| Kalyn Graziano, Hamilton High School administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker because:
She is amazingly helpful! I have asked her numerous of questions and needed directions on things and she is ALWAYS so helpful, kind and takes care of everything. I feel so lucky to have her at the High School because she knows the answers to EVERYTHING! |
| Stephanie Jungbluth, Silver Spring literacy paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Stephanie has been SO committed to helping my high-need learners get the TLC they need during virtual learning (as well as the rest of the school year!). She truly is going above and beyond! |
| John Roubik, district Human Resources director, was nominated by a co-worker because:
For all the hard work he has put in for the kids and District Staff under the current circumstances. |
| Lisa Boucher, Silver Spring sixth grade special education paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Lisa has been meeting with students each day of virtual learning, modifying lessons and in constant communication with all staff members to help our students understand material and complete tasks on this virtual platform. Our students’ success has been in large part due to Lisa’s tireless efforts. |
| Cathy Drago, curriculum instructional coach, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Cathy works hard, is passionate about what she does and most of all she really takes the time to listen to classroom teachers and our input. She also is very humble of her success and just enjoyable to talk with. |
| Callie Lauer, Silver Spring fifth grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Callie always goes above and beyond to help others– students, colleagues, parents. The time and effort she puts into meeting the needs of others is amazing and inspiring. She is truly an extraordinary person! |
| Julie Kleist, Lannon technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Julie always embraces her job with a smile and is so willing to help any of her peers! |
| Katie Wetzel, Templeton social studies, teacher, was nominated by a co-worker because:
She is rocking this new WWI unit. The students are going to love the rigor and learning. She is so flexible when it comes to adapting and overcoming situations for the better of the students. |
| Margy Supa, Woodside third grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker and parent because:
She went above and beyond for her classroom! She has reached out to her kiddos every single day for a video chat, answers questions so quickly, makes private video chats to help support my daughter, changes things to fit her students’ needs, and she is always smiling and being cheerful. I am so thankful to have her in my daughters’ life during this time. |
| Janice Rush, Student Services program support, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Janice is a huge source of support for our special education department. Not only does she share great ideas when problem solving around students, she offers direct coaching and guidance for staff in order to get the job done. She brings energy, positivity, and innovative ideas to each team she serves. We are grateful to have her support at SSI! |
| Katie Foy, Student Services program support, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Meetings feel more productive and outcomes better defined when Katie is present. She brings clarity and guidance in tricky situations and has such a supportive approach when assisting a team. We are grateful to have her as a resource for our staff! |
| Tim Kruschel, Templetonteacher, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Tim organized a “drive by” baby shower for fellow teacher Lauren Picado. |
| Katie Ritchie, Silver Spring associate principal, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Katie is a phenomenal administrator and partner. I cannot imagine having gone through this year without her along side me. Katie has awesome vision and is able to push teams to think about innovative approaches while coaching and guiding them through the nitty gritty. She is always willing to support and help in any capacity and brings an endless amount of joy, humor, and life to any team she joins. |
| Jessica Hoffa, Maple Avenue teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
She has gone above and beyond to prepare weekly lessons and makes them easy to navigate. I love her personal touch with the videos of her reading books and coordinating Google Meets. |
| Michael Fraundorf, Maple Avenue teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
I’ve had the pleasure of having both of my daughters in his class 10 years apart, and he is an amazing, patient teacher that has helped them so much in any area they needed help in. |
| Katie Wetzel, Templeton teacher, was nominated by a co-worker because:
She was responsible for originating, proposing, doing, finishing a Templeton video from staff to students/families; |
| Maria Albrecht, Marcy paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker because:
She has been our fourth grade paraprofessional at Marcy all year and has always gone over and above anything that is asked. And now with virtual learning taking place, that is even more the case. She is always more than willing to jump in, lend a hand, assist our staff beyond the fourth grade, and most importantly connect with students. She is there for google hangouts and google meets, whole class and small groups, and always ready with a caring smile for the kids. In addition, she puts together our weekly Marcy Eagle News videos for students and families bringing that Marcy connection into their homes. |
| Mrs. Mueller, Marcy second grade teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
Mrs. Mueller genuinely cares about her students. She goes above and beyond. During the school closures, she drove to all her students’ homes to deliver a gift of books and spread some cheer. My daughter knew the 2 hour time frame she would be dropping off the books during and sat by the door so she wouldn’t miss her. She was so happy and to see Mrs. Mueller (through the window). It brought tears to my eyes. |
| Mrs. Elizabeth Sidders, Marcy kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
