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Staff Appreciation Week 2020 – In the Words of Fellow Staff and Community Members, Kudos

In the words of our fellow staff members and community members, see how our staff go above and beyond every day. #StaffAppreciationWeek2020

Brandy Mitchell, 1st Grade Teacher | Liberty Elementary

“Mrs. Mitchell is an amazing teacher. She finds ways to get her students excited about learning. Every month she gives each student in her class a new book. During this time of difficulty, she has been very helpful by answering questions parents have. She has also gone above and beyond to have Zoom video calls with her students. Mrs. Mitchell is an excellent teacher that has gone beyond her job as a school teacher to reach out to her students and get them excited about learning and school.” – Anonymous

Dave Henry, Richard Twohig, & Andrea Ruelas, Building Service Technicians | Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary

“The Loess Hills building service technicians have been incredibly helpful during the Covid-19 pandemic. They have taken extra steps to keep the building clean and sanitized daily. They have also been very helpful as we organize personal items to send home to students, assemble continuous learning packets for students, and assist with meal distribution We appreciate all the things they do to support and help others at Loess Hills.” – John Beck

Jerry Stanwick, Computer Support Technician | Educational Service Center

“Jerry is one of four computer support technicians who has worked tirelessly from day one. He is out in all the schools to help students and staff stay connected during this pandemic.” – Anonymous

Jess Fielding, Teacher | East High

“Ms. Fielding is constantly working with her English-Language Learners (ELL) and reassures them during this difficult time. Jess has been in constant contact with her students assisting with classwork and is an advocate at all times. Ms. Fielding has also assisted many of her students with finding hotspots for internet access. Not only has she assisted with academic work, but she also demonstrates concern for the mental wellbeing of her students.” – Mark Larson

Karlys Gries, Tk Teacher | Clark Early Childhood Center

“Mrs. Gries is amazing! She had my son last year and my daughter this year and they both showed tremendous growth from the beginning to the end of the year. Mrs. Gries goes above and beyond to connect with and build relationships with her students. She was at basketball/soccer/baseball games multiple times a week to support my kids outside the classroom. She hardly ever misses a game!” – Anonymous

Kerry Hildring, Preschool Teacher | Clark Early Childhood Center

“Kerry is one of the hardest working teachers I have ever met. She puts in countless hours outside of the classroom to ensure that Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), lesson plans, and assessments are completed. She truly cares about all of her students. Kerry goes above and beyond to make sure that not only are the needs of her students met but that families as a whole have everything they need to help their students be successful. She is a very supportive member of our preschool team and I have learned so much by working with her.” – Anonymous

Neisha Walters, Teacher | Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary

“Mrs. Walters is very compassionate towards the kids she teaches. She excels at her job because she is a teacher that truly cares about her job and the difference she makes in the kids’ lives. She always works hard to answer any questions from parents.” – Alyssa Schlotman

Nicole Barragan, Kindergarten Teacher | Morningside STEM Elementary

“Nicole has been a leader for our building. She has led the kindergarten team in developing packets to be used district-wide, has assisted in making logistical decisions for the building, and worked with her grade-level team to implement the fourth quarter STEM Blueprint unit virtually to ensure students still have access.” – Anonymous

Shari Hageman, Kindergarten Teacher | Leeds Elementary

“Ms. Hageman is amazing! My son has loved her classroom and is so sad that he will not be able to finish the year with her. He takes comfort in knowing that the first grade rooms are close by so he will still get to see Ms. Hageman next year. She has been so great throughout this process of distance learning. He leaves her voice messages almost daily and she returns every single message and has managed to maintain a strong connection with him.” – Anonymous

Teri March, 3rd Grade Teacher | Sunnyside Elementary

“While school is closed, Teri checks in with parents and students frequently. She’s sent challenges and work for students to keep moving forward from day one. She researched and found learning exercises for them that was fun and outside the box, plus the kids loved them. We are so happy that our daughter had her this year. She’s been truly an angel for these kids.” – David Lyman

Terry Wheelock, Paraprofessional | Riverside Elementary

“Terry is a go-getter! She works very hard and is dedicated to what she does. Terry puts a lot of meaning and time into her work. She loves working with kiddos and it shows in her efforts and actions. Terry loves what she does and goes beyond work expectations and requirements. She is appreciated in the classroom!” – Nicole Merchant

Tina Cobb, Teacher | Sunnyside Elementary

“Mrs. Cobb is an amazing teacher! She goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure her students are engaged, learning, and treating each other kindly. My son has Tourette’s and had to miss a lot of school this year. Mrs. Cobb checked in often when he was home and made sure he was comfortable around other students when he was at school. This has been a hard year for my son and she made it so much easier for him to be able to ask for help when he needed it and helped the other students understand what Tourette’s is.” – Anonymous

Trevor Miller, Science Teacher & Robotics Coach | East High

“During the robotics season, Mr. Miller played an essential role in inspiring members of both robotics teams at East High. Under Mr. Miller’s coaching, both teams went to state for the first time in the school’s history, and one of the teams qualified for the world championship. Mr. Miller is a great example of a teacher who puts his whole heart into supporting his students, and it was evident that he never wavered in his belief that his students could accomplish great things. We are fortunate to have Mr. Miller as a mentor for our son and both of the East High robotics teams.” – Angela Sewalson