Dondi Hansen, Office Assistant @ West Middle School
"Ms. Hansen is always willing to take on extra work. She helps keep our office clean, is a smiling face for students, supports students in the nurse's office, and assists with busing needs. Ms. Hansen has been a wonderful addition to our office staff this year. Congratulations!"
Jessica Voigt, SPED Teacher @ West Middle School
"Jessica serves an important role in supporting our students. She is responsible for over 40 Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Jessica is kind, supportive, and great at building relationships with students. She serves as a part of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports team and always contributes wonderful solutions and ideas to better support our students. Congratulations, Jessica!"
Mikaela Miller, Tutor @ West Middle School
"Ms. Miller does a wonderful job supporting our students in academic tutoring. She has created an incentive program for our 6th-grade students that motivates them to complete work. She knows how to help students and is always willing to support them when they may need extra help!"
Ryan Reinking, 8th Grade Science Teacher @ North Middle School
"Mr. Reinking has made a profound impact on student achievement through his work in the eighth-grade science professional learning community (PLC). He has worked diligently with his colleagues to design instruction that aligns with the four essential PLC questions. In addition to his outstanding work in the classroom, he is dedicated to promoting student involvement as North Middle Football Coach. Congratulations, Mr. Reinking!"
Rachael Barrett, 8th Grade Science Teacher @ North Middle School
"Mrs. Barrett has made a profound impact on student achievement through her work in the eighth-grade science professional learning community (PLC). She has worked diligently with her colleagues to design instruction that aligns with the four essential PLC questions. In addition to her incredible work in the classroom, she is a member of our North Middle PBIS Tier II Team, which focuses on providing targeted support for student success."
Micah Neary, 8th Grade Science Teacher @ North Middle School
"Mr. Neary has made a profound impact on student achievement through his work in the eighth-grade science professional learning community (PLC). He has worked diligently with his colleagues to design instruction that aligns with the four essential PLC questions. This has led to increased student engagement in science. Mr. Neary also consistently implements strategies and plans with his eighth-grade team to support student learning and the overall well-being of students at North Middle. Congratulations, Mr. Neary!"
James Bravo, Art Teacher @ North Middle School
"Mr. Bravo continuously researches best practices to create a positive and productive classroom environment. He works to build strong relationships with students and consistently promotes student accountability. He provides students with clarity on what they can expect from him as their teacher. Mr. Bravo also goes above and beyond to provide students the opportunity outside of the classroom to work on improving their art skills and furthering their creativity. Congratulations, Mr. Bravo!"
Betsy Flowers, Special Education Teacher @ Liberty Elementary School
"Mrs. Flowers goes above and beyond for staff and students at Liberty Elementary. She understands staff needs and has a caring, giving nature. She will frequently bring gifts, or leave notes for staff members. Mrs. Flowers is also a sponsor for Liberty's Running Club, Head of House, and several other activities at Liberty. She also used her community connections to help deliver gifts and items of need to families over the holiday season. Mrs. Flowers is truly a light at Liberty Elementary."
Angela Dunlop, Special Education Teacher @ Liberty Elementary School
"Ms. Dunlop goes above and beyond for students. During the holiday season, she coordinated with Sunnybrook Community Church to ensure Liberty families received the support they needed. Ms. Dunlop is also the Garden Club and Yearbook sponsor, which are two activities that provide a sense of community for students at Liberty. Thank you Ms. Dunlop for shining your light at Liberty Elementary!"
Katrina Aesoph, ESL Teacher @ Liberty Elementary School
"Mrs. Aesoph assists our students, fellow staff members, and administration to ensure students succeed at Liberty. She volunteers to work with additional students and groups to support and improve student learning. Thank you, Mrs. Aesoph, for being a shining light at Liberty Elementary!"
Brogan Gough, Interventionist @ Liberty Elementary School
"Mrs. Gough develops positive and supportive relationships both in and out of the classroom. For example, she reaches out to families to ensure they have what they need. During the school day, Mrs. Gough is a trusted, caring adult many students seek out when they need academic or social support. Mrs. Gough also serves as a key member of Liberty's Building Leadership Team. Thank you, Mrs. Gough, for shining your light at Liberty Elementary!"
Korey Cantrell, Teacher @ North High School
"Ms. Cantrell is dedicated to developing courses and getting students actively involved in lessons. She takes on extra responsibilities including opening her room to student groups after school and restarting the North High School Competitive Speech program. Ms. Cantrell connects with students after school and offers them a lot of support. Congratulations, Korey!"
Molly Boatman, Teacher @ North High School
"Molly is a key component to the success of students at North High. She is a team player who advocates for all students. Her ideas have a positive impact on her classroom and throughout the entire school. Her positive attitude, fun personality, and love for empowering students also make it a joy to work with her every day! Congratulations, Molly!"
Kevin Clark, Teacher @ North High School
"Mr. Clark is one teacher that I consistently hear a variety of students say great things about. Students are always saying that no matter how hard a math concept is, Mr. Clark will sit with them and help them until they get it. Math is often a class that has a tough reputation. In many students’ eyes, Mr. Clark makes Math accessible and he helps them persevere in the face of difficulty, which is a skill that goes far beyond the classroom."
Hannah Strand, Third Grade Teacher @ Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School
"Hannah contributes to the positive climate and culture at Loess Hills. Not only does she do an amazing job leading the Sunshine Committee—where she organizes activities for the staff—she is also a part of the Special Education Task Force and the Social Studies Committee. She is always going above and beyond for her students and staff. She is a great asset to have here at Loess Hills! Thank you, Hannah, for all you do!"
