Congratulations to the 34 amazing staff members who were nominated in April for their above-and-beyond service to our students, staff, families, and community. Please join us in thanking them for their exceptional service!

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CERTIFICATED

Shamus Neary
Teacher at Sky Valley Education Center
Shamus exemplifies the best of what teachers used to be, but so often are NOT these days.  Meaning he is not indoctrinating kids, coddling kids, imposing his own worldview or ideology.  He simply teaches.  He makes them accountable.  He asks them to solve hard problems.  He forces critical thinking and logic.  To put it bluntly, he is everything most MSD teachers are not.

Stephanie Butterfield
Teacher at Salem Woods Elementary
Stephanie is one of the most positive and uplifting people I have ever worked with. She truly cares for each person she comes into contact with. She is always able to lend an ear, offer advice, or find a way to make you smile even when she has a never-ending list of things to do! She goes out of her way for her students who need additional support. She never gives up in trying out different strategies to help each one of her students. Keep it up Stephanie! You are much appreciated!

Neil Henderson
Math Teacher at Monroe High School
Mr Henderson truly cares for our students and wants them to succeed by providing clear lessons and videos so everyone can complete their tasks. He is attentive and respectful.  He works very well with our SPED students and makes his classroom environment welcoming and calm. He is a huge asset to the math team at MHS. 

Cathy Heidner 
MLL Teacher at Park Place Middle School
Cathy goes above and beyond for her students.  She creates achievable goals for them and encourages them to show growth, not just turn in an assignment or receive a grade.  It is easy to collaborate with her on how to support students in our building and even easier to approach students with ideas that will work for them because she knows them so well.  The way she knows her students is one to be admired. 

Allison Peckenpaugh (Mrs. BP)
Kindergarten Teacher at Fryelands Elementary
My son is in Kindergarten in Mrs. BP's class. I have never seen him so happy! He LOVES school, and every weekend will come home and say "I miss Mrs. BP". She has created a safe place for him, his classmates, and all of the students that come in contact with her. I don't want the school year to end because she is such an amazing teacher! I love her communication skills with parents, how straight forward she is, how kind and nice she is to everyone. We are SO lucky that we were able to get her as a teacher this year. I hope that when our younger son starts school in a few years, we are as lucky then as we are now. She is the most amazing teacher EVER! She deserves to be employee of the year!

Ally Rowland
Music Specialist at Fryelands Elementary
Ally Rowland puts her heart and soul into her work.  She creates and carries out engaging, meaningful music lessons that are whole child oriented and even reinforces developmentally appropriate literacy and math concepts in her music room as well.  She has been working with certain grade levels on musical performances and the students look and sound fabulous!  She also recently had a fun, school-wide "Musical March Madness'' topic that she wove into her lessons.  The students (and staff) got really into it! We love hearing all of the wonderful music that pours out from the music room!  We are grateful to have Ms. Rowland at Fryelands helping our Falcons SOAR with Music! 

Michelle Patzelt
Acceleration Teacher at Frank Wagner Elementary
This is Michelle’s first year at Frank and she is already a big part of our community. Many people have shared with me how she is patient and supportive when she is teaching them their jobs or supporting them when there is a struggle. I see her in the halls always speaking to the kids with respect even when redirecting. Michelle is funny and unique. Even when she was at the highschool over zoom meetings she found a way to connect to kids who didn’t want to participate. She draws kids in with her gaming knowledge and her overall likability. She has a passion for what she does and I’m beyond grateful to count her as a colleague!

Joy Gallaher
ELL Teacher at Chain Lake Elementary
Joy has been a huge support in my classroom. She has helped me in providing LAB support to my students who need  a boost in reading and comprehension. She communicates with me on a regular basis and helps me to make the growth goals of the students. 

Emily Miller
Dual Language Teacher at Frank Wagner Elementary
Emily is an amazing teacher, mentor, leader, friend and is an overall amazing person. She not only teaches our students so many amazing things but she teaches our whole grade level team how to be an effective teacher. She makes us laugh, gives me stories to tell at the end of my day, is a great listener and supporter, has the greatest laugh EVER and is a big reason my first year at Frank Wagner will be one I remember. :)

Missy Maxson
Fourth Grade Teacher at Frank Wagner Elementary
Missy is a master at classroom management and building relationships with students around the school. The relationship she has built with her class is evident through the respect they hold for herself and others. 

Jenny Nelson
Math and Science Teacher at Hidden River Middle School
Jenny has helped provide me with guidance and instruction through teaching new content. I am a long term substitute and it is because of Jenny's care for students and desire to give all students (not even those that she is teaching) the best opportunity to learn that she has graciously given me all of the material she is using in her class. She not only shares this information but also provides guidance on how to modify the content to fit each and every learner in our classes. She selflessly provides so the school can be a better place.

