| Bob Pechanach, Hamilton High social studies teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Bob is a great neighbor in the social studies wing! I always enjoy our lunch talks and the advice that you share with me. |
Julie Odefey, Maple Avenue Elementary literacy interventionist, was nominated by a co-worker: Julie helped cover my class throughout the last few weeks, on many occasions, as I have worked through assessments. Julie doesn’t need a lot of direction. She just jumps in, knows exactly what to do and keeps the learning going. The students respect her and enjoy learning with her. She also does an amazing job covering my literacy stations so I can pull small groups of students. She knows where to push and support them during stations time to help meet their different needs. Thank you! |
Sarah Kowalske, Hamilton High communication arts teacher, was nominated by parents: You have built such a positive relationship with my daughter. You have grown my daughter’s love of reading and writing. In such an uncertain time in life you have given my child something to look forward to daily. My husband and I appreciate you very much! You are amazing Mrs. Kowalske 🤩 I hope that she continues to have more teachers like you throughout her high school journey. Sarah goes out of her way to support students beyond the classroom. She reached out to a university in support of my daughter while she was a student and continues to provide feedback to her even though my daughter has graduated. Sarah serves as a reminder that teachers go above and beyond! |
Jenifer Hajdukiewicz, Willow Springs Learning Center kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. H has gone above and beyond for our son this year. She has made the transition to school easy and flawless. We had some concerns going into 4K with his medical needs, but she has reassured us that he is being taken care of. As a parent, this was a heavy weight lifted off of our shoulders. She also has been a great communicator. We appreciate all she does for our son and he loves going to school every day! Thank you so much. |
Anita Paque, Silver Spring Intermediate library media specialist, was nominated by a co-worker: Anita’s tireless dedication to both TMS and SSI is unmatched. She goes above and beyond to give support to staff and students alike. She provides technical guidance, shares information, and of course, spreads the LOVE of reading to all she comes in contact with! |
Colleen Engel, Willow Springs Learning Center administrative assistant, was nominated by a parent: Colleen has always been extremely kind and supportive in her words and actions while we work through a difficult transition for our little guy. She has reached out to support not only our learner but also us as his parents while we navigate these new waters. We are so thankful for her kindness. |
Kristin Leaman, Willow Springs Learning Center kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a parent: Where would we be without Mrs. Leaman!? Our family has gone through a difficult transition recently and Mrs. Leaman has always been available to both our learner and us with kind words, support and extremely helpful advice. She has created a loving space for our little man full of friendship, learning and laughter. We are so thankful for everything she has done for our family during this time, and every single day. She is just amazing!! |
Eryn Fasula, Marcy Elementary grade 4 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Fasula has always had amazing communication with us and been open with her thoughts and suggestions for our learner. Our family has been going through a transition and Mrs. Fasula has communicated with us for any related changes of behavior and feelings that he may be expressing at school. As a parent, the open communication and partnership is so deeply appreciated. |
Bridget Matthiesen, Marcy Elementary grade 3 teacher, was nominated by a parent: Our daughter has had to do emergency remote learning twice this school year and Mrs. Matthiesen made it a positive experience both times. She would call or message us directly to check on how things were going, ask if there was anything we needed, and communicated directly with our daughter about activities going on in the classroom. She kept our daughter engaged in learning activities and the social aspects of the classroom. We are so fortunate to have Mrs. Matthiesen for a teacher! |
Mindy Pilecky, Marcy Elementary grade 3 teacher, was nominated by a parent: I wanted to recognize all of the great work that Mrs. Pilecky has done so far this year. As a new teacher to Marcy she has really done an amazing job of fitting into the culture of the school and embracing the “Marcy way”. As a parent, I am very grateful for her engagement with us through her utilization of the Seesaw app. Additionally, her menu approach to providing homework for the week is extremely helpful for busy families. It makes those chaotic days a little less stressful. |
Kaila Feudner, Hamilton High Spanish teacher, was nominated by a parent: I appreciate the time and effort that she took this semester with my son. She cares so much about how well he does in class, and because of her patience with him it helped tremendously with how well he did in class! |
