| Moni Lichey, Lannon Elementary School first grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Moni has been awesome to collaborate with this year, as we work together to develop meaningful technology-integrated projects that connect with her classroom curriculum! Her willingness to try new things with technology has motivated her students as they are excited to engage with new technology tools to demonstrate their learning and understanding. |
Audrey Gauthier, Lannon Elementary School instructional and supervision paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Audrey has stepped into long-term sub roles this year and has immediately had a positive impact on the students she has worked with. She brings out the best in students, even in challenging situations, and is willing to continue learning new things in order to provide the best learning experiences for her students. We are lucky to have her at Lannon! |
Ann Wodarczak, Lannon Elementary School administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann is a bright ray of sunshine greeting every person who walks through the doors at Lannon. She always has a smile on her face, is willing to help in any situation, and knows how to do any and every task that is asked of her, often juggling multiple tasks at once! I am so thankful for her patience, guidance and kindness! |
Jodi Rupnow, Woodside Elementary School technology integration resource, was nominated by a co-worker: Jodi helped our virtual 4th graders and our 4th grade virtual team by teaching our students the tools for the upcoming Forward test. We appreciate your time, your tech knowledge, and all the hard work you put into this training. Jodi always goes above and beyond and helps finds solutions. Thank you, Jodi for helping us and our students! |
Jeni Maier-Ortlieb, Silver Spring Intermediate School sixth grade humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Jeni is a very devoted, hardworking, thoughtful teacher. She is always willing to go the extra mile. When she comes across books or materials she thinks will benefit my class she sends them to me even though we don’t teach the same grade or in the same building. Jeni’s wealth of knowledge and caring attitude is a great benefit to her students and colleagues! |
Tim Christman, Silver Spring Intermediate School fifth grade math and science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Tim has been a wonderful teaching partner to his colleague who has had to be out for a family medical issue. Tim is an advocate for students and is willing to step up and help out in any way he can. He is a valued member of our 5th grade team! |
Zachary Welch, Silver Spring Intermediate School fifth grade math and science teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Zach is an incredible teacher and co-worker. Zach brings wonderful insight and positive perspective to our PBIS team and is always willing to think outside the box for students. He is endlessly positive, even with the most difficult student situations, and is a trusted member of each team he serves. |
Alyssa Knutson, Silver Spring Intermediate School fifth grade humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Alyssa is a wonderful teacher and supportive colleague to her teammates. She works incredibly hard for students and offers great insight to the teams she serves. Alyssa has partnered with a special ed teacher this year and collaborates each day to meet all students’ needs. Now that a colleague is out sick, she is hustling to work with other team members to support students and one another. We are grateful to have Alyssa in our community! |
Sarah Plamann, Hamilton High School music teacher, was nominated by a student: Ms. Plamann is a wonderful teacher and really can connect to the virtual students. She can put a smile on your face within seconds. She has amazing patience with students and is always there if you need help! I am glad she is my teacher. |
Judith Savana, Hamilton High School custodial staff member, was nominated by a co-worker: Judy is the iron horse…she gets things done with quiet resolve and determination without complaint. She’s battled through personal struggles as well as the last year with all of the changes Covid has demanded in her role. It was reassuring that my room would always be clean and safe. Additionally, she’s always friendly and goes the extra mile for students and staff. |
Leah Smith, Hamilton High School associate kitchen employee, was nominated by a co-worker: Leah has been stepping up a lot recently doing extra job functions when we are short-staffed. She has great positive energy and is great at problem solving. She prepares ahead of time for her necessary job functions which is much appreciated and has had many good ideas for our menu! |
Marina Samens, Maple Avenue Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Marina is an integral part of our special education team at Maple Avenue. She is a hard worker and holds high standards for herself and our students. Marina is creative, patient and kind. She uses positive communication techniques with our students and makes them feel cared for. Marina will make an excellent teacher someday. Thank you Marina! |
Jessica Schlise, Maple Avenue Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Jess has been an anchor for our special education team this year. She has stepped up as a leader during our program’s transition and is willing to help our school out in whatever way she can. Jess does an excellent job with managing student behaviors and students appreciate her caring nature. Jess does a great job listening to teacher feedback and also takes initiative during challenging situations. Thanks Jess for all you do at Maple!! |
