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ISD mural dedicated to late educator Silvers - 01/14/2003
—Evening News photo by KIM BRENT The new mural in the lounge of ISD building No. 2 will be officially dedicated Wednesday. Reid Silvers helped thousands of children during his lifetime. His work will be honored at the intermediate school district Wednesday.
Evening News staff writer By RAY KISONAS
For almost 40 years, Reid Silvers dedicated himself to make sure all young Monroe County children who had disabilities would have an opportunity to overcome their shortcomings and thrive. "Reid's No. 1 priority was to do what he could to help kids," said longtime co-worker and friend Jay Sanderson, a social worker with the preschool program at the Monroe County Intermediate School District. "He knew all the kids personally and he knew all the families. His ego never got involved." Mr. Silvers' retired in 1997 after 37 years in education. On April 14, 2002, Mr. Silvers died of cancer. To offer gratitude of appreciation for his work, the ISD has dedicated a room and mural at the Special Education Services Area in his honor. At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the public is invited to dedicate the meeting room in Mr. Silvers' memory. The brightly colored mural, painted by local artist Lynn Moore, covers all four walls and depicts clouds, trees, birds and flowers. It is calming and relaxing for parents who will meet in the room to discuss their children's needs. "It's cheerful and child-oriented," said ISD Supt. Donald Spencer. "It really is a pleasant place to be." Mr. Silvers began his education career in Monroe County in 1960. In 1975 he began the preschool program at the ISD, which helped students aged from birth to 5 years old who had disabilities with behavior or with their speech and language. The program began with two classrooms and now has 10 with a total of about 240 children. Over the years, Mr. Silvers was instrumental in helping thousands of children during his career at the ISD. Mr. Sanderson worked with Mr. Silvers for years. He saw Mr. Silvers make sure all the kids were fed and had the proper medical treatment. Often he opened his wallet for the families who couldn't afford such needs. "He was a very giving guy," Mr. Sanderson said. "He was a great guy. I miss him a great deal." Mr. Silvers began his career at the ISD in 1972. As the preschool program supervisor, he expanded those services throughout Monroe County. He also was a school psychologist at the Ida, Dundee and Whiteford school districts. Through contributions from his friends and colleagues, the meeting room, mural and a plaque dedicated in his honor were made possible. "We want to recognize what he has done for preschool students with disabilities," Mr. Spencer said. "We want to commemorate his career here.
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