FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mindy Ward, Director of Community Relations,
847-824-8070
DES PLAINES, IL (May 1, 2010) - Sunday, May 2-Saturday, May 8, Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is dedicated to all School District 62 teachers, teaching assistants, principals, educational support staff, district employees, health professionals, and student support staff, who give so much to the welfare and educational development of our students. Each of them, through their instruction and sense of innovation and community, nurture the curiosity and desire to learn that inspires the our students. They are encouraged to continue to achieve this goal, which is our focus, Working Together For Our Children.
Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week encourages parents and the wider community to recognize the important contributions, both personal and professional, of teachers and school staff to the lives of children and their education. The Des Plaines community places its confidence in more than 775 District 62 staff every morning at the entrance to every school. The following staff, who were recently awarded District 62 Lighthouse Awards, are examples of the outstanding teaching and learning that occurs in School District 62 every day of the school year.
Monday, May 3
Educational Support Staff (Non-Certified) Day
Elizabet Castillo, Teacher’s Aide, South Elementary School - Elizabet Castillo has a strong, positive influence at South. She has been an ELL Spanish tutor at South for over ten years. When she started, the ESL program was in its infancy and Mrs. Castillo was an integral part of the formation of our current program. She always advocates for students and helps communicate important information to students and staff members. She is a bridge of communication for parents. Following conversations, she works hard to solve problems and understands the importance of following through with decisions and responsibilities. Her experience has increased the trust parents and staff give her. Mrs. Castillo sets the bar for expectations for excellent performance for the tutors who have since joined the South family.
Mrs. Castillo doesn’t seek recognition for the things she does for people. Her actions and demeanor are a result of the kind and talented educator that she is. Her desire to learn and grow as a professional is always evident. Her professional joy comes from making contributions and collaborating in an effort to improve student’s environments and performance rather than in public recognition. She has earned the respect of the entire South community, and that’s the recognition that motivates her.
Valerie Hartley, Teacher’s Aide, South Elementary School - Valerie is an assistant in the special needs kindergarten at South. She sets very high standards for herself, is a conscientious worker, highly motivated and always willing to help whenever, or wherever needed, in the building. Her job means a lot to her and it show in how she works with staff and students. She is a wonderful role model for everyone in her attire, attendance, promptness, personality, and the caring, nurturing way she has of helping the students meet their goals. If anyone asks for her assistance on a project, or how something could be done, she is ready and willing to accept the challenge. She is always developing clever ways to tackle any situation. Nothing is ever too much work for her. She handles every task with a smile. She assists in planning, scheduling, parent communication and student assessment. She helps students with printing their names, bandaging their fingers, writing and reading their sentences, and listening to their stories. She praises them and helps them understand that mistakes are okay and are a part of learning. She is a key component in the classroom and encourages students to try their best in order to accomplish their goals. When we ask our students, “How did you get so smart…who is your teacher?” they respond, “Mrs. Hartley.” She is a positive role model for all.
Jacqueline Limosani, Administrative Assistant, Human Resources/Community Relations, Administration Center - The cliché, “Behind every successful man, is a woman,” may be true, but behind every successful communications professional is an administrative assistant. School District 62’s ability to recognize, honor, and communicate with students, families, staff, and community member must be attributed to the clerical, tactical, and emotional support that Community Relations/Human Resources administration assistant, Jackie Limosani, provides. Because of her contributions in promoting District 62 students and staff, and the enormous role she plays in sustaining and strengthening communications, she deserves a 2010 Lighthouse Award in the Educational Support Staff Category.
The District 62 Community Relations Department is responsible for a wide array of communications and public engagement initiatives. From monthly board meeting recognition and presentation notifications, confirmations, room arrangements, catering, award and certificate preparation and follow-up to D62 volunteer communications, tracking, and
supervision, Jackie documents and facilitates written and electronic communications. She does it all! It is amazing that she can keep up mentally and physically with the director of community relations (me), considering that she provides support to Community Relations half time. The amount of work she accomplishes is astounding.