Andrea Rysta, Instructional Assistant @ Nodland Elementary School
"Ms. Rysta goes above and beyond to help support Nodland Elementary School. She builds positive relationships with staff and students, which helps make Nodland a better place. Her kindness and knowledge are an asset to our school. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication this year! We appreciate you!"
Stephanie Janssen, Music Teacher @ Nodland Elementary School
"Mrs. Janssen is a huge asset to our Nodland and Sunnyside Team. Her hard work, dedication, and creativity make music class a special time for all students. Mrs. Janssen is eager to make music interconnect with grade-level International Baccalaureate units and she is always willing to take action to enhance student learning. Just as Sunnyside students earned during the October music concert; a standing ovation goes out to Mrs. Janssen. Congratulations!"
Nathan Cale, Science Teacher @ East High School
"Mr. Cale is always upbeat with students, smiling, or sharing a kind word. He makes the curriculum challenging for students, holds the bar high, and ensures students work hard to achieve excellence. He supports students in meeting expectations and goes above and beyond by staying before or after school to provide that support. Mr. Cale truly works extremely hard to prepare students for the future. Congratulations!"
Anthony Henricks, Fifth Grade Teacher @ Irving Dual Language Elementary School
"As a colleague, Anthony is easy to approach with ideas or suggestions. He is a team player and works hard to be a leader, not only among his grade-level colleagues but in the school building and the community. Anthony is an asset to the staff, students, and families at Irving Dual Language Elementary; we are grateful to learn from him!"
Inés Cervantes, Paraeducator @ Irving Dual Language Elementary School
"We recognize Inés' excellent work and leadership in creating activities for students. For example, "Baila Conmigo" is an activity students can take part in before school. Thank you for all you do, Inés!"
Paige Dunkel, Title I Interventionist @ Irving Dual Language Elementary School
"Paige does an excellent job analyzing data, leading professional development, and creating and setting up intervention groups. Paige also mentors new teachers and works to create a cohesive team. Congratulations, Paige!"
Laura Miller, Title I Interventionist @ Irving Dual Language Elementary School
"Laura does an excellent job analyzing data and creating literacy and math groups from the data. She also supports and leads professional development. Thank you for all you do, Laura!"
Hannah Hancock, Linsey Dumkrieger, Jenni Beacom, & Megan Cordova, Office Staff @ Leeds Elementary School
"We are extremely grateful to have incredible front office staff! These staff members continue to build strong relationships with everyone they meet and parents, substitutes, staff, and visitors have given them numerous compliments. Not only do they greet every person who enters the building with a friendly smile, but they also make it a priority for everyone in the building to have a positive experience while at Leeds. Thank you, Mrs. Hancock, Mrs. Dumkrieger, Mrs. Beacom, and Mrs. Cordova, for ensuring Leeds Elementary is a great place to be!"
Jeff Reed, Building Service Technician @ Bryant Elementary School
"Mr. Reed works quietly behind the scenes to help ensure the building and grounds are safe for everyone. If there is one emergency or 100 emergencies in a day, he will be there. We are thankful for Mr. Reed and all of his hard work!"
Lora Nyhof, Instructional Assistant @ Spalding Environmental Sciences Elementary School
"Lora is dedicated to the students she serves at Spalding Park Environmental Sciences Elementary School. She shows kindness to everyone she works with and is always willing to go above and beyond. Congratulations, Lora!"
Cayla Herbst, Instructional Assistant @ Spalding Environmental Sciences Elementary School
"Cayla Herbst is a positive person who cares deeply about the students she serves. She works hard to meet the needs of her students and helps them to reach their highest potential. Congratulations, Cayla!"
Krissi Mozak, Consulting Teacher @ Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School
"We are so incredibly grateful to have Mrs. Mozak at Hunt A+ Arts Elementary. She is a positive role model in our building and does everything with a smile on her face. Mrs. Mozak goes above and beyond to build positive relationships with staff and students. Her colleagues consistently say how much they appreciate her willingness to help with anything. We appreciate everything Mrs. Mozak does for Hunt A+ Arts Elementary!"
Kaitlin Ballard, Instructional Assistant @ Morningside STEM Elementary School
"Kaitlin truly goes the extra mile every day. She welcomes her students in a nurturing manner and has a way with them that will bring warmth to your heart. She comes to school with high expectations and her students have made big strides this school year because of that. Not only is she amazing with her students, but she is also a huge asset to our school. Our staff enjoys working with her and Kaitlin has helped them be more socially and emotionally aware of student needs. Congratulations, Kaitlin!"
Kris Moser, Librarian/Media Specialist @ Morningside STEM Elementary
Staff said the following about Kris: "She is one of the kindest and hardest-working people I know. She travels among many of our schools and gives everything she has and then some. She stays late to distribute textbooks to all grade levels — locating and delivering additional copies when needed. She orders and catalogs books to keep our library relevant and interesting. Kris teaches students how to research using reliable sources and how to stay safe on the internet. There are so many things that we take for granted in our building that wouldn't be there if it weren't for Kris' dedication. Kris makes it a priority to build relationships with staff members and students throughout the entire district as well. She truly ensures our students have excellent resources and access to quality education. Thank you, Kris!"
Lisa Muston, SPED Teacher @ East Middle School
"Lisa goes above and beyond for all students at East Middle School. She is always willing to help out a fellow staff member who may need support. She has welcomed my students into her classroom as her own and plans meaningful and fun lessons every day! She has a contagious smile and is always positive. Congratulations, Lisa Muston!"