| Patty Sankey, Silver Spring Intermediate School reading specialist, was nominated by a parent: She goes beyond to help my son with reading! She is the best!! |
Brian Balfany, Lannon Elementary School principal, was nominated by a co-worker and a parent: I really appreciate how Mr. Balfany stops by in the morning to say “hi”, as well as seeing what students are learning about during the day. He is positive, supportive, and easy to communicate with! Brian is such a light in our school! He knows every student and always takes the time to really get in touch with whatever is going on with his school community/family! He goes far beyond the reaches of what a “principal” is! |
Sara Gale, Maple Avenue Elementary kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Gale has really encouraged our daughter’s love of learning. Our kindergartener comes home every day with excitement and joy around the different things she did at school. We appreciate Mrs. Gale’s passion for children and education, as well as her strong communication and compassion towards families. We know our child is in excellent hands every day she goes to school! |
Liz Mistele, Hamilton High social worker, was nominated by a co-worker: Liz has done an amazing job as the new social worker at HHS this year. She has gone above and beyond to assist students in a variety of ways. |
Janelle Fleisner, Templeton Middle health room paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Janelle is on top of it! She works so hard every day to keep our students and staff healthy and safe. Thank you for all of your hard work Janelle. |
Allyson Billings, Maple Avenue Elementary psychologist, was nominated by a co-worker: Ally does it all. Literally. She approaches every situation with kindness, supportiveness, and sensitivity to all involved. She works with others to strategize best processes and procedures, creates and shares resources to support teachers and students, and follows through on every task. She is a pleasure to work with and a joy to collaborate with. We are lucky to have her on our team. |
Alysa Masek, Hamilton School District technology support specialist, was nominated by a co-worker: Alysa saved the day when my computer died during the school day. She came immediately to switch out the old with a new. I was back up in no time! Really appreciate her expertise and help! |
Jeff Grove, Hamilton School District manager of buildings and grounds, was nominated by a co-worker: Jeff is going to hate this, but I appreciate everything he does for our buildings and grounds. He cares deeply about his staff, advocates for adequate funding, and finds ways to say yes to building projects whenever he can. He truly cares about our community and I know he wants what is best for the students. He keeps it real and makes sure to represent the magnitude of the impact proposed work has on his staff. Thanks Jeff, you’ll never admit it, but you’re good at what you do. |
Stephanie Jungbluth, Silver Spring Intermediate instructional and supervision paraprofessional, was nominated by two co-workers: Stephanie does an amazing job supporting students in 5 Green classrooms. She knows our students well and is very flexible. We are so lucky to have her! Stephanie is a wonderful resource for our students at SSI. She is consistent and warm and is always willing to be flexible. Teachers appreciate her support in the classroom as she isn’t afraid to jump in to help students in any way she can. We are so glad to have Stephanie in our SSI family 🙂 |
Amber Behagen, Silver Spring Intermediate psychologist, was nominated by a co-worker: Amber is a wonderful school psychologist and leader in our building. She serves on multiple leadership committees and offers ideas and solutions to complex problems. Amber jumps in to help whenever she can and always remains calm, focused, and student-centered. We are grateful for Amber’s leadership at SSI! |
Kristy Laurich, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 6 math and science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kristy is a phenomenal teacher. She is reflective, always learning, open to innovative ideas, and focused on student growth. Kristy has a calm and caring presence with students and is a trusted colleague among other staff members. We appreciate you, Kristy! |
Katie Wetzel, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Katie has been a driving force for Best Buddies on top of all the time she spends creating meaningful lessons and connections for her students. She is a consistent role model for her coworkers. |
Shellee Kremer, Lannon Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Shellee is just amazing with the students she works with! She is always looking for ways to include her learners with their peers and finding new ways to engage them as individuals and within the group. The way her learners light up when they see her, speaks volumes about how wonderful and loved she is. |
Ann Wodarczak, Lannon Elementary administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann is a breath of fresh air at the front desk. She always has a smile and a kind word for everyone who enters the building. As a new staff member Ann has gone out of her way to help me feel welcome and incorporated into the Lannon Family. Her kindness and generosity is so deeply appreciated! |
Adriane Sendzik, Lannon Elementary special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: After just a short time of joining the SSI staff, Adriane has shown that she is a teacher and learner who strives to do her job well. She is extremely receptive to feedback and suggestions and also brings her own creative ideas to the classroom. She is a team player who is willing to do what it takes to help her students grow through focusing on their IEP goals. Adriane brings smiles and laughter to my day and is a joy to work with! |