Ryan Miller, Hamilton School District manager of information technology, was nominated by a co-worker: Ryan always goes above and beyond to take the time to help me with tech issues that I don’t have the knowledge of to take care of myself. Even on his busiest days, he is there to help me and teach me how things work. And always with a smile on his face! He is very much appreciated! |
| Terri Zeller, Hamilton High School custodial-maintenance staff member, was nominated by a co-worker: Teri does an awesome job cleaning every day, but today I noticed she was doing a thorough job cleaning the underside of the big floor scrubber. Not a pleasant task, and also above and beyond her normal job duties. I want to recognize Teri for her dedication and thank her for her hard work which will ultimately extend the life of our equipment. Thank you Teri! |
David Schiffer, Hamilton School District custodial-maintenance staff member, was nominated by a co-worker: David provided excellent customer service when re-drilling a hole for my computer monitors. He asked where I wanted the screens vs just putting them anywhere. He took his time, cleaned up his mess on the counters and on the floor. Thank you David for taking the time to assist with this project in Student Services. |
Jen Butscher, Woodside Elementary School first grade teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Butscher has helped our son blossom this school year. Her positive attitude, caring personality and exceptional teaching skills make her a perfect fit for him. He has made gains academically, but more importantly loves to go to school each day and always comes home with a story about what he learned from Mrs. Butscher. We are appreciative of all she has done and wish she could follow him to 2nd grade. Thank you Mrs. Butscher! |
Kelly Wood, Woodside Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Kelly is an invaluable part of our team. She comes to work daily with a positive attitude and gives 110% daily to all the students she works with. She is flexible and fills in when help is needed. Her calm demeanor and years of experience translate into her ability to masterfully provide support to all students. Thank you for all you do, Kelly. You are appreciated. |
Laura Kasper, Willow Springs Learning Center speech pathologist, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Kasper has gone above and beyond in speech intervention for our little Gia. She has helped her speech blossom immensely. We are so grateful for her patience and engaging lessons with our little girl. Thank you for all you do! |
Abigail Thompson, Hamilton High School special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Abby is such a valuable member of our department because she is a total team player. She is always willing to help out, whether it would be proctoring a test, covering a class for a fellow department member, or collaborating to solve a problem. |
Taylor Dietz, Woodside Elementary School fourth grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Taylor has done a great job building relationships with her students and families this year. In working with certain students, she is able to takes her own experiences and share them with families offering a perspective they may not have thought about without her. She follows through with expectations and sets high, yet attainable goals for ALL of her students. |
Brecken Ashenbrenner, Maple Avenue Elementary School special education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: I feel so grateful to work with Brecken this year. In every situation, she is kind, compassionate and understanding when working with students. She is always prepared with exceptional activities and works extremely hard to provide students with modified lessons that are at their level. She has many wonderful ideas and not only supports her students, but many other students in my class. Thank you, Brecken, for all that you do to help students grow and be successful! |
Renee Waldow, Maple Avenue Elementary School first grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: I feel so grateful to have Renee as my mentor teacher this year. She has gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome and to answer my many questions. Renee is a wealth of knowledge and an expert at the art of teaching. It has been inspiring to watch Renee’s calm and kind demeanor as she works with students. With Renee’s nurturing attitude, she has created a learning environment where ALL students can be successful. Thank you, Renee, for all that you do to make first grade amazing! |
Rebecca Cochran, Maple Avenue Elementary School first grade teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: I feel so grateful to have Rebecca as a teammate this year. Her energetic attitude, passion and drive inspire me to be the best teacher I can be. Rebecca is regularly the first person at school, and the last person to leave in the evening. Not only does she work hard for students, but she works hard to prepare things for our first grade team. She is a wealth of knowledge, and I have learned so much about teaching from her. Thank you, Rebecca, for all you do to make first grade amazing! |
Ann Tamblingson, Woodside Elementary School kindergarten teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Ann has been my rock these last two years, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. She is always there to rally behind her coworkers and builds us up. She works so hard to provide the very best for her students and families and it doesn’t go unnoticed. She’s a Rockstar! |
