Mike Birch
Director, Transportation
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I’ve worked with Mike throughout this school year to coordinate several specialized transportation arrangements for injured students, and he has been outstanding. His quick response time, combined with a genuine willingness to support our students and make sure they have exactly what they need, has ensured that Monroe families receive top-notch service. I know I can rely on him, and that level of trust makes a meaningful difference. 

Corey Smullin 
Maintenance, Facilities & Maintenance
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Corey has responded to maintenance requests with what must be record timing! He immediately responds to concerns or requests and does so happily. He’s consistently helpful, reliable, and someone we can count on to get things done efficiently and thoroughly. 

Becky Urstad
Health Room Assistant, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Becky is an amazing Health Room Para. Becky is very experienced and she treats all the students and staff with compassion and care. She helps other staff in any of her downtime, taking on small projects to lighten the load of others. As I am a new school nurse in the district this year, she has really helped me to be successful in my building with her knowledge, kindness, and support. She is overall an amazing employee that demonstrates excellence all around. 

Carissa Alexander
Paraeducator, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Equity
Carissa Alexander is an exceptional professional who consistently embodies many of our core values and deserves recognition on the Honor Roll. Carissa demonstrates our commitment to Equity by ensuring that the strengths, needs, and goals of each individual student are known and actively supported. She is a passionate advocate for all students, working tirelessly to ensure each student receives the support they need to succeed. Carissa has a genuine belief in every student that they can do their best and get a new start each and every day. Her decisions and actions are consistently centered around what is best for each student's learning and well-being. She creates an environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive. Through her work, Carissa fosters an inclusive and caring environment where every individual feels welcome, safe, valued, connected, and respected. Her commitment to what each student needs creates a community where students know they matter. Carissa's dedication to students makes her an outstanding member of our school community and a worthy recipient of Honor Roll recognition. 

Ankita Bajaj 
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Ankita consistently displays the core value of integrity while serving the school community. She is always displaying high standards of professionalism, and ethical behavior, she is reliable and works hard to learn new skills. Ankita brings a sense of joy to her job and the school environment. Ankita also displays the core values of belonging and collaboration. Ankita works hard to make sure her students and others feel they have a place here at Park Place. She collaborates well with others to find solutions that are beneficial to the greater good. 

Cameron Bryant 
Maintenance, Facilities & Maintenance
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Cameron is an integral part of operations, and the District as a whole. Cameron consistently inserts himself into all of our daily projects, not only to help where needed but as to grow and learn as well. Cameron always shows up with a smile, ready to work. 

Dori Vick 
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Dori Vick is a very good trainer and a mentor. She believes that everyone should have equal opportunity when it comes to learning skills that can benefit students and our community. Not everyone in our society is a good trainer and an instructor. Not everyone wants to share their knowledge with others with positive intentions. Some believe that sharing is caring and it increases their wisdom whereas some believe that sharing means losing their uniqueness.

Dori Vick is the one who believes in sharing and distributing her knowledge and skills to others to spread positivity. One such example is during SBA testing I was not confident to run the test independently even after taking online training but Dori ensured that I learn the skill properly so that in the future I can run the test independently without any support. She checked on me every moment and every step, guiding me patiently and attentively throughout the entire learning process. She is an excellent trainer who gave me so much love, care, and a strong sense of belonging during the training, which is rare to find. Anyone would love to work with her because of her kindness and exceptional behavior that goes beyond expectations.

When I think of Dori, I see her positive attitude. I am sure that she must be doing many positive things for our community that often go unseen and unnoticed, because a person with a good heart can only think positively and do good for others, which brings positivity to our society and community.

Lucky are the students and staff members who get the opportunity to work with her and receive her love, care, and guidance every single day. 

Lindsay Harris 
Paraeducator, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
I would like to nominate Lindsay because she truly represents what it means to be student-centered and creates a sense of belonging for everyone around her.

Lindsay goes above and beyond every single day and is the kind of coworker every school hopes to have. She jumped into this year like a gift to our staff and students, bringing positivity, fun, kindness, and endless support wherever it is needed. Students naturally seek her out because they feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for by her. She has a way of connecting with kids that makes every student feel seen and important.

She is also one of the best coworkers anyone could ask for. Lindsay is always willing to help, never says “that’s not my job,” and brings such a positive energy to our school community. Both students and staff absolutely adore her, and our school is better because of her. 

Mollie Mohr
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
It is an honor to celebrate Mollie Mohr, an educator who truly exemplifies the meaning of student-centered learning. Through her daily actions, dedication, and expertise, Ms. Mohr does not just teach—she transforms the educational experience for our students, staff, families, and community.

Here is how Mollie embodies our core values every single day:

For Our Students: Patience, Value, and Innovation
In the classroom, Mollie is a steady anchor for her students. Her day-to-day interactions are defined by an untiring patience that allows students the time and space they need to grow. She approaches every learner with a positive energy that is both infectious and affirming, ensuring that every student who walks through her door feels deeply valued, seen, and respected.

For Our Staff: A Collaborative and Positive Presence
Ms. Mohr is quite simply a positive addition to every classroom and a vital asset to our professional community. Her presence uplifts her peers; she brings a collaborative spirit and an optimistic outlook to team settings.

For Our Families and Community: Building Trust and Partnership
By ensuring that every student feels safe, capable, and valued, Mollie builds a bridge of trust with our families. Parents can rest easy knowing their children are in an environment that champions their individuality and academic growth. Her dedication to cultivating capable, confident thinkers ultimately strengthens our entire community, preparing students to be thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Lorretta Morris
Student Support Advocate, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Lorretta consistently goes above and beyond to connect students with essential resources and support systems, both within the school and across the broader community. She possesses a unique and extensive skill set rooted in fierce youth advocacy, ensuring that not only their educational needs but also their fundamental basic needs are met.

In her role, Loretta regularly navigates complex challenges and sensitive conversations that most staff members never have to encounter. Her deep knowledge of community and state-level opportunities allows her to open doors for students that might otherwise remain closed. Above all, Loretta approaches this vital work with unwavering honesty and deep integrity, making her an invaluable asset to our students and our institution. I appreciate working and collaborating with Lorretta. 

Melissa Bigham
Paraeducator, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Equity
Melissa Bigham, lovingly known as Ms. Mel by both staff and students, brings a consistently calm and steady presence that creates a reassuring and positive environment for everyone around her. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend part of the day with her while supporting a student, and I was able to gain even more insight into her thoughtful and caring approach. She is incredibly helpful, patient, and supportive in every situation, always willing to step in and make a meaningful difference wherever needed.

Ms. Mel builds strong, trusting relationships with students through her gentle demeanor and genuine care. She creates a sense of safety and comfort that helps students feel understood and supported. Her kindness, teamwork, and quiet strength make her an essential and highly valued member of our team.

Amanda Schwartz
Paraeducator, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Amanda is a senior member of our team, and it is truly a pleasure working with her. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in understanding and supporting students, especially in guiding both their learning and behavior.

Her approach with students is firm, consistent, and deeply purposeful. She is very serious about student learning and expectations, yet she balances this with care and respect. Because of her calm authority and clear communication, students are able to understand expectations, reflect on their choices, and take responsibility, often leading them to apologize and make better decisions.

I have learned so much from her by observing how she handles different situations with confidence and professionalism. She is always willing to support others, and whenever she is called for help, she responds without hesitation. Her presence alone brings structure and reassurance to both students and staff.

Amanda is also very encouraging and appreciative of her team, always willing to support and acknowledge others’ efforts. She leads by example and sets a strong standard for teamwork, consistency, and student-centered practice.

I am truly fortunate to work alongside her every day and to continue learning from her experience and guidance.

Carly Williams
BECCA/Attendance Intervention Specialist, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
We would like to recognize and celebrate our amazing BECCA/Attendance Intervention Specialist for the incredible support she provides to both students and staff each day. Her kindness, positivity, and willingness to help never go unnoticed. She consistently goes above and beyond to support the students she works with while also being a dependable and encouraging colleague to everyone around her. We are so grateful for Carly!

Steven Farrar
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Steven is a wonderful asset to Frank Wagner Elementary. He engages with students in an inclusive way that is unique and tailored to the students he works with. He demonstrates adaptability and humor while supporting a wide range of academic needs. Whether working with students in small groups, playing Four Square or demonstrating his awesome art skills, Steven is an asset to Frank Wagner. 

Shawna Andrew
Teacher, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Shawna is helpful, kind, enthusiastic, and everything she does is a contribution to our community. She isn't just a teacher, she's a part of our culture. During state testing week this year I saw her greeting students in her room with an excited "Yay! We're going to be testing together today! It's gonna be so much fun!" and the students actually returned the excitement in kind. In what other school would that exchange happen? Only at SVEC. And Shawna is one of the amazing people who has been building this culture for over 20 years. 

William Randall 
Teacher, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence & Collaboration
Summary of nominations: Mr. Randall is a truly exceptional teacher, great with his students, great with the other staff, always meets you with a smile and is always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. He is a truly wonderful teacher with a humble, down-to-earth personality. His teaching style is unique, engaging, and inspiring. He is also a talented scratch artist, which adds creativity and excitement to his classroom.

My daughter is currently in fifth grade with a different teacher, but she often shares how much she enjoys the times her class visits Mr. Randall's classroom for math or other activities. She always talks about how creative, engaging, and fun those experiences are. It is clear that his enthusiasm for teaching leaves a positive impression on students throughout the grade level, not just those in his own classroom.

Toward the end of the 2024–2025 school year, I had the opportunity to work alongside him in his classroom, and it was a wonderful experience. He always made sure that I and the other paraeducator felt supported and valued. He frequently expressed his appreciation and thanked us throughout the day, which made a meaningful difference.

I am so glad that we are still part of the same school community. Mr. Randall is truly one of a kind. His kindness, calm presence, and positive energy have a lasting impact on everyone around him. Although we are not on the same team this year, whenever we see each other, he always takes the time to ask how I am doing and genuinely cares about the answer.

Mr. Randall consistently demonstrates respect, gratitude, and compassion toward both staff and students. He creates a positive and welcoming environment wherever he goes. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him and believe he is highly deserving of this recognition.

As Mr. Randall moves on from CLE and will no longer be part of our Monroe school community for the 2026–2027 school year, his presence will be greatly missed. The positive impact he has had on students, staff, and our school community is immeasurable. While we are excited for his next chapter, his absence will certainly be felt by many of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him.

Mindy Neth
Teacher, Chain Lake Elementary
Core values exemplified: Belonging & Equity
As a 1st grade teacher at Chain Lake Elementary, Mindy Neth always creates an environment for students to be accepted, encouraged, cared for deeply, and feel protected. Her hands-on learning allows for students to work at their pace and be appreciated through their unique interests and backgrounds.

The impact Mindy has on the community within Chain Lake is invaluable. Students always know they can count on her for reassurance and support. Mindy goes above and beyond for every student that walks through her classroom door. She teaches them to advocate for themselves and will advocate on their behalf to make sure she has a safe and inclusive classroom. When challenges arise, she works through them with her students and models a healthy dialogue and resolution so the whole child is supported.

Mindy has a special super power of intention that makes all those around her feel seen and valued. She models Monroe School District's core values through creating a sense of belonging for all of her students past and present. Mindy's level of excellence is something we all strive to be. 

She fights for her students to receive the help they need and is a phenomenal example of what an excellent teacher is. 

Jessie Crowther 
Teacher, Hidden River Middle Schools
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Jessie is a rockstar at serving our students and their families, as well as working together with staff. She has created an amazing opportunity for our animation club, fights for excellent experiences in health, communicates proactively with her team, and even looks out for students who are not her own. We are so lucky to have her at our school. 

Kerry Erickson
Teacher, Monroe High School
Core values exemplified: Student-centered & Collaboration
Summary of nominations: Kerry has been incredible to work with over the past three years and has truly transformed the way our teacher team functions. She consistently brings our focus back to students by asking the most important questions: How can we help students best demonstrate their learning? Do grades accurately reflect understanding? What opportunities are available for remediation and extension?