Dawn Haren, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 6 humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: We just started a positive acknowledgement program at SSI and Dawn has been all over it! She loves to pour positivity into students and has a warmth and kindness that makes students feel cared for each day. Thank you Dawn! |
Michelle Mattheis, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Michelle has developed wonderful relationships with the students she works with. She is caring and compassionate. She is aware of her student’s needs and is able to modify information regardless of the subject being taught. She is an amazing asset to the department and the students are fortunate to have her. |
Maddie Fech, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Maddie has a wonderful rapport with her students. She is caring and understanding and students are excited when they have the opportunity to work with her. When Maddie moves from working from student to student she is always aware of what they are working on, and the specific needs and support she needs to provide. |
Ann Kraemer, Templeton Middle media center paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann welcomes the students each and every day with a smile and a friendly “good morning”. Her uplifting spirit helps the students begin the day on a positive note. As she works in the IMC, she is able to build relationships with many of the students at TMS. Ann is important as a contributor to a positive climate at TMS. |
Angie Kolesari, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Angie has developed amazing relationships with the students she works with. She is able to gear lessons to the individual needs and skill level of those she supports. Angie is an active member of the TMS community, volunteering to supervise basketball games as well as other regular events. Angie helps to bring a positive atmosphere to the TMS community. |
Juliet Champion, Woodside Elementary grade 1 teacher, was nominated by a parent: We have been out on quarantine for the past week and Ms. Champion went above and beyond to get work ready for our daughter to do at home AND set up a zoom for her to chat for a few minutes with her classmates! It may not seem like a big deal but for a social butterfly, like our daughter, going the extra mile to keep her connected to the classroom for the week she was away, was such a huge help! We appreciate all you do, Ms. Champion! |
Deanna Wellens, Silver Spring Intermediate principal, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Wellens is such a phenomenal Principal and I’m sad that this is the last year my daughter will have her as principal. Mrs. Wellens truly cares for our kids. I know she cares about my child and when my child does something wrong she corrects them. It’s good to know that my child has someone like Mrs. Wellens where they spend most of their time outside of home. I appreciate you! |
Stacy Stengel, Willow Springs Learning Center instructional and supervision paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Stacy joined our team and jumped right in to support in any way needed. Thank you for all of your help with materials, students and cleaning. I have enjoyed working with you and getting to know you. |
Callie Lauer, Silver Spring Intermediate grade 5 humanities teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Lauer thank you for keeping things moving forward after break and keeping everyone engaged and learning. I am so thankful that my daughter has a teacher that cares so much. |
Jerry Wetherall, Hamilton High mathematics teacher, was nominated by a parent: He has gone above and beyond to catch up my son Kaleb after COVID. He has really shown that he cares for my son’s learning. He has stayed after school hours to help my son learn the material he needed to succeed. |
Meg Rauter, Hamilton High special education teacher, was nominated by a parent: She goes way above and beyond with her students. |
Missy Neuharth, Hamilton High special education teacher, was nominated by a parent: She goes way above and beyond with her students. |
Tanya Simonis, Woodside Elementary clerical paraprofessional, was nominated by a parent: I’d like to nominate Ms. Simonis for her exceptional service to the Woodside students and parents. Every single day, no matter what the weather conditions, Ms. Simonis greets every student entering the KG & 2nd grade door. She helps students in and of cars, always with a smile on her face. She’s a bright spot in our mornings and she adds a level of personalized attention that we all miss. Just want her to know and be acknowledged that she’s appreciated. |
Tammy Ferrell, Templeton Middle bookkeeper and supervision paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Tammy is always so kind and patient when I have budget questions. I appreciate her help so much and how fast she always gets back to me. Thank you for your hard work Tammy! |
