| Kris Truelove, Woodside Elementary speech pathologist, was nominated by a co-worker: Kris has been so helpful to me this school year! She is professional but down-to-earth and has great info about students she has known for a long time. |
Calli Buchholz, Hamilton High assistant manager of food and nutrition services, was nominated by a co-worker: Calli volunteered her time to present to the 7th grade FACE classes about carbohydrates and fat. She created a presentation and came into class to discuss the topics with the students. Thank you so much for this learning opportunity! |
Melanie Vonachen, Willow Springs Learning Center special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Melanie goes above and beyond to make sure ALL students are successful. She is always willing to listen and provide help where needed. She uses a variety of strategies to encourage independence. She has a positive outlook and is a pleasure to work with. |
Toni Lynn Wainio, Hamilton High science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Toni Lynn has been an awesome neighbor to me for 7.5 years. She is always there to answer my questions or listen to me vent when I stop by (even when she is trying to organize her brain in the morning before school starts). |
Monika Trafficante, Hamilton High science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Monika is an excellent collaborator, and she has helped me greatly since I have been at HHS. She is always willing to listen to my (sometimes crazy) ideas and share whatever methods and materials she uses. I couldn’t ask for a better Chemistry colleague. |
Jimmy Baisden, Silver Spring Intermediate custodial-maintenance staff member, was nominated by a co-worker: Jimmy has been a great addition to the SSI kitchen staff team. He is always willing to help with anything we ask. He is respectful and kind to everyone. We are very lucky to have him on our staff. |
Molly Schapals, Lannon Elementary fitness education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Molly is an awesome teacher every day, but today 2/16, she came in on her day off to run the all school mini golf course and food drive. It was such a fun event for the kids (and staff) and it would not have been possible without her! She was even dressed for the event, which made it all the more fun for everyone! Thanks Molly! |
Lisa Strauss, Templeton Middle fitness education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Lisa does a great job teaching Human Growth and Development. For students it is uncomfortable, but Lisa gets that. he is calm, caring, and understanding. Students are engaged and listening. Outside of class, the students talk about the class appropriately all because she makes it normal. I can tell she has a lot of passion for this subject and she cares about her students learning about this uncomfortable subject. Great Job Lisa! |
Joseph Schaeffler, Silver Spring Intermediate head custodian, was nominated by a co-worker: Joe is always there when needed to help out anywhere at SSI. He always makes sure we have what we need in our building to run our classrooms. Thanks, Joe! |
Kristin Enoch, Woodside Elementary grade 1 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kristin Enoch has been a wonderful mentor, teacher and role model throughout my first term in the Hamilton School District. Kristin truly shows her belief that all means all and is a high quality, effective educator. Kristin’s students are engaged and achieving in different ways each day. Learning from her has been a privilege and her impactful role within the Hamilton School District continues to deepen. Thank you for doing all that you do with your talent and passion each day. |
Liz Rose, Silver Spring Intermediate administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Lizzy has been great to work with! I appreciate how helpful she always is. Great team player across different departments. Thank you for all you do!! |
Kristy Hecker, Lannon Elementary grade 3 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kristy is so kind and flexible! She was willing to adjust her schedule for the day so that I could still work with her students on the day of a special event in my other building. Her students and I had a great time in our special morning session. I appreciate that she helped make that happen! |
Bri Strelow, Hamilton High art teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Bri connected me with two outstanding high school students who could demonstrate wheel throwing during the Maple Avenue Art Crawl. Her thoughtful questions and communication ensured that her students would be comfortable and well-prepared. My students loved watching their demonstrations! |
Helen Geracie, Hamilton High guidance counselor, was nominated by a parent and a co-worker: Ms. Geracie has gone above and beyond to help my daughter navigate some special circumstances and has been so kind and helpful the entire way. She is a true Guidance Counselor. Helen took on the administration of the ACT online with positivity and intent. She was extremely organized and well prepared throughout the entire process as we implemented this new approach to testing. The testing went off without a hitch and it is thanks for her! Thank you for all that you do to make Hamilton a great place for staff and students! You are appreciated. |
Dawn Braun, Hamilton High special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: It truly takes a village to foster student success and I can proudly say Dawn is part of mine. She continuously goes above and beyond to support students both academically and mentally. I can’t imagine working at Hamilton without her! |
Renae MacCudden, Willow Springs Learning Center, was nominated by a co-worker: I want to thank Renae for helping me in any way she can. She makes it work when I feel there is no workable solution. Thanks so much! |
Kevin Becker, Hamilton High custodial night foreman, was nominated by a co-worker: Kevin is always happy and ready to answer our requests to provide support for our team meetings during the evenings during the week and Saturday work sessions. During our recent Sussex Scrimmage event this past weekend (2/19 & 20/22), Kevin personally assisted with the setup and take down work in the gym. |
