Amber Grey of Pflugerville Elementary School (via Anonymous Mom & Dad ): Ms. Grey has built a positive foundation for my daughter. In her first year of school, she wants to be at school, in class, and learning every day. She wants to attend every afterschool event. When we do she finds her friends from Ms. Grey's class. We have new neighborhood friends from Ms. Grey's class. My child has had academic success in Ms. Grey's class. Thank you, Ms. Grey!
Sue Benyo of Athletics (via Anonymous): Sue is always working to help the Athletic Department find a way to balance their budget. She is a wizard with a calculator!
Andre Underwood of Kelly Lane Middle School (via Karen M.): He is absolutely amazing. He truly cares about his students and wants what’s best for them. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and 7th-grade principal for my daughter.
Kerim Peirce of Kelly Lane Middle School (via Karen M.): Mr. Peirce is genuinely concerned about the well-being of his students and he cares deeply about their mental health and how they’re feeling. He’s absolutely amazing.
Ms. Shannon of Bus Driver for Rowe Lane Elementary (via Rachael S.): We are so lucky to have Ms. Shannon as a bus driver. Her kind spirit makes the bus ride fun and safe for all the kids. She greets each kid by name and makes sure they all get home safely. She genuinely cares about our kids and they absolutely adore her.
Amanda Deaton of Murchison Elem - Music (via Paula P.): This year, we have had our 5th grader and our 1st grader perform in their grade-level music program. Ms. Deaton puts a lot of time and care into crafting the programs and getting the kids prepared and excited! They talk about it for weeks leading up to the performance date and are so proud of the final product. Ms. Deaton deserves a round of applause for getting full grade levels organized and in sync.
Kaila Anthony of Kelly Lane Middle School (via Karen M.): Kaila has made a significant impact on my daughter. She has encouraged my daughter and given her praises when she needed them and Coach Kaila had no clue how much of an impact she has made on my daughter.
Front Office Staff of Murchison Elementary (via Anonymous Mustang Mom): The Murchison front office ladies are amazing! Every one of them is welcoming to students, parents, teachers, substitutes, etc. They are always smiling, always helpful, always kind, always thankful, and so much more. Thank you ladies for always being such welcoming figures! Not to mention all of the behind-the-scenes things you do that the rest of us don’t see!! You’re appreciated!
Specials Teachers/Principals/Counselor/Librarian of Murchison Elementary (via Anonymous Mustang Mom): This group of ladies, who interact with our entire campus in one way or another, know every student in that building. They say hello to them by name, they know their personalities, their strengths, their needs, their siblings…
All of them treat each kiddo is an individual! That’s special!! Thank You.
Mr. Clayton, Ms. Henry, Ms. Arguello, and Ms. Roberts of Pflugerville Middle School (via anonymous): All of these adults take the time and effort to make sure that my child feels safe at her school. They immediately respond to my email concerns and follow up with me in a timely manner. The principal, counselor, special education coordinator, and assistant principal have a great handle on the needs of not just my student, but all of the students in the school. Thank you for your love and respect of our kiddos!
Mrs. Fisher of Brookhollow Elementary-teacher (via Charles): Mrs. Fisher is an awesome 1st grade teacher that truly embraces education to be fun and engaging with all of her students. She gets into each child's world that brings out the best in each child's strengths. Our son has come a long way in seeing school as fun and a safe place to learn. This has since empowered him to feel confident in his abilities to learn new material and actually excited about it! Thank you for helping our son catch up from pandemic obstacles that has pushed him to be successful for future success in school. Thank you for your dedication and hard work that you give to our students! So without hesitation Mrs. Fisher deserves all the accolades!
Jillian Rock, Jocelyn Breda and Jesus Galvan of Parmer Ln Elementary (via Veronica): I want to thank the 4th grade team for all the support and motivation they give my son Axel and all the students in general, they interact with the students in a way that makes them feel motivated and safe in their class. They are gentle and kind and are committed to helping children learn in a fun and modern way without neglecting the seriousness and responsibility that comes with it. Thank you 4th grade team.
Shelly Carr of Riojas (via Ms. Williams ): Ms. Carr is an outstanding teacher with patience for the little ones. Since my son has started at a new school he had to readjust and Ms.Carr has shown my son nothing but love, passion and the willingness for him to continue grow and learn.
Claudia Escalera and Susie Pugh of Dearing Elementary (via Maria G.): I would like to give lots of kudos to Ms. Claudia Escalera and Ms. Susie Pugh in the Special Education Department at Dearing Elementary. The attention they provide for my son is phenomenal. They are not just educators who pick up a monthly check. They actually care for my son and take care of his needs. Every day I am reminded of this at pickup with their daily communication of his day. We are so appreciative and would like for them to be recognized! THANK YOU!
Jonathon Gartmann of Park Crest (via Anonymous): Mr. Gartmann consistently provides a safe space for students to succeed. Both in the classroom and every afternoon after school students can be found practicing for demo team, black belt club, etc. He has created an environment where students support each other, encourage each other even though they actively compete against each other. I have witnessed my student grow in confidence, self-esteem, strength, and character over their time in Kickstart. I cannot thank Mr. Gartmann enough. And after seeing him this weekend at regionals with his students, and the way he supports them through EVERYTHING, I cannot say enough good things about him. He is an amazing educator who has inspired and encouraged so many students. There is a reason the program at Park Crest is so successful and it is 100% due to the environment and culture he has created with his students. I’m not sure he hears it enough. Thank you, Mr. Gartmann for all that you do for our kids.