Bobbie Semrow, Silver Spring Intermediate School administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: I’ve never met a kinder, more caring person than Bobbie. I appreciate her regular check-ins with me to ask how I’m doing with some challenging events in my life or to just wish me luck. If you don’t know Bobbie, then take the time to get to know her because she’s so worth it! I value her willingness to always help and her wonderful friendship. Bobbie is a true gem at SSI! |
Michelle Prei, Silver Spring Intermediate math support, was nominated by a co-worker: I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Michelle these past 3 years and have truly enjoyed the experience. She is a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to help. Michelle builds wonderful relationships with students and is patient, nurturing, and knowledgeable. SSI is very lucky to have her as a math specialist in our building. |
Deanna Wellens, Silver Spring Intermediate principal, was nominated by a co-worker: D is an extremely strong leader in our district and at SSI. She sets high expectations for her staff, but also sets these same high expectations for herself as well. D makes an effort to visit each of our classrooms on a regular basis in order to give us positive feedback on our teaching practices. Not only does she take an interest in what we are doing in the classroom, but also in who we are as individuals. D truly cares about our well-being and is always there to support us! |
Kathleen Mueller Marcy Elementary grade 2 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Three weeks into this year, Mrs. Mueller identified some struggles our son was having. Her communication was informative and compassionate. Never once did she make us feel as if he or we were a burden to her. Instead, she came with ideas and shifted as necessary to meet his needs. She advocated for him every step of the way. Her efforts in helping him have made a huge impact on his school and home life. We absolutely struck gold with her as his teacher and will be forever grateful for her. |
Nancy Gin, Maple Avenue Elementary administrative assistant, was nominated by a parent: Thanks so much for all of your help with the medication and vacation ruckus, you’re the best! |
Marque Goike, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 6 math and science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Marquea is a wonderful teacher, colleague, and a model of a true lifelong learner. She is always looking for innovative ways to improve the learning experiences for students and is a great resource for technology and instructional practices. Marquea’s energy and enthusiasm for learning make it next to impossible to “zone out” while in her classroom. She engages students and inspires deep thinking – we are grateful she’s at SSI! |
Lauren Argall, Hamilton High communication arts teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Argall knows our daughter and her needs. She has connected with her and appreciates her approach to learning and responding. Mrs. Argall has adjusted her lessons to accommodate our daughter’s needs and has made a positive impression on her! |
Shannon Becker, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Becker understands and appreciates our daughter and her unique approach to learning. She understands her humor and sarcasm, and has connected with her in a way that is hard to do with middle school students. Mrs. Becker even wrote a personalized note to our family, expressing how much she appreciates having our daughter in her class. When we recently asked our daughter what she liked most about school that day, she immediately replied, “Mrs. Becker!” Thank you for your work and dedication! |
Alex Chanto, Templeton Middle music teacher, was nominated by parents: Mr. Chanto has helped our daughter to LOVE band class. She practices every night and every morning, and is excited to share her knowledge with us. She is growing to appreciate classical music and to be able to discern different components of musical pieces. She loves to dissect music and effectively uses vocabulary she has learned from Mr. Chanto to describe the music to us. She improves daily in regards to her playing, and is truly motivated to do more and do better! Thank you, Mr. Chanto! Alex did such a great job directing the Middle School Band at the Sussex Tree Lighting. It was such a fun time and the music the band played was great. I know a lot of work goes into band performances; so, thanks, Alex, for all the hard work. |
Katie Ritchie, Maple Avenue Elementary principal, was nominated by a co-worker: Katie does an awesome job planning our faculty meetings. She thoughtfully blends community building with professional development. I am still thinking about this week’s meeting, five days later! |
Kristen Lee, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 5 math and science teacher, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Lee is an amazing teacher! Prior to being a student in Ms. Lee’s class, my daughter struggled with math and reading, coming home many days frustrated and exhausted. This year she is a completely different person! She often comes homes and talks about how patient and kind Ms. Lee is with her, and she actually LOVES MATH after working with Ms. Lee. I am so grateful to Ms. Lee for the TLC she gives the children and the impact she is having on them! She is the best! |
Jacque Gorski, Hamilton High library media specialist was nominated by a co-worker: Jacque is a library expert and is truly devoted to providing students thorough information on the books in the library! She helped me coordinate a book unit in class that could not have gone nearly as smoothly without her effort. |
Amanda Fields, Hamilton High business education teacher, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Fields is an amazing teacher and she is dedicated to her DECA students and preparing them for their upcoming competition! She’s a ROCK STAR!!!! |