Through her leadership, our team has grown into a true PLC—open to learning, reflecting, and refining our practices to ensure all students meet high standards. Kerry has guided us through unpacking Essential Standards, implementing Standards-Based Grading, building aligned assessments, and exploring innovative practices like Building Thinking Classrooms. She is always willing to dive into complex work, collaborate through challenges, and test new ideas in her own classroom before sharing what she learns with others.

Kerry truly believes that “all means all.” She holds high expectations for herself, her students, and her colleagues while providing the support needed to reach those expectations. Working alongside her has strengthened not only my own teaching practice, but also the practice of everyone fortunate enough to collaborate with her.

Elizabeth Nickelby
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered & Belonging
Summary of nominations: Ms. Nickleby is an outstanding example of a student-centered teacher who consistently finds meaningful ways to connect with students and help them reach their potential. Her dedication is evident not only in the classroom but also in everyday interactions, where the admiration and respect students have for her are clear.

Elizabeth embodies a true sense of belonging for both students and staff. She makes people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. As one nominator shared, she was among the first people at FWE to create a sense of family and belonging, making a lasting impact from their very first meeting.

She firmly believes that every student can learn at high levels and ensures that her decisions and actions are centered on students’ learning and well-being. Her commitment to doing what is best for each individual student, combined with the genuine care she shows for all learners, sets her apart. Her dedication to student success and well-being is exceptional and deeply deserving of recognition. 

Leah Ringer
Assistant Principal, Maltby Elementary
Core values exemplified: Integrity, Student-centered, Collaboration, and Excellence

Summary of nominations: As a first-year Assistant Principal, Leah has already made an incredible impact on our school community. She leads with integrity, professionalism, transparency, and a genuine commitment to students, staff, and families. Leah is highly student-centered, consistently making decisions based on what is best for students while ensuring they feel supported, successful, and capable of achieving at high levels.

Leah is truly omnipresent on campus and always willing to step in to support both students and teachers. Whether addressing discipline concerns, helping students work through challenges, or supporting our PBS and SLC programs, she approaches every situation with compassion, patience, and respect while also holding students accountable with dignity. Her consistent presence and collaboration have helped create a positive learning environment where students can thrive.

At the start of the year, Leah worked closely with me to support a student struggling behaviorally and academically. She was in our classroom multiple times a day, problem-solving alongside staff and helping ensure all students could learn without ongoing disruptions. Her collaboration, communication, and follow-through made a tremendous difference for both students and teachers.

Leah also builds strong partnerships with families and staff, creating a culture of belonging where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and connected. In a very short time, students have formed meaningful relationships with her and trust her leadership and support.

As a teacher, I feel incredibly supported knowing Leah is always willing to listen, collaborate, and do whatever is needed to help students succeed. Leah exemplifies integrity, equity, collaboration, belonging, and excellence in all she does. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at Maltby, and our students and staff are better every day because of her leadership.

Dan Brown
Teacher, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Student-centered

My high schooler describes Mr. Brown as the G.O.A.T. teacher - this is a HUGE compliment considering my son has always struggled in math and it is a subject he has always despised. Mr. Brown's focus is on ensuring his students actually understand the math concepts and he makes himself readily available for his students to get the support they need to master content. He is supportive and never makes his students feel bad for not understanding things. He is skilled at connecting with his students, making them feel like they are welcome in his classroom, and even has snacks available for hungry teens who need sustenance to learn best. He keeps parents in the loop on how their student is doing and takes time to write thoughtful, positive emails when things are going well. Our family is incredibly grateful for the positive experience Mr. Brown has given our son this year. Thank you, Mr. Brown! 

Rebecca Irmer
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered

Ms. Irmer is a truly student-centered educator whose caring nature, dedication, and collaborative spirit positively impact both students and colleagues. She consistently goes above and beyond to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where all students feel valued, encouraged, and capable of success. Through her commitment to building meaningful relationships and working collaboratively with others, she continually seeks ways to improve student engagement and academic outcomes. Her passion for teaching, willingness to support her team, and unwavering focus on student growth make her highly deserving of this nomination. 

Deb Roberts-Lindgren
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Deb has been an absolute joy to work with these past few years. She always goes above and beyond what is expected of her, and is always willing to lend a hand to help a student and/or team member. She has helped me grow and become a better teacher. She is always willing to answer my questions, lend me a helping hand whenever I need it, and listen. It truly has been an honor and pleasure to work with her these past few years. Thank you for everything you do Deb! 

Joseph Ericson 
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Joseph Erickson truly embodies what it means to be a student-centered educator. He operates from the foundational belief that every student can learn at high levels, making sure their well-being and academic success are at the heart of everything he does. It is rare to see a first-year teacher make such a profound difference so quickly. Through his innovative teaching techniques and genuine care, Joseph goes above and beyond to connect with his students and remind them of their worth every single day.

Monica Proudfoot 
SLP, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Monica has been so collaborative it has been a delight to get to work with her the past two years. I'm so grateful to share a building with her and to be able to collaborate with her. 

Sarah Wilson
Teacher, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Summary of nominations: Sarah Wilson, our Special Education Teacher and team leader, truly deserves recognition for her dedication, kindness, and outstanding leadership. I am incredibly grateful to work on her team because she creates such a positive, welcoming, and supportive environment for both students and staff. 

Sarah has a special way of connecting with students. She meets them where they are, becomes like a kid with them, and teaches in ways they truly understand. Her patience, creativity, and caring nature help students feel safe, valued, and successful. She is a fierce advocate for her students and always goes above and beyond to make learning meaningful and engaging for every child. Sarah is also incredibly resilient and always finds a solution to any problem that comes her way.

What makes Sarah even more special is her humility. Even though she is our team leader, she never makes anyone feel “less than.” She stays humble, approachable, and works right alongside us as part of the team. She is always willing to listen, help, answer questions, and encourage those around her. She consistently supports and appreciates both staff and students, creating a culture where everyone feels valued.

No matter how busy the day gets, Sarah always carries a smiling face and positive attitude that lifts up the entire team. Her compassion, teamwork, leadership, and dedication make a lasting difference in our school community every single day. We are truly lucky to have her as both our leader and teammate, and I know she will continue to do amazing things next school year. Thank you for everything you do, Sarah!

Rachel Castor
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Rachel is one of the best P.E. teachers I have had the pleasure of working with. She creates a positive and structured environment where all students are encouraged to participate, grow, and challenge themselves. Her expectations are clear, consistent, and supportive which helps all students build confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance both in and out of the gym. She effortlessly creates an environment where students feel valued and successful. Thank you, Rachel! 

Kathi Huck
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Kathi has been integral in creating systems and managing the preschool program for the last decade. She tailors every day to meet individual students' needs and is able to see growth in every small aspect. She is so caring and loving and her kids and parents feel it. Preschool is a scary first special education step for both parents and kids and Kathi has a unique strength in making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. She is excellent at working as a team member and advocating for the program and her students. 

Kiya Neely
Teacher, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Ms. Neely exemplifies excellence through her commitment to creating engaging, innovative, and rigorous learning experiences for her students. She continuously refines and improves her lessons to challenge students' thinking, spark curiosity, and encourage a deeper understanding of concepts. Rather than focusing solely on traditional classroom instruction, she incorporates hands-on, experiential, and outdoor learning opportunities that make learning meaningful and memorable.

My daughter is a student in Ms. Neely's class, and she often shares how much she enjoys learning with her. She frequently talks about the creative and exciting ways lessons are taught, which keeps students engaged and eager to learn. Ms. Neely provides encouragement and guidance while empowering students to take ownership of their learning. Her dedication to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and perseverance inspires students to do their best and develop confidence in their abilities.

As a staff member, I have also had the opportunity to observe Ms. Neely's positive impact. She consistently brings a warm smile, positive energy, and a collaborative spirit to our school community. Her interactions with both staff and students are thoughtful, respectful, and genuine. As a fifth-grade teacher, she builds strong relationships with her students and creates a welcoming environment where they feel supported, valued, and excited to learn.

Ms. Neely goes above and beyond in her dedication to her students, carefully planning meaningful learning experiences and creating opportunities for exploration and discovery. Her classroom is inclusive, nurturing, and engaging, allowing students to feel safe taking risks, asking questions, and growing as learners.

Ms. Neely's passion for education and commitment to student success have made a lasting impact on students, families, and colleagues alike. She is an exceptional educator whose excellence, enthusiasm, and dedication are deeply appreciated throughout our school community.

Sara Ostler
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Summary of nominations: Sara is recognized as an exceptional paraeducator who forms strong, meaningful connections with students. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels supported, heard, and cared for, taking the time to listen and create space for them to express their thoughts and emotions. Her ability to offer thoughtful, impactful advice helps students feel understood and confident.

She brings a natural grace and sense of humor to her work, making her approachable and trusted by students and staff alike. Sara creates a positive, welcoming environment where students enjoy being and feel safe to grow. She is highly valued within the school community and is truly an asset to FWE.

Suzanne Brunn
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
She has always been helpful to students and staff be it in the staff room, in the commons or in the hallway. She has a very good classroom management skill and she handles students very well with her own convincing style. Whenever any new sub para walks into our staff room she is the one who talks to them first, introduces herself to them and checks on them to make them feel comfortable. She is the one who always tries to resolve the problems of the students by listening to them patiently be it in the commons or in the hallway or in the library. She is the one whom you will always find cleaning up the mess in the staff room even though she is not on staff room duty that week. She is the one who is always one step ahead when it comes to helping the staff members with the training modules or wherever they get stuck. She always has answers for everything with a smile on her face. She always tries to motivate and cheer others even on her bad days.She is a kind of person whom you can always reach out for any query. Even if she doesn't have any answer she always tries to get help to help others. She is always curious to learn new things and she believes in sharing with others. It is wonderful working with her.

Jennifer Jacobs
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
She treats every student with a deep level of caring. She assists them in managing their conditions and treats them with individuality and compassion. Students often seek her out specifically because she has developed trust and confidence with them. Lucky to have her as part of the Park Place team!

Hannah Charrouf
Paraeducator, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Since joining the SWE family Hannah has shown incredible dedication to her craft and it's evident in the growth of the student she serves. Hannah has actively sought out ways to develop as a professional and has applied every piece of advice given to her. Hannah focuses on how to best support the student she serves while always keeping the goal of fostering their independence and autonomy at the front of her mind. The student she serves has grown so much in such a short time because of all the learning and work Hannah has dedicated herself to.

Anna Taylor
Office support, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Anna is the living embodiment of MSD's core values. She approaches every day with a smile, and a great attitude. She is consistently making decisions based on what will best support our students and families here at SVEC. She takes the time to listen and understand individual needs. She is an EXCELLENT addition to Sky Valley. We are honored to have her in our front office!!!

Sam Gunter
Paraeducator, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Sam has a tremendous amount of knowledge, problem solving skills, and understanding for our students that are struggling and in need of support. She is invaluable here at Salem Woods and we are so fortunate to have her here.

Karen Ligman
Office Manager, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
I would like to nominate Karen Ligman for the incredible connections she builds with students, especially those who may be struggling. She goes above and beyond to create positive relationships—playing games and finding creative ways to motivate students. One example that truly stands out is when she brought a student a box of Bean Boozled from Chicago as an incentive and celebration of his positive behavior.

When students come into the office escalated, she consistently maintains the safety of both staff and students while also preserving the dignity of the child. She approaches every situation with care, compassion, and professionalism. Her calm presence and genuine concern help students feel seen, supported, and valued.

She is deeply committed to doing what is best for all students, and her kindness and dedication make a lasting impact on our school community.

Josiphene "Josie" Sandstrom
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Mrs. Josie exemplifies teamwork by stepping in to support us whenever we face staffing shortages. Her readiness to assist where needed and her natural ability to connect with students make her an invaluable part of our classroom. We are so grateful for her—we simply couldn't manage without her!

Elise McKee
Paraeducator, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Elise is new to the HRMS health room this year and serves as the designated adult for the care of students with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

From the start of the school year, Elise has committed herself to working collaboratively with both parents and students in learning the nuances of safe care for students with T1D. She has been open to training from parents and the student themselves; when in doubt, she asks questions to keep learning. She has taken on this crucial role and that has alleviated so much stress from us parents so our son can focus on being a student and us parents can focus at our own jobs. She even has taken on the extra hours to stay for clubs and sporting events (like track practices and meets). She really hits all 6 pillars!