District 62 honors and recognizes students, staff, and community members and organizations from September through May. Student demonstrations are featured from September through November and in January. In December, the student winners and entrants of the Winter Card Design Contest are honored. Staff members achieving 25 years of service to the District are recognized in February with a reception and tributes by their supervisors. The Gallery 62 student artwork collection is presented in March. The Lighthouse Awards, which is a staff recognition awards ceremony and reception, and the Middle School Students You Should Know Awards and reception is held in May. Jackie prepares and sends the notification letters, takes the confirmations, orders and prepares the awards and certificates, arranges the food and beverages, reserves and prepares the schematic for the presentation room.
Three years ago, Community Relations launched a comprehensive volunteer documentation, orientation, and recognition program. Each volunteer is requested to complete an information and liability form. Jackie is responsible for checking the sexual offender list, entering the volunteer’s information in our volunteer database, and sending an orientation notice to each volunteer. She also keeps our volunteer and volunteer coordinator handbooks and sample forms current on the Intranet. She supports our building volunteer coordinators with contact lists. Last year, we honored our volunteers at a district-wide tea and awards ceremony. Jackie prepared/arranged the invitations, awards, certificates, program and venue arrangements, and formats and copies the programs. She also supervises three community volunteers that work in the administration center.
Tuesday, May 4
Classroom Teacher (Certificated) Day
Tina Beer, Mathematics, Algonquin Middle School - There are so many things that make Tina an exemplary contributor to Algonquin Middle
School. Besides organizing the National Junior Honor Society for eighth grade students, supporting Pi Day and Family Math Night initiatives, and helping schedule students into appropriate math sections, Tina served on the district’s Instructional Improvement Committee (IIC) and as a Math Facilitator.
Tina is first and foremost an advocate for her students. As an experienced classroom instructor, and a lifelong learner, Tina shares her passion for math with her students. Tina is deeply invested in her students, caring for every aspect of their learning and growth.
Tina was elected and served as the Vice President of the Des Plaines Education Association (DPEA). Many staff members go to her for advice because they know that she’s a source of encouragement and support. Parents and community members are also grateful for the daily effort Tina puts into her work with District 62 children.
Jivka Bubalova-Petrova, ELL Resource, Orchard Place Elementary School - Jivka Bubalova-Petrova is an outstanding ELL Resource teacher and a passionate teacher. There is nothing she would not do for her students. She loves all of them and encourages them to do their best. Jivka has the same passion when helping parents understand what is both going on with their child and with the school. She is also the first person who will offer to help out at school or to volunteer to be on a committee. In addition, she performs extra duties and organizes the before school program. She completes all of this and more with a smile and a kind word for everyone.
Our staff recognize Jivka as a lifelong learner, who continues to find better ways to teach her students and to communicate more effectively with our parents. She is currently working on her Polish speaking skills by taking her second class at Oakton Community College. She also works in the evenings teaching an adult ELL class. By efficiently teaching and continually learning and perfecting her language skills, Jivka is a wonderful role model for achieving educational excellence.
Peggy Dring, Special Education Resource, South Elementary School - Peggy Dring has a strong positive influence on the staff, parents, and the students of South School. She is a “special” special education educator, who is a natural teacher and problem-solver. Rather than seeing problems, she sees opportunities for change and growth, both individually and for the school as a whole. She is reflective in her practice, asks a lot of thoughtful questions and is a wonderful listener. Her approach with students is believing that every student will learn given the appropriate intervention, and she works tirelessly to ensure that students get what they need. She conducts research on programs, contacts colleagues in other buildings, and is always an advocate for all students. She brings information to the staff on new programs and leads problem-solving meetings, both formally and informally, in an effort to improve achievement. She is a wonderful example to educators of “putting children first.”
In her role as a special education resource teacher, Peggy Dring provides assistance and leadership in quiet, unassuming ways every day and in several ways. She never looks for credit or accolades. As a respected, credible leader, she is available during crises situations and is the first to celebrate successes. She makes everyone feel comfortable and important, and she is everyone’s first call for problem-solving. Her recognition is attributed to the respect she earns in good times and when confronted with professional tension or stress. South is working hard as a building to improve student achievement. With Peggy Dring as a leader, we feel like our goals are within reach.
Margaret Klemundt, Special Education Resource, Orchard Place Elementary School - Margaret Klemundt is an outstanding worker. She loves to share her knowledge with other teachers and staff members and often does so willingly. She is a superior team player. Her professionalism and eagerness to support others makes her an excellent resource to all with whom she works, including students and parents. Not only does Margaret’s passion for teaching help children feel positive and successful in school, her cultural sensitivity and understanding of family dynamics enables her to expand support further. She is appreciated by many and gives her all to the field of education in District 62.