Tim Kruschel, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Tim has gone above and beyond to plan the grade level field trip. He has spent countless hours calling and organizing with various venues. I appreciate the time and effort he has volunteered to give to create a memorable experience for our students. Thank you Tim! |
Josh Neary, Hamilton High fitness education teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mr. Neary has been incredibly helpful with my son’s transition into 9th grade. In addition, he’s one of his football coaches. Mr. Neary is kind, considerate, and is very connected to his students. My son always shares that he is a very upbeat, funny and outgoing teacher who has a very close bond with his students. Thank you for going the extra mile for my son! |
Sarah Kowalske, Hamilton High communication arts teacher, was nominated by a parent: I want to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Kowalske. On behalf of myself, my husband and our son, we wanted to say thank you. You have gone above and beyond to assist my son during his transition into 9th grade. Words can not express how incredibly grateful we are as a family. We are so very thankful for all your communication through this period. Thank you for being a top-notch educator. We need more teachers like you!!!! |
Ben Filzen, Templeton Middle fitness education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Always helping build a strong school community! |
Lisa Benishek, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Lisa makes learning exciting and engaging for all of our learners! Her expression and spirit creates a love for Comm. Arts in students who did not enjoy writing previously! |
Cody Leland, Templeton Middle associate principal, was nominated by a co-worker: Dealing with difficult students is not easy and you are doing a great job working with them on top of everything else. Thank you. |
Katie Foy, Hamilton School District special education coordinator, was nominated by a co-worker: Katie is always willing to sit down and problem solve around challenging cases. |
Chris Beck, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Chris really puts forth a ton of effort to make each learning experience the best for all of his students. His lessons require grit and the students meet his high expectations. |
Frances Weiss, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Frances makes a great addition to our science team! Thank you for all your thoughtful collaboration! |
Megan Sykes, Silver Spring Intermediate applied engineering and technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Megan is extremely well organized. She is a great part of our PLC group and keeps us running smoothly! |
Rebecca Ribar, Templeton Middle psychologist, was nominated by a co-worker: Great team work on a very difficult case. Patience and dedication to helping students is always her first priority. Thanks for your hard work! |
Beth Buschmann, Templeton Middle school counselor, was nominated by a co-worker: Beth- thanks for always keeping it real. |
Steffanie Sheikh, Templeton Middle Spanish teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Steff has been challenged to keep an open mind and try new strategies and philosophies that are challenging to say the least. She is doing a great job with the challenge and I am proud of her for being open to the idea of change and thinking outside the norm! |
Kristin Kyde, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Going above and beyond to organize a Holiday Gift Express race for the house. |
Jaye Mier Templeton Middle music teacher: Jaye is always willing to help sub/teach German. |
Addie Starrett, Templeton Middle reading specialist, was nominated by co-workers: Addie is always extremely helpful with anything I need help with in my Critical Literacy class. In addition, she has been very supportive in helping me develop and track data for my SLO. Thank you for always being so positive and encouraging Addie. Addie has been such a help to our house this year! She’s willing to come in and support our students with their reading and writing whenever she is available. It’s been so wonderful for our students to have her available to give student feedback in our Mock Trial project. |
Steve Wunschel, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mr. Wunschel spends numerous hours before and after school helping our son and other students in his AP Calculus class. We appreciate the extra time he devotes to helping our son succeed. We are also grateful that he makes a challenging class fun. |
Colleen Engel, Willow Springs Learning Center administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Colleen is able to manage what seems like a million tasks, and still takes the time to answer a question or help out with any problem that arises. Thank you for keeping track of so many things and getting us the information that we need. |
Brad Hoffmann, Templeton Middle principal, was nominated by co-workers: Brad always has his door open to talk through issues that arise. I sincerely appreciate it that I know I can talk openly and honestly with him and he will work with me to find a solution. For always helping out your staff when they need assistance (especially subbing lately). |
Deena AL-Wathiqui, Hamilton High special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: She just is always so helpful, super friendly and cheery, and very patient and compassionate with Brandon! My son adores her. She’s encouraged him when he comes into school over tired or a bit grumpy, with the sweetest cutest ways! I thank her and appreciate her! |
Lisa Merritt, Silver Spring Intermediate special education teacher, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Merritt is extremely good at her job. She goes above and beyond for her students and works hard to understand their needs. Our son has had Ms. Merritt as his special education case manager for both years at SSI and he is a better person because of her caring, mindful approach. Thank you, Ms. Merritt! |