Thank you Elise for taking on this crucial role! There aren't enough words to express our gratitude and appreciation for your due diligence! We appreciate you sooo much!

Christine Meyer
Office Manager, Leaders High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Christine hit the ground running in the fall and has consistently done a fabulous job. She naturally created an atmosphere at Leaders where students and staff want to be. She continuously finds ways to implement process improvements with high-quality results. She provides an unmatched level of customer service, greeting each person by name with a smile. Christine is an excellent addition to Leaders, truly focusing on each student's autonomy, personalized goals, and unique life story.

Tasha Christensen
Office Support, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Tasha consistently goes above and beyond for students and staff. She is an anchor in the office and is willing to do whatever it takes to support students - from managing the prize bucket to helping with positive behavior support. Tasha has been a comfort for so many students and families. She is always positive and keeps her cool when things get busy. Tasha knows she's the first face all families see when they come into the office and she holds herself to the highest professional standards. 

Katie Beaman
Paraeducator, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Katie deserves to be honored as Employee of the Month. She has exhibited so many positive qualities that have been student-centered.

Katie has done an exceptional job moving into a new role at Maltby with a student that required a 1:1. She has taken this special student to new heights in every way possible. The compassion, the silliness, the accountability she holds to this student, and the positivity she has shown has been amazing. We have seen this student grow exponentially since Katie has taken on this position, including behavior improvement, self-control, communication, and kindness.

And quite honestly, the growth in Katie has been amazing to watch as well, as she delves into this new role. She's more confident, competent, more engaged, and a lot happier. It's a win, win situation. 

Maria Tellez
Custodian, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Not only does she keep the school in the daytime in tip top shape, but her and Francisco went above and beyond and cleaned the Hidden River Middle School sign at the front so it's cleaner and EASIER to see! Something we have been asking maintenance for a long time to pressure wash! 

Anna Gillard
Paraeducator, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I am honored to be part of the same team as Anna Gillard.

Anna comes to work each day with a big smile and a positive energy that lifts those around her. No matter how challenging a day may be, she returns the next day with a fresh mindset and renewed dedication.

She works tirelessly to meet the needs of her students, supporting them moment by moment on an individual, personal level. She treats every student with the highest respect and dignity, always showing compassion and understanding when they need it most. Anna has a special gift for making every student she meets feel like they truly belong.

Even in challenging situations, she remains calm and grounded. Recently, while supporting her own student who was already struggling, she still took the time to step in and help a student I was working with who was experiencing big emotions. Despite balancing both, she stayed composed and helped the student regulate with care and patience.

She has a remarkable ability to connect and communicate with students in a way that earns their trust—they listen to her, respect her, and genuinely enjoy being around her.

Her excellence is evident in everything she does—the way she builds meaningful connections, holds students to high expectations with kindness, and handles every situation with calm confidence is truly inspiring.

As her colleague, I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside her. I learn so much just by observing how she builds relationships, anticipates needs, and responds with thoughtful professionalism.

Anna is an exceptional teammate and role model. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

During Staff Appreciation Week, it is especially meaningful to recognize all that Anna does for her students and the team. Her dedication and impact are deeply appreciated.💛

Nicole Aldergroves
Teacher, Sky Valley Education Center
Core values exemplified: Belonging, Excellence, Student-centered 
Summary of nominations: Nicole is widely recognized as an exceptional educator who combines deep knowledge with engaging, hands-on teaching. She creates meaningful, immersive learning experiences that prioritize true understanding over memorization, often incorporating creative and nature-based projects. Her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for teaching inspire students and foster a genuine love of learning.

She consistently goes above and beyond expectations, investing significant time in thoughtful lesson planning, supporting students individually, and building strong connections with families. Nicole’s classroom is described as inclusive, nurturing, and exciting, where students feel safe to explore, create, and grow.

Overall, she sets an extraordinary standard for teaching, and her impact on students, families, and the school community is both profound and deeply appreciated.

Ginger Donohue
Teacher, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Mrs. Donohue, lovingly known by students and staff as Mrs. D, is truly an exceptional teacher and an inspiration to work with. She exemplifies integrity, equity, a strong student-centered approach, belonging, collaboration, and excellence through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to both students and staff.

Every morning, she greets students at the door with a warm smile and often a gentle hug. This simple, caring gesture sets a positive tone for the entire day and reflects the welcoming environment she creates in her classroom.

Mrs. D is an outstanding kindergarten teacher known for her calm, gentle approach. She creates a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. With her strong teaching skills, she supports her students’ growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

Her teaching is thoughtful, creative, and engaging. She always advocates for her students and deeply cares about their well-being and success. The relationships she builds are meaningful and lasting, students truly feel a sense of belonging.

She consistently goes above and beyond for her students and team. Recently, even when she was not feeling well, she came to school for two days to ensure there was no disruption for students or staff. She always puts others before herself.

I have also heard from others how special she is. A friend shared how lucky I am to work with Mrs. D, as her own child had her as a teacher and experienced her kindness firsthand. Her care extends beyond the classroom. During the pandemic, when my son was in her class and had to stay home due to COVID, she personally dropped off his schoolwork at our home. That level of dedication is rare and deeply appreciated.

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mrs. D this school year, and I can confidently say she is an outstanding educator and an amazing teammate. She brings positivity, enthusiasm, and professionalism every day. Her uplifting attitude creates a supportive and collaborative environment, making everyone feel valued and respected.

She is always willing to help—whether by sharing ideas, offering encouragement, or simply being there during difficult moments. Personally, she has supported me during emotional times and always helps me stay positive. She truly appreciates and supports those around her.

I learn something new from her every day—she is truly an inspiration to me. She is like a cherry blossom—unique, graceful, and beautiful in the way she impacts everyone around her. She also ensures her students always practice CARE: being Cooperative, Accountable, Responsible, and Enthusiastic.

As May, Teacher Appreciation Week, is the perfect time to recognize everything she does, I want to express how much she means to our classroom and to me.

Mrs. D is more than deserving of Employee Honor Roll Recognition. She is an incredible teacher, a supportive colleague, and a truly caring person.

Thank you, Mrs. D, for everything you do for our students and for me. I feel truly blessed and grateful to be part of your classroom.

Allison Walsh
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Allison keeps all students at the center of her decision making. She is a model for a truly inclusive classroom by actively inviting ALL students to join her lessons. She starts planning each of her lessons by focusing on the students who might need the most support and works out through extension. She creates access points for all learners to engage with the lesson and provides multiple means for students to demonstrate their knowledge. Allison genuinely cares for all students and embodies the mindset that ALL students are capable of high levels of learning.

Duane Mogg
Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Mr. Mogg always checks in with peers and staff. He creates a space where we feel like we belong and is always willing to share resources.

Heather Harrington
Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Heather has always made me feel like I am part of the Maltby team and makes sure that I am being the best I can be by sharing her knowledge, resources and advice when requested. She is always willing to collaborate with teachers and staff to create the best learning environment for all students and highest expectations for all students based at their learning levels.

Kristi Sweeney
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Sweeney is just the best! She makes coming to work everyday so much fun and provides me with constant laughter! She is constantly making sure that everyone of her students feels like they belong at school, not only that but students in other classes as well. She is truly a wonderful human and educator!

Sara Alvarez
Assistant Principal, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Sara and Bonnie have done such a fantastic job holding down the fort while Mr. Presley has been out on leave. They have met every challenge head-on, with grace and a smile! Though we miss Mr. Presley, Fryelands hasn't missed a beat!

Bonnie McKerney
Substitute Principal, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Bonnie and Sara have done such a fantastic job holding down the fort while Mr. Presley has been out on leave. They have met every challenge head-on, with grace and a smile! Though we miss Mr. Presley, Fryelands hasn't missed a beat!

Sarah Fiske
Substitute Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Fosters an inclusive and caring environment for each and every student, staff member, and family members that get the opportunity to meet her. Whenever any of the students, employees, or parents see her they're eager to go reach out to her and say hi.

Sandie Ely
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
I want to recognize our PE teachers for the incredible work in designing and leading our recent Family PE Night. The gym was transformed into a space full of engaging stations where students proudly showed their families the activities they experience during PE each day.

Students and families were active together, laughing, learning, and building connections. Many families shared that they plan to bring these activities into their time at home—extending learning beyond the school day.

Events like this matter. Research shows that when families are engaged in school activities, students benefit academically, socially, and physically, and are more likely to stay active outside of school .

Thank you for creating an experience that not only celebrated student learning but also strengthened the connection between school, family, and healthy lifestyles.

Matt Garrett
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
I want to recognize our PE teachers for the incredible work in designing and leading our recent Family PE Night. The gym was transformed into a space full of engaging stations where students proudly showed their families the activities they experience during PE each day.

Students and families were active together, laughing, learning, and building connections. Many families shared that they plan to bring these activities into their time at home—extending learning beyond the school day.

Events like this matter. Research shows that when families are engaged in school activities, students benefit academically, socially, and physically, and are more likely to stay active outside of school .

Thank you for creating an experience that not only celebrated student learning but also strengthened the connection between school, family, and healthy lifestyles.

Melissa Kochovos
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Equity
I want to recognize one of our SLC teachers for the incredible work she has done this year. She took on a new curriculum (UFLI), knowing it would be challenging for several of her students, but remained committed to ensuring they had access to strong Tier 1 instruction. She thoughtfully adapted what instruction looks like in her classroom, making intentional changes to meet the unique needs of each learner.

Because of her willingness to think creatively and push beyond traditional beliefs, her students are experiencing significant growth in reading. She has found a powerful balance between providing the necessary supports while maintaining the rigor her students deserve.

Her dedication, flexibility, and belief in her students are making a meaningful difference every day.

Kyra Blakeney
District-wide BCBA
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Excellence is defined by results, and Mrs. Kyra consistently proves that high-quality, evidence-based instruction is the cornerstone of student success. Her vast BCBA experience allows her to mentor staff with a 'lead by example' approach. When introducing proven methodologies, she doesn't simply ask for compliance; she delivers a clear roadmap for student improvement. Both students and staff deeply appreciate the dedication she brings to our school—we truly cannot get enough of her. Thank you for your incredible hard work, Mrs. Kyra!

Laura McGuigan
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Ms. Laura truly defines the core value of Belonging. She provides our students with a profound sense of security by ensuring every individual feels welcome, safe, valued, and respected. Our students and staff genuinely light up when she enters the classroom because they feel the warmth and safety she radiates in every interaction. Thank you, Ms. Laura, for the incredible work you do to support our classroom; we appreciate you so much!

Alicia Campa 
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Alicia is great at collaborating with general education teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and other specialists to create individualized programs for all of her students. All students have the ability to learn in a way tailored to them while building speech, fine motor, gross motor, and self help skills.

Sarah Traynor
Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Sarah has gone out of her way to make my experience at Maltby Elementary truly meaningful. She consistently ensures that I feel included and valued within both the staff community and her classroom. From the very beginning, she has generously shared her knowledge, tips, and resources, and has always been someone I can rely on for support and guidance.

Sarah leads with kindness, patience, and professionalism, creating a positive environment for both students and colleagues. She has continuously encouraged me to grow not only in my teaching abilities, but also in my confidence as an educator. Her belief in others and willingness to invest her time in helping them succeed speaks volumes about her character.

I feel incredibly lucky to have such a caring and dedicated mentor. Sarah has made a lasting impact on my journey, and I truly cannot thank her enough for all she has done.

Stephanie Llanes
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Stephanie works tirelessly to help students achieve. She works extensively with classroom teachers, paras, and other staff to ensure high standards of teaching for students in her program. On top of that, she creates a warm and caring environment for the students in her groups. When facing challenging students she approaches them with care and compassion and always works hard to foster an inclusive space for all. 

