Hamilton High Five Past Recipients - Hamilton School District

HH5Logo Here are previous Hamilton High Five recipients nominated by colleagues, parents and students.

Kevin Becker, Hamilton High custodial night foreman, was nominated by a co-worker:

I really appreciate Kevin’s quick response to any request I have in the library. He went out of his way to take care of a few tables that needed repairs. Our students will be sure to note that they have stopped squeaking! Thank you Kevin for all you do at Hamilton!

Cara Sardina, Templeton Middle family and consumer sciences teacher, was nomianted by a co-worker:

Cara, our new FACE teacher, is awesome at modifying and accommodating work for the Special Education students in her classroom. The students are learning valuable life skills in a hands-on environment. Great Job Cara! We are enjoying working with you.

Karl Siehs, Templeton Middle custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker:

Karl is one of the most positive people I have met at TMS. No matter what he is asked to do, he does it exceptionally well. He has a smile and a friendly greeting every time you see him. Thanks for all your hardwork and positive attitude!

Cassidy Ryan, Willow Springs Learning Center instructional and supervision paraprofiessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Cassidy joined us this year and has been an amazing asset to the team. She comes ready to work, learn and have fun each day. I have enjoyed getting to know her and working alongside her each day. It has been a wonderful start to the school year!

Becky Abler, Silver Spring Intermediate health and wellness teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Becky has jumped into a new curricular area this year with BOTH FEET! She is fully engaged in developing her instruction and has added extra energy and positivity to our Allied Dept. We are so grateful for your engagement and excitement!

Jelena Kapetanovic, Hamilton High English as a second language teacher, was nominated by a parent:

She has a tremendous work spirit, very dedicated and very helpful, kind and generous every time I needed help from her.

Kristine Winters, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

For her unending willingness to help me as I have battled vocal issues. She has willingly shared videos for me to project and assisted the sub when I was out.

Kristina King, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

She willingly assisted my sub and made sure that my students were able to find and utilize videos to understand material when I needed to be out of the classroom.

Alan Mamerow, Hamilton High applied engineering and technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

For his (continued) tech support!!!

Anita Paque, Templeton Middle library media specialist, was nominated by co-workers:

Anita is a wealth of knowledge–giving access to tons of resources to our staff and students. She helped during our science PLC and is always looking for new, innovative ways to support our curriculum.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Donelle Russel, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Donelle is a wealth of knowledge, always supports our students and is flexible to help ensure all students get what they need.

Shellee Kremer, Lannon Elementary special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Shellee has such a positive attitude! It is truly inspiring! She treats everyone she works with with the utmost respect and does so with a smile on her face! Thank you for being a role model in our school.

Julie Pettit, Woodside Elementary grade 4 humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Julie is the definition of ‘team collaboration’. She has included me as part of her 4th grade learning team even though I am part of another school. I have appreciated her knowledge and am inspired by her leadership.

Deanna Wellens, Silver Spring Intermediate principal, was nominated by a co-worker:

Dee is a great administrator. She always has her teachers’ backs and is ‘in the trenches’ with us. I really appreciate her support!

Shelby McDougal, Silver Spring Intermediate school counselor, was nominated by a co-worker:

I appreciated Shelby’s quick response in helping me deal with a tricky student situation. Thank you for always being there!

Susan Haley, Silver Spring Intermediate school administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker:

I appreciate all the help navigating the finer planning points of organizing a field trip. She is always speedy with her responses and willing to help me figure things out.

Tina Hill, Silver Spring Intermediate Silver Spring Intermediate grade 6 humanities teacher, was nominated by co-workers:

Tina goes above and beyond for her students and other staff while dealing with her own busy life. She is vulnerable during discussions and very forthright about her thoughts which is helpful in meetings. She has an amazing ability to bring energy to a group, as well as energize our planning time with her marvelous ideas. She is a shining light among others!

I am a student teacher and, while my mentor teacher was not at school, I had a tough situation with one of my students. Tina jumped right in to help. She used her relationship with the student (I had not established that relationship yet) to employ a strategy to distract the student with another task which allowed him then to move on and get past his rough spot. I was so thankful for Tina’s help and told her so later in the day. It takes a village!

Bobbie Semrow, Silver Spring Intermediate school administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker:

Bobbie has been super helpful as I get settled in at SSI, always answering my questions and helping me find solutions to little things that pop up during the day!