Many educators throughout District 62 recognize Margaret Klemundt as an outstanding and exemplary educator. Within the special education department, Margaret is called upon many times to lead staff development and to provide samples of her work for others to use as guides. It is not uncommon for a staff member or administrator from another school to request Margaret’s assistance and input on issues related to special education. At Orchard Place School, Margaret is viewed as a leader. Teachers often go to Margaret to seek advice on how to meet their students’ needs or how to approach a challenging situation. Margaret is always honest, professional, and composed, and people count on her for speaking the truth and doing so with grace and poise. Margaret played an active role in the No Excuses University (NEU) initiative at Orchard Place.
She helped organize the committee that applied to this network and constructed a plan for implementing the NEU principles at Orchard Place. When you enter the front doors of Orchard Place, you see a beautiful display of college banners, just a small example of Margaret’s leadership and the initiative that she exhibits at Orchard Place. Margaret represented Orchard Place for two years on the IIC for the district, and was also accepted into the D62 Scholars program to obtain her ELL endorsement. She is truly committed to lifelong learning, and her contributions to Orchard Place School and the District 62 community are immeasurable.
Allison Lanin, Special Education Resource, Orchard Place Elementary School - A llison Lanin has always been an upbeat and positive person in our school and community. She is often the one to spearhead projects to help our students and their families. One example of her efforts was last year’s holiday season. Not only did Allison and her family deliver turkeys to the Orchard Place community, but she also organized a fundraiser that provided gift cards from area grocery stores to Orchard Place families with limited resources. Allison goes above her professional responsibilities, putting her heart and soul into her work.
Colleagues, students, and parents easily recognize Allison as a staff member who constantly strives to achieve academic excellence. To her colleagues, Allison is a driven, caring professional who tirelessly works to move her students forward academically. Although she only works “part-time,” she willingly comes early and stays late to make sure that she gets her job done. She has her students’ best interests at heart. When teaching, she uses best practices and relies on a depth and breadth of knowledge in the area of literacy and math instruction to ensure that her students make progress. During small group reading instruction, she implements portions of the evidence-based Wilson Reading System.
To her students, Allison is a nurturing but firm teacher, who encourages them to be their best. She conveys the importance of a strong education and helps students set goals that are challenging but achievable.
To the parents of her students, Allison is a willing and enthusiastic collaborator who puts great emphasis on the fact that all children can learn. She is always available to confer with parents. Allison has an open and caring attitude that carries over into her relationships with the parents of her students. She is a wealth of knowledge and always takes great care when providing suggestions to parents and discussing with them their child’s educational progress.
She is a beacon of excellence and a true leader at Orchard Place.
Agata Malec, ELL Resource, Iroquois Community School - A gata Malec is an influence for excellence in many ways within Iroquois Community School and the Des Plaines community. Agata works tirelessly with her students that are learning English as a second language. She communicates regularly with parents and classroom teachers to ensure that her students are receiving the services to help them reach their full potential. Agata participates on many building committees and consistently makes contributions to students.
Agata is a great resource for classroom teachers. She spends countless hours helping students grasp concepts, understand vocabulary, and infer meaning of the content material. Agata is a team player who gives 150% to helping students achieve academic success. It is easy to tell Agata is a model of excellence by the vast number of students clamoring for her attention. Students don’t just ask for assistance, they want to share with her. Students bring pictures from their native countries and artifacts used in celebrations. One student even requested that her mother bring in her new baby to show Mrs. Malec. The students know Mrs. Malec is someone they can count on. Students trust and respect her.