Alicia Mohler
Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
I am honored to nominate Alicia Mohler for Honor Roll for exemplifying the student-centered core value. Her work within her classroom is always focused on what is best for her students. The students are not only challenged with meaningful instruction, she engages their interest in fun ways, and gets them excited about their learning. She also has a wonderful skill at managing anything that comes her way, and always with a positive attitude. She has created a beautiful, calm, and safe space for her students to thrive in. I appreciate everything she does for our Maltby students! 

Michelle Patzel 
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Michelle works so hard to support classroom teachers and our ML students. She has been instrumental in collaborating on student growth goals and UFLI incorporation into the classroom. She is a warm demander of both her peers and our students and truly cares about each teacher and student she serves. She makes herself available to support and we appreciate her so much. Frank Wagner is beyond lucky to have her! 

Jessica Rogers
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Jessie has supported our son in achieving his daily academic goals by providing consistent feedback, encouragement, structure, and thoughtful guidance. What truly stands out is the classroom environment she creates, one where my son feels heard, valued, and confident in using his voice. Her kindness and willingness to collaborate with our family have made a meaningful difference in his learning experience. She is not only an excellent educator but also a compassionate contributor in her students’ success. 

Karen Rosencrans
Principal, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Karen leads with integrity in a way that you feel every single day. She treats all staff with equal respect and genuinely values each of us. Because of her, this is one of the best work environments I’ve ever been a part of—somewhere I actually want to be. Karen is thoughtful, kind, and always thinking outside the box with students, families, and staff at the center of every decision. The positive, supportive culture here reflects her leadership, and it shows in our entire team—especially the amazing office support staff around her. 

Jose Barraza
Custodian, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Jose is a great custodian who does a great job of cleaning the school. Great custodians are essential for keeping our students, staff and building functioning safely. Jose does everything with a great attitude and goes above and beyond for students. Every building would be lucky to have a Jose.

Rebeca Vazquez
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Rebeca has been an integral part of the SLC team at FWE. She does amazing work with the kindies. I appreciate her and all of her hard work. Congratulations on passing your test!

Lizabeth Rodriguez Arreola
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Welcome to the SLC. You are a natural. Your hard work and dedication to our friend in class has been amazing. Thank you for all that you do.

Jaymee Medina
Substitute Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Jaymee has stepped in as a long term sub in the SLC and has been such a HUGE help and resource. I appreciate her calm and flexibility. Thank you Jaymee!

Betty "Elena" Montes Avila
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Betty "Elena" Montes Avila exemplifies Belonging and Equity by acting as a vital bridge for Hispanic children and families at Fryelands Elementary. Through her proactive outreach and advocacy efforts, she has worked to create a warm and welcoming space where Hispanic families can feel empowered to engage and connect more with the greater school community.

​Her Student-Centered heart is evident in the way she champions the well-being of all children across the district due to her coexisting mom/staff identity, from Hidden River to Fryelands and Frank Wagner. It is clear that Elena’s commitment to these communities goes far beyond her job description and work with the district; she consistently volunteers her time to build strong, inclusive partnerships between parents and staff. She is a dedicated advocate whose passion for our students and families has brought immense light and unity to our community.

Jeff Stewart
Bus Driver, Transportation
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Mr Jeff is always ensuring a safe and independent environment for kids. He always lets the kids buckle themselves, helps them to figure things out, teaches them the right behavior around the school bus. My kid looks forward to seeing him everyday.

Shellee Vandeventer
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Integrity
I am pleased to nominate Shellee Vandeventer. I have consistently seen her demonstrate the highest standards of professional integrity and a relentless commitment to excellence. She is very trustworthy and reliable. Her positive attitude and reliability make her a role model for the entire department.

Louise Rockett
Bus Driver, Transportation
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Miss Louise is the first person we see each morning to start our school day. Her warm demeanor and focus on safety makes each morning transition that much easier. She is so attentive to the students and goes out of her way to connect with the families. Thank you for building trust and making each day a little brighter!

Alex Sablan
Custodian, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core values exemplified: Excellence & Collaboration
Summary of nominations: Alex Sablan goes above and beyond for his school, the staff and the kids here at Frank Wagner elementary. He shows empathy and compassion for kids when they're having a hard time, helping to redirect them to make a better choice. He's a great role model for our kids. His professionalism is unmatched, and is held to the highest standards of Monroe School District. There's not a problem that he does not overcome with grace and tact. Alex has always been super understanding and flexible when it comes to working with the paraeducator staff in the classroom and outside of the classroom, including the lunchroom and various outside spaces at Frank Wagner Elementary. Alex shows phenomenal communication with staff upon every aspect of his job. That includes the building itself (making sure it’s presentable when we have guests), making sure we are always safe and protected from the outside elements and always aware of any issues involving the inner workings of day to day operations.

Claire Long
Paraeducator, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence 
Claire is the best example of excellence. Claire comes to work ready to jump in anywhere there is a need. Claire does so with such a positive, fun and creative attitude. She has brought so much joy to the students and staff. She continues to rise above any obstacle she is given and turns it into something beautiful. Keep on shinning Ms. Claire. We love that you are apart of our Fryelands team and family. Keep up the great work.

Molly Mohr
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Belonging
She is always the nicest person and never makes you feel out of place.

"Mr. Mani" Refugio Fregoso Gomez
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Mr. Mani is truly outstanding—FWE wouldn’t be the same without him. He consistently goes above and beyond for both students and colleagues, making him an invaluable asset to FWE.

Josie Fitting
Tech Support, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Josie is a gem-she is kind, caring, flexible, and knowledgeable. Not only does she help things run smoothly but she explains why they sometimes don't and helps us learn how to fix things on our own. Josie makes everything better, just by being herself and sharing her wisdom and prowess.

Suzanne Brunn
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
She is always one step ahead when it comes to helping others be it a staff or a student. We can always look forward to her for any kind of help within the school premise. With a smiling face she is always ready to listen to others patiently and works hard in her best possible ways to resolve others problems giving effective solutions.

Kyra Blakeney
BCBA, Districtwide
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Kyra is doing so much, I truly don't know how she does it. Her support of our teams is invaluable and we appreciate her so much. I'm literally struggling to put it into words - even though that's my job! Without Kyra, so many programs would be in crisis, we truly cannot understate the support she gives us all. Thanks for being incredible.

Kayleigh Sidhu
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Mr. Kayleigh Sidhu is one of the best trusted adults that I know of and she is very good at giving motivation to students at PPM and is the nicest, funnest, and most supportive. BEST TEACHER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kathleen Leangen
Nurse, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Kathleen is a genuine source of joy. She is kind, calm, present, and empathetic. She is always smiling and looking for ways to be helpful. Those qualities go a long way with staff, students, and families in a unique learning environment like SVEC. We are all very thankful for our sweet sweet nurse, Miss Kathleen.

Christiane Weaver
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Mrs. Weaver has been so great in shaping our child's development. He loves to be in her class and enjoys the story telling and for the fact how the learning is being delivered and he describes how the teacher is taking care of them. Also as parents, we observed that Mrs. Weaver is great at communications and very well structured in her curriculum and the weekly updates and keep us well informed. This demonstrates many years of experience and excellence as a teacher. We truly appreciate her efforts.

Melissa Hritsko
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I would like to appreciate my child’s Transition to Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hritsko, for the incredible dedication and creativity she brings to her classroom every day. She consistently creates a positive and engaging learning environment that supports not only academic growth but also curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning.

One of the things that stands out most is how thoughtfully she plans activities that are both educational and fun. Her “Cooking Fridays” have become a favorite for the students. During these sessions, Ms. Hritsko guides the children through hands-on learning experiences such as making butter from cream, preparing toothpaste experiments, making apple sauce from real apples, baking cookies, and other creative projects. These activities help the children understand basic science concepts, practice teamwork, and develop independence while having fun.

Through her patience, enthusiasm, and commitment, we have seen a clear learning curve and growth in our child’s curiosity, confidence, and willingness to try new things. She also builds strong relationships with families by making learning visible and engaging, which helps parents feel connected to their child’s classroom experience. Her passion for teaching and her thoughtful approach to hands-on learning make a lasting impact on the children in her classroom.

Shalla Mirkhani
TOSA, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Shalla continues to support a variety of schools/programs, but always seems to find the time to support teams with students. Shalla is knowledgeable, consistent, kind, and approachable making her the perfect choice for helping staff with students in unique situations. This has allowed us to maintain students who might otherwise choose to leave the district. What better way can we ensure student centered actions? Shalla is also often asked to cover caseloads and she does so knowing that it will make her job harder, but students who need more attention and SDI will receive that because of her willingness to "jump in" and do what is needed!

Rachel From
SLP, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Equity
Rachael is so strong in ensuring that every student has a voice. She works hard to assess and determine how a student is able to communicate their thoughts. She is constantly assisting with modifying classrooms and activities to ensure every student can share their thoughts and voices. From creating personal visuals to make selections, exploring and acquiring AAC devices for students, or educating those working with students how to build language and how to meet students where they are at. She is phenomenal and so easy to work and collaborate with.

Leah Ringer
Assistant Principal, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
From the minute I met Leah I knew she would fit in perfectly here at Maltby. She has come in and taken on her role with an unwavering commitment to both the students and the staff. Whether she is supporting teachers, addressing student needs, supporting student behaviors, or stepping in wherever help might be needed she does so with leadership and professionalism. Some days she doesn't sit down because she is everywhere. Leah's door is open to all and she is always genuine and caring whether you're talking to her about something school related or personal, she listens with an open heart and makes everyone feel welcome and heard. Leah holds everyone to high expectations but is able to balance those expectations with genuine care that creates a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Thank you Leah for everything you've done!

Bethany Harmon
TOSA, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Bethany is truly deserving of this nomination, as she embodies our core values in everything she does. She consistently demonstrates excellence through her commitment to continuous improvement, going above and beyond to provide high-quality, evidence-based instruction and service. Her work with our UFLI implementation is just one example of her system-level impact, including ongoing training, model lessons, data conversations, guiding UFLI leads, and collaborating with staff.

Her work is deeply student-centered, keeping student growth at the heart of every decision and maintaining a strong belief that all students can achieve at high levels. Bethany also exemplifies collaboration, partnering effectively with colleagues and fostering meaningful teamwork across our system. Her recent collaboration with our 3rd–5th grade teams was a positive example of cross-district partnership. Through her positive attitude and dedication to lifelong learning, she sets a powerful example of what it means to grow, lead, and inspire.

Jenn Gadd
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
I am truly grateful to share that Jenn has been more than just a mentor. She has shown me what a strong support system looks like. Her understanding nature and genuine empathy, even when she has a full workload, have made a meaningful impact. I sincerely appreciate all the support she has provided over the past few weeks and more. Thank you, Jenn, for everything you do.

Candy Clark
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
She is exceptional with our students and is always there with a smile no matter what and not only is she there for the students but she makes sure that the staff is doing good. She looks out for everyone she goes above and beyond for everyone, no exceptions staff or students she makes sure EVERYONE feels like they belong in FWE!

Maria Gaspar Santos
Office Support, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence & Student-centered
Summary of nominations: Maria is recognized for being a warm, welcoming presence in the MHS main office—greeting students, families, and visitors with kindness, patience, and a positive attitude. Multiple nominations highlight that she keeps the office running smoothly, supports the administrative team by taking on additional tasks, and can handle anything asked of her. She’s also praised for building trusting relationships with students and encouraging improved attendance, making her an essential backbone of the building.

Shellee Vandeventer
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Shellee Vandeventer is very vigilant in her observations of the students and building needs. Daily, she brings her skill and wisdom to support the students, often going above and beyond the job description. She is very quick and decisive in all the actions she takes. She addresses students with an admirable blend of calm, patience, realism and directness building a trustworthy and approachable rapport. Shellee has become a mentor that I seek out for the wisdom and experience she is so generous to share.

Joey Roppo
Bus Driver, Transportation
Core value exemplified: Belonging
I recently had the opportunity to ride along on Mr. Joey's bus route. While I already knew he was a great guy, I was blown away - in the best way - by how positively he connects with students while still driving safely! The way he knows each child, genuinely cares for them, and builds relationships is truly special. Mr. Joey has nicknames for each student that bring smiles to their faces, and when he drops them off he makes sure to smile and greet the grownup at their house as well.