Abbie Flax of Murchison Elementary (via Jessica G.): Ms. Flax does a wonderful job making learning fun! She creates fun and exciting ways to engage in learning so the kids don’t even realize they are learning they are having so much fun (I.e. glow day.) I appreciate her creativity and continuing to prepare the kids for the next grade.
Mrs. Minerva Singletary of Mott Elementary (via Jayme N.): Was my son’s teacher last year and still goes out of her way to say hi, greet him with a smile, and connect with him whenever she sees him or he visits her.
Jamie Caddell of Library at Delco ES (via Mrs. Franco): Ms. Caddell, thank youyou’re your thoughtfulness, and also for helping all our students with kindness and so much diligence!
Lisa Pasholk, Corey Soto, Scott Ford, Max Schoolar, Jeremy Watson of Hendrickson (via Anonymous): In celebration of Assistant Principal week, I want to give a big shout out the the best of the best. Each one of them contributes so much to the well being of our school. They roll up their sleeves and work hard to make sure students and staff are taken care of each day. Thank you all so much for making Hendrickson a great place to come to work.
Lisa Nguyen of Murchison Elementary (via Sridevi V): Ms. Nguyen goes above and beyond for her students. She trained her students exceptionally for Math Pentathlon. Almost all students won at least one game during the pentathlon event. She has innovative ideas in her teaching, so kids get excited about school daily. I’m just so thankful our son has her as his teacher.
Mrs. Singletary of 3rd-grade teacher, Mott Elementary (via Elizabeth F.): Mrs. Singletary has been such a collaborative partner throughout the school year. She goes above and beyond to support the students in her classroom and genuinely cares about each one. She is always open to options and feedback and advocates for her students. We are so thankful for all of the work you do to help your students succeed. Thank you isn't enough!
Jeff Hughes of Riojas Elementary School PE coach (via Brittany C.): He always goes above and beyond for all the kids and takes time away from his family to plan and set up great activities to keep our kids active. He is by far the best coach we have ever met. We are so grateful our kids have had the opportunity to have him teach them so many different sports and learn to love being active.
Nikki Herring of Riojas Elementary (via Amanda H.): She is an exemplary teacher who truly gives her all to teaching. She goes above and beyond to help her class love being at school and be successful students. Throughout the year, she has continually found ways to make the kids excited about what they’re learning. She communicates with parents regularly and is always willing to listen and help resolve any concerns that arise. She has a positive personality and always has a smile on her face. She has made a huge difference for my child this year. Thanks for all you do Mrs. Herring!
Misty Hagerman of Riojas Elementary (via Amanda H.): Mrs. Hagerman genuinely loves and cares about her students. She devotes herself to getting to know her students and helping them as much as possible, even if she’s only known them for a short amount of time. She puts her whole heart into her job and makes a huge difference in the lives of so many children.
Stephanie Sloan of Riojas Elementary (via Lauren W.): Ms. Sloan is always making 2nd grade fun. She provides lots of fun incentives such as her dressing up in a banana costume and having to sniff the kids' stinky feet after recess! And when they have a hard day, she's always there to support them. Thank you for being an excellent teacher!
Jennifer Guerra of Riojas Elementary (via Lauren W.): Ms. Guerra brings out the best in her students. My middle son has always been on his own timeline and his own agenda. He never really liked schoolwork and learning. Now he is begging me to take him to get more Jack and Annie books or Dog Man books. She pulled that out of him! She sees his strengths and helps him with his weaknesses. You know you're a good teacher when my son cries because he is worried a sub will be there instead of you. Thank you for being a great teacher!
Ms. S, Ms. Horton, Ms. Jojo, Ms. Korte, and Ms. Hodges (sub) of Riojas Elementary (via Lauren W.): This group of ladies has the biggest hearts! Many of them had my middle son and now they have my youngest. They are always there to comfort criers, patch up injuries and hug a kid who misses mom. And besides that, my son learns so much in that class! He saw my Coke can and said, "Mom I know what shape that is. It's a cylinder." He got a box of gifts for Easter, but it didn't say Easter on it so he asked me how to spell "Easter" and wrote it on the box so no one would open it until then. Not everyone can work with these tiniest learners, but you ladies are ROCKING IT! Thank you for being you! :)
Jonathan Gartmann of Kickstart-PCMS (via Melody R.): Mr. Gartmann inspires his students to do their best every day in learning new skills and developing the character traits that are the cornerstone to the Kickstart program - discipline, responsibility, kindness, respect, courage, dedication, honesty, and loyalty. He devotes many hours after school every day to the beginner, intermediate, and advanced demo teams along with the Black Belt Club. His choreography and level of difficulty really give the students great goals to strive for and they receive such a sense of pride and accomplishment as both an individual and as a team. The Kickstart is such an amazing opportunity to inspire students to be active and achieve their best in all their classes.
Melissa Shannon of Science-PCMS (via Melody R.): Ms. Shannon excels at making science accessible and interesting to her students and inspires them to want to know more.
Kenna Impson, Michael Hill, Steven Ray and Devon Guthrie of Mott Elementary (via Lauren K.): I want to shout out the admin staff at Mott Elementary (Kenna Impson, Michael Hill, Steven Ray and Devon Guthrie). This team keeps everything moving and has been immensely helpful to me over the last two years, as a new parent in the district. They can answer any question and know how to get everything done. Thank you for all that you do!!