Jami Binder, Silver Spring Intermediate special services paraprofessional, was nominated by co-workers:

I am new to working with Jami and in the past weeks I have come to see what an amazing asset she is to our school! Her interactions with staff and students are helpful, positive and fun. During the recent tornado warning, her ability to think in the moment, make decisions and be a comfort to students was truly amazing to watch. Thanks for all you do Jami!!

Jami has the biggest heart! She accepts all students for who they are, no matter their ability level. She always believes they are capable of great accomplishments. She goes above and beyond to support our students and to make sure they are included. Thank you for EVERYTHING you do! I couldn’t do my job without you and I am so grateful for you!

Calli Lauer, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 5 humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Callie is an amazing partner–always answering my questions, helping me think through tricky situations, encouraging me, and taking on more than is necessary as I continue to get comfortable at SSI.

Lorie Block, Silver Spring Intermediate custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker:

Lorie is so friendly, polite and kind! She always stops to ask how I am and I enjoy our short chats while she is cleaning my room. She goes above and beyond making sure the room is clean and organized even when they are short staffed.

Shannon Canham, Silver Spring Intermediate instructional and supervision paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Shannon has been an immense help to me in my math classroom. She is truly a natural and needs no direction before jumping right in. My students trust Shannon and feel 100% comfortable asking her for help. It’s obvious to see that Shannon loves working with students!

Nicole O’Connor, Silver Spring Intermediate instructional coach, was nominated by a co-worker:

Niki is such a great support structure for our math and science team at SSI. She has a positive energy, brings great ideas to the table, and is always willing to help out the team. I personally appreciate how Niki has reached out to support me during a very difficult time. We are lucky to have Niki as part of our SSI team.

Beccah Derks, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Beccah and the 8th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Lisa Schmeling, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by co-workers:

Lisa and the 8th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Amy Wilde, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Amy and the 8th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Anna Guerard, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Anna and the 8th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Jeni Koppelman, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Jeni and the 7th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Lisa Benishek, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Lisa and the 7th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Megan Karabon, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Megan and the 7th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Julie Odefey, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Julie and the 7th grade Communication Arts teachers are doing an amazing job with planning engaging lessons with our new curriculum. I feel so honored to be a part of the collaboration with the team.

Kristin Seizer, Templeton Middle special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Kirstin has been great to work with this year with the co-teaching to co-serve. She brings great ideas and perspectives to help all students!

Sarah Pichler, Templeton Middle special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Sarah has been great to work with this year with co-teaching to co-serve. She brings great ideas on how to differentiate lessons, and asks great questions along the way!

Kaylee Gresl, Templeton Middle special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Kaylee has been a great addition to the Templeton staff this year. She brings some new ideas, and jumps right in to help out whenever and wherever she is needed, proving how student-centered her approach is.

Isabella LaSpisa, Templeton Middle Title I paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Isabella continues to demonstrate that she is student-centered. She asks great questions, and is willing to help wherever and however we need her. She is a great asset to TMS!

Jenny Galbavy, Hamilton High health room paraprofessional, was nominated by a parent:

Ms Galbavy goes above and beyond to help my daughter when she goes to the nurses office. It is evident that she cares for my daughter and is very loving and caring to her, and I appreciate that. My daughter knows that she can go to her whenever she has a problem and she will be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity. Thank you.

Alex Chanto, Silver Spring Intermediate music (instrumental) teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Alex is a valued member of our staff. He does a great job establishing positive relationships with students in 6th grade band and provides clear expectations during class. Students love being part of our band and grow so much due to Alex’s hard work!

Jeff Pringle, Templeton Middle custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker:

Jeff does a great job in our classrooms and is always friendly. Anything we need done, he does! Thanks for your hard work everyday!

Ann Tamblingson, Woodside Elementary kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Ann has been a rock for me as I transitioned to a new building. With all of the challenges of the beginning of a new school year, Ann has gone above and beyond for all of the students in her class but especially for the students with IEPs.

Martha Burns, District human resources generalist, was nominated by a co-worker:

Martha is absolutely wonderful at helping employees navigate through the FMLA process. When there is a need for someone to take FMLA, it’s usually when we’re probably not feeling at the top of our game. Martha alleviates the stress by showing care and understanding as she provides detailed information and steps to navigate the process. I appreciate her kindness and guidance!

Rhonda Watton, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and your passionate leadership of the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C.