Gina Mengarelli
Second Grade Teacher at Salem Woods Elementary
Gina stepped into the classroom in the middle of the year and picked up exactly where the previous teacher left off. She provides a safe, calm classroom culture where every student is valued and encouraged to learn to the best of their ability. She excels at collaborating with coworkers, sharing important information with families, and providing students with an enthusiastic teaching style that gets them excited to learn.

Alicia Mohler
First Grade Teacher at Maltby Elementary
Alicia is a source of positivity for our building. She provides amazing support to students and ensures they're all meeting their learning needs. She also makes sure she checks in on staff and makes a point of sharing notes of appreciation. We are so happy to have her back at Maltby!

Victoria Scott
Teacher at Park Place Middle School
Students love Mrs. Scott and her outgoing personality.  She helps bring some of our quieter students out of their shell by singing and making her classroom fun.  She is always willing to do extra to support her most vulnerable students. 

Sharron Leinweber
Counselor at Park Place Middle School
Sharron is the lead for students with special education.  She effectively organizes their IEPs and accommodations so that they fit their needs to be successful in their educational setting.  Sharron is great at reminding all building staff strategies on how to work with ALL students at their individual social emotional skill level.  She proactively approaches the anxiety that comes with being in middle school  by meeting with students and helping them with coping skills to get through the day.   We appreciate her professionalism and it allows us to grow our own strengths.  Thank you for being here for all of us!!

Lucile “Lu” Townley
School Psychologist at Fryelands Elementary and Salem Woods Elementary
Lu is always working hard for our students. She exemplifies professionalism while also  creating an open and approachable vibe. Lu is always adjusting and readjusting her schedule to meet the needs of kids. Lu's dedication to her teams shows up day in and day out. Thank you for considering her for the Honor Roll!

Lori Clark
Digital Learning Specialist at Fryelands Elementary
For passionately serving students and staff with excellence and commitment. 

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CLASSIFIED

Lisa Petrick
SLC Para Team at Maltby Elementary
This TEAM of amazing Para's are the BEST! They work together and support each other and myself with adoration and mutual respect! It creates a wonderful work environment for the students and employees. This team welcomes everyone and is always willing to support others, not just myself. They care about each individual student and go way over and beyond to provide for each student's needs. This school district is so VERY lucky to have them and they really deserve to be honored for all of their hard work but more importantly how much of their heart they put into this job each and every day! I am a very lucky special education teacher to have such a gifted team of teachers/para's! ( I know I am only supposed to nominate one but they are not just one... they are a team/we are a team!! Lisa Petrick, Tina Larsen, Kim Cochran, and Rachel Nevaril). 

Dave Fairfax
Skilled Maintenance at Maintenance
Going above and beyond their role by also filling in for custodians throughout the district. Being there for all staff\students needs throughout the district as well as reliable,consistent, and helpful.

Nomination #2
Dave also goes above and beyond to help where and when needed.  He has filled in multiple times as a custodian here at CLE. He always comes into our kitchen and greets us by name and with a smile.  He is a hard worker and a kind man. I believe many of your maintenance folks are just not given the credit they deserve. If not for them many schools or even kitchens would not run properly. Thanks for considering Dave. 

Tasha Christensen
Office Support at Salem Woods Elementary
Tasha has a positive spirit in school. She always welcomes students and staff with a smile on her face and the word “hello”. Her willingness to help in situations is extraordinary. 

Joseph Grgurich
Lead Custodian at Fryelands Elementary
Joseph quietly and diligently goes about his day making Fryelands Elementary School shine.  He is always smiling and goes about his work in a gentle way - always taking strides to improve the state of the school.  This morning he was using a creative contraption (a tennis ball at the end of a rod) to get out scuff marks.  Joseph is a gem of a person - humble, kind, and hardworking. 

Cindy Snider
Office Support at Fryelands Elementary
Cindy shares her joyful smile with everyone who comes through the door.  Her welcoming spirit helps to set up students and staff alike, for a good day.  She is always affirming and never shaming to students who for whatever reason might be late to school.  She goes about her day with efficiency and with humor.  It's always nice to go through the FRE office for a dose of her infectious positivity.  

Tina Larsen
SLC Para Team at Maltby Elementary
This TEAM of amazing Para's are the BEST! They work together and support each other and myself with adoration and mutual respect! It creates a wonderful work environment for the students and employees. This team welcomes everyone and is always willing to support others, not just myself. They care about each individual student and go way over and beyond to provide for each student's needs. This school district is so VERY lucky to have them and they really deserve to be honored for all of their hard work but more importantly how much of their heart they put into this job each and every day! I am a very lucky special education teacher to have such a gifted team of teachers/para's! ( I know I am only supposed to nominate one but they are not just one... they are a team/we are a team!! Lisa Petrick, Tina Larsen, Kim Cochran, and Rachel Nevaril). 