Joe Premo, Hamilton High applied engineering & technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Once again, Joe has given the course team (we build the game elements for the robotics team) access to use the school woodshop. Without this support, we would not be able to provide the local team a field to test their robot designs on during the Sussex Scrimmage event, which occurs prior to the start of the FIRST Robotics Competition season. We are thankful for his support. |
Alan Mamerow, Hamilton High applied engineering & technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: We are grateful to Alan for allowing the course team (we build the game elements for the robotics team) to use the metal shop area to build and assemble the game elements for this year’s Sussex Scrimmage. Without his support, we would not be able to provide local teams the opportunity to test their robot designs at the Sussex Scrimmage event, which occurs prior to the start of the FIRST Robotics Competition season. |
Christina Garley, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 5 math & science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: She has shown a true inclusive approach for all students, in and out of her classroom. She doesn’t back down from taking on new challenges & works very hard to fully understand the students she interacts with to build up their strengths & confidence. |
Kristine Winters, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you so much for your hard work in getting the math boot camp underway. It is a lot of hard work, but it is so exciting. I look forward to working together more in the future. |
Joe Sciortino, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you so much for your hard work in getting the math boot camp under way. I know it is a big undertaking. I look forward to working with you more next year. |
Kelly Meyer, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you so much for all of your hard work getting the math boot camp up and running. I know it is so much hard work. You are such an incredible person. I always enjoy working with you so much! |
Zach Welch, Silver Spring Intermediate School grade 5 math & science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Zach is a top notch educator, wonderful teammate, and consistently positive member of our community. He makes authentic connections with students while holding high expectations. Zach adds value to every team he serves and is growing as a leader within our building. We appreciate you, Zach! |
Katie Wetzel, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Katie’s ideas, commitment, and the positive energy she brings to promote inclusion are fantastic. Thank you for your leadership in Best Buddies. |
Angie Kolesari, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Angie has gone WAYYY above and beyond to help the Best Buddies club prepare for Inclusion Week by making shirts for all who ordered them (students, staff, and families). |
Stacey Benson, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Stacey has openly shared ideas, personal time, and her background with Best Buddies to create positive experiences for the TMS Best Buddies participants. |
Sally Schmeling, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Sally has done an amazing job working with students in our Forensics program and has done an equally amazing job communicating with parents to keep them informed and aware of the program, details for tournaments and more. Thank you for all your extra work for our students (and staying connected with the parents)! You are appreciated! |
David LaPerriere, District maintenance foreman, was nominated by a co-worker: Dave is a true asset to the District. He is willing to take on any task that is presented to him, no matter the size, and always does so with a good attitude. Dave’s vast technical knowledge may go unappreciated at times, because he is able to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently, many times before anyone realizes there was a problem. Dave has been a great coworker and I have truly appreciated his expertise. |
| Amber Skaros, Silver Spring Intermediate art teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Amber is all in for students and our community. Each time she’s asked to help with something, she jumps in with two feet and adds SO MUCH VALUE to everything she is a part of. She took an idea from our Equity Team and brought it to life and made it more amazing than we could have imagined. We appreciate you, Amber! |
Christy Schwechel, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 5 humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Christy is a wonderful educator! She finds innovative ways to incorporate technology while setting clear and specific expectations for students around technology use in the classroom. She consistently adds value to her PLC and is a compassionate and caring teacher and colleague. We are grateful to have Christy on our team! |
Keith Griebler, Maple Avenue Elementary head custodian, was nominated by a co-worker: Keith is always willing to pitch in to help the ladies in the kitchen and whenever I come out to pick things up, he is right there to help me load it up. He has an amazing attitude and does a great job! |
Pam Schoechert, Hamilton High special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Pam is amazing. The extra work and modifying she does for the students is above and beyond! She works extremely hard and seems to be magical! It is great working with her because you know things are going to be taken care of. Pam is a team player and very flexible and open. I so enjoy working with her and it is awesome to see how much she does for our students, and how they succeed because of her help. |
Brian Wissbeck, District maintenance-custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker: There were a number of frames and whiteboards that needed to be hung in the IMC PIT. Brian completed the work very quickly and I am so appreciative of his hard work! |
