Monday Connection-Shout out Edition
K-3 Staff Weekly Newsletter - Week of 2/18/20
Memo from Mary and Todd
This edition is for the sole purpose of shout outs. I want to shout out to each of you for being truly the best staff ever. Never before have I seen a staff that works as hard, teaches so intently, and loves so deeply. I often (as in every day) ask what on earth I did to deserve this staff to lead beside. You are all amazing. As we gear up for our run to spring break, hear this and hear this well...you've got this! You are here, in this time, on purpose and for a purpose. You are brave, you are strong, you are kind, you can do all the hard things, you are loved, and you are never alone.
Shout Outs
Mrs. Lesko, for doing the most beautiful job preparing our NVCS kindergarteners for 1st grade next year. It is a privilege (and so much fun) to listen to her teach across the hall!
Kendra Pal for loaning me her electric heated gloves on my VERY cold driveline days! It was so incredibly kind & I was the envy of driveline! ;)
Nikki Houser, cuz she is so, so, so fiercely loved by this family.
Becky Clark for making smoothies for my class and giving up her free time for extra PE!
Stephanie Lynch for handling a ton of make-up work assignments during cold & flu season so quickly and with such grace!
Kate Williamson for showing me how to use a Keurig, hahaha.
Jessi Benshoof for giving me her last lumpia because that was really, really nice.
Mrs. Baker for her bedtime story!
From Gina:
A thoughtful hug and thanks to Ali for taking in my tea mug when we have recess duty together! :)
From Debbie:
To Ella RIce! She took the plunge and did some dirty work before 8am on the first Wednesday that we were without Mark!!! Thank you Ella!!
From Nikki:
The LOVE here is more than I could ever imagine. Shout out to so many for the words for encouragement, hugs and offers to help!
Also, to Ashley for covering my driveline several days, Jessi for setting up a Meal Train, Jessica for her calm demeanor and Autumn for occupying the girls after school. And Mary- your positivity and support is unparalleled. Thank you all!
From Megan:
Thank you Erin for re-typing and fixing ALL of our Oregon Trail field trip to make it parent friendly. That was a TON of work, and I truly appreciate it.
From Kelsey:
Shoutout to Jessi, Ashley, and Stephanie for helping out a dear friend, no questions asked, this week.
Shoutout to Officer Jalali for talking to some BGC parents who kept parking in the handicapped parking after seeing available non-handicapped parking during driveline! It made my day seeing them acting more considerately afterwards.
From Tona:
Tona Greco Feb 6, 2020, 9:20 AM (11 days ago)
to me
Jessi B. for helping a tiny friend learn how to write correctly in her pull out group.
All of the driveline staff who are patient with the teachers trying to learn a bit about the incredibly important job they do.
The teachers who take extra kids at driveline so the classroom teacher can go learn the driveline process.
Stephanie for keeping a straight face as her 1st graders taught Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Greco that Unicorns are real. They just didn't get on the boat (Noah's Ark) because they were having too much fun and they got washed away by the flood. Who knew???
The lunch room crew who handle those kids with kindness and grace. I don't know how you do it, but I'm so thankful you do!
Debbie for being a great secret keeper & delivery person...you know what I'm talking about!
This k-3 staff for pulling together everyday for kids and adults alike. I couldn't be more thankful for this family!
Mary, who understands fears and honors that the best way she can.
From Ella:
Sarah V and Anita D for the continual support with writing new READ plans
Anita and Jess for doing amazing work and having exceptional patience with a student from my class who needs a lot of extra one-on-one help.
From Ali:
Autumn for taking the time to write each students "growth mindset" phrase on their desk and giving them a visual reminder that you know they can do it, AND they know that they can do it too!
Savannah for looking out for each one of her kids to ensure they get the support they need. For knowing each of their individual strengths and areas of need. For conducting herself in such a professional manner with parents and conveying how loved and supported the kids are at NVCS.
From Sami:
Shout out to Will for really helping me feel like a good art teacher, he has been such a great mentor and is always willing to help give me advice.
From Ashley:
Shout out to Denise for having a hot dog & Pepsi lunch with me and a sweet girl who needed her school mommas. That child is lucky to have you in her life!
From Nicole:
Gina: For remaining calm and collected in a scary situation. You are such a loving and wonderful person.
Shelby: You are an amazing teacher and such a lovely person to work with every day. Your positive spirit is contagious.
Autumn: You are such a sweet and adorable teacher. Your students adore you and so do I. Thanks for being a fun and amazing person to work with.
Kristie: I'm so excited to see this sweet baby of yours. You are generous and loving teacher and I feel lucky to work with you everyday.
