May 9, 2011

Hilton CSD Director of Secondary Education receives Curriculum Award

Hilton Central School District's Director of Secondary Education and Staff Development, Dr. Barbara Surash, was recently honored by the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development with the GVASCD Curriculum Award for her work in the Hilton Schools.  Dr. Surash was instrumental in Hilton High School becoming an authorized International Baccalaureate Diploma program.

 More than 60 educational leaders from the western New York region were present at the 19th annual GVASCD Awards Banquet May 5 at the Daisy Flour Mill.  Receiving awards were, from left, Gerald Bucklin, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in the Fairport CSD, who received the GVASCD Supervision Award; Dr. Barbara Surash, Director of Secondary Education and Staff Development in the Hilton CSD, who received the GVASCD Curriculum Award; and Steven Denaker, a Fifth Grade Teacher in the Honeoye Falls – Lima School District, who received the Sr. Edwardine Weaver Service to Education Award.

"The work we have done in the Hilton School District in the area of curriculum is not something done by just one person—it is a team effort," Dr. Surash said. "In Hilton we are encouraged to take risks with the goal of creating the best educational experience we can for our students. My colleague, Mark Bower who is Director of Elementary Education and Staff Development, and I have made a concerted effort to move our curriculum to concept-based which encourages students to become thinkers and problem-solvers."

In addition, Dr. Surash was instrumental in Hilton High School becoming an authorized International Baccalaureate Diploma program. The International Baccalaureate Program at Hilton High School which has graduated 35 students with the IB Diploma since its inception, employs a comprehensive, balanced curriculum that incorporates high standards of assessment with a focus on international understanding.    Students may earn either an IB diploma or individual IB course certificates. 

For further information, please Dr. Surash at 585-392-1000 ext. 6062 or visit www.hilton.k12.ny.us/instruction-office.htm