Above and Beyond: helps train subs before they enter the classroom; always ready at a moment’s notice; never has she been upset but reaches out to help get any situation corrected
Extraordinary Leadership: sent trainees straight into a classroom that needs coverage; she is aware of what needs to be covered and encourages the new staff to jump right in; always looking out for teachers and students
Exceptional Contribution: advises subs (perm and regular) in that ways that benefit staff members and students
Appropriate Situational Response: she trouble shoots by checking alternative clocking methods when subs experience issues; she communicates with payroll and time approvers regarding these type of situations; she follows up with subs to help with anything else they may need regarding their time
Other: Barbara makes the transition from hiring to working smooth; never worry about Barbara working with the subs; she typically does all these things while subbing herself in the classrooms for teachers and aides
Kaye Hughes, Nominated by Teachers
Above and Beyond: goes above and beyond every day; several times a student may have thrown something away be accident and although not her job she will dig through the trash to try to find it; constantly sanitizing handrails and doorknobs to students and staff can stay healthy through this pandemic; sees something that needs to be done and just does it; not a single one of us that she does not love and we all know it; brightens everyone’s day; support, love, and care have strengthened me
Extraordinary Leadership: special bond with teachers and staff; builds relationships with all; constantly making cakes and sweet treats in hopes of boosting moral; children look up to her; amazing example of teamwork; great example for our students
Exceptional Contribution: always the first one here to make sure the lights are on the school is ready for students to arrive; on her feet all day trying to keep the school as clean and safe as possible; one of the most important people in our building; she is our family and we love and appreciate her
Appropriate Situational Awareness: never missed a beat during the pandemic; cares about everyone else’s safety rather than her own; most caring and loving person that I have ever had the privilege to work with; makes everyone’s day better; responses are timely and knowledgeable
Other: too often her job is thankless and unrecognized; works hard every day; one of the absolute best and we would be so lost without her
Shelly Pearce, Nominated by Teachers
Above and Beyond: so blessed to have as part of our custodial staff; so friendly with the students; when given a daily question about the student’s favorite part of the day, multiple students answer regarding Ms. Shelly and how much they enjoy being greeted in the mornings; goes above and beyond every day; many situations that happen in a school that most people would never want to mess with but she takes care of it with a smile on her face; her support, prayers, and encouragement have made such a difference for me
Appropriate Situational Awareness: when I hear the trash cans rolling down the hall right after lunch, I can always count on Ms. Shelly to take a moment to stop and ask how I am doing; evident she cares about each of us so much; understands the challenges of teachers and students right now; wants to make our day brighter and less stressful; responses are timely and knowledgeable
Exceptional Contribution: our 6th grade floor got an extra deep cleaning during our winter break, compliments of Ms. Shelly; valuable part of the team; amazing relationship with students and staff
Extraordinary Leadership: children look up to her; amazing example of teamwork; great example for our students
Other: works hard every day and want her to know how thankful I am that we have her at VMS; we recognize and appreciate her hard work and dedication; one of the absolute best
Faith Sanchez-Olivares, Nominated by Colleagues
Above and Beyond: went above and beyond searching for files; kind and cares about the students; she keeps everything organized in the guidance office; always ready and willing to help students, faculty, and staff
Exceptional Contribution: meticulously checks immunization records upon enrollment; contributes with her positive attitude; caring and compassionate to those in need; encourages all those whom come in contact with her to make the most of each day
Extraordinary Leadership: exhibits characteristics of a good leader; sincere enthusiasm and great communication skills
Other: invited me, knowing I was a science teacher, to come teach a science lesson to her class allowing me to contribute to my daughter’s class and help to inspire future scientist
Shari Shackelford, Nominated by a Colleague
Exceptional Contribution: constantly brings in supplies and things for the students; painted the spirit poles and mural in outdoor area; helps decorate the classroom and puts up inspirational posters in classroom and teacher restroom
Extraordinary Leadership: automatically took on the leadership role with other paraprofessionals in the classroom; if the teacher is out for any amount of time Shari takes over and makes sure everything runs smoothly
Appropriate Situational Response: no matter what is going on Shari keeps her cool; she can take control and do what needs to be done and directs others as well
Other: can’t imagine coming to school and Shari not being a part of the classroom; she is not just my right hand but my left hand too
