By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The Brandywine Community Schools are proud to announce one of their own has been recognized for her hard work and dedication.
Karen Weimer, principal at Brandywine's Merritt Elementary has received the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association Regional Honors Award for region five.
Weimer has been a fixture in the Brandywine schools for almost 18 years. She was a fifth grade teacher at Brandywine Elementary for 11 years and has been the principal at Merritt Elementary for seven years.
This award is presented to one member of each of the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association 14 regions. Those receiving the honors have merited such recognition as acclaimed and approved by the regions executive board.
The criteria for this award is a combination of teaching/administrative work and participation in professional and civic organizations.
Weimer has served as a mentor for students of Educational Leadership, and collaborated on curriculum and planning committees.
Besides her duties as Merritt's principal Weimer is also Title 1 director and Michigan School readiness Program director for the district.
At her building she creates a culture of celebration while helping to move a love of reading and learning. She also maintains direct contact with the parents, students and staff.
Weimer is committed to staff training an professional development and enables her staff to receive training to be more effective as teachers.
She is a frequent presenter at the Berrien County Teacher's Academy covering topics including effective communications and professionalism.
She has provided guidance, kindness, support and encouragement to her staff, can be relied upon for help personally and professionally.