With one particular student who has a longer bus ride, Mr. Joey has created games to help the child feel confident and positive about himself, while also (unbeknownst to the student) reinforcing important learning! Throughout the game, Mr. Joey consistently built the student up, encouraged him, and celebrated his wins. The student had started out the bus ride feeling upset, but as the ride went on his smile grew and grew after interacting with Mr. Joey.

While Mr. Joey may only see students for a short time at the beginning and end of each day, the impact he has on them is clear and felt by them as well. He not only believes in all students, but he helps them know that they belong here!

Sandra Rutledge
Paraeducator, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Sandra has the utmost integrity. She is one of the most trustworthy and accountable people I know! She shows up to work with plenty of time to put on her gear and start duty as a crossing guard. She greets the children with smiles and "good mornings" while starting her busy day. Ms. Sandy shifts seamlessly from building support to special education support daily. If there is a need from anyone, she's there! If she has to transition unexpectedly, she does it with grace. Ms. Sandy seeks to learn more and do better at everything she does. She educates herself and assists other adults at doing so. (ex. Extra Vector trainings, IEP and BIP read throughs, and touring the bookroom.) Sandra holds confidential information responsibly and shows professionalism in all that she does.

Madchen Wilson
Paraeducator, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Madchen exemplifies a sense of belonging within our school community each day. She cares for all students and consistently demonstrates patience, kindness, and genuine compassion. She is an attentive listener to the students in her groups and serves as a positive role model for all. Students feel comfortable sharing their lives with her and seek her guidance and support.

We truly appreciate the trust she builds with our students and her willingness to step in and assist wherever she is needed. Thank you, Madchen, for the care, dedication, and heart you bring to our school.

Dawn McArthur
Facility Use Specialist, Facility & Maintenance
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Dawn is a tremendous asset to our district. Her customer service is consistently top notch, and her willingness to jump in and help, often before you even have a chance to ask, makes a real difference. She brings such positive energy to her work and it is contagious. I know our community facility users feel welcomed, supported, and well cared for when they work with Dawn. She anticipates needs, communicates clearly, and addresses potential issues before they become problems. We are very lucky to have her on our team!

Erin Zacharda
Director of Communications, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence

I am submitting this for three people and it will be identical for all three.

Shawn, Erin and Tamara showed exceptional commitment to our community by stepping up to help educate neighbors and stakeholders about the importance of investing in our schools. They devoted countless hours to organizing outreach efforts, answering questions and concerns, and communicating clearly and respectfully about both the levy and the bond. Their work helped ensure the levy passed, which will directly support classroom programs, staff retention, and essential services for our students and families.

Even though the bond measure did not pass this time, their efforts helped create a positive, forward-looking atmosphere around our schools. They sparked constructive conversations that encouraged broad community engagement and helped people feel heard and informed. Their ability to maintain optimism and focus on the long-term benefits for students and staff left many people feeling more connected to our schools and invested in their success, even if the bond outcome wasn’t what we hoped for.

What truly set them apart was not just the hours they spent or tasks they managed, but the genuine care and passion they demonstrated throughout the campaign. They didn’t just advocate for measures on the ballot — they fostered goodwill, built relationships across diverse groups, and strengthened community pride in our public schools. Their contributions went well beyond the immediate vote, helping to build trust, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose that will benefit our district for years to come.

Tamara Krache
Communications Manager, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence

I am submitting this for three people and it will be identical for all three.

Shawn, Erin and Tamara showed exceptional commitment to our community by stepping up to help educate neighbors and stakeholders about the importance of investing in our schools. They devoted countless hours to organizing outreach efforts, answering questions and concerns, and communicating clearly and respectfully about both the levy and the bond. Their work helped ensure the levy passed, which will directly support classroom programs, staff retention, and essential services for our students and families.

Even though the bond measure did not pass this time, their efforts helped create a positive, forward-looking atmosphere around our schools. They sparked constructive conversations that encouraged broad community engagement and helped people feel heard and informed. Their ability to maintain optimism and focus on the long-term benefits for students and staff left many people feeling more connected to our schools and invested in their success, even if the bond outcome wasn’t what we hoped for.

What truly set them apart was not just the hours they spent or tasks they managed, but the genuine care and passion they demonstrated throughout the campaign. They didn’t just advocate for measures on the ballot — they fostered goodwill, built relationships across diverse groups, and strengthened community pride in our public schools. Their contributions went well beyond the immediate vote, helping to build trust, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose that will benefit our district for years to come.

Anna Gillard
Paraeducator, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence

I am honored to nominate Anna for Employee of the Month. In all my years of working in education, she is by far one of the best paraprofessionals I have ever had the privilege of working alongside.

She has an extraordinary ability to connect with students. She loves them fiercely while holding them to high expectations — a balance that is rare and incredibly impactful. Students feel safe with her, seen by her, and motivated because of her belief in them. She builds authentic relationships that foster trust, growth, and accountability.

What sets her apart even further is her intuition and professionalism. She does not require constant direction or oversight; she anticipates needs, reads situations quickly, and responds with calm confidence. Her judgment is thoughtful and student-centered at all times.

Recently, she played a critical role in helping navigate an especially challenging situation. Through her steady presence, proactive approach, and deep understanding of our students, she helped transform what could have remained volatile into an environment that felt significantly safer and more stable. Her actions directly contributed to the well-being of both students and staff.

She is dedicated, reflective, and consistently goes above and beyond without seeking recognition. Her commitment to our students and our team is evident in everything she does. Our classroom — and our school community — is stronger because of her.

I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.

Erin Strong
Paraeducator, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered

Erin is truly a standout employee and an invaluable member of our school community. As a paraeducator, she consistently goes far beyond the expectations of her role to ensure that every student she supports has the opportunity to succeed. Her dedication is evident in the way she arrives well before her contracted time and stays long after, always making sure students are prepared, supported, and set up for success.

Throughout the entire school day, Erin is fully focused on her students. She is locked in and engaged, constantly monitoring, guiding, encouraging, and redirecting when needed to ensure they are receiving the attention they need and deserve. Her presence is intentional. She does not simply supervise; she actively supports learning, behavior, and social growth in every moment.

Erin’s communication is exceptional. She regularly checks in with me about how her students are doing when they are in my classroom, demonstrating how deeply invested she is in their progress across all settings. She is committed not only to their growth within the PBS classroom, but also to helping them thrive alongside their general education peers. She understands that true success means building skills that transfer beyond one environment, and she works intentionally to make that happen.

Erin also takes initiative in meaningful ways. She has sought out and borrowed manipulatives and instructional materials to better support small group instruction, ensuring that the diverse needs and ability levels within her classroom are thoughtfully addressed. She is reflective, proactive, and always looking for ways to improve outcomes for her students.

Even on the most challenging days, Erin maintains a positive attitude. She greets others with a genuine smile and a cheerful hello, modeling professionalism, resilience, and warmth. She sets a high standard for those around her and exemplifies what it means to put students first.

Erin is more than deserving of Employee of the Month recognition.

Josh Roberson
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Josh consistently prioritizes a student-centered approach by ensuring that student voice is a foundational part of his classroom. He creates a culturally responsive environment where every student’s opinion is genuinely valued, fostering a sense of agency and mutual respect.

Brandon Packard
Teacher, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Belonging
I would like to nominate Brandon for consistently living out our school values through intentional student support and thoughtful use of our data system. He has done an excellent job building strong connections with his homeroom students. He regularly checks in with students who have been identified as at risk and uses what he learns to help our team provide timely, targeted supports. He also documents and monitors student progress in our data platform, sharing both strengths and areas of concern so staff can respond in a coordinated way. This approach keeps support proactive, collaborative, and focused on growth rather than deficits.

Brandon’s commitment to relationships, meaningful conversations, and data-informed practice has a clear impact on student belonging and achievement.

Heather Harrington
Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Heather has a gift for making others feel noticed and valued. She quietly creates a sense of belonging wherever she goes.

Marissa Matheson
Student Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Marissa has embraced taking over our classroom with such intention and heart. She thoughtfully observes, listens, and asks questions, then brings that learning into her teaching the very next day. Her growth is remarkable, and I am excited to see her shine in the coming months.

Christine Hillestad
Principal, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
During a challenging time, Christine's guidance meant more than words can express. She supported me as both a teacher and a parent, and thoughtfully walked me through a situation in a way that honored collaboration with families and strengthened the sense of belonging between home and school. Her care and leadership made a lasting impact.

Lucille Cooke
Psychologist, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Lucille manages multiple programs. She is the face for incoming preschool families who are nervous and scared. She walks them through the process and makes them feel comfortable sending their 3 and 4 year olds to school. She also spends an enormous amount of extra time building out systems to support all students in K-5 programs. From creating social emotional and executive functioning curriculum, to designing intervention groups. She is always a friendly and approachable face for special education, which can be a difficult and scary process for families, students, and teachers. She is amazing and gives everything for our students.

Sarah Parry & Jen Garcia
Counselors, Sky Valley Education Center
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
This dream team of counselors have expanded their collaborative role to student-centered, equity focused, and belonging with excellence (all of the above!). From the teen Mixers, to directed lessons in classrooms, to teacher check ins to meeting with teens going through it, I felt it was necessary to break the "one employee per recommendation" Our students, staff and family community benefit from their knowledge, kindness, and hustle to make things happen.

Robin Lampers
TOSA, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
As a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Robin consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication in the many roles she fulfills. At Park Place, she recently collaborated closely with staff to lead the implementation of GLAD strategies, most notably supporting our district-wide 6th grade Writing in Social Studies initiative and now expanding that work into 7th grade.

Robin also provides invaluable support to our MLL specialists and program, while serving as a strong and steady partner to our Dual Language classrooms and staff. In addition, she mentors new teachers and works alongside our ELA teams to strengthen instructional practices across grade levels.

What is most notable is not just the breadth of her work, but the intentionality behind it. Robin approaches every responsibility with a collaborative mindset and a clear commitment to ensuring equitable access to learning for all students. She is consistently responsive, dependable, and solutions-oriented—always just a phone call away and unwavering in her support of both staff and students.

Robin’s impact on our school community is significant and deeply appreciated.

Jenny Nelson
TOSA, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Jenny has seamlessly stepped into her new role as Math/Science TOSA this year, bringing both expertise and strong instructional leadership to the position. Her extensive experience teaching math and science allows her to serve as an effective mentor for new teachers while also providing meaningful support and thought partnership to veteran staff.

Jenny maintains a clear and focused commitment to creating engaging, student-centered classrooms. Through ongoing collaboration with teachers, she helps strengthen instructional practices that promote higher levels of student engagement, meaningful discourse, and increased student efficacy in math and science.

She is also a valued partner to both district and building administrators, contributing thoughtfully to broader efforts to refine and elevate instructional practice across content areas.

Thank you, Jenny, for your dedication, professionalism, and the consistent support you provide to our staff and therefore ultimately students.

Shawn Woodward
Superintendent, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I am submitting this for three people and it will be identical for all three.

Shawn, Erin and Tamara showed exceptional commitment to our community by stepping up to help educate neighbors and stakeholders about the importance of investing in our schools. They devoted countless hours to organizing outreach efforts, answering questions and concerns, and communicating clearly and respectfully about both the levy and the bond. Their work helped ensure the levy passed, which will directly support classroom programs, staff retention, and essential services for our students and families.

Even though the bond measure did not pass this time, their efforts helped create a positive, forward-looking atmosphere around our schools. They sparked constructive conversations that encouraged broad community engagement and helped people feel heard and informed. Their ability to maintain optimism and focus on the long-term benefits for students and staff left many people feeling more connected to our schools and invested in their success, even if the bond outcome wasn’t what we hoped for.

What truly set them apart was not just the hours they spent or tasks they managed, but the genuine care and passion they demonstrated throughout the campaign. They didn’t just advocate for measures on the ballot — they fostered goodwill, built relationships across diverse groups, and strengthened community pride in our public schools. Their contributions went well beyond the immediate vote, helping to build trust, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose that will benefit our district for years to come.

