The Monroe School District Honor Roll recognition program is aimed at recognizing employees for exemplifying our core values through their service to our students, staff, families, and community. 

Congratulations to the 27 exceptional staff members nominated in January for their outstanding service to our students, families, and community! Let’s celebrate their dedication and hard work!

All January nominees are recognized HERE. For the first time, we have a tie this month! Two classified staff members and one certificated staff member have been selected as the January Employees of the Month.

Please join us in congratulating our January Employees of the Month!

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CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

Pushpa Patel - Paraeducator at Chain Lake Elementary

Core value exemplified: Excellence

I have the privilege of working with Pushpa Patel in my Kindergarten classroom. She exemplifies all 6 of MSD's core values on a daily basis - but if I had to choose one word to exemplify her work it would be this: Excellence!

Pushpa comes to work each day with a smile for each person she meets and greets them by name each day. She works relentlessly to meet student needs each moment of each day on an individual personal level. She treats each and every student with the highest respect and dignity while showing compassion and understanding when they need it. Our whole class sees her as an integral part of our team. because she is. She has a magical way of making each person she meets feel like they belong. Her sincerity and kindness flows through everything she does. She stays calm and grounded during the busiest moments of our kindergarten classroom. When students see her doing brain breaks it encourages them and deepens their joy! She notices when someone needs a smile or a word of encouragement and fills gaps that need filling. Her integrity as a person and employee is unmatched! She is gold to each of us in room 106 and we are grateful for her presence each and every day!

Lesia Wallis - Bus Driver 

Core value exemplified: Belonging & Student-centered

Summary of nominations: Miss Lesia is loved by the students who ride her bus, and families describe her as so much more than a bus driver. Even after moving off her route, students still run out to see her when they hear the bus coming because she’s made such a lasting impact.

She creates a safe, welcoming, and joyful environment every day. She stays calm and kind, never yelling even when students are misbehaving, and she goes out of her way to make kids feel seen and valued. Families shared that she plays games over the intercom, offers thoughtful treats and surprises, and even checks in with parents to make sure their children are doing well.

Above all, Miss Lesia takes pride in keeping students safe and making every ride a positive experience. Families say they feel confident their children are in good hands with her behind the wheel, and students love interacting with her because she is always friendly, smiling, and truly part of the village that helps kids thrive.

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CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Lisa Young - Teacher at Fryelands Elementary

Core values exemplified: Student-centered

I would like to nominate Lisa Young because she dedicates an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and care to supporting both students and teachers in our building. Her work is deeply student-centered—she consistently approaches decision-making, problem solving, and instructional support with the needs of all learners at the forefront. Lisa actively seeks out new ideas and innovative practices to better serve students not only within our school, but across our district as well.

She is tenacious and brave in her leadership, unafraid to advocate for what is best for students and educators alike. Her extensive teaching experience is an invaluable asset, informing her thoughtful guidance and practical solutions. Lisa is also an exceptional collaborator who works tirelessly to break down barriers, build strong relationships, and lead our staff toward stronger, more effective teaching practices. Our school community is better because of her dedication and leadership.

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Nominate any Monroe School District employee for exceptional service HERE.