November 20 – RISE Nominations
“Between helping kindergartners adjust to this new world of all day school, oversized classes, language barriers, and behavioral/learning challenges students… I don’t know how Ms. Hanna shows up everyday. When I asked her about it she said, “these kids can excel if challenged, and I get to be part of that.” All while smiling. She has a firm control over class while providing all the whimsical fun necessary to engage kindergartners. She not only gives her whole heart (and her own money in supplies) into her classroom, but she even shows up to their extracurricular activities. She should win.”
Nominated by: Lacey Johnson, parent
“My family has been with Alpine Online since 2014. Julie Burnside has been the teacher for three of my kids. She has always been very supportive and helpful. She is always readily available any time my kids have needed help with questions they have on their lessons. She encourages them to keep moving forward.“
Nominated by: Heidi Woolsey, parent
“Mr. Blevins is enthusiastic and happy. Students in his class and the hallways can’t help but feel that excitement as Mr. Blevins brightens their day by saying hello. He diligently identifies essential standards and ensures each student learns them. As a wrestling coach, he is always recruiting and working to build the team. He is a huge asset to our community. It is a privilege for me to learn from and work with Mr. Blevins.“
Nominated by: Jordan Blanchard, district employee
“Blevins is amazing! He has helped me learn so much about wrestling and is just amazing! He always helps everyone and is amazing.”
Nominated by: Miley McDonald, student
“Chad Blevins is an unstoppable force for good, he can rally us easily, and he loves all of the wrestlers.”
Nominated by: Asher Keith, student
“Coach Blevins is an outstanding and inspiring educator. He reaches out to all students of the school with a positive attitude even when they arent his actual students. He puts in a lot of time to support both our girls and boys wrestling team.”
Nominated by: Marley Waterman, student
“Mr. Blevins has an incredible talent for connecting with students. His way of communicating ensures the students feel great about themselves. His extra time and devotion is unmatched in my experience. Chad is literally a great human!”
Nominated by: Joseph Johnson, parent
“Chad Blevins is my wrestling coach and has changed my life in astounding ways. From how much I care about grades to how I treat my family and respect my parents. Coach Blevins cares about each and every student and is a great man.”
Nominated by: Benson Terry, student
“Chad Blevins is a great example of being a coach, administrator and friend. He’s idealistic in his service, but gets his job done. Blevins has a way of being on good terms with everyone and never over stepping his boundaries.”
Nominated by: Kevin Hawley, student
“Ms. Zollinger is a one-in-career inspiration. Every second that I have been around her has made me feel supported, empowered and enthusiastic. I have never seen her have a moment where she is not present. She is exceptional in every way and is the ideal model of what an administrator can be.“
Nominated by: Sarah Stacey, district employee
“Mrs. Jones has a great set up in her classroom. I was very pleased to see at the meet and greet that she had all the materials for each student in their own desks. She’s also very communicative with parents, leaves homework for the kids, and has a classroom site where we us parents can see what our kids are learning. By far, the best teacher my son has had.”
Nominated by: Gigi Gazani, parent
“Mrs. Azevedo is amazing! She truly cares deeply for her students, and will go above and beyond for them. She is very compassionate and makes sure her students feel safe and welcome in her class room. My child had Mrs. Azevedo last year for second grade and she has made a lasting impression on him. We just love her so much!“
Nominated by: Whitney Alvarez, parent
“Mrs. Taylor is so considerate toward each child in her classroom. She takes into consideration their specific needs and helps each to achieve success not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Her kind demeanor and understanding personality make each child and parent feel important and valued. We are so grateful for Mrs. Taylor and teachers like her all around the state who truly care. Thank you!“
Nominated by: Jessica Staheli, parent
“Barbara has recently joined our 3rd grade team and has quickly proven to be a valuable asset. Her proactive approach and dedication make her an excellent addition. Barbara’s hard work and determination are evident in every task she undertakes, showing a go-getter attitude that inspires those around her. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to make.”