Jacob Tenaglia, Woodside Elementary grade 1 teacher, was nominated by a parent: My child comes home daily happy and unaware of how abnormal this COVID situation is. That is due to the entire school district but strongly due to how optimistic and fantastic Mr. T is with his class. |
Taylor Dietz, Woodside Elementary grade 4 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Dietz has an amazing ability to ensure each of her students is included, learning and having fun. My daughter is more of an introvert but ever since she has had Mrs. Dietz I’ve heard her speak with more confidence. It is amazing how she is able to make the best out of a tough COVID year and situation. |
Lisa Totsky, District administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Lisa is so helpful in acquiring invoices from vendors, oftentimes calling directly to get faster service. She responds to questions and emails right after she receives them, and is always friendly and thoughtful. Lisa’s quiet work behind the scenes is so important in getting resources into the hands of students. Thanks for all that you do, Lisa! |
Cindy Rossman, District business services executive administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Cindy regularly assists our department by creating requisitions and purchase orders for district-wide purchases. She responds to requests soon after receiving them, and is always helpful with questions. Cindy’s role in the business office is so important in getting resources into the hands of students. Thank you, Cindy! |
Andrew Cerroni, District food service driver, was nominated by a co-worker: Andy goes above and beyond daily for our students and staff. He is always willing to go the extra mile (literally as our driver). We have received numerous calls and emails complimenting his work ethic and kindness both within and out of the district. His positive attitude is greatly appreciated and helps set the tone for a great day at all our schools. |
Glenn Kristensen, District food service driver, was nominated by a co-worker: Glenn is a great addition to our team. He has been an excellent and attentive driver, and has faced all challenges with positivity. Because of Glenn’s dedication to all of our schools, students directly reap the benefits. Lunch is the best part of everyone’s day and he ensures food gets where it needs to be. He always checks in to see if there is any more he can do, which is much appreciated. |
Joseph Sciortino, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a parent: During a car ride with my daughter she was saying how much she liked you and the way you run your class. She told me that you make time to come around to all the students and talk to them, to see how they are doing. She basically told me that how you are, the way you run your class, and interact with students should be the model that all other teachers should follow. I cannot think of any higher praise than this. |
Kelsey Jasinski, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kesley continues to go above and beyond for math intervention. We have revamped the entire program and Kelsey keeps pushing to make the program work. She has put in so much hard work; I appreciate it so much! |
Cathy Hagstrom, District administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Cathy has all the answers!!! Thanks so much for always willing to take time out of your busy day to answer my questions. |
Andi Diedrick, Willow Springs Learning Center head custodian, was nominated by a co-worker: Andi is doing an amazing job keeping our school nice and clean. She is filling in for a coworker this week and is working many extra hours. A big thank you and I want you to know how appreciated you are!! |
Kaye Hunt, Marcy Elementary kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a parent: This is long overdue, but during fall conferences our daughter was in quarantine due to a COVID exposure. Instead of taking the ‘easy’ step and moving the conference online (as we offered), Mrs. Hunt rescheduled with us so she could show us our daughter’s work in person and have an overall better experience. My mother spends one day a week helping out in the classroom and always has glowing remarks for Mrs. Hunt’s approach and style. Marcy will miss your expertise & devotion next year! |
Kristey Hecker, Lannon Elementary grade 3 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kristy embraces her role as an educator with passion, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to learn. She is constantly thinking about ways to engage her students and integrate content so that learning experiences are meaningful and purposeful. It is so inspiring to get to work with her! |
Lynsey Lueneburg, Lannon Elementary grade 1 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Lynsey’s classroom is an amazing space where ALL kids are able to learn and grow. Lynsey is a thoughtful, kind, and passionate educator who is constantly reflecting on her own practice. She cares for her kids, believes in her kids, and works extremely hard to make sure she is doing everything she can for them. Her kids are beyond lucky to have such a dedicated teacher! |
Jeff Pringle, Templeton Middle custodial-maintenance staff member, was nominated by a co-worker: Jeff is always kind, thoughtful and always goes above and beyond. I recently had an issue in my room that someone told me couldn’t be fixed. Jeff problem-solved with me and another staff member and came to a great solution. I appreciate the teamwork and thoughtfulness to help me out with my classroom issue. |
Beccah Derks, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by co-workers: For always being available to answer questions, share resources, and just being awesome. For staying after a meeting to have a meaningful conversation and being open-minded. |
Fran Weiss, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by co-worker: Fran has been such a great addition to our team this year. I’m so happy to have you as a part of 8 Gold! |