Karen Zielinski, Templeton Middle grade 8 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Trenette Fowler, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Alan Schneider, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Katie Wetzel, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Thank you for your continued dedication to the students of Templeton Middle School and sharing your time and talents to chaperone the 8th grade class trip to Washington D.C. You inspire students and co-workers alike.

Becky Newcomer, Hamilton High principal, was nominated by a co-worker:

Becky is so invested in her staff and students and their success. She goes out of her way to support students in various activities and they take notice! She also takes the time to listen and support staff, whatever the reason/situation/opportunity may be. It is clear she wants the best of successes for all her students and staff!

Maggie Condon, Hamilton High music (choral) teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Although Maggie is new to the district, she has jumped in so fully and completely you would never know she was new! The relationships she has already built with students, staff, and parents make it so clear she is passionate about her students and what she does. Not to mention she’s a great, collaborative teammate to work with!

Liz Mistele, Hamilton High social worker, was nominated by a co-worker:

Liz is always willing to give of her time and go out of her way to be another system of expertise and support to our students and programs. Whether it’s attending activities to offer perspective and new ideas, to being a safe space for students, to just taking time out to listen, Liz is the ultimate team player and my students and I are SO GRATEFUL for her!

Lisa Chetney, Lannon Elementary associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker:

Lisa has been excelling in her new role in the Lannon kitchen! Her innovative mindset has helped foster an extremely efficient environment at Lannon. Her new ideas and attention to detail have drawn positive feedback from our tiniest food critics. We have received many positive comments on the quality of the food and the uplifting atmosphere she has helped create. Thank you Lisa, you are very much appreciated by our whole department!

Charmine Worgull, Woodside Elementary kitchen support staff, was nominated by a co-worker:

Charmine has stepped into her new role at Woodside with ease. She has learned so much and has even filled in as the lead when needed. She keeps the staff festive with her awesome spiritwear for the Woodside team. We are so happy to have her on our team, thank you Charmine!

Jenni Pluster, Hamilton High associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker:

Jenni has brought a positive energy to our team this year. She is incredibly organized, helpful, thoughtful, and extremely kind to all. We are lucky to have her!

Theresa Aron, Marcy Elementary associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker:

Theresa keeps our busiest elementary kitchen running smoothly with her hard work, efficiency and organization. She is an asset to Marcy school and to our department, and her hard work is very appreciated! Thank you Theresa!

Breeanna Benavides, Woodside Elementary associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker:

Breeanna has mastered the POS system at Woodside and the checkout process is smoother than ever before! She is a great addition to the Woodside team, staff and students adore her. She gets many hugs from her fan club of students and we are so grateful to have her on our team, thank you Breeanna!

Karen Figarino, Woodside Elementary associate kitchen employee was nominated by a co-worker:

Karen is the reason the Woodside Kitchen is so efficient. Her organization and hard work do not go unnoticed. She stepped into the year with an all new team that she successfully trained while keeping up with the high volume of lunches served at Woodside. Her kitchen is always adorably decorated, which the kids love! We appreciate Karen so much!!

Leah Estes, School Resource Officer, was nominated by a co-worker:

She did an AMAZING job presenting to 6th graders about vaping, alcohol, and other drugs. I appreciate her partnership.

Calli Buchholz, Hamilton High manager of nutritional services, was nominated by a co-worker:

She did an AMAZING job presenting to 6th graders about nutrition. I appreciate her partnership.

Cheryl Johnson, Silver Spring Intermediate social worker, was nominated by a co-worker:

Cheryl is a proactive, solution-focused, and positive addition to each team she supports. When she is in the room, she actively finds ways that she can add value through offering solutions, clarifying the problem situation, or suggesting ways that she can support the team or student. We are so lucky to have her in our community!

Grace Norton, Silver Spring Intermediate manager of nutritional services, was nominated by a co-worker:

Grace works so hard to ensure our kitchen runs smoothly and students get what they need. She flexes to various demands and works hard to ensure her staff are supported. Grace often goes above and beyond and we are so appreciative of everything she does to keep our kitchen going!

Cathy Drago, District assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, was nominated by a co-worker:

Cathy is an incredible leader. She models lifelong learning, constantly asks questions to stretch those around her, and is willing to do the hard work to find solutions. Cathy makes me a better leader and I am grateful to learn with and from her.

Lea Knaub, Lannon Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Lea approaches her work with patience, a positive mindset, and high expectations for the learners she works with. She is open to challenges and can be counted on in the most difficult situations.

