#Kudos go out to Ron Koch, head principal at Leeds Elementary School.
Dee Sturgeon said, "Ron is so supportive of the Special Olympics program. He's just not a parent of an athlete, he's a unified partner of the program. He does his best to make sure the group has everything ready to go for events. He and his wife Jennifer are number one fans in the Special Olympics stands and for that, I'm very grateful!"
#Kudos go out to Douglas Stewart, Transportation/Fleet Supervisor at O&M.
Elizabeth Buster said the following about Doug in his nomination, "Doug responded to a last-minute request promptly and professionally. Within minutes, seriously, minutes, Doug listened to my request, asked questions, assured me the request was attainable, and went to work making it happen. I value, appreciate, and applaud colleagues who are flexible, willing, and responsive to needs. Thank you for taking care of needs and assisting with a request to make things easier and accessible for staff, Doug, kudos to you!"
#Kudos go out to Johanna Sosa, a first-grade teacher at Irving Dual Language Elementary School.
Cecilia Ruelas said the following about Johanna in their nomination, "On several occasions and in more than one way I have witnessed Johanna go beyond what's taught in the classroom. She truly cares for the well-being of her students both in and out of the classroom. Kudos to you Sra. Sosa!"
#Kudos go out to Glenn Baker, a bus driver.
Sonya Collett said the following about Glenn in their nomination, "Glen has been taking us from West to Career Academy this year and I am always so impressed with his kindness and enthusiasm with our students. He greets every single student getting on the bus and talks to each one as they are leaving. You can tell how much the students respond to this and it definitely sets such an excellent example. Please know how much we appreciate you. Thank you for all you and your team do!"
#Kudos go out to Jadelynn Calvillo, an art teacher at Irving Dual Language Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Jadelynn in their nomination, "It is becoming increasingly apparent that our students are finding respite from Mrs. Calvillo's teaching. They are so eager to go to her classroom. She creates a wonderful place for students to learn, create, express, and find acceptance. Her students create fantastic quality artwork! She's amazing at Irving. Thank you, Mrs. Calvillo, for taking the lead!"
#Kudos go out to Trisha Vonk, a second-grade teacher at Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Trisha in their nomination, "Trisha Vonk is a veteran teacher. She is highly organized, has excellent classroom management, and makes strong connections with her students. She leads our social committee and PBIS committee with a positive attitude. She constantly strives to do the right thing for students, for coworkers, and for the good of the school. Thank you, Trisha!"
#Kudos go out to Sarah Van Wyhe, a kindergarten teacher at Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Sarah in their nomination, "Sarah is a patient and kind kindergarten teacher. She is a skilled teacher who makes good connections with coworkers, students, and parents. She also mentors student teachers. She also shares a cheerful 'hello' every day to staff and students."
#Kudos go out to Kim Smith, the Benefits Manager for the District.
A grateful colleague said the following about Kim in their nomination, "Kim sends relevant and highly engaging information about staff health and wellness and keeps us aware of national recognition days that are relevant to our work as educators. Kim is always courteous, kind, warm, and positive. She almost always has the information I need when I ask, but even when she doesn't have it she finds it and gets back to me quickly. She genuinely cares about our employees, and it shows in her work. She is very deserving of a shout-out!"
#Kudos go out to Katrina Reeder, a foundations coach at Clark Early Childhood Center.
A grateful colleague said the following about Katrina in their nomination, "Katrina has been a great addition to the foundation's support team this year. She is knowledgeable and supportive. She is positive and has great ideas. I am excited to continue my work with her!"
#Kudos go out to Whitney Wanderscheid a counselor at Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Whitney in their nomination, "Whitney is an invaluable resource at Loess Hills. She has high energy and a positive attitude. She works with groups of students and individual students to support their social and emotional needs. Whitney works with the fifth-grade class during lunch to create positive relationships. Additionally, she goes into classrooms and teaches lessons to students. She collaborates with administration to support students at their highest level."
#Kudos go out to the behavior techs in the Sioux City Community School District.
Miranda Galvin said the following about the behavior techs in their nomination, "Behavior techs are worth their weight in gold! They are able to support students when they need it most and support staff in being able to teach staff to be able to continue the great progress they have started."
#Kudos go out to Heather Hunwardsen, a transitional kindergarten teacher at Nodland Elementary School.
Jordan Hanna said the following about Heather in their nomination, "Heather is a very caring and positive teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. Heather does not seek recognition but is very deserving. Her students light up when they see her in the morning. She is an amazing colleague and friend. The Nodland staff and students are so very lucky to have her! Heather is a fantastic teacher who is always willing to learn and share. Keep being amazing!"
#Kudos go out to the West High School staff.
Dee Sturgeon said the following about the West High School staff in their nomination, "KUDOS to the West High Staff that made it possible for their Special Olympics athletes and unified partners attend the NAIA Volleyball Skills Clinic. The athletes and unified partners had a great time meeting new friends and learning some new skills. The smiles on their faces told the whole story!! West High ROCKS."
#Kudos go out to the staff in transportation and central kitchen.
Andrea Rysta said the following about the transportation and central kitchen staff in their nomination, "Thank you to everyone in the transportation and central kitchen departments! When Nodland and East High were forced to dismiss early due to a power outage, staff members stepped up and pulled together on short notice to make sure our students safety and needs were met. Central kitchen was right there to hand out sack lunches for our students to take home and the transportation department quickly rallied busses to make sure everyone made it home safetly! Although the day was hectic, the readiness and organization of these two departments made a huge difference!"
#Kudos go out to Mark Moos, a tutor at Liberty Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about the Mark in their nomination, "Mr. Moos is new to Liberty and has been a team player since day one. He has made so many connections with our students. Whenever I need a duty covered or any help, Mr. Moos is always one of the first to offer his help. So thankful for you!!"
#Kudos go out to Melissa Zeman, a paraeducator at Liberty Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about the Mark in their nomination, "We are so blessed to have Mrs. Zeman at Liberty. She is amazing with our students. Mrs. Zeman is always one of the first to respond when help is asked. Mrs. Zeman, you are amazing and everything you do doesn't go unnoticed."
#Kudos go out to Colin Brant, a paraeducator at Liberty Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Colin in their nomination, "Mr. Brandt is new to our school and has already made such a positive impact. Not only has he developed a relationship with his students but with so many other students in the building as well. Mr. Brandt has been an incredible help with first-grade lunch and recess duties. We couldn't do it without his awesomeness!!"
#Kudos go out to our Operations & Maintenance team.
A grateful colleague would like to thank our Operations & Maintenance team for all their work moving snow and preparing our facilities for staff and students to safely return to our buildings today!
#Kudos go out to Yvonne Paronto, an instructional assistant at West Middle School.
Dondi Hansen said the following about Yvonne Paronto in their nomination, "Even when short-staffed, Yvonne handles things with ease. When another office member became ill and was out for a couple of weeks, Yvonne picked up many of those duties on top of the work she was already doing. She handled all of this with grace and ease, never letting the pressure show. She is always dependable and helpful, full of knowledge, and ready to do anything needed to keep the office flow smooth. Aside from all this, she is wonderful with the students, remembers names, talks kindly, and jokes with them. Yvonne is the kind of person the students and staff rely on to set the tone for a positive day."
#Kudos go out to Missy Wheeler, a kindergarten teacher at Nodland Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Missy Wheeler in their nomination, "Missy goes above and beyond to serve students in her room. She makes students feel safe and loved. She develops positive connections and fosters a love for learning in her classroom. Students are so lucky to have her as a teacher!"