Kristy Cravillion, Willow Springs Learning Center kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Cravillion has been an amazing teacher. We love weekly updates and our kid thoroughly enjoys the activities. Thank you for everything you do Mrs. Cravillion. |
Ann Marie Pilo, Marcy Elementary grade 3 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann Marie goes out of her way to be sure that every child in her class knows that she cares about them and their learning. She holds every student to high standards and supports each one when and where they need it. She is one of the most inclusive teachers I know, and I am grateful to partner with her in teaching the third graders we share. |
Chris Botsford, Silver Spring Intermediate fitness education teacher, was nominated by a parent: My son enjoyed having Mr. Botsford for quad so much that a few tears were shed when the quarter was over! Mr. Botsford makes learning fun and finds ways to connect with his students! |
Matt Dahnke, Hamilton High social studies teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: As a new addition to the Hamilton staff, Matt has continuously impressed me with his braveness, empathy, openness, and student-centered focus. After spending 5 minutes in his classroom, it is immediately clear that each student feels valued, welcomed, respected, and comfortable to show the depth of his or her learning in a variety of ways. Thank you for your continued willingness to collaborate to support EVERY learner in your classroom. |
Andrea Tarantino, Lannon Elementary grade 2 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Andrea has been a positive influence in my daughter’s life this year. She has patiently helped her catch up after weeks of virtual learning and time away due to illness, and she always has encouraging comments to share with us about our daughter. It’s so nice to see our daughter happy to head into Mrs. Tarantino’s classroom each school day! We appreciate all she does to make her students feel welcome and excited to learn! |
Jenny Galbavy, Hamilton High health room paraprofessional, was nominated by a parent: Both my children –when combined — will have attended Hamilton High School for 8 consecutive years. The individual who stands out most in our HHS journey is Jenny Galbavy, school nurse. Jenny has always kindly and professionally performed her job in a manner I appreciate for my kids when they feel unwell. Her tone is calm and reassuring — and I’d like to recognize this has continued through the COVID-19 and flu outbreaks. Kudos, Jenny for being the best at what you do, always!! |
Tanya Simonis, Woodside Elementary clerical paraprofessional, was nominated by a parent: When we were struggling to get our daughter to go to school, she was fearless in helping to get her out of the car and into class. I really appreciated her calm confidence in those early emotionally difficult days. Now that things are easier she’s happy to see my older daughter, who always has something to tell her, and my 3yo, who always brings something to show her. She’s definitely a bright spot in our mornings and we appreciate everything she does to keep things running smoothly. |
Kathleen Nyhouse, Silver Spring Intermediate associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker: Kathleen does a great job in our kitchen! She helps our systems run efficiently and ensures students get through the line as quickly as possible while ensuring they get a healthy lunch. We are grateful to have you on our team, Kathleen! |
Joe Schaeffler, Silver Spring Intermediate head custodian, was nominated by a co-worker: Joe is amazing – he is always responsive, always willing to help in any way, always greets our students with a smile, and always does whatever it takes to get the job done. We appreciate you, Joe! |
Cheryl Johnson, Silver Spring Intermediate social worker, was nominated by a co-worker: Cheryl is a WONDERFUL school social worker. She is reliable, compassionate, a great team player, and thinks about the system and big picture while simultaneously thinking about the individual needs of students. She is magical with families and we appreciate her 🙂 |
Kelly Zellner, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 5 humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kelly Zellner is a top notch teacher. Kelly’s classroom is warm and welcoming while also having an atmosphere of high expectations. Kelly is a great colleague and teacher leader among our staff. She is reflective, hard working, and compassionate. Kids win big when they have Mrs. Zellner as their teacher 🙂 |
Paul Mielke, Ph.D., Hamilton School District superintendent, was nominated by a co-worker: Dr. Mielke is a reflective and responsive leader for our district. He actively seeks feedback, listens to all stakeholders, and has shown consistent, student-centered leadership through incredibly turbulent and unpredictable times. |
Tracy Gordon, Hamilton School District nurse, was nominated by a co-worker: Tracy is amazing. I don’t even know where to begin when naming the many things she does, and does well. She is obviously inundated with the wonderful world of Covid, yet somehow manages to keep the rest of our student health care things rolling. Thank you Tracy, you are a true asset to our students, staff and families. |
Ben Helm, Hamilton High social studies teacher, was nominated by a parent: My daughter is a freshman and absolutely loves his class. I know it’s very difficult for her but she’s so engaged and shares her knowledge. I was worried when she wanted to sign up for this last year because I think a freshman is too young for AP, but I believe he is the reason she’s excelling. |
| Tim Christman, Silver Spring Intermediate School fifth grade math and science teacher, was nominated by a parent: Thank you for keeping my daughter engaged and learning, especially through the sudden virtual days. I appreciate all that you do for the students in your class. |