Alison Mitchell
Assistant Principal, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
I am honored to nominate Alison for her exceptional support with students across our school community. Alison consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Her thoughtful guidance has strengthened our school’s commitment to equity, fostering an environment where diverse learners thrive academically and socially. Through collaborative problem-solving, compassionate advocacy, and a deep understanding of best practices in inclusion, she has made a meaningful and lasting impact. Alison’s dedication not only elevates student success but also inspires all of us to do better every day.

Kathryn Tenney
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
During our coldest days in February, Kathryn supported our student safety patrollers with gloves, umbrellas, and hot chocolate! This exemplifies the heart Kathryn has for her students, and for our patrollers. She ensures they feel cared for, seen, heard, and wanted. When challenges happen, she cares for their hearts first and helps them resolve their issues. She is very encouraging! It is an honor to support her in the safety patrol program.

Emilea McCracken
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Emilea demonstrates continuous improvement and exceeds expectations by providing high-quality, evidence-based instruction, and is super helpful to her students and colleagues. Her students and colleagues hope she never leaves Park Place Middle School.

Drina Pelayo
Counseling Office, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
As a newer member of MHS, Drina has quickly become a reliable presence for students, families, and the counseling department. She actively seeks out ways to improve systems, strengthen our work environment, and continue learning.

Kelly Pitts
Risk and Safety Director, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Kelly is a pleasure to work with and demonstrates a high level of integrity. He is consistently well-intentioned, genuine, and open-minded, always keeping the best interest of both staff and students at the forefront.

He actively pursues excellence in the services and processes we provide and has gone above and beyond to modernize the field trip request process for the whole district. His efforts have resulted in a much smoother, systematic online process that will save substantial time for everyone involved. I am grateful to have him in our District.

Lesia Wallis
Bus Driver, Transportation
Core values 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.

Ayla Mccullough
1:1 Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
She has been such an advocate for her students and it has been wonderful to see how this student has grown with her support.

Evelyn Melgoza
Counseling Office, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Evelyn does an amazing job checking in with students with their studies and helping them get their grades up. She is always accommodating to students that want to take the World Language test and is always encouraging every student that they should take it so they have room for their preferred electives in their later grades. Evelyn is always helping staff in the Counseling Center with anything they may need and is very knowledgeable in multiple areas. She is an amazing and important asset to the MHS team.

Krystal Dahl
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Krystal is kind, helpful, and goes above and beyond to assist me when necessary. She is supportive of all students, and really does everything to make sure that everyone is safe. Krystal exemplifies the term EXCELLENCE by her positive attitude and willingness to help. She steps into my room nearly every period of every day and will support me and my students in whatever way we need. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see Krystal and know that we will be taken care of for those few minutes!

Liz Holton
Office Manager, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Liz creates a culture of belonging to all that come into the school. Her alias could be Mother MHS. She cares for everyone and everything in the building.

Sarah Verdier
Human Resources Coordinator, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I'm always amazed at how quickly Sarah gets back to me when I've had a question or needed guidance. She has helped me through the process of getting hired and two maternity leaves, and is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive.

Nirali Patel
1:1 Paraeducator, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Mrs. Patel is extraordinary when it comes to working with students and staff. She works so hard and puts so much effort into her job. The positivity she shares with students and staff is unwavering. Her caring, loving and calm nature helps in so many ways. Nirali, thank you for all you do. You are the best! Keep up the great work.

Pushpa Patel
Paraeducator, 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!

Rosa Maldanado Rivera
Athletic Secretary, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Rosa is our athletic secretary at MHS. She works tirelessly to be sure that our teams are informed of schedule changes, transportation changes and weather related interferences. Rosa works diligently to make sure that all the details of outings are communicated efficiently. Winter season has many challenges with holiday breaks and weather closures, and Rosa makes sure we know what is happening. Rosa is kind and friendly and is always ready to help us solve any issues that come up during the day. Rosa makes it easy for us coaches to plan and schedule all the pieces of our practices and competitions. She goes above and beyond to make sure the athletes have the paperwork turned in and they are cleared as soon as possible. Rosa is a valuable member of our team and we are lucky to have her in this role.

Carey Estes
Paraeducator, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Carey is a pillar on our SWE paraeducator team. Not only does she have institutional knowledge of how we do things at Salem Woods, she has built relationships with students and teachers that foster collaboration and growth. Carey's great at the two-step: she steps "up" and "in" when needed!

Morgan Jones
Teacher, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
We had our last IEP meeting for my senior and it was bitter sweet. I am so thankful for the dedication Mr. Jones has had the last few years to helping us all navigate the challenges of learning disabilities. My son knows that if he ever needs anything he can always count on him for instruction or advice.

Jessica Rogers
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
We have a child that is very curious about current news and events. His questions and conversations at school could have been controversial and it sounds like his teacher's response was very appropriate. He was informed those topics are different for every family and are best discussed at home with his parents. Thank you so much for this!! Even within our home we don’t always have the same views but are grateful for the opportunities to be curious.

Hannah Huber
Substitute Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Hannah Huber is a force of nature, nurture, high expectations, accountability and belonging. For every class that she has filled in for, she holds students accountable for their learning. She demonstrates her love for our students and learning with her thoughtful lesson extensions and hands on creativity. In a pinch she creates science lessons that make the content real for students in their daily lives. She is generous with her time and materials and makes students feel valued, seen and respected. Our school is a better place with her modeling of kindness and respect. Thank you Hannah for your excellence and service at Frank Wagner!

Sarah Werder
Teacher, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Collaborative
I have had the pleasure of working closely with Sarah for several years, and I can say without hesitation that she is an outstanding educator and an exceptional teammate.

Sarah brings a consistently positive attitude to our workplace. She approaches her work with enthusiasm, professionalism, and genuine care for both students and staff. Her positivity is infectious and helps create a supportive, collaborative environment within our pod. She has a natural ability to build relationships, making colleagues feel valued and supported, and she plays a key role in fostering strong staff camaraderie.

As a teacher, Sarah is thoughtful, dedicated, and highly effective. She connects well with students and creates a classroom environment where they feel respected, engaged, and motivated to learn. Her commitment to student well-being is evident in her teaching, and she takes pride in helping students develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.

On a professional level, Sarah is a joy to work with. She is reliable, collaborative, and always willing to support her colleagues. Whether through sharing ideas, offering encouragement, or contributing to a positive team culture, she consistently strengthens our pod and our school community as a whole.

Suzy Swanigan
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Since the day I was hired, Ms. Swanigan has been my absolute go-to. Whether I’m struggling with a tech glitch, a grading mystery, or the labyrinth of building protocols, she is always there. The most amazing part? She never makes me feel like I’m an interruption or a "bother," even when I know she’s got a mountain of her own work.

Now that we share a hallway, those brief moments between classes have become my daily lifeline—giving me that much-needed sense of adult connection throughout the school day.

The students are just as impressed by her grace under pressure. When I asked for their thoughts, one student shared: "She still teaches us calmly even if we upset her, and she lets us work with our friends, which I love."

Any teacher who can maintain their calm when things get heated (and still let students work with friends!) is a certified legend in my book.

Thank you, Ms. Swanigan, for being such a steady, supportive, and patient presence in our building. We are so lucky to have you!

Paul Darlington
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
I am proud to nominate Mr. Darlington for Employee of the Month for his exceptional growth, collaboration, and positive impact on students this year. As a 7th grade ELA teacher, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence through continuous reflection and a dedication to refining his instructional practice. This has resulted in more engaging, student-centered teaching strategies that positively impact student learning and encourage greater ownership.

Mr. Darlington has also stepped outside his comfort zone to become a more active and collaborative member of his team, exemplifying our district’s value of collaboration by contributing meaningfully to shared goals and collective work that supports student success.

Through his student-centered approach, Mr. Darlington fosters a classroom environment rooted in belonging, where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to take academic risks. His professionalism and responsiveness reflect a deep sense of integrity and a genuine commitment to doing what is best for students and the school community.

Mr. Darlington’s journey this year is a powerful example of how dedication, teamwork, and reflective practice lead to stronger outcomes for students and a stronger school culture.

Stephanie Butterfield
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core values exemplified: Equity & Student-centered
Summary of nominations: Mrs. Butterfield is an exceptional kindergarten teacher known for her calm, gentle approach and the warm, welcoming classroom environment she creates. Families shared deep appreciation for her patience, kindness, and the way she makes students feel safe, encouraged, and valued.

One story was mentioned: after hearing a student talk about a weekend basketball game, Mrs. Butterfield attended on her own time, stayed for the entire game, and cheered him on. She also took time to connect with his twin sister, helping the whole family feel seen and supported. The gesture carried special meaning during a period of serious health challenges within the family, and they shared how much it lifted the student’s confidence and pride.

Overall, nominations emphasized that Mrs. Butterfield’s care extends well beyond the classroom. She supports students emotionally, builds strong relationships with families, and makes a lasting difference through her compassion and dedication.

Lisa Young
Teacher, 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.

Shawn Hill
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
We had a meeting today at Park Place and it was clear that Shawn values the input of his fellow teachers as he works to provide the best outcomes for students. The collaboration is with the student, other teachers and the family of student to set up a program that is supportive and appropriate to the student being served.

Cheryl Miller
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Ms. Miller is a caring teacher. She has worked diligently over the last two school years to work with students at their level. She has appropriately modified work and also adapted the lessons to keep the students engaged in science. Ms. Miller is a cheerful teacher who has a big smile and an encouraging attitude. She clearly loves working with her students and we are lucky to have her.

Allyssa Coburn Rowland
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Mrs. Rowland is our Music teacher who teaches with such passion and dedication. She continues to collaborate with me when students need WIN Zone breaks. Mrs. Rowland has been a constant support system for me on my good and bad days. She always gives me a big hug when I see her. Mrs. Rowland is kind, funny, easy going and caring to all students and staff. She is a positive bright light here at Fryelands. I am so happy to call her my friend. Keep up the great work Mrs. Rowland, we see you!

Andrea Hehn
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Ms. Hehn is truly one of a kind! She uses her excellent teacher expertise to help her students grow academically, socially and emotionally. Ms. Hehn has a challenging class this year and has handled every obstacle with grace. Her positive, can-do attitude helps all of us at FRE to have faith in ourselves and in our students. Ms. Hehn, keep up the great work. You are greatly appreciated.

Michelle Bannon
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Michelle Bannon is a wonderful teacher who loves getting all students involved in her classes. She helps tie middle school students with Monroe School District elementary students. I love her creativity and impact she makes on her students. Students love all of her student centered work, from Cupcake Wars to Great Potato bake-offs, and sewing monsters she provides all of her students the chance to create and succeed. Keep up the great work!!!!

Theresa Lee
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Theresa collaborates closely with her students in the classroom to provide Tier 1 instruction across most subjects. She coordinates with teachers to schedule pull-out times when more intensive intervention is required. Theresa is eager to learn, contributes actively to team meetings, and is dedicated to helping her students reach grade level. Her positive attitude and compassion make her a supportive teacher.

James Vazquez
Teacher, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
James Vazquez, is truly an inspiration to work with. Our co-teaching partnership has been one of the most powerful instructional experiences I’ve had. Together, we intentionally plan lessons every day, analyze student data, and design supports that allow all students to access rigorous grade-level science content.

Throughout the year, we have implemented a variety of co-teaching models — including team teaching, station teaching, parallel teaching, and one-teach/one-support — based on student needs and lesson goals. This flexibility has made our instruction stronger and more responsive. Because we are both actively engaged in the classroom, we are able to provide real-time support, clarify misconceptions immediately, and adjust instruction on the spot.

James brings an exceptional work ethic, deep instructional knowledge, and a genuine commitment to students. He builds strong relationships, maintains high expectations, and consistently advocates for student success. His professionalism, positivity, and dedication make him an outstanding educator and an incredible teammate. A partnership like this demonstrates how powerful effective collaboration can be for both students and educators.

Kelsey Braun
Office Support, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Kelsey is super helpful in tracking attendance, communicating with families, working with students, and is a collaborative partner on our attendance team. She is thoughtful and insightful and a pleasure to work with!