Jessi: Oh my goodness: can we say "amazing addition to the NVCS family"?!?! Wow, thank you for joining our team and bringing your infectious laugh and smile.
Robin: Can you please move to every grade that my daughter is in next year and every year after? You are such a warm and loving teacher, these kids feel like they are in their second home with their second Mom. They are so lucky to have you and so are we!
Megan: I love you more than words can say. You bring such levity and light to the day and our students are so lucky to have you.
Hannah: Sister, you make me laugh on the reg. Don't stop believing...hold on to that feeeeeeeling. Street lights...peopleeeeeeeee.
Nikki: Thank you. We adore you and your family and want you to know that we will do anything to support you. Also, you are the Battle of the Books rockstar. Thanks for leading our 3rd graders into 2nd place before the Grand Battle.
Becky: I feel so lucky that we are friends and that our kids are the best of friends. You are an amazing coach and I'm happy to do this work thing with you everyday!
Erin: You do ALL the things. Thanks for always have a fresh and fun idea and making our students days so exciting. My daughter knows her multiples because of you you. You are an amazing TA and Battle of the Books Coach. I heart you my friend.
Heather: Thank you for being the 2nd Mom for my baby in her Kindergarten year. You love our students everyday like they are at home with their parents. You rock!
Tona: BFF, thank you for making NVCS a place to learn everything...from letters, reading, manners to potty training. Is there anything you can't do? I U!
Jessica: I am glad to share the love of bees with you. I hope that you know how lucky we are to have such an amazing addition to the NVCS staff. Thank you for loving our kids.
Savannah: You are such a joy. Our kids are so lucky to have such a cool, calm and amazing Kindergarten teacher. Thank you for loving out kids.
Ella: Your positive spirit is so wonderful. Thank you for having a smile on your face and having the values of NVCS at heart. Teaching kindness is a great thing.
Ashley: Switzerland is a beautiful country and I am glad you embody it. Thank you for teaching our kids how to be kind and loving citizens. NVCS is lucky to have you! I U!
Brandy: I feel so lucky that my daughter had you in 1st grade, I couldn't have asked for a better experience for her. I am so glad that all of the students in your class get to experience the same thing! You are loved!
Kendra: Everytime I walk past your classroom I see your kids engaged and singing. Thank you for making your kids so happy and loved. You are a wonderful addition to NVCS.
Katherine: How lucky is my kid to have had you in 3rd grade...infinitely lucky. I am so happy that you joined the first grade team. Your students are so lucky to enjoy your humor and love.
Charlotte: YOU ARE AMAZING AND WE ALL LOVE YOU!
Stephanie: Whoa, Momma. You Rock! Thanks for taking care of all of our kids like they are your own. I U!
Rachel: Thank you for all you do with New Vision. Our kids are happy to be with you.
Summer: Thank you for helping NVCS. Our kids are so lucky to have you love on them.
Ali: NVCS couldn't have asked for a better counselor. We are all overjoyed to have you love and care for our kids.
Mary: Thank you for breeding positive and loving behavior. You are joy and love in human form. WE LOVE YOU!
Sami: You are the coolest and most chill art teacher. Thank you for loving our kids and being such a positive role model.
Aubrey: Thank you for loving the kids who need it the most. We are so lucky to have someone so knowledgeable in your position. We heart you!
Anita: Um, can we be best friends forever? You are such a joy to work with. Your humor lights up my day and you are an amazing teacher to our kids. Thank you!
Sara: Thank you for being so good at things that you have to do ALL the things. We couldn't have asked for a better person to do ALL the things. We love you!
Aaron: You are such a fun teacher to be around. We are so lucky to have you to document all the fun NVCS has. WE heart you!
Fran: The work you do is amazing. We heart you!
Will: We are so lucky to have such a knowledgeable and fun art teacher with us. Thank you for sharing your love and talent with our students.
Denise: You love our kids and we love you. Thank you for caring for our littles and adults. You make the day bright.
Debbie: We couldn't run NVCS without you. Your heart is big and loving. Thank you!
Melissa: Your humor makes my day. Thank you for teaching your youngest all the sass. I heart you!
Jessi Benshoof Feb 13, 2020, 1:35 PM (4 days ago)
to me
TO: Ali
FROM: Jessi
Thank you for always being there for our students and our staff. You’re the best <3
TO: Nikki
FROM: Jessi
You are brave, you are strong, you are courageous, you are beautiful, you are so loved!
TO: Steph
FROM: Jessi
Thank you for helping me with lunchroom duty while Mary conquered Mid-Year Reviews. You’re so amazing with these kiddos. I can learn a lot from you!
TO: Debbie and Nicole
FROM: Jessi
You two are like Superwomen!!! Is there anything you can’t do?! Thank you for everything you do for all of us!