Keith Griebler, Maple Avenue Elementary head custodian, was nominated by a co-worker:

Keith is a very hard-working member of the Maple Avenue school community. In order to get our summer cleaning done at Maple, Keith was often at Maple at night and on the weekends doing whatever he could to be sure that our school would be ready for staff and students. People like Keith are the reason we need a ‘Labor Day’ weekend-folks need a break! He has gone above and beyond to help us stay organized, add classrooms, and still have a few good laughs along the way!

Andrea Hlava, Maple Avenue Elementary custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker:

Andrea is at Maple Avenue alllll day! She works in the kitchen during the day and is back at Maple in the evening to help keep our school clean, safe, and ready for learning the next day. Andrea is the definition of integrity. She works incredibly hard and is beyond reliable. And, on top of that, she is just darn nice. Our staff appreciates her sweet demeanor and presence. She is a rare gem and we are glad she is at Maple Ave!

Cody Leland, Templeton Middle School associate principal, was nominated by a co-worker:

Cody is a thoughtful and considerate administrator. He places high value on building strong relationships, and he models accountability by holding himself accountable to high standards while also messaging high expectations to others with whom he interacts. He is enjoyable to work with and makes me want to be better as a person and colleague.

Salena Salomone, Maple Avenue Elementary kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Salena has shown good flexibility, patience and resiliency during these first few trying weeks of kindergarten. Through the difficult times she continues to focus on what is best for her students and what they need to learn and grow.

Jennifer Koppelman Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Jeni has been a rockstar teammate who has gone above and beyond to help the Comm Arts department transition to a new curriculum. She’s a positive person in PLC meetings, and is always looking for new and exciting things to include for student learning.

Sara Lunde, Marcy Elementary special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Sara is positive, flexible, and consistent with all of the kids she works with. You are truly appreciated and help the special education department run smoothly as a team! Thank you 🙂

Sarah France, Marcy Elementary special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Sarah is consistent and patient with all of the kids she works with. Her flexibility and willingness to help all around the school is noticed and appreciated. I am grateful to have you as part of our team! Thank you 🙂

Abigail Bralick, Marcy Elementary special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker:

Abby is positive, proactive, and a true team player with her role in our special education department. Your ability to flow and go with the chaos has been appreciated! Thank you 🙂

Jeff Pringle, Templeton Middle custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker:

Jeff goes above and beyond in his duties. He always supports teachers/students and has their backs.

Anita Paque, Templeton Middle library media specialist, was nominated by a co-worker:

Anita has been an amazing support to our Templeton Student Council. She has taken the time to help train our new Executive Board for video announcements. This week one of our members encountered a computer problem and Anita went out of her way on a Saturday morning to fix the issue. The dedication and professionalism that Anita exudes each day is irreplaceable! I don’t know what we would ever do without her.

Kaylee Gresl, Templeton Middle special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Kaylee is an awesome new teammate. She is enthusiastic, and creative, and brings wonderful experience to TMS. It’s great to have you with us. Warmest welcome!

Sarah Pichler, Templeton Middle special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker:

Your ideas, insight, and collaboration have been truly appreciated. I am looking forward to the year ahead. ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’…Go TEAM!

Allyson Billings, Lannon Elementary psychologist, was nominated by a co-worker:

Nobody calls on Ally to talk about how well things are going, yet she enters each day with a positive attitude, ready to take on the challenges presented. Ally cares deeply about students, and she communicates care and understanding. When interacting with colleagues she truly listens to understand, and seeks ideas for support. She jumps in and embodies the phrase ‘and other duties as assigned.’ Thank you, Ally!

Lauren Ullman, Hamilton High fitness education teacher, was nominated by a parent:

My daughter has a chronic illness and missed many days of school over the past year. Ms. Ullman has gone above and beyond to ensure that my daughter has the opportunity to participate and continue learning in her class. She has been extremely kind and flexible. Her love of teaching and compassion does not go unnoticed. You have touched our hearts and hope that my daughter continues to have educators like you Ms. Ullman. You are amazing.

Susan Haley, Silver Spring Intermediate administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker:

Susan is doing an amazing job! She is kind, thorough, and is finding ways to improve our systems. Susan is incredibly thoughtful about each aspect of her job and always remains patient and calm despite the high energy of a main office area! We appreciate you, Susan!