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2 Deer Park Teachers 'Really Care'

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune Correspondent

Published: May 25, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - This year, Deer Park Elementary School will say goodbye to two teachers who, between them, have served the school for more than two decades.

Nancy Pratt and Carolyn Wilks are both known for their innovative teaching skills and nurturing ways.

"They really are caring," said Hilda Martin, the school's assistant principal. "Who knows how many kids and families they've touched?"

Known as Deer Park's "Mother Earth," Pratt's presence will remain with the school for years to come through the natural habitat and gifted program she established at the school.

"Nancy's drive, and the fact that she always gives and does her best in the classroom and for her students, makes her a role model," Martin said.

A 57-year veteran of the teaching profession, Pratt, 69, has taught at Deer Park Elementary since it opened 19 years ago. She established the school's gifted center, which serves 80 students this year, and was Deer Park's first teacher of the year.

"Gifted students need to be challenged," she said. "I'm always trying to come up with new ways you can approach something, new problem-solving techniques."

Pratt encourages students to express their creativity by producing and performing in classroom plays, playing chess and participating in academic competitions.

Her students also regularly volunteer for the Deer Park Earth Patrol, which she leads. Environmentalism is a core tenet of her teaching philosophy, and she created the school's habitat area, which has a butterfly garden with Florida native plants, a pond, birdhouses and statuary.

"That area was barren before Nancy transformed it," said teacher Lynn Graniero. "She is so passionate about everything she does."

'A Unique Way Of Teaching'

Pratt is popular with current and former students. Her retirement party, which took place May 17 at Anderson Park, drew more than 300 people, including more than 100 former students.

"Mrs. Pratt is my favorite teacher," said fifth-grader Michael Dodson, 11. "She helped a lot to bring me where I am today, as I'm ready to go to middle school. She has a unique way of teaching. Her rules aren't hard, and she doesn't give us too much homework, just enough to get us where we need to be."

A native of Minnesota, Pratt earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois, and a master's degree at the University of South Florida.

During her time in Pasco County, Pratt also taught at Cypress Elementary School. She also has taught in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

During her retirement, she and husband George, a Deer Park volunteer, plan to travel and enjoy the theater. She also plans to visit the school where she has made a difference.

"I want my students to remember me as somebody who really loved to teach them," she said.

'She Makes Me Feel Special'

With more than 30 years in the education field, Wilks is about to retire as one of Deer Park's exceptional student education teachers.

Wilks, 54, says it's been three decades of loving and laughter.

"I really enjoy working with children because of their enthusiasm," she said. "Especially at the elementary level, they're so open to different ideas, and I enjoy getting them interested in learning. They're so pleasant to be around, and they say so many things to make you laugh."

Her students say Wilks is an expert at making learning fun.

"One time we were reading a story about two girls who get stuck on a deserted island, and she brought a coconut for us to try," said fourth-grader Mary Bond, 10. "Some of the juice got on the floor, and it was so funny."

And, according to her students, Wilks' good humor is more than matched by her nurturing, helpful attitude.

"She helps me with my math and everything else," said fifth-grader Sarah Cop, 10.

Students know they can always count on Wilks.

"She always helps me," said fifth-grader Elexis Castillo, 11. "She makes me feel special."

"I love her ability to always see the good in things and in students," Martin said. "She always sees things in a positive light and wants to see students succeed."

Wilks has taught in Pasco since 1979. Before joining Deer Park six years ago, she taught at Schrader, Calusa and Fox Hollow elementary schools. Her retirement lunch will be June 5. She plans to return to the school as a volunteer.

Art is another enthusiasm for Wilks, who earned a bachelor's degree from Trenton State College in New Jersey and a master's degree from USF. A member of the Tampa Bay Basketry Guild and other arts organizations, she plans to spend time in her home studio, exploring jewelry making and mixed media.

Throughout her career, Wilks said that she has found her greatest joy in helping students with learning challenges.

"They don't always follow the same schedules as other students," she said. "But by focusing on their reading, writing and math skills and especially by getting them reading, we can get them up where they should be.

"I help them learn they can be successful."

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