Kudos to Chase McInnis, an Instructional Assistant at Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School
A grateful colleague said the following about Chase:
"Chase has tremendously helped students who need additional behavior support. He has been flexible and has stepped in to help other paras’ students when needed. He has also volunteered to score behavior data and scan it for Infinite Campus. I appreciate that he is always asking how he can help, and I value his initiative to work with any student who needs support."
Kudos to Elizabeth Bandza, an ASD Instructional Assistant at North High School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Elizabeth:
"Liz goes above and beyond to create a safe environment for student to thrive. Her passion to seeing students exceeds is very admirable. She helps build healthy relationships with students to ensure that students can process through big emotions without the feeling of judgement. She has handled a lot of change with ease and is always someone to count on. Thanks for all you do, Liz!"
Kudos to Anthony Franck, a Math Teacher at East Middle School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Anthony:
"Anthony consistently goes above and beyond to support students, particularly in difficult or sensitive situations, offering a calm, steady presence and a willingness to listen without judgment. His ability to remain composed under pressure allows students to feel safe, supported, and understood. He works tirelessly to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed, building strong, trusting relationships both in the classroom and through his role as a coach. His dedication, empathy, and genuine care for students make him an invaluable asset to our school community. Kudos, Anthony!"
Kudos to Jenny Ceja, a building assistant at Bryant Elementary School.
Mara Richter shared the following about Jenny:
"Jenny Ceja has done an amazing job stepping up to help make the office run smoothly when they are down a person. She has done a great job helping to keep everything running even with a lot of additional work on her plate. She is always a positive face to greet students, families, and staff as they enter the office each day and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she can! Jenny is a joy to work with, and we are so lucky to have her here at Bryant!"
Kudos to Abby Peters Maynard, an office assistant at North Middle School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Abby:
"Abby wears many hats at North Middle. From scheduling Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, to coordinating student bus applications and passes, to assisting with scheduling busses, to answering phone calls, to being our back up nurse when needed, there isn't anything she won't jump in and help with. Abby is hard working, reliable and friendly. She is a moral booster in our school and makes coming to work fun. Thank you, Abby, for all you do!"
Kudos to Monica Suarez, a MTSS Specialist at East High School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Monica:
"Monica consistently goes above and beyond for the students with her primary focus always being the well-being and success of the students. She approaches every interaction with a remarkable level of patience, compassion, and enthusiasm, making a significant difference in the daily experience of the students who are in the AEC for support. During the last several weeks she has been outstanding in her resourcefulness without hesitation. She's stepped up to make sure that the AEC runs without a hitch. Monica's positive attitude and unwavering commitment to our students makes her an invaluable asset to East High and makes her a truly deserving a District Kudos!"
Kudos to Jillian Hixson, a Title I Coordinator at the Educational Service Center.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Jillian:
"Jillian has been outstanding in leading the Title I program during its first year in the secondary schools in our district. Helping to build a brand-new program is not easy, yet Jillian has taken on this challenge with thoughtfulness, dedication, and constant positivity. Throughout the year, she has remained focused on putting students first and ensuring they receive the support they need to be successful. Jillian is always willing to help, always ready to listen, and consistently ensures staff have the resources and support they need to best serve students. Whether answering questions, problem-solving, or providing additional support, Jillian consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Her encouraging attitude and genuine care for both students and staff have made a meaningful and lasting impact across our district, and her leadership has helped set a strong foundation for the continued success of the Title I program."
Kudos to Alison Henderson, a Band Teacher at East Middle School.
Miranda Peterson shared the following about Alison:
"Mrs. Henderson is a very good teacher and she makes my daughter happy. You can tell she loves working with kids. As a parent, I can say Mrs. Henderson is super awesome and makes everyone around her happy. I love having her as my daughter's band teacher. My daughter would be lost with out Mrs. Henderson!"
Kudos to Leigh Turner, a Preschool Teacher at Morningside STEM Elementary School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Leigh:
"Leigh excels at supporting students with diverse needs by cultivating an environment of belonging and acceptance. She is highly regarded for her ability to build meaningful, enduring relationships with both students and their families, leading to frequent parent requests for her classroom year after year. Her dedication and interpersonal expertise make her an invaluable asset to our preschool program."
Kudos to Tina Brennan, a K-5 ELA Curriculum Facilitator at the Educational Service Center.
Debbie Parrott shared the following about Tina:
"I appreciate Tina so much! She is a kind, caring facilitator who is ALWAYS available to answer any questions and does it with such grace. If she does not know the answer to something, she will definitely dig in deep to find one. We are lucky to have her as our K-5 curriculum facilitator! Thanks Tina! Keep shining!"
Kudos to Jeremy Dumkrieger, an Art Teacher at Bryant Elementary School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Jeremy:
"Mr. Dumkrieger is in his 3rd year as an elementary Art teacher. He has done amazing things at Bryant. He has brightened up the hallways by showcasing student art. He is always brainstorming ways to get students interested in Fine Arts and has collaborated with the music teacher to establish a Fine Arts week. He has worked tirelessly to create routines, structures, and visuals to support student success in the Art room. Mr. Dumkrieger has been creative in finding ways for ALL students to have the ability to express themselves through Art. Kudos to your hard work! It does not go unnoticed and it brings joy to all at Bryant."
Kudos to Jana Ludwig, a Special Education Co-Teacher at West Middle School.
A grateful colleague shared the following about Jana:
"Jana has embraced her new role as a middle school co-teacher with grace, professionalism, and determination. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her learners. Jana collaborates effectively with her co-teacher to ensure that all students receive the necessary accommodations for success. Additionally, she brings creativity and enthusiasm to her English lessons by incorporating engaging activities and real-world connections that enhance student learning."
Kudos to Shari Crahan, a Counseling Secretary at North High School.
The North High School Counseling Department shared the following about Shari:
"Shari is the glue of the North High counseling department. She manages the high volume of office traffic with professionalism and respect for each request. There are times in the counseling office where we have multiple confidential situations occurring simultaneously. She keeps the student dignity as her highest priority, while ensuring the school counselors have the information needed. She's a problem solver and takes initiative to be prepared for whichever is the next major project in the school calendar. Our team is more effective for our students because of Shari's professionalism and dedication."