Kim Cochran
SLC Para Team at Maltby Elementary
This TEAM of amazing Para's are the BEST! They work together and support each other and myself with adoration and mutual respect! It creates a wonderful work environment for the students and employees. This team welcomes everyone and is always willing to support others, not just myself. They care about each individual student and go way over and beyond to provide for each student's needs. This school district is so VERY lucky to have them and they really deserve to be honored for all of their hard work but more importantly how much of their heart they put into this job each and every day! I am a very lucky special education teacher to have such a gifted team of teachers/para's! ( I know I am only supposed to nominate one but they are not just one... they are a team/we are a team!! Lisa Petrick, Tina Larsen, Kim Cochran, and Rachel Nevaril). 

Rachel Nevaril
SLC Para Team at Maltby Elementary
This TEAM of amazing Para's are the BEST! They work together and support each other and myself with adoration and mutual respect! It creates a wonderful work environment for the students and employees. This team welcomes everyone and is always willing to support others, not just myself. They care about each individual student and go way over and beyond to provide for each student's needs. This school district is so VERY lucky to have them and they really deserve to be honored for all of their hard work but more importantly how much of their heart they put into this job each and every day! I am a very lucky special education teacher to have such a gifted team of teachers/para's! ( I know I am only supposed to nominate one but they are not just one... they are a team/we are a team!! Lisa Petrick, Tina Larsen, Kim Cochran, and Rachel Nevaril). 

Marianne Corrie
Health Room Para at Chain Lake Elementary
Marianne is kind and compassionate with every student that visits the health room. She offers support to the office staff when she can and is always striving to make Chain Lake Elementary a happy place for students and staff. 

Danielle Sterling
Paraeducator SLC at Monroe High School
Danielle goes above and beyond for her teacher, co-workers and most of all the students she works with. She is professional, can think quickly on her feet and adapt easily in any situation. You can tell she genuinely cares for those she works with and promotes student independence, problem-solving and growth. 

Georgette Noto
Kid Coach Para at Frank Wagner Elementary
Georgette is always there for me when I have a high behavior student that needs extra attention. When my day is rough I can always count on Georgette to check on me to make sure all is well. Georgette is a life saver. I don’t know what I would do without her!

Camille House
Department Support at Student Services
I appreciate how smoothly the transition from Heidi Dalton went.  Camille is a quick learner and knows almost all the answers when I call.  She is very quick to respond to any emails or voicemails I leave.  She is quick to find the answers if she doesn't know the answer.  I really appreciate her support and help!

Jeff Hanson
Custodian at Monroe High School
He takes such good care of the floors at the high school & keeps them clean & looking good. Thank you for keeping the little things up & looking good like hallway lights & walls.

Amber Mehta
Student Support Advocate at Park Place Middle School
Amber lives in service of her community, advocacy of students and equity. On countless occasions I have witnessed Amber step up and schedule meetings, send out resources and network next steps in an effort to make sure tangible work gets accomplished. No doubt her personality shines bright but her integrity and morality shine even brighter. I could go on and on about how in awe I am of how much she manages to fit into a work day... in general  I always feel grateful and energized to work alongside her.

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ADMINISTRATOR

Brett Willie
Principal at Monroe High School
He came to our New Teacher OnBoarding class and helped the new teachers understand the PLC process, goals, and main features.  He also shared what areas can be emphasized.  He answered their questions and was interested in each teacher's experience with PLCs in Monroe.  He wants to make PLCs a valuable asset of the Monroe School District.  We were very glad he came to share.

Tina Vinnick
Principal at Leaders in Learning
Over these past 8 months I have watched Mrs. Vinnick face adversity & manage very challenging situations while being diplomatic & tactful. I had the privilege of listening to her redirect a student who struggled with attendance & academically in school (music performances at night). Mrs. Vinnick reviewed the personal strengths of the student  (writing & performing music) , she forged it into an academic outcome in an effort for the student to re-engage & find a new positive perspective on being successful at school. The student's face lit up as Mrs. Vinnick talked about his future as an artist & how his talent can be used towards current academic needs if he'd be willing to sit down & work with staff on creating what that could look like & attend school. Mrs. Vinnick sees each student & what is happening outside of school in consideration of what is affecting them daily in school, she goes to the trenches with the students to support them in some hard life battles. I always enjoy my time with the students at Leaders in Learning but more than anything I enjoy the team culture that Mrs. Vinnick has created there, staff & student accountability & school unity. 

AJ Adamski
Assistant Principal at Maltby Elementary and Salem Woods Elementary
AJ has brought a great amount of knowledge to our district and provides support that we need throughout her days! We all wish we could keep her all week! We love having her in our district and are grateful she is here!

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One employee from each employee category (Certificated, Classified, and Administrator) is selected each month by the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet as the Employees of the Month. The Employees of the Month will be announced in a separate news article.

Nominate any Monroe School District employee for exceptional service HERE.