Nominated by: Colleen Guerrero, district employee
“Amy is an amazing teacher. I see her going above and beyond the required duties. She works hard. She is kind to her fellow employees. She loves her students. She is so good with them. I notice her staying late and always trying to improve herself and her teaching practices. She is doing a great job at Mountain Trails Elementary.“
Nominated by: Chelsea Ottoson, district employee
“Miss Gear is always communicating to us what’s needed. She’s very patient when I drop my child off a little late or pick up late. She wants my child to come to school. Her and her staff in the preschool are amazing people.“
Nominated by: Losili Vanisi, parent
“My daughter was in Ms. Galbraith’s classroom last year and I was a volunteer weekly. I saw her do amazing things for some little students that arrived with intensely negative attitudes about school and structure. I saw her turn these “difficult” kids around…slowly but surely. Where I threw my hands in the air and thought, “Whew! no idea how to work with that particular attitude today!,” she just corrected with love and firmness and consistency and gave such calm reactions to their misbehavior. Within a few months, these kids were on task and thriving and progressing. She’s really gifted.“
Nominated by: Lynette L. Cicon, parent
“Shannon is one of the most amazing people I know. She not only is an amazing teacher, but she is just a freaking amazing human as well…… she makes work not seem like work. She is more than willing to give you the shirt off her back than see anyone go without. She has the most amazing ideas and is so smart. Shannon has been through a lot the past few years and I just want her to know that she is amazing, kind, smart, funny and the best “schiend” anyone could ever ask for, love you Ms. Shammon.“
Nominated by: Jenny Ross, district employee
“Mrs. Fredrickson is constantly helping the teachers and students at Windsor. She organizes and runs all of our interventions here. She helps with reading groups and participates in collaborations. Mrs. Fredrickson knows the students here at Windsor and celebrates their successes. They know she believes in them and they rise to the occasion because of it. She is a stellar educator and we are so lucky to have her here at Windsor.“
Nominated by: Melissa Burk, district employee
“We love when our daughter has a teacher that loves and cares for her as much as we do. We want school to be a fun and comfortable place for her to learn and not feel judged or pressured. And Amanda Brown makes our daughter feel confident and loved while learning.“
Nominated by: Bryn Aumua, parent
“Ms. Nielsen loves her job and always does what is best for the kids. They are always her priority. She instills that same attitude in these who work with her in the kitchen. To always to your best, but laugh along with us if we make mistakes. She gets right in there with the rest of us to make things happen. She makes Trailside kitchen a place where you want to be❤️“
Nominated by: Victoria Amos, district employee
“Kari is always going the extra mile. She genuinely cares about each individual student. She wants to see each child succeed. She constantly goes out of her way to focus on what could help each student and their different strengths and weaknesses. She doesn’t just teach because it is her job. She has a love for seeing kids become more confident and love learning. She is kind, patient and laughs easily to lighten situations. She truly is amazing and has made an impact on the lives of her students.“
Nominated by: Amy Hess, parent
“Ms. Yocom has established an Esports club and activities that give many at the school a place to fill success and friendship. She selflessly gives of her time and efforts in order to make a great atmosphere for those students that sometimes struggle to fit in.“
Nominated by: Ryan Schow, parent
“I think Mr. Young deserves the RISE Award because he is the most kind helpful teacher. When I had him if you had a hard time on a math question he would try his best to help everyone. He wanted to make sure everyone was on the same track with learning.“
Nominated by: Chase Kammeyer, student
“Ms. Southam taught two of my children. One of my kids hated school. She helped him to enjoy and have a great 6th grade year. My daughter had a wonderful experience also and loves to go back and visit her. She helped them to prepare for middle school and to enjoy learning. I am thankful for her dedication and hard work to help her classes have a good experience and to have fun while learning.“
Nominated by: Tanya Moir, parent
