Viewpoint: District 833's 'Education All-Stars' stand out

Talk about it

This month we recognized longtime employees, retirees and our Education All-Stars at the 30-annual Employee Celebration. It is sponsored and organized by C.A.P.E. (Creating a Positive Environment), a group of dedicated employees who work to plan and raise funds to celebrate employee success. This year, over 350 employees and guests celebrated and recognized 32 retirees, eight Education All-Stars and 68 employees with 20, 25, 30, 35 and even 40 years of service to our district. The 32 retirees served over 700 years of service to our district. Their efforts and commitment will truly be missed and we wish each much deserved rest and enjoyment in their retirement.

The Education All-Stars recognized included personnel from every aspect of the school district. Here are some brief comments about each awardee.

-- Molly Lester, discretionary team teacher at Newport Elementary, manages and supports the school’s K-5 students through flexible grouping as the basic skills teacher; working with some of our most at risk students. She is constantly modifying and adjusting her teaching to meet the needs of her diverse students. By putting the needs of students first, she can see the good in all children.

-- Jeanne Luebker, office coordinator at Woodbury Middle, has a vibrant and calming effect in the office, which helps keep order in stressful situations. As the “school mom,” Jeanne provides a cheerful and welcoming presence for students, parents and staff. She is a master of organizing policies, as well as creating effective and proficient procedures.

-- Kathy Newcomb, social studies teacher at East Ridge High School, has taught at Oltman Middle, Woodbury Middle, Park High, and now at East Ridge with the attitude that makes her classroom a positive, uplifting and energetic place for students to learn and grow. Kathy is a professional educator who is a genuine, passionate, creative, compassionate and motivated. She builds strong relationships with her students and is clearly concerned about their personal educational needs and goals.

-- Principal Rich Romano, of Crestview and Nuevas Fronteras elementaries, leads two schools with different needs and populations. He recognizes the uniqueness of each school and brings them together as a community to make the students’ learning experience the best. Rich is described as a person with great integrity and character who leads by example, as well as being a leader who inspires others to make school a positive collaborative environment.

-- Jackie Schroeder, Newport Elementary social worker, is recognized for her multiple advocating and organizing skills used to assist students and families who are in crisis and in need of resources. The organization of a “clothing closet” ensures that every child has the opportunity to enjoy warm, clean clothes that fit no matter what their socioeconomic status. She also builds relationships with students where they often come back and share with her their accomplishments since leaving the school.

-- Maria Tol, German teacher and AVID instructor at Park High School, brings a level of enthusiasm to students, teaching and learning. Maria is described as a kind, caring staff member who is passionate about teaching and the growth of students. She has written the entire German International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum, and participated as a member of multiple student and staff activities.

-- Amy Broich, kindergarten and basic skills teacher at Newport Elementary, is thought of as a creative, ready and willing team member who uses a variety of strategies to help students learn. Her lessons are fun, interactive and effective. Amy’s classroom is set up with the whole child in mind; she goes above and beyond to accommodate the student’s various learning styles and it’s done with a nurturing attitude.

-- Jenna Downs, Middleton Elementary’s Spanish teacher, works to ensure that her students retain and enjoy Spanish. She fosters an appreciation of other cultures, bringing fresh ideas to the curriculum and willingly shares information across the district.

It is important that we celebrate the many successes of our employees who truly ignite a passion for lifelong learning in all of our students. The individuals shared here are a sample of our many outstanding team members. Please join me in the days and weeks ahead in expressing gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding work of our employees this year.

Tags: updates, viewpoint, opinion