as well as individual student successes. His commitment to Roving Reporters meant that he attended and filmed every scheduled extra curricular activity. Sean has also worked in our Aftercare Program for several years. He remains patient and understands how to care for and motivate students who are tired after a long day of school Within three years he has worked his way from after care worker to co-director of our program.
The position of Micro-Technology Specialist became vacant unexpectedly last January. We knew without question the perfect person for the job. Sean took over the position without notice and again made the job his with dignity and grace. The new job brought new responsibilities including maintaining the school webpage, and inventory. Basically, he is responsible for facilitating all aspects of technology for our school. The staff loves and respects Sean. Many of us have increased our own skills in technology because of Mr. Russell’s quiet, positive tutelage.
It hasn’t been mentioned that during his evolution as a staff member he was also a full time student. He graduated from college in January 2006. Sean is a remarkable professional. We have observed his metamorphous from an intermittent substitute to full time respected leader, and mentor employee who shares the vision of this school and impacts everyone who attends it. It is difficult to capture the essence of his growth and school-wide impact in words. It is an honor and privilege to be his principal.