“Nicole is always quick to respond, cheerfully greets us, and listens to any concerns we have. She has helped my daughter work various music classes into her schedule; music is a passion of my daughter’s, and she works very hard at it. It is so encouraging to have counselors/administrators/teachers who help your child reach their educational potential.“
Nominated by: Laura Johnston, parent
“Nikki King is the Resource teacher at Freedom Elementary School. My daughter has a severe reading disability and currently goes to Mrs. King’s classroom twice a day. Mrs. King shows exemplary patience and kindness working with her. Her classroom is my daughter’s safe space. She has been working with my daughter for some years now, and has been a mentor and friend to her. Mrs. King makes my daughter feel smart, that she can do hard things, and to keep trying and keep going. This makes my mother heart fill with appreciation and thankfulness for Mrs. King.“
Nominated by: Anjanette Butler, parent
“Mrs. Hall serves so many both in her classroom and outside her classroom. She makes sure that parents are informed of resources that are available to help both their students and their families. She goes above and beyond in everything she does and makes her classroom a place of fun and learning for everyone. I wish that everyone could have a teacher like Mrs. Hall for their student. She truly cares for every student and wants them to succeed! She is one of the best teachers that I have ever met!“
Nominated by: Kat Bleyl, parent
“Mrs. Roden has been one of the most amazing counselors we have ever met. She is empathetic & compassionate and we’ve seen that firsthand with all 3 of our children who have now gone to or through Lake Mountain. Middle school is a terrifying, difficult time for kids as they figure themselves out, making new friends, losing friends, and figuring out where they fit, and Mrs. Roden has made this adjustment so much smoother and better for our kids and so many kids in our community.“
Nominated by: Danny & Kelly Horne, parents
“I am nominating Ashley Becar for her constant dedication to her students! My son has been having a hard time adjusting to kindergarten, and Ashley has worked tirelessly to help him get used to the classroom. She is constantly brainstorming ideas that can help him be his most successful self. I am able to feel that he is well cared for and loved, because I know he is with Ashley. She has outstanding communication with her families and engaging lessons for the students each day. I feel so grateful that Ashley gets to be a part of my son’s story.“
Nominated by: Shantel Bradshaw, parent
“My son absolutely loves Mrs. Guerrero! He has not complained once about waking up to go to school, in fact he wakes up early most mornings excited for the day! She has made him feel so comfortable and confident in class. He comes home every day proud of what he accomplished at school and excited to tell me all about it. I am so grateful that he gets to learn with her this year!“
Nominated by: Shantel Bradshaw, parent
“Priscila Prestes is one of the best Portuguese teachers I know. She is so kind and warm hearted, and she cares about all of her students. Prestes treats us like family, and she really feels like our family too. She is from the south of Brazil, and my mom is also from there, so they really connect with one another. Priscila Prestes doesn’t hesitate to be strict with someone, even if it’s her daughter or any other student in the class. She is very funny, and I love having her as my teacher. Priscila Prestes definitely deserves the Rise Award this year!“
Nominated by: Milena Rieger House, student
“Bertha is new at Windsor this year. She has been a great addition here. She is friendly with the families, students, and staff. She has been willing to work hard and learn new things with her job. She is always happy and isn’t afraid to ask for help. Bertha always treats the students with kindness and helps them feel welcome here at the school.“
Nominated by: Melissa Burk, district employee
“Jenny is a rockstar! She loves Windsor and all of the students. She is constantly talking to students and checking in with them. Our students know that Jenny believes in them and wants them to do their best. Each year she takes the time to go and visit all the classrooms to read them a story. She loves being in the classrooms and interacting with the kids. Windsor is lucky to have such an amazing principal.“
Nominated by: Melissa Burk, district employee
“Mrs Menssen is an incredible teacher. She loves her students and inspires them to do their very best. Mrs. Menssen makes learning fun. She coordinates the Excellent Eagles program at Alpine Elementary and continues to encourage my child, who is no longer her current student, to achieve academic excellence. We are blessed that she is a teacher at Alpine!“
Nominated by: Hang Turner, parent
