School No. 16 teacher Paige Ptucha receives News 8 Golden Apple Award for her dedication to students

Rochester, New York – Paige Ptucha, an 8:1:3 classroom teacher at Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16, has been recognized with the News 8 Golden Apple Award for her dedication to students and the care she brings to her classroom each day.

The Rochester City School District congratulated Ptucha on the honor, which recognizes educators who make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students. The award highlights teachers who go beyond traditional classroom instruction and find ways to support the whole child.

For Ptucha, that work begins with creating a classroom where students feel cared for, supported and encouraged. Her passion for teaching is evident in the way she approaches her students and her daily responsibilities.

“My favorite part? Just seeing the kids grow little by little,” Ms. Ptucha shared. “Students need someone who loves and supports them every day. That’s why all of us are here.”

Her approach is centered on more than academic progress alone. Ptucha puts strong emphasis on building relationships with her students and helping them develop at their own pace. Her positive attitude has also become something her colleagues have come to appreciate.

One of those colleagues is Ms. Brown, Ptucha’s Teaching Assistant, who nominated her for the Golden Apple Award. Brown has worked alongside Ptucha for five years and said she has consistently seen the same level of commitment.

“I have been working with her for five years, and she has always shown up with a smile on her face,” said Ms. Brown, her Teaching Assistant, who nominated her for the award. “She’s very helpful, and you can tell every day that she is here for the kids. It’s not all about data and test scores with her. It’s about making sure the kids are getting the best education that she can give them.”

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That perspective helps explain why Ptucha’s work has made such an impression at School No. 16. While academic achievement remains an important part of education, her focus also includes the emotional and personal needs of her students.

The Rochester City School District said Ptucha’s recognition is well deserved and praised her exceptional care and dedication. Her Golden Apple Award offers recognition not only for the work she does in the classroom, but also for the patience, positivity and support she provides to her students throughout the school year.

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For Ptucha, the reward appears to be closely tied to watching those students make progress, one step at a time. Her commitment to helping them grow continues to shape the classroom environment and the experience of the children she teaches.

The district congratulated Ptucha on receiving the News 8 Golden Apple Award and thanked her for the dedication she brings to her students every day.