Previously published on January 5, 2022
Mike Tillo, Assistant Principal @ West Middle School
“Mr. Tillo works hard to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and parents/guardians. His patience and compassion when interacting with students do not go unnoticed. Mr. Tillo has made amazing relationships with students. His work with the special education department demonstrates his expertise in that area. We have seen the extra steps he has taken to help our special education population be successful in middle school. He is a true asset to West Middle School.”
Angie Conway, Attendance Specialist @ Perry Creek Elementary School
“Angie is an asset to Perry Creek because she engages with students, parents, and staff. She makes connections with staff and families and goes above and beyond making sure our students are at school each day. Angie has a calm approach and is always willing to provide support. Because of Angie’s hard work, students are motivated to improve their attendance and participate in incentives. We are grateful to have Angie as part of our Prairie Dog family!”
Morgen Nash, Consulting Teacher @ Leeds Elementary School
“Morgen seamlessly transitioned to a new position this school year. She is easily approachable and helps our teachers at Leeds in many ways. She assists teachers by preparing reading groups, fluency folders, and districtwide testing. If Morgen doesn’t know the answer to a question, she takes the initiative to find one. Having Morgen as a consulting teacher has made a positive impact on Leeds Elementary.”
Maria Sloniker, Preschool Teacher @ Leeds Elementary School
“Maria is always so kind to everyone. She is an amazing teacher and mentor and steps in to help other staff in any way she can. Maria devotes much of her personal time toward becoming the best teacher and friend she can be! Our staff and kiddos are lucky to have someone who cares so much in our building!”
Aubrey Hill, Kindergarten Teacher @ Morningside STEM Elementary School
A parent said the following about Miss Hill: “Sending my son off to kindergarten alone was extremely tough last fall. I was terrified. However, my son comes home every day and tells me how amazing Miss Hill is. For that, I want to share my appreciation for her and the faculty at Morningside. I feel a sense of security when I am greeted by my son after school with a big smile on his face.”
Carrie Gilmore, Kindergarten Teacher @ Morningside STEM Elementary School
“Ms. Gilmore has always been a leader, but this school year she has risen above her own expectations! Watching her drive to give her students the emotional and academic support that they need has been awe-inspiring. Ms. Gilmore comes to school with a smile and a positive attitude each day. She is truly leading the way by being there for students and fellow staff each day. We are lucky to have her on the Morningside STEM Elementary School team!”
Niki Margeas, Consulting Teacher @ Riverside Elementary School
“Niki’s dedication and commitment to the students and staff at Riverside is top-notch. She models best instructional practices in our classrooms, leads professional development, and helps with student interventions. Niki also works to build a positive rapport with the students and staff at Riverside every day. We greatly appreciate all that she does for our school.”
Emily Fischer, English & Language Arts Teacher @ East High School
“Emily is incredibly supportive of both staff and students at East High. She is a bundle of knowledge and her expertise in her field is extremely valuable. She particularly excels in helping students build their research skills. Emily does a fantastic job of teaching students how to successfully search for information and is willing to come to any classroom to share her knowledge. East High is lucky to have Emily!”
Tony Moravek, Teacher @ East High School
“Tony is always looking for ways to challenge his students and keep his classroom fun and exciting. He enjoys developing new activities and prepares his classroom so that all students can be successful. Tony is a great leader and holds staff and students accountable. He is also always willing to work with students who have missed class time and help out in the office when asked. Congratulations, Tony!”
Lisa Hammerlinck, Counselor @ East Middle School
“Lisa hit the ground running the moment she arrived at East Middle. Between preparing student schedules, meeting with students, and even connecting with numerous families, she always puts forth her best work. Lisa goes above and beyond and is so kind to everyone. She knows how important positive relationships are with students and she continues to build a strong foundation at East Middle School. We are so fortunate to have Lisa in our building.”
Dawn Martin, CNA @ Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School
“Ms. Dawn has been an excellent addition to the Hunt A+ staff. She goes above and beyond to ensure our students are taken care of. When students are sick, Ms. Dawn sits with them to ensure they are comfortable until someone can pick them up. Ms. Dawn is solution-minded and is always willing to assist and problem solve with families and staff. She truly goes the extra mile to ensure students’ health needs are being met. We are so thankful to have Ms. Dawn at Hunt A+!”
Kyle Timmins, Fourth Grade Teacher @ Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School
“Kyle is a dedicated teacher who creates positive relationships with each student he works with. He is diligent in ensuring every student reaches their fullest potential. Kyle’s peers say he is a great team player who has helped them learn how to incorporate coding into science and social studies lessons. Kyle always takes time to teach his peers how to use various coding tools and offers to model those tools in all fourth-grade classrooms. We are very proud of Kyle and want to thank him for all of his hard work!”
Jen Peterson, Teacher @ Unity Elementary School
“Jen is great at gathering resources and support for staff. Staff also appreciate Jen’s caring nature because she is easy to talk to. Unity is so thankful to have Jen as a part of our team! Congratulations!”
McKinzi Shook, Teacher @ Unity Elementary School
“McKinzi works extremely hard to support students in our building. She is flexible and helps meet the needs of teachers and students. Unity is proud to have McKinzi as a member of our team!”
Perla Priseno, Resource Aide @ Unity Elementary School
“Perla is new to the Unity team and has jumped in to help our students who need it. We appreciate her can-do attitude!”
Brenda Nelson, Interpreter @ Unity Elementary School
“Brenda has done a fantastic job stepping in to support all students and sub in the classroom. She has formed great relationships with students and Unity appreciates her!”
Stephanie Felts, Consulting Teacher @ Liberty Elementary School
“Mrs. Felts works tirelessly for staff and students. Mrs. Felts has developed an excellent rapport with all staff in our building. She utilizes her instructional expertise to help develop and support teachers to further student achievement at Liberty. Thank you for all that you do to ‘Make It Happen’ at Liberty!”
Maria Brand, Consulting Teacher @ Liberty Elementary School
“Mrs. Brand has tremendous energy and positivity that radiates throughout our building. Mrs. Brand works diligently with both staff and students to ensure everyone’s needs are being met. Thank you, Mrs. Brand, for ‘Making It Happen’ at Liberty Elementary!”
Nate DeChaine, Science Teacher @ West High School
Students at West High School said the following about Mr. DeChaine, “He shows extreme pride and care in what he does. Mr. DeChaine is kind and easy to talk to if you have any questions or concerns. He also goes above and beyond when teaching.” Congratulations Mr. DeChaine!
Jonathan Denne, Instructional Assistant @ North Middle School
“Jonathan is truly committed to the students he supports. He works closely with teachers to foster the academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs of our students so that they can be successful in core and exploratory classes. While doing so, Jonathan always models a calm supportive demeanor for students. Congratulations, Jonathan!”