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.