Peggy Wrobleski, Woodside Elementary School special services paraprofessional, was nominated by a co-worker: Peggy has such a good rapport with ALL the students she works with, allowing students to perform at their fullest potential. I truly enjoy having her in my classroom. |
| Mandy Desmarais, Woodside Elementary School first grade teacher, was nominated by a parent: She keeps the virtual live meetings interesting for the kids, always shows a genuine interest in my son’s progress and her communication is excellent whenever we have a concern or he has questions. She has embraced virtual learning and made the kids feel her care and concern through the screen. Thanks, Mrs. Desmarais! |
Aaron Greenwald, Woodside Elementary School fourth grade teacher, was nominated by a parent: We really appreciate his calm demeanor, interesting lessons and activities, and the unique way he finds to truly connect with his virtual students and make himself available throughout the day for them to easily ask him questions or get his feedback. His thoughtful answers, student challenges and suggestions help to make each student feel special and heard. Way to go, Mr. Greenwald! |
Kathy Jensen, Hamilton High School mathematics teacher, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Jensen has been such a positive person in my daughters’ lives. She is currently their homeroom/advisement teacher and I often hear about the kindness and caring attitude she shows her students. She has offered help with homework – regardless of if the kids are “her” students because she wants the kids to succeed. We are very lucky to have such a committed teaching professional in our district and as a parent I appreciate all she has done and continues to do for HHS. |
Kelly Zellner, Silver Spring Intermediate School fifth grade humanities teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kelly is the total team player (caring, hard working, dependable, selfless, humble). She builds genuine and meaningful relationships with her students and colleagues. We are blessed in so many ways to have Kelly at Silver Spring Intermediate! |
Bobbie Semrow, Silver Spring Intermediate School administrative assistant, was nominated by a co-worker: Bobbie is the BEST! We are so lucky to have her at “The Springs.” You cannot be around Bobbie and not have her positive attitude, helpful ways, caring personality rub off on you. She has a way of making students, teachers and parents feel listened to and valued. |
Karen Zielinksi, Templeton Middle School eighth grade teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Zielinski consistently went above and beyond to assist and accommodate my child. She brought positivity, and enthusiasm into all of her lessons. She is very organized and made it easy for parents to follow along. Thank you for being a great educator. |
Rebecca Abler, Templeton Middle School family and consumer sciences teacher, was nominated by a parent: Mrs. Abler has done an amazing job teaching virtually this school year for my child. It is very apparent that her lessons are well thought out, organized and provide students with real-life experiences. As an educator myself, I greatly appreciate her organization of google classroom and ease of navigation for both students and parents. Thank you for making a difference in the life of my son. |
Shannon Flaherty, Templeton Middle School applied engineering and technology teacher, was nominated by a parent: Thank you for inspiring my son to learn. You find creative ways to make the material accessible to all students. Thank you for allowing students multiple opportunities to learn and apply material taught in your class. You made the transition from a hands-on class to a virtual class seamless. As a fellow educator, I greatly appreciate all your hard work. |
Jen Emory, Marcy Elementary School special education teacher, was nominated by a parent: Ms. Emory has gone above and beyond to help my daughter. A few years ago my daughter was diagnosed with 2 auto immune diseases as well as a reading disability. She has helped my daughter to gain confidence and enjoy being at school as well as read better. My daughter has continue to make gains with her academic goals. We are truly going to miss Ms. Emory next year when my daughter is off to SSI. Thank you Ms. Emory for all you do! Your love for teaching does not go unnoticed. |
Keith Greibler, Maple Avenue Elementary School head custodian, was nominated by a co-worker: Since coming to Maple Avenue, Keith has been helpful, hardworking and polite. If we need something done he gets it done ASAP. It is obvious that he takes pride in his work and in our school. We are lucky to have Keith, and everyone I talk to agrees! |
Kathleen Block, Hamilton High School fitness education teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Kathy is a gifted educator that truly understands the needs of ALL learners. Kathy is not only open to, but is eager to collaborate to make her lessons accessible to all learners. I am in awe of her creativity, dedication, and knowledge. Kathy Block is a true example of an educator who just “gets it.” I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to work with her. |
Kathy Rose, Hamilton High School applied engineering and technology teacher, was nominated by a co-worker: Mrs. Rose has been an incredibly patient and selfless in her support of all students. She has taken considerable time and planning to figure out how to make her curriculum accessible for students with unique learning styles. She has adapted materials from 2D to 3D for hands on manipulation. She provides individualized support, adjusted timelines and constant collaboration. I am beyond grateful for all of her knowledge and expertise. |