Lindsay Santiago, Bilingual, Orchard Place Elementary School - Lindsay embodies excellence in the Orchard Place community. She is dedicated to being a teacher, a leader, a collaborator, and willing to go above and beyond her required duties to improve the school’s learning environment. Lindsay is a mentor, a team leader involved in
teaching several morning programs, the leader of the parent involvement committee, and a member of the ISAT committee. She is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her
students by constantly striving to improve her craft and seeking new research and information to improve pedagogy. Lindsay spends hours planning and designing instruction based on her
students needs and is not satisfied until she sees positive results. Not only does she strive to improve her practices, but she works to help others as well. She reaches out to other teachers in the building to share her knowledge with her team and collaborates whenever possible. Her passion for her students and her job is contagious. Lindsay is a teacher who inspires students and
staff. She truly believes that all students can learn no matter the circumstances and makes it her mission to follow through with her belief. She is seen at almost every school event. Lindsay
doesn’t say no or turn away an opportunity to make an impact on students, parents, or other teachers.
Another program that Mrs. Santiago developed is Orchard Place’s Children’s Day Celebration. In Mexico, Children’s Day, also known as “El Dia Del Nino,” is a day where most kindergarten and elementary schools cancel classes and host a big party to celebrate and honor children. Mrs. Santiago understood the symbolic gesture that this type of event would have among OP’s families from Mexico. What began as a lunchtime activity quickly blossomed into an evening event as a result of parent support. Until Mrs. Santiago took on this activity, Orchard Place struggled to connect with parents. Now, OP hosts an annual event that brings families together. The event is also organized by the families. Mrs. Santiago continues to provide leadership and direction to those families as they make decisions about the celebration.
Theresa Straub, ELL Resource, Orchard Place Elementary School - Theresa Straub is one of the most outstanding teachers at Orchard Place and in District 62. She is a role model for many staff members. Her enthusiasm and perfectionism are infectious. She is dedicated to children and the community, and is everywhere – ELL Facilitator, DPEA representative, Student Council, and Read Across America Committee. Theresa exemplifies excellence in multicultural education. She is aware of her ELL students’ linguacultures and respects their holidays and traditions. She serves as a mentor and establishes open communication culture with her mentees by supporting, advising, sharing ideas, and providing materials. Theresa works with community members and is extremely supportive of the No Excuse University (NEU) ideas. Through her tireless work, Concordia University has helped OP students by offering a school assembly and organizing field trips that promote college readiness.
Wednesday, May 5
Student Support Personnel (Certificated) Day
Erica Cupuro, Psychologist, Central Elementary, Iroquois Community, and Forest Elementary Schools - Erica Cupuro is an influence for excellence in many ways at Iroquois Community School. She has attended many professional development trainings that qualify her to share knowledge and experience that drives the school community to excel. She provides guidance for establishing an educational environment where all children succeed. Erica is a dedicated professional who consistently goes out of her way to assist staff, students, and parents in any way she can.
Erica is the “go to” person for people needing advice when working with a challenging task, for advice about behavior and academic interventions, for staff summarizing or evaluating testing data, and as a resource for planning parent support groups. It is evident Erica is recognized as a model for achieving educational excellence by the numerous situations for which she is called upon to create solutions.
Marise Goveia, Social Worker, Iroquois Community School - Marise is an influence for excellence in many ways at Iroquois Community School. Marise maintains exceptional professional standards when working with students, parents, and staff. As the only social worker in a school that services over 450 students, Marise is depended on daily by many people. No matter what the issues are; students not getting along with friends, parents struggling at home with a defiant child, or staff faced with the challenge of learning to communicate effectively with a middle school student, Marise’s support is invaluable. She provides positive encouragement and practical strategies. She instills a sense of confidence and
acknowledges our best efforts.
It is easy to tell that others recognize Marise as a model for excellence by the constant stream of people seeking her guidance. She is depended on daily by the Iroquois community. Marise always makes time for a person in need. She validates the staff as individuals and values their contributions to the school community.
Heidi Steigerwald, Librarian, Forest Elementary School - Heidi Steigerwald is an influence for excellence at Forest School and District 62 through her enthusiastic involvement in many programs. The ‘hat’ she wears at Forest School is librarian, but to the students and staff, she is so much more than that. She runs a 4th and 5th grade book club, leads the gifted program, introduced flexible checkout at the school, organizes Forest’s Explorer’s after school club, and plans monthly staff development meetings through the technology committee. Not only does she do all that her job requires of her, she eagerly takes on these additional roles with a smile and a driving spirit.
Heidi Steigerwald’s colleagues know her worth. They recognize her as a model for achieving educational excellence. She strives to improve herself and those around her. She works hard to collaborate with grade level teams by providing support to the curriculum outside of the classroom. She keeps students invested in their learning through varying activities, team teaching, and connecting school to life.