Susana Ramos
Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Since joining our team at Frank Wagner, Susie has shown responsibility, empathy, and integrity. She approaches tasks with enthusiasm, prioritizes the students' best interests, and interacts exceptionally with them; she is attentive, eager to learn, and applies new skills effectively. She communicates clearly, guides students kindly and firmly, and encourages positive responses. Susie is a great team player and adaptable to new tasks. Working with her is a pleasure!

Carissa Ricci
Paraeducator, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Carissa consistently goes above and beyond, not because it is expected, but because it is simply who she is. She supports students with patience, empathy, and genuine care—whether she is helping them break down a task, encouraging them through a challenge, or celebrating even the smallest win.Her ability to collaborate with teachers is outstanding. Working with her truly feels like having a co-teacher in the classroom. She anticipates what students and staff need, steps in seamlessly, and brings solutions, calm, and positivity to every situation. Our learning environment is stronger, calmer, and more joyful because of her. We are incredibly lucky to have her, and I am grateful every day for the dedication and authenticity she brings to our school community.

Dusty Rose
Custodian, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Dusty brings the excellence, dedication, and heart to our school every single day. From the very beginning of the year, Dusty set the tone for a positive and organized learning environment. She worked tirelessly to help teachers set up their classrooms—moving furniture, arranging spaces, and making sure every room felt welcoming, functional, and ready for students. Her support during that busy time made an enormous difference. She notices the little things before anyone else even thinks to mention them, and she makes sure our school feels comfortable, orderly, and cared for. Her work ethic is exceptional, and she approaches everything with kindness and a great attitude. We are incredibly grateful for her hard work and the pride she takes in making our school a safe, welcoming place for all.

Sam Gunter
Paraeducator, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Sam does incredible work each day as a paraeducator. Her creativity, patience, and dedication shine through in the way she helps every student feel seen, valued, and included in the classroom setting. She adapts lessons with imaginative twists, finds new ways to spark confidence, and offers quiet support that makes a big difference. She helps create a space where all kids can learn and belong.

Ken Chanthavong
Technology, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Equity
Ken is crucial in making sure our students have working communication devices while they're at school! Thanks for making sure all our students can communicate!

Nancy Ostrom
Technology, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Nancy is funny and so helpful! We appreciate all of her help and how she keeps our tech running!

Nancy Ivy
Bus Driver, Transportation
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I am honored to nominate Nancy Ivy for Employee of the Month in recognition of her outstanding embodiment of our core value of Excellence. As a bus driver, she consistently goes above and beyond the expectations of her role, demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being and success of our students.

Every day, she greets students and staff with a cheerful smile and kind words, setting a positive tone that ripples throughout the school community. Her dedication extends far beyond her official duties—she often walks students from the bus to their classrooms to ensure they feel safe and supported, a gesture that reflects her genuine care and attentiveness.

Her impact does not stop at the bus doors. She actively engages with students in the building, fostering connections that build trust and belonging. She collaborates with staff to support student needs, showing initiative and teamwork that strengthen our school culture.

Through her actions, Nancy exemplifies excellence not only in her work but in her character. She models kindness, responsibility, and collaboration, making her an invaluable member of our team and a role model for students. Her daily contributions uplift our community and reflect the highest standards of our core values.

Julee Baca
Office Manager, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Mrs. Baca brings our Fryelands Family together in the best ways. She organizes fun games for staff to play and provides fun prizes. Her daughter makes the best baked goods that Mrs. Baca brings in for staff Birthdays every month. Mrs. Baca continues to show excellence by going above and beyond for staff and students. Mrs. Baca you are the real MVP. Thank you for all your hard work and everything you do for us. Thank you for decorating the office and making it feel like home. We'd all be lost without you. Keep up the great work.

Cindy Snider
Office Support, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Mrs. Snider helps the office feel more inviting with her smile but best of all her humor. She always makes me laugh. Mrs. Snider is one of a kind. She makes doing art projects look so easy. She has transformed the office to a Winter Wonderland of Christmas. Mrs. Snider models her excellence through her customer service and warm energy. Keep up the great work.

Jesse Crowther
Director of Technology, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Jesse exemplifies customer service. He is so responsive and supportive and helpful when we need support. Last week, he drove up to MHS to help me have a conversation with a student about our content filters. He didn't have to do that, but he did, and his way of explaining it to the student and taking the feedback was super helpful and uplifting. Jesse is a great partner and teammate who has a servant's heart ... super grateful for him.

Jenna Monson
Office Manager, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Jenna recently took over as Office Manager at HRMS. She has gone above and beyond to serve the school, remain cool under pressure, and continuously grow in her new role. She does this all while demonstrating all of our core values, including being very professional, reliable, welcoming, and collaborative.

Michelle Dickinson
CTE Program Manager, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
I would like to nominate Michelle Dickinson for the Employee Recognition Program in honor of her outstanding collaboration in planning and executing this year’s Career Fair at Monroe High School.

Michelle exemplified the true meaning of collaboration throughout every phase of the event. She worked intentionally and effectively with school staff, community partners, and students to ensure that all voices were heard and valued. Her ability to bring diverse groups together resulted in strong partnerships that directly supported student learning and engagement. Michelle embodied this definition by creating an inclusive planning process where colleagues felt supported, community partners felt welcomed and valued, and students felt empowered to participate and explore career pathways.

The success of the Career Fair is a direct reflection of Michelle’s commitment to teamwork, communication, and relationship-building. Her collaborative approach not only strengthened partnerships within our school community but also created meaningful, real-world opportunities for students. Michelle’s work serves as a model of collaboration in action, and she is highly deserving of this recognition.

Chris Duff
Security, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Duff is exceptional at what he does. He is kind, patient, and truly wonderful with the kids. He builds such strong connections with his students that they often ask, “Where is Duff?” when they haven’t seen him that day. He is a perfect fit for his role, and MSD is incredibly lucky to have him.

Jamie Bull
Paraeducator, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Jamie is a phenomenal para. She provides excellent instruction, and she continuously finds fun and engaging activities for students to enhance their learning. Jamie utilizes every minute to work with students and is always seeking out additional ways to be helpful. We are lucky to have Jamie at Fryelands.

Julia Murphy
SLP, Hidden River Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Julia is in her first year with Monroe and is tackling the ideas of inclusion with gusto! She's brainstorming with so many staff to better support students in their classrooms, while also learning about a new role, a new district, and managing a full caseload. It's inspiring!

Courtney Edelsward
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Ms Edelsward has been a staunch supporter of students in math at Park Place. In addition to co-teaching at ALL THREE GRADE LEVELS!!!, she teaches two resource math classes, working to provide access for ALL students to success in Math. Often a subject that students struggle with, Ms. Edelsward's student-centered approach provides a safe place for students to gain confidence and skills. Thank you Courtney, for your focus on students - always!

Monica Garbutt
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Ms. Garbutt clearly exemplifies the positive impact of collaboration on classroom learning. She is part of a team distinguished by its unwavering consistency and professionalism. This team is committed to continuous improvement, pushing each other to operate at the top of their craft through a creative and engaging approach. The strong learning outcomes achieved are a direct result of their effective collaboration. Thank you, Monica - always!

Dan Berry
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Mr. Berry, a 6th-grade science teacher, is a model of a student-centered educator. He consistently operates with the belief that every student can learn at high levels, placing their learning and well-being at the heart of his instruction and coaching. He is exceptionally responsive to student needs, taking time to understand, acknowledge, and elevate their academic abilities. By intentionally celebrating all student successes, Mr. Berry ensures his actions are centered around fostering a positive, high-achieving learning environment for every individual - whether in the classroom or on the football-soccer field.

Kiya Neely
Teacher, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Kiya is continuously designing and revising learning activities to push students further and challenging them in creative ways that capture their interest. Her class is currently reading The Westing Game, in which color-striped candles are used as timers. Today, her students were tasked with creating sand timers that ran out at a precise time. Students formed theories of how to make their timers go slower or faster, modified their designs, and became so invested in their efforts that some chose problem-solving over going out to recess! Kiya provided continous encouragement, but the students themselves were doing the "heavy lifting" and working together to succeed.

Lori Meyer
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I witnessed Mrs. Meyer interacting and redirecting one of our students. Unfortunately has experienced a lot of trauma and shuts down quickly and has a very long turnaround time. Mrs. Meyer worked with him in such a calm manner that the student course-corrected their shutdown and was open to listening to her, as she stood up for another staff member. The student went from extremely escalated to reflective and apologized to the other staff member so quickly that I was shocked. Clearly, Mrs. Meyer builds a relationship with each of her students so they feel safe and heard. It was a shining example of the kindness and support that we all want.

K-5 Math Leaders: Sara Kuntz, Landa Pastrana, Julie Velie, Esther Poz, Sarah Traynor, Kristi Cruz, Minnie Singh, Darcy Slater, Nikoline Ramos, Bridget Morrison, Audrey Lewis, Shannon Burroughs, Emily Burroughs, Heather Harrington, Christiane Weaver, Lija Devine, Sandy Cheesman, Kelly Harper, Britt Van Horne, Katelyn Gose, Krysti LaChapelle, Stephanie Pratt, Amy Fretz, Francesca Moen
Teachers, All Elementary Schools
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
K–5 Math Leaders from every elementary school collaborated to complete the unwrapping of our math essential standards. This work provides tremendous support to all staff, strengthens districtwide alignment, and enhances student learning. Thank you, team!

Kim Teitzel
1:1 Nurse, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Kim is very dedicated and makes sure her student has the best care at school. She is always positive and looks out for her team. She collaborates with families and the school team. She cares deeply about all the students in the SLC program and always has fun at school. She's a great addition to the PPMS SPED team.

Sara Tran
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Sara is a new teacher, and I see her working hard every day with students in small groups, engaging them at their level and ensuring that they are working towards their goals, but in a deeply caring and kind way. She meets them at their level daily to provide academic instruction but also social and emotional support to help them achieve, and most importantly, feel confident and welcome. She is also a tireless advocate for her students, and what most people don't see are the hours she spends answering emails, working on IEPs, and working behind the scenes to make sure each and every student on her caseload gets what they need to succeed. She always approaches things with a positive and cheerful demeanor with staff and students alike. We are lucky to have her.

Sara Alvarez
Assistant Principal, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
I would like to nominate Sara Alvarez, for her kindness, support, understanding, and collaboration as I navigate learning more skills as a long-term substitute in 5th grade. Sara has helped me grow in parent communication and student behavior management in the classroom. She has been open to hearing about my ideas/challenges and helping me figure out positive strategies to overcome them. She has made my time at FRE feel like being part of a family. Thank you, Sara.

Bonnie McKerney
Long-term Assistant Principal Substitute, Monroe High School
Core values exemplified: Belonging & Student-centered
Summary of nominations: Bonnie has been filling in for several Admin who are on leave. Bonnie works to always assess what is best for a student. She looks at the whole student and makes recommendations and decisions that consider each aspect of the problem for a student. Giving them the best opportunity to be successful at school and in life. Bonnie is encouraging to staff as we navigate tough situations and helps us keep a positive outlook when dealing with challenges. Bonnie has done a remarkable job of joining our team and covering for Rachel, who is out on maternity leave. She puts others' needs above her own, she is willing to do whatever it takes, and she continually builds others up (both students and staff) in a way that supports our belonging goals as a school. She is a wonderful, selfless, positive teammate who has sacrificed a lot to help us here in Monroe, and we appreciate it!!!

Pamela Ndukwe
Long Term Substitute Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Pamela has been a great addition to Fryelands! She works extremely hard to empower and teach students while focusing on student interests and needs. She advocates for her students and always provides the best support for her class!

Shawna Clark
Teacher, Salem Woods Elementary
Core value exemplified: Equity
Shawna has revamped her classroom to fully integrate all students into the daily routine. She embodies inclusivity with the way she models interactions, celebrates differences, and finds creative ways to discover what students know. She is constantly collaborating with support staff and service providers to find unique ways to support individual students' needs. Each student in her class is growing academically and emotionally. Shawna embodies the belief that all students belong and are capable of high levels of learning.