Jerry Johnson, Templeton Middle applied engineering and technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Your graphics knowledge and curriculum has made a huge impact on student learning at TMS! |
Cathy Drago, District supervisor of instructional services, was nominated by co-workers: Cathy continues to demonstrate daily her commitment to moving the district forward and focusing on what is best for kids. I appreciate her ability to remain calm and objective in difficult situations. I admire her objectivity and directness to get things done with purpose and efficiency. Cathy is a great listener and leader and is very responsive when issues are brought to her attention. She respects each of us as educators and takes the time to reply when we have questions. It is evident that Cathy is extremely motivated to do what is right for our district in order to help our students succeed! |
Justin Seely, Hamilton High fitness education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you for taking the time to show us the new updates for the Fitness Ed. department. I look forward to seeing how these changes can impact our kids in positive ways. |
Whitney Roth, District curriculum specialist, was nominated by co-workers: Whitney is so amazing! Every time I see her she brings such a positive light on everything. She is a true leader in the Hamilton District and I look up to her so much. In a 1:1 planning session, Whitney both listened to my ideas and concerns about a novel unit, but also brought new lesson plan ideas to help revamp and align my unit to the standards more clearly. I was appreciative of her time and consideration in this unit revamp! Whitney does an amazing job at listening and is so caring. I appreciate all her hard work with helping to move our district forward and helping to lead difficult discussions. |
Denise McKennon, Templeton Middle clerical guidance paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Denise is always ready to take on new challenges and support in any way needed. She is an asset to our department and makes things run as smoothly as possible. |
Mary Caucutt, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by co-workers: Mary does so much work for Student Council which does a lot to build the positive culture of TMS. Mary is the ultimate teammate. She works tirelessly to plan fun, engaging lessons for our students. Her work with Student Council is inspiring. It is an honor to work side-by-side with her. |
Steve Reindl, Templeton Middle assistant wrestling coach, was nominated by a co-worker: Steve always does an awesome job working with our wrestlers at TMS. He leads with positive energy and provides the structure and guidance our kids need every day! |
Maria Grewe, Silver Spring Intermediate art teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Maria is a WONDERFUL coworker. She provides both positive and negative feedback on lessons development and assessment. I personally have grown as a teacher by working with her. |
Eric Weckwerth, Maple Avenue Elementary grade 4 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Eric has done a great job jumping into 4th grade specialization at Maple! He has also gotten to know our shared students, who need more support, quickly and does a good job meeting them where they are. |
Erin Ridosko, Maple Avenue Elementary grade 4 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Erin has embraced her job of teaching Humanities to all of the 4th graders at Maple! Erin always tries to keep support staff informed of lesson plans and changes- which is greatly appreciated! |
Tim Cunningham, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you for planning a great PBIS incentive for our students! |
Lisa Masek, District technology support specialist, was nominated by a co-worker: Lisa has a tech support position with Hamilton. She was so helpful and kind when I was having trouble with my keyboard. She came to my office right away and solved everything on the spot. I am so grateful. |
Laurie Roth, District executive assistant to supervisor of instructional services, was nominated by a co-worker: Laurie does a great job staying on top of our needs for our various educational platforms such as Amplify, Pearson, and Seesaw. I appreciate her quick responses and fixes to issues as they arise. She helps make everything run a bit smoother! |
Martha Burns, District human resources generalist, was nominated by a co-worker: When I was out for 3 emergency days to help care for my father, Martha was extremely helpful. She gave me reminders about FMLA and Skyward and was there to guide me through the process. It definitely relieved some of my stress knowing that she was there to help when I needed it! |
Heidi Consiglio, District data and assessment specialist, was nominated by a co-worker: Heidi has done a great job of taking over the role of setting up and troubleshooting Infinite Campus. Whenever I have questions, she is always quick to respond and problem solve the issue. Her willingness to help makes doing our job that much easier! |
Denise Dorn Lindberg, District public information and volunteer programs coordinator, was nominated by a co-worker: Denise is an outstanding resource and advocate for our district. She’s always there with her camera for important events and always shows up with a smile. She is a positive and creative member of our district, and we’re lucky to have her! |
Janice Rush, District program support, was nominated by a co-worker: Janice carries such a positive energy wherever she goes! I appreciate her wealth of knowledge and willingness to always step in to help in order to provide what is best for our students. She may be spread thin, but wherever she goes she does her job well! I have truly appreciated the opportunities to work alongside someone who is so resourceful and genuine! |
Kelly Rouse, Marcy Elementary administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Kelly is always incredibly helpful, kind and understanding. She goes above and beyond to communicate with parents. Thank you so much for all that you do! |