Callie Lauer, Silver Spring Intermediate School fifth grade humanities teacher, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Lauer has an incredible way of keeping parents and students informed of daily learning, especially through the sudden virtual days. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to these students. |
Kristin Leaman, Willow Springs learning Center kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kristin is always there to listen, share, give an opinion, or help navigate whatever comes our way. Thank you for being my go-to and having the patience and taking the time to work together. I appreciate your dedication and friendship. |
Ellen Smith, Templeton Middle School speech pathologist, was nominated by a co-worker: Ellen is a phenomenal SLP and teammate! She does a wonderful job communicating clearly with families and is a positive advocate for students. Ellen is a HUGE value-add to our team at SSI and we are grateful to have her on our team 🙂 |
Lisa Benishek, Templeton Middle School seventh grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Staff can rely on Lisa to have a positive attitude. Working with Lisa for only a few minutes out of your day will really brighten the mood up! Lisa goes above and beyond for her students. |
Ann Kraemer, Templeton Middle School media center paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann is such a great face to see in the morning. She has a tough job of waking up all the pre-teens as they walk in the building! Thank you Ann for always running around the building with book check outs or Chromebook swaps. You rock! |
Trenette Fowler, Templeton Middle School seventh grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Trenette always reflects on our students and how they can best be served. She gives her insight and feedback in a manner that fosters successful teamwork. Thank you for being so great for our students and taking the time to pause when students need extra support! |
Nanette Kern, Templeton Middle School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a student: Nanette Kern is such a kind, caring person. She goes above and beyond to make everyone’s life so much more fun and brings so much happiness into the world. Thank you! |
Lianna Brice, Lannon Elementary School music teacher, was nominated by a co-workers: She is hands on with every student and prepared for all levels of learning. I appreciate all of her extra work that she does for every learner. Lianna does so much to make music a meaningful special for all. She designs lessons to include all learners and she demonstrates great patience and flexibility in lesson implementation. And as a side note, her Veterans Day 4th grade performers were phenomenal. |
Kirstin Seizer, Templeton Middle School special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you for your positive attitude everyday! I appreciate the way you encourage and listen to me when I ask questions or share an idea. You also encourage your students to do their best and accept them for who they are. |
Kris Gardipee, Templeton Middle School special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you for your encouragement and guidance in working with our kids and myself. I appreciate that you listen to the kids and care about their needs. Your willingness to try new ideas to help everyone is great. |
Michelle Mattheis, Templeton Middle School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Michelle’s connections and interactions with students are amazing. She makes what she does seem easy and seamless, which it definitely isn’t, and does it with a great positivity. |
Brianna Leinon, Templeton Middle School seventh grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Bri is more than willing to go the extra mile to help co-workers! I appreciate you making a quick change in your plans to help chaperone the TMSSC field trip with me. |
Lindsey Jacob, Hamilton High School speech pathologist, was nominated by a co-worker: Lindsey hit the ground running to help support students preparing for mock interviews. With her expertise they are going to do a fabulous job at their interviews. |
Jessica Black, Maple Avenue Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Jess is an asset to Maple Avenue. She is a kind and caring paraprofessional. As a certified teacher, she also steps in and helps out classroom teachers often. Her attitude and energy for her work at school helps make for a great learning environment. I appreciate her attention to detail and her willingness to take initiative. Thanks for all you do Jess! |
Molly Schapals, Lannon Elementary School fitness education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Molly embraces challenges and is “all in” when it comes to promoting physical fitness. She recognizes the impact of her role beyond her classroom and actively seeks ways to influence school culture. We are lucky to have her on our team. |
Heather Waibel, Silver Spring Intermediate School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Heather is a wonderful teammate at SSI! She is 100% committed to students, shows ongoing flexibility, and is endlessly compassionate. We appreciate you, Heather! |
Rebecca Abler, Silver Spring Intermediate School family and consumer sciences teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Becky is a wonderful asset to our entire community. She holds students to high expectations, focuses on relevant and meaningful life skills, and shares her own personality and style with students in a way that encourages engagement and buy-in. Her high “cool factor” plus strong teaching strategies make her a huge value-add for our students. Thanks for all you do, Becky! |
Adriane Sendzik, Silver Spring Intermediate School special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Mrs. Sendzik went above and beyond for our daughter when the school was under quarantine. She intentionally went out of her way to help her catch up with missing assignments and assists with current assignments. We appreciate you and the way you have built a positive relationship with our daughter! |