The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation and the Parnell Family are proud to honor a compassionate teacher or staff member in the Minnetonka School District who goes above and beyond to touch the life of a student with special needs.  

Is there a teacher or staff member who works with special needs children
who has made a difference in your child’s life?

Parents and staff members who work with children with special needs are encouraged to submit a letter of nomination via email to celebrateexcellence@minnetonka.k12.mn.us or via US Mail to Celebrate Excellence, Minnetonka Public Schools, 5621 County Road 101, Minnetonka, 55345.

All teachers and staff members who work with Minnetonka students with special needs are eligible for this award. Nominations will be accepted through March 1.

The nominations shall include:

•  the name of the nominated teacher or staff member
•  the affiliated school
•  the name, phone and address of the person submitting the nomination, and their relationship to the nominee
• a brief essay statement (not to exceed 250 words) explaining the reason for the nomination
  

The Charlie Parnell Memorial Fund will award a yearly grant of $750 to a Minnetonka School District teacher or staff person who touches the life of a special needs student in a positive way.  The image of a white butterfly holds special meaning for the Parnell Family when remembering Charlie and the winning recipient will receive a special butterfly memento in addition to the cash award. 

 

The Charlie Parnell Fund History and Philosophy
by Amy Parnell

Charlie Parnell was a dedicated parent and volunteer in the Minnetonka School District who passed away in July 2006 at the untimely age of 40.  He left behind his wife Amy and three children, Laura, Kelly and Ben who are students in the Minnetonka Schools. 

Few parents, including Charlie and Amy, ever forget the moment their child was first diagnosed with a disability or special health care need.   In their book, You Will Dream New Dreams, Stanley Klein and Kim Schive capture many of these feelings.  "There is sadness, some dreams are lost.  You will mourn, but you can heal.  You will be happy again; you will dream new dreams."

Charlie loved being a dad and saw the beauty in what made each of his children unique, especially Kelly who was born with low muscle tone.  Charlie and Kelly were alike in so many ways.  With smiles and personalities that could light up a room, they shared the special gift of impacting everyone they have met.  Charlie was a successful entrepreneur who was not afraid of hard work.  Like Charlie, Kelly’s motivation and determination has enabled her to surpass all expectations.  It takes a village to raise a child and Kelly is thriving in large part thanks to the support she has received from Minnetonka Public School District staff since she was four months old.

Students with special needs are often overlooked.  Regardless of their specific disability or health care need, these kids have to work harder and overcome many obstacles to accomplish specific disability everyday things that able-bodied people take for granted.  Charlie always saw every child and each special gift.  His family would like to celebrate Charlie and his love for special kids by establishing a fund to honor Minnetonka staff members who touch the hearts of special kids while helping them achieve their dreams.  These staff members can see beyond the disability or medical condition and see the real child.