CALEDONIA - It seems Gifford Elementary School has an award-winning spirit. For the second year in a row, a teacher from the school received the Wisconsin PTA "Teacher of the Year Award."

Cheryl Pulda, a kindergarten teacher, received her award April 28 at the PTA banquet at the Racine Marriott because she wasn't able to attend the state banquet in Green Bay. Sandy Petersen, also a kindergarten teacher, was the 2007 winner from Gifford.

"I can't believe it really happened," Pulda said recently. "I have a plaque I've already hung in my classroom."

Pulda said she sort of knew she had been selected as the school's teacher of year because she had run into a parent at the bank who divulged some information.

"I didn't know I had won state," Pulda said. "It was a total secret. I found out at a staff meeting on a Monday. Who calls a staff meeting on a Monday? I thought it was bad news - that it might be cuts or something. The staff was in the library and my family was there. It was March 17."

The criteria for this award is excellence in teaching effectiveness, past and present PTA involvement and involvement in community and professional organizations.

"I'm very proud of them," Gilmore Principal Steve Russo said. "They're best friends outside school. If you ask for one, you get two. They make their classrooms safe and welcoming for their students. They both are just a joy to work with. I'm very proud to work with both of them.

"They teach the whole child - to each of their children's needs and strengths. Their creativity and enthusiasm for their children is outstanding. It's rewarding they've both been recognized for their work."