Thursday, May 6
School Administrator/Principal Day
Rene Carranza, Principal, Plainfield Elementary School - Exceptional principals are strong educators, anchoring their work on central issues of learning and teaching and continuous student improvement. To achieve continuous student improvement, principals must also be effective communicators.
Mr. Carranza uses a variety of communication strategies to increase student, parent and staff engagement. Plainfield Elementary School defies the odds to achieve academic excellence. Plainfield was one of 425 Illinois schools to earn a 2009 Spotlight School Award. This award recognizes high poverty schools where academic performance is closing the achievement gap.
This success is achieved by building a strong community through communication. Mr. Carranza is the architect of that community. A student of the Joyce Epstein Framework of Involvement, Carranza works tirelessly to transform his school into a community center where parents participate in parent education and training. GED, English, and technology classes are offered
through Oakton Community College on nights and weekends. Carranza serves on the college’s area planning committee. His goal is to partner with the college and other local organizations to
offer health care and counseling to the Plainfield community. He partners with another Title I District 62 school to offer love and logic classes to parents.
Besides the parent organization, Mr. Carranza recruits and organizes volunteers that help in classrooms, assist in the school office, and tutor. Currently, almost 100 volunteers are recorded. He works quite extensively with OASIS, an intergenerational reading tutor program, and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
The Illinois Principal Association named Carranza the IPA/Horace Mann Insurance Company 2009 Innovative Education Award winner. This award recognizes an outstanding program that has been spearheaded and directed by an Illinois Principal. Carranza wrote, and was awarded a $15,000 grant through the BP Leader Awards Program to expand his innovative program “After
School Science Exploratory Academy.” Plainfield School was awarded a $14,700 grant, written by Mr. Carranza from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to promote nutrition through fresh fruits and vegetables. The grant's goal is to emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables and to expose children to fruits and vegetables they might not ordinarily be able to get. Each school day, about 350 children, first through fifth grade, receive a free fruit or vegetable snack.
Tragically, the death of one of Carranza’s students had a great impact on the Plainfield community. His leadership during this gloomy period lead to the Peacemaker Campaign, which sends a message to students and their families that they have a responsibility to make the community a better place. The motto, “Be the change that you want to see,” continues to inspire the Plainfield Community.
Mr. Carranza is a key player in developing a communications system that builds the support that Plainfield deserves and needs.
Lauren Leitao, Principal, Orchard Place Elementary School - Lauren Leitao is a model of excellence for Orchard Place School and the District 62 community. She is a principal who inspires others with her dedication to children, parents and No Excuses University ideas. She provides creative leadership in her interactions with the teachers and Orchard Place colleagues. She works extensively with the new staff members, listens to their ideas and shares hers. For this, and many other reasons, the staff members respect Mrs. Leitao
and count on her.
In addition to promoting the philosophy that all students can learn, Lauren has implemented school systems to enhance instruction and achievement. Staff members participate in “Data Days” three times per year, where benchmark assessment data is analyzed and discussed in order to make efficient instructional decisions. Intervention implementation for struggling students is also discussed at this time and provided through the daily 30-minute Extension Time that Lauren incorporated into the schedule. Since the start of Extension Time, each subgroup (Low SES, ELL, IEP, No Special Program) has doubled the growth expected in Reading on the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. Even with this data at hand, Lauren continuously seeks ways to improve instructional methodologies and student performance. Her ability to lead and assist others in a tactful and diplomatic manner not only makes her approachable and helpful, but also an asset to those that have the privilege to work with her!
Mrs. Leitao’s professionalism and her high expectations about students’ achievement enhance the environment in Orchard Place and make the school a warm and safe place to learn and to work.
Brad Voehringer, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services - Brad Voehringer has raised the bar of excellence in D62 by sharing his knowledge, patience, and accepting others. He applies his years of experience with special education, along with wonderful people skills and his philosophy of a child-centered approach to our learning and
community at large. He is quick to listen and observe the existing systems in place. Brad understands the community and truly respects what is in the best interest of the child. He challenges his staff by asking if what they are doing or wanting is “child-centered” and if it is best practice. He is a leader who is not afraid to have animated discussions with anyone regarding what is best practice for our students. Brad has a vision and projects into the future for what may be needed for our students to achieve their goals, i.e., an Early Childhood Center. His openness and honesty invites people to be themselves and to share their talents. He shows his respect by the autonomy he gives to his staff.