Mrs. Sidders goes above and beyond for her students and their parents every day! She did this while teaching at school and during virtual learning. She has sent students post cards, set up special zoom meetings and always available to answer questions and provide support. She updates her class websites with all kinds of read- a-loud books, videos and activities for the kids. She sets up times to talk to every student in her class each week, and my daughter really looks forward to these calls! We miss seeing her in person but I feel she has adapted to virtual teaching and has given her students a sense of calm and enabled them to learn in so many ways. |
| Mrs. Dietz, Marcy second grade teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
Mrs. Dietz always goes above and beyond to be flexible with our sons learning needs. From extra support to customizing assignments towards his interests she goes the extra mile to ensure he is able to access learning at the same level as his peers despite having a disability. We are so thankful for her ongoing collaboration especially as we all move into this challenging new chapter of distance learning. |
| Caryn Deeken, Marcy first grade teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
She is by far my son’s favorite teacher. She is extremely patient with him and is so thoughtful and caring. It is truly a blessing to have her as a teacher during this time. |
| Ashley Pfeifer, Templeton seventh grade social studies, was nominated by a co-worker because:
Ashley is an amazing collegue. She not only goes above and beyond for students – staying online literally ALL day, but she is also available to fellow teachers to give help and technology assistance. |
| Mrs. Campbell, Marcy second grade teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
From the beginning, Mrs. Campbell has been fantastic at communicating with the children in her class, great with the distance learning and so kind! We are very grateful! |
| Brooke Boettcher, Marcy first grade teacher, was nominated by a parent because:
She provided above and beyond help with my daughter. |
| Jerry Wetherall, Hamilton High School mathematics teacher, was nominated by a co-worker because:
He is a team player…his collegiality in offering assistance (from picking up copy work in publications—when we were in the building—to explaining tech issues when I’m at home—to LISTENING to concerns and offering insights—to giving perspective on many things—to delivering signs to seniors—to answering student questions (close to) 24/7)…he is a teacher’s teacher and a student’s teacher. |
| Laura Wescott, Hamilton High School associate principal, was nominated by a co-worker because:
She GETS it…she understands the frustrations that teachers and students are experiencing…she attempts to provide resources for teachers as they “build the plane while it is in midair,” she provides opportunities which promote collegiality, she emphasizes the positives, and she always offers an “ear”…and she is fair in dealing with kids and parents as well. |
| Jessi Coon, Public Information Office administrative assistant, was recognized by a co-worker because: She has been the most wonderful kind person to work with and she always helps me when I need it. She has the most amazing technical skills. |
| Doug Higley, Lannon head custodian, was recognized by a co-worker because: Doug goes above and beyond every day at Lannon. He always has a smile on his face and never complains no matter what is requested of him. Thank you Doug for all you do for Lannon, the student, and staff! |
| Tammy Koenig, payroll and benefits supervisor, was recognized by a co-worker because: Tammy and I have worked together for 18 months now. In this time, she treats me like an equal team player with her and not her “subordinate”…since I do report to her. She helps me when I need assistance, and does NOT make me feel silly or like…”that is a dumb question”. We bounce things off each other as needed and help each other with workloads as needed. She takes my level of expertise, or lack “there of” into consideration as we work on projects or new items. We have formed a great team alliance and I very much appreciate her for that! |
| Kirstin Seizer , Templeton special education teacher, was recognized by a co-worker because: I am nominating Kirstin because, she goes way beyond what she needs to. She works longer hours than most. Kirstin is that person you can go to for advice or suggestions. She is easy to talk to and fun to work with. |
| Kris Gardipee, a Templeton special education teacher, was recognized by a co-worker because: Kris has wonderful suggestions when there is a problem. She is kind and considerate and all the students seem to love her. She is fun and wonderful to work with. |
| Eric Schultz, a Hamilton High School world languages German teacher, was recognized by a co-worker because: When I started at Hamillton High four years ago, Eric was very patient and helpful while I was getting familiar with the German Department, German Club and German National Honor Society. I am grateful for his willingness to show me the ropes, his positive attitude and his great sense of humor. Eric has been a great colleague to collaborate with and someone whom I can trust and go to with any question. |
| Mary Caucutt, Templeton seventh grade science teacher, was recognized by a co-worker because: Mrs. Caucutt is constantly updating the activities in her class to make them engaging and academically challenging for her students. The rapport that is built with her students shows through the years as students come back to visit on a regular basis. Mrs. Caucutt is a generous supporter of her colleagues who goes above and beyond to help a co-worker out no matter the need. |
| Cathy Drago, instructional coach, was recognized by a co-worker, because: Cathy has been very supportive in helping with the use of technology and resources during this time of online learning. Her expertise and professionalism is such a benefit to any teacher who asks for assistance. She deserves a high five, or should I say, elbow bump at this time. |
| Barry Holloway, a Hamilton High School communication arts teacher, was recognized by a co-worker because: He’s a beast at teaching students how to write. |
| Theresa Craig, Hamilton High School special education teacher, was recognized by a co-worker because: Theresa is my go-to with all kinds of questions, re: students AND OTHER! She always makes time for me and my dilemmas and always makes me laugh! Theresa guides me to the correct answers and supports me in what I am trying to do professionally. She is a wealth of info that helps make my job easier. Her sense of humor is my favorite! |