Barry Holloway, Hamilton High communication arts teacher, was nominated by a parent: My daughter shared that not only was he the best homeroom teacher, but a phenomenal coach. In all her years of organized sports, playing rugby was the first time she ever felt like she was on a “team” and it was because of his style. |
| Stacy See, Marcy Elementary special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Stacy always steps up to help us out when we are short substitutes. I appreciate that she is willing to step out of her special education para role to fill in for our teachers. Thank you for always pitching in to help out! |
Megan Karabon, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Megan is a caring and compassionate teacher and has shown professionalism and resiliency during this time of moving from students in a virtual learning environment and in-person learning. I respect and appreciate the privilege of working side by side with her in 7 Gold. |
Tim Cunningham, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Tim’s positive attitude and willingness to always be a team player make working with him in 7 Gold a joy! |
Brianna Leinon, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Bri has a positive no-nonsense attitude that makes working with her every day fun! |
Brenda Peterson, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Brenda has a depth of knowledge that is astounding! I appreciate her input and the ability to work with her daily in 7 Gold. |
Cody Leland, Templeton Middle associate principal, was nominated by a co-worker: I appreciate the relationships that Cody forms with students combined with his ability to seek out teacher input. He is open and approachable and helps to make TMS run smoothly every day. |
Brad Hoffmann, Templeton Middle principal, was nominated by a co-worker: I appreciate how Brad supports the work of the TMS Student Council and helps to cultivate strong student leaders. |
Chris Beck, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: I appreciate Chris’ willingness to share ideas and curriculum. His depth of knowledge of the subject area is always helpful as I plan out my own lessons. Chris is an amazing asset to the 7th-grade science department. |
Lauren Picado, Templeton Middle grade 7 teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Lauren works diligently to provide engaging and exciting opportunities for her science students. She is always willing to share ideas with colleagues. I appreciate the ability to work with Lauren in the 7th-grade science department. |
Anita Paque, Templeton Middle library media specialist, was nominated by a co-worker: There is no other word to explain Anita other than “AMAZING”! Regardless of what a teacher needs, she can provide materials and insight. Her contributions to TMS are irreplaceable! |
Sarah France, Marcy Elementary special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: I’m fortunate to have Sarah as a co-worker. Sarah always takes time to give a quick update and I know I can always count on Sarah to offer extra help. |
Beth Braier, Hamilton High associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker: Beth has been extremely helpful in training employees in new positions. She adds a great value to the team and is working very hard with our staffing shortage. |
Denice Giovan, Hamilton High associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker: Denice has been so helpful and working extremely hard during this staffing shortage. She is helping other team members when needed as well and doing a great job! |
Julia Savatski, Templeton Middle associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker: Julia has been working extremely hard while maintaining great organization, filling in where we need her to help out at other schools and her team. She treats everyone kindly and is a great value. |
Ann Wodarczak, Lannon Elementary administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann is always willing to jump in and help out in any way possible. I truly appreciate her enthusiasm and her cheerful attitude. She goes above and beyond to help ALL departments including the lunch room. Thank you Ann for everything you do! |
Cynthia Dow, Templeton Middle special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Ms. Dow goes up and beyond to ensure students get the help they need in science class. She is so respectful of students, works well with staff and is a HUGE help in class. Thank you for always helping show what they can do! |
Dana Marklund, Hamilton High communication arts teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Thank you for covering my class when I was out sick. I could rest and recover better knowing you were in there helping run the lesson as a professional. |
Brian Wissbeck, Hamilton School District custodial-maintenance staff member: Brian has had to come to Willow Springs on numerous occasions to repair a variety of mechanical issues that an older building tends to have. Brian recently repaired a pipe that was frozen and leaking. Brian worked diligently to get the pipe repaired and the bathroom up and running again for students and staff. Brian is skilled, efficient and brings professionalism along with a positive attitude. I felt this was the perfect platform to tell him he is doing a great job and thank you! |