Joslyn Presley
Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Integrity
Joslyn, although a first-year teacher, exhibits the insight of a seasoned educator with two decades of experience. She is receptive to learning, considerate, and maintains high expectations for her students. Her composed nature fosters a safe and secure environment for her students. Joslyn diligently seeks to improve her skills, and her natural talents in this field make her an asset to the Frank Wagner community. I nominate Joslyn for the integrity category. She exemplifies the courage to embrace vulnerability and growth in such a personally engaged profession.

Hannah Huber
Long-term Substitute Teacher, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Hannah has been great to collaborate with and jumps in whenever needed. She is self-directed, positive, and makes wonderful connections with students. She isn't afraid to ask questions and is quick to problem-solve. She keeps up with the pacing of the curriculum and follows plans as directed. Being a substitute is not easy, but she makes it seamless. Students look forward to having her in the classroom, and teachers appreciate how reliable and consistent she is. She is a team player and wonderful to work with.

Debi Roberts-Lindgren
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Deb makes all her decisions centered around what is best for students. She advocates for them and seeks to provide each student with what they need.

Seanna Sunde
Paraeducator, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
She has been super helpful to my daughter who has special needs. We appreciate her and value her work not just with my daughter but with all other students as well.

Shaleena Latendresse
SLC Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Shaleena has stepped up to help students in the SLC at FWE while I have been out on FMLA. I would like to thank her for her collaboration and taking care of our students.

Kelly St. Martin
SLC Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Kelly has stepped up in the SLC at FWE to work as a 1:1 for a student who is new to us this year. I appreciate all that she has done for this student while I have been out on FMLA.

Lizbeth Nogales
SLC Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core values exemplified: Collaboration & Student-centered
Lizbeth is an invaluable member of the Frank Wagner team. After serving as a paraeducator substitute for an extended period, she officially joined the team at Frank Wagner this year. Liz demonstrates an exceptional ability to connect with and support the students in her program. She goes above and beyond to ensure that they are included and feel supported both in and out of the classroom. Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism make her a true asset to our school community. We are incredibly fortunate to work with her each day. I appreciate Liz and all her hard work that she has put in with the students in the SLC while I have been out on FMLA. 

Christiana Farnsworth
SLC Paraeducator, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
I want to thank Christiana for working with each and every student in the SLC and making them fell a sense of belonging at FWE.

Carlos Elles
Hispanic Family Liaison, District-wide
Core values exemplified: Excellence and Integrity
Summary of nominations: He’s kind, patient, and always takes the time to explain things clearly. He works well with others and has been a huge help whenever I’ve needed information about my daughters’ school. He provides excellent support with Spanish translation—both during meetings and when families need to communicate with the school. Carlos Elles is a very kind person and truly deserves to be recognized for his outstanding work.

Erin Strong
PBS Paraeducator, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Erin, you are amazing. You have such a positive way about you and work so wonderfully with our highest needs children. Thank you for choosing the role you do and support the students, but also us teachers.

Karina Blanquet
Office Support, Frank Wagner Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Karina consistently provides amazing "customer service" for FWE parents. She helps solve problems, finds solutions, and goes above and beyond daily! Thank you, Karina!

Spenser Marin
Paraeducator, Chain Lake Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Spenser has taken the initiative to start a Mileage Club at Chain Lake Elementary. This club encourages all students to walk around the field at recess once a week. Students earn tokens for their miles and a bulletin board shows how far the whole school has "walked." Spenser has collaborated with parent volunteers and other CLE staff to support students in this endeavour.

Cletus Boyd
Maintenance, Facilities
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Cletus is always helping out when we are having a facilities issue. He always goes above and beyond! He is always friendly, kind, and has a smile while working. We are lucky to have him on our team!

Jesse Crowther
Director of Technology, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Jesse is the true definition of expert service with a smile. You can always count on him to lift others up and bring new life to every room he enters. Despite the great challenges faced by the tech department, he continues to shine as an example of how, even in the face of seemingly impossible tasks, we can still maintain a cheerful demeanor and see each other as fellow humans first. He always goes above and beyond for everyone, and I appreciate so much everything he has done to help us at SVEC this year.

Susan Creager
Paraeducator, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Sue works with many of our teachers and students, specifically Freshmen, to support organization and academics. She has also recently joined our MTSS team and collaborates with staff to run our Build a Better Barcat room and academy. Students trust and respect her. We appreciate everything that she does!

Bus Attendants, Transportation
Core value exemplified: Excellence
These 3 are amazing and help keep our buses clean and fueled on a daily basis. Rain or shine they are out there getting the job done without complaint. Without them we would all be out of fuel and have dirty buses. Just wanted to make sure they know that we appreciate them! Thank you Alex, Craig, and Andy!

April Pierce
Lead Custodian, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all April does for MHS. She consistently gives 110% every day. There have been so many times when I have asked a question or made a request, and she responds promptly. Part of our Core Value of Excellence states, "...exceeds expectations by providing...stellar customer service." April is the epitome of what this is all about. Thank you, April!

Austin Talbott
Counselor, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Mr. T has been such a great support system for staff and students. His core values are student centered and I am so pleased to be able to work with him. Keep up the great work Mr. T.

Meghan Blair
Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Mrs Blair sets high standards for all of her students - academically and behaviorally - and truly believes they can achieve anything! She is intentional and creative in her teaching strategies, advocates for students’ needs constantly, and truly cares for each and every child’s well-being and success. The way she connects with students is so encouraging, and they feel like they are her students for life!

Gayle Murphy
PBS Teacher, Maltby Elementary
Core values exemplified: Excellence & Collaboration
Summary of nominations: Maltby Elementary is incredibly fortunate to have Gayle Murphy as part of our school family. From the moment she joined us, Gayle has brought warmth, energy, and a deep dedication to her students and colleagues. Her love for children is evident in the way she connects with them—encouraging, supporting, and helping each one feel valued every day.

Gayle’s classroom is a safe and structured space where students are met with patience, consistency, and genuine care. She uses creative strategies to keep students engaged and designs her program to meet each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. Her belief in every student’s potential shines through in the way she advocates for their growth and celebrates their progress.

Her professionalism, compassion, and positive spirit have made her an integral part of the Maltby community. We are so grateful for the lasting impact she continues to make on our students, families, and staff.

Robin Carlson
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
I am honored to nominate Robin for the Collaboration core value. Robin exemplifies what it means to work in partnership with families, consistently striving to ensure that her students receive the support they need—both academically and emotionally. Her commitment to whole-child care is evident in the way she thoughtfully engages with staff to coordinate additional services such as counseling and behavioral support, always advocating for what’s best for her students.

Beyond the classroom, Robin is a enthusiastic and dependable presence in our school community. She actively contributes to programs like ASB and School Patrol, demonstrating her dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and spirited environment for all.

Robin is a deeply valued member of our school, and her efforts do not go unnoticed. Her collaborative spirit, compassion, and unwavering support for students and staff alike make her an essential part of what makes Fryelands so special.

Allyssa Rowland
Music Teacher, Fyelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
I just wanted to take a moment to thank Ally for her continued efforts in helping include our students in general education specialists. At this point, all but one of our SLC students are now mainstreaming into a general education music class, a huge step forward!

Ally has been incredibly supportive throughout this process. She’s taken the time to collaborate with me to ensure our students are included as meaningfully as possible, and she’s also gone out of her way to make the paraprofessionals feel welcomed and valued.

I truly appreciate Ally’s dedication and inclusive approach, it’s made a real difference for our students.

Seth Krufka
Teacher, Monroe High School
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Mr. Krufka showed belonging to a student by taking the time to adjust the assignment.

Maria Aznar Serna
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core values exemplified: Collaboration & Belonging
Senora Aznar has helped, over the last year plus, to successfully roll up the Monroe School District Dual Program to Park Place. Her classroom is a place, first and foremost, where students are connected, feel safe & supported, and celebrated as multilingual learners. It's not uncommon to hear laughter, high engagement between students, and often music to keep their brains connected in TWO languages. What a gift you are to our students and our community in this celebration of culture and language. ¡Muchas Gracias, Señora! She is a teacher who makes an effort to include parents in their children’s activities and shows great respect and understanding toward her students—simply extraordinary work. 

La Señora Aznar ha ayudado, durante el último año y más, a trasladar con éxito el Programa Dual del Distrito Escolar de Monroe a Park Place. Su salón de clases es, ante todo, un lugar donde los estudiantes se sienten conectados, seguros, apoyados y celebrados como aprendices multilingües. No es raro escuchar risas, ver una alta participación entre los estudiantes y, a menudo, música que mantiene sus cerebros conectados en DOS idiomas. ¡Qué regalo eres para nuestros estudiantes y para nuestra comunidad en esta celebración de la cultura y el idioma! ¡Muchas gracias, Señora! 

Kristie Hilson
Principal, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Equity
She is a principal who includes all parents and shows respect toward those of us who do not speak English. She always addresses parents with respect, kindness, and courtesy.

Rachel From
SLP, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Rachael is my AAC brainstorming partner, and recently she had a particularly brilliant idea to try with a student who had new, challenging behaviors but had plateaued on their AAC use. She makes our district better and makes me a better SLP!

Allison Peckenpaugh
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Mrs. BP is always ready with new ideas and how to bring our staff together. She organized a trip to Cle Elum Elementary. There, we got to learn more tips and tricks on how to better serve our students and staff through the WIN zone. She has also suggested PLC time on Friday for the behavioral support staff to learn from one another. Mrs. BP really does go above and beyond for her colleagues and students. Our Fryelands family wouldn't be the same without her. Thank you so much, Mrs. BP.

Shalla Mirkhani
TOSA, District Administration Office
Core value exemplified: Equity
During a staff training day, Shalla ensured we ALL had access to morale-building tools at the DO. Thanks so much, Shalla!

Stephanie Llanes
LAP Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Excellence
Stephanie Llanes is the part-time LAP teacher at Fryelands Elementary, but one would never know it by how much she does and how many students and adults she supports! Stephanie exemplifies excellence! Stephanie is the spreadsheet queen and creates opportunity for data collection for the entire school. She coaches adults on best practice with UFLI and encourages students, para educators, and teachers to use our curriculum with as much fidelity as possible while allowing for flexibility with our youngest and highest needs learners. We have some of the highest quality reading teaching and learning because of Ms. Llanes. Our growth data is a direct reflection of the outstanding work that Stephanie does!

Meagan Davis
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core values exemplified: Student-centered and Excellence
Ms. Davis has gone out of her way to watch over and encourage my daughter. I am extremely grateful for the time and care she gives her students. If you have ever encountered Meagan Davis in her classroom or school/district meeting, she consistently brings her "A" game. She is truly a collaborative professional who seeks to always improve practice, instruction, and student experience. As a colleague, one can always trust Mrs. Davis to follow through and think outside the box while keeping student data at the forefront. She is a leader to many within our staff and is an educator who works tirelessly from the heart. Your service to the Puma community is always noticed. Thanks, Meg!

Cassandra Birkbeck
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
I would like to nominate Cassie Birkbeck, a 5th-grade teacher at Fryelands Elementary, for her exceptional dedication and professionalism. Before going on maternity leave, she ensured that I had all the necessary information and organized materials to help me succeed as a long-term substitute in her classroom. She has also remained available to answer questions by demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the success of her students and colleagues. Thank you, Cassie!

Krysti Lachapelle
Teacher, Fryelands Elementary
Core value exemplified: Collaboration
Krysti has been an outstanding collaborator during my time as a long-term sub at Fryelands Elementary. Her support and teamwork continue to make a meaningful difference and help me navigate my teaching journey successfully.

Melissa (Missy) Harvold
Teacher, Park Place Middle School
Core value exemplified: Student-centered
Even though Ms. Harvold is new to Park Place & Monroe, she has jumped right in to be a core member of the Puma Community. She is student-centered first and foremost. Every student is celebrated, and her instructional actions ensure all students are learning and thriving at high levels. Students are highly engaged and consistently seek to positively participate and share their evidence of learning. Park Place is lucky to have you, Missy!

Alycia Dale
Long-term Substitute, Maltby Elementary
Core value exemplified: Belonging
Alycia has an incredible way of making everyone feel like they belong. Whether it’s greeting students with a smile each morning or checking in with staff to offer support, she creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere wherever she goes. Alycia truly helps make our school community feel like a family.