Friday, May 7
Team Day
Ann Goldstein, Jan Arens, & Hillary Maziarka, Administrative Assistants, North Elementary School - The office at North Elementary is the nucleus of the building, and like many school offices is in a constant state of motion. The ladies that are nominated for this award are often the first and the last school representatives that students and families see. The North Team offers exceptional customer service in a highly-charged, busy setting, and they carry it off with grace and love. While the team is essential to parent and staff, each team member’s contributions should be highlighted:
- The office would not run efficiently, if Ann Goldstein were not there. Ann has worked for three principals. Prior to working for District 62, she volunteered for three years. For the past twenty years, Ann has kept North on course by registering and transferring students, scheduling buses, balancing accounts, and answering phones. Anyone who visits or is familiar with North knows that the phones never stop. Ann will retire this year. The North and District 62 community will miss her daily presence and expertise in registering students and placing them on the correct buses.
- Jan Arens has worked countless hours for the past nineteen years — all to “keep her head above water.” Jan records attendance, orders supplies, maintains inventories, conducts school safety checks, secures substitutes, answers phones, and keeps the lunchroom bright, cheery, stocked with coffee, and clean. She volunteers as the PTO secretary and organizes many family activities for the PTO. Some of her responsibilities include Elly’s Night, which is a fundraiser where North teachers wait tables, Ice Cream Socials, Book Fairs, and the Halloween Sock Hop. Her leadership provides parent/staff engagement activities that strengthen the North community. Jan also served as the Public Relations Liaison to the District 62 Community Relations Department.
- Currently, she serves as a D62 Volunteer Coordinator. She recruits, orients, evaluates, schedules, and communicates with corporate, community, and parent volunteers. Her sunshine club/event planning skills are used at the District level to plan and implement District volunteer recognition programs. Last year, the District recognized more than 100 of its volunteers at a tea. The District 62 Volunteer of the Year, Cathy Ryan, was nominated by Jan. Ryan was later recognized at the 2009 Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) DSA Awards. This year, Jan is working with the District 62 Volunteer Coordinators to honor District 62 volunteers at a Japanese Tea Ceremony and Distinguished Volunteer Awards.
- Hillary Maziarka is Principal Carol Gibbs’ “right hand.” She registers participants for staff programs, organizes the school’s bulletins, and copies materials for workshops. Hillary also formats, publishes and distributes the bi-monthly school newsletter. She designs PowerPoint presentations for workshops. On top of this, Hillary has innovative ideas. She began offering parent computer classes during Family Literacy Nights. Parents are able to work with their child on educational programs only available to students at school, such as Lexia, Read Naturally, and Accelerate Reader. Staff members recognize her willingness to assist with paperwork completion. She is meticulous in her work, and when she recognizes an error, her tactfulness is greatly appreciated.
Please recognize the North Team – Ann Goldstein, Jan Arens, and Hillary Maziarka.
Ilana Craddock, Social Worker, & Anita Fischer, Special Education Preschool Teacher, South Elementary School - Ilana Craddock, social worker, and Anita Fischer, special education preschool teacher, have a positive influence on the students of South School. Together they are the “dynamic duo” that changed the “character” at South. They rewrote South School’s behavior plan and adopted many ways to celebrate and build quality character traits in the building. They understand that in order for students to learn, they must feel safe, important, and valued within their “home away from home,” South School. While they are each excellent in their assigned professional roles (social worker and preschool teacher), it is the team effort that make them extraordinary.
Mrs. Craddock and Ms. Fischer improved South students’ learning environment in significant ways. They voluntarily took on the large task of researching other schools’ behavior plans and investigating the history of past plans at South. Together, they wrote a new plan that included philosophy, goals, and consequences, both positive and punitive, that communicated South’s expectations for acceptable behaviors in a succinct and understandable way for students, parents, and staff. They sought and received input from students, parents, and staff as to what could work and what would never work and revised the plan over the last year to its current state of practice and acceptance.
