2012-2013
The Extra Special Support Staff honored during the 2012-2013 school year.
Patricia Cannon - May ESP
The district congratulates Patricia Cannon, the May Extra Special Support Staff Person!
Patricia is a day custodian at Woodriver Elementary and is known for creating a safe and cheerful atmosphere throughout the school. She not only maintains the facility in an expert manner but also communicates warmly with everyone who enters the doors of the school – from students, to teachers, to families, to staff.
“Patricia makes great things happen every day in our school,” said Woodriver Elementary Principal Grant Guy. “She does her job so well that it is easy to forget not only how much work she does on a daily basis, but also how important that work is.”
Thank you, Patricia for creating sparkling school days in the Wolf Pup community.
Rebecca Kegley - April ESP
Congratulations to Rebecca Kegley, the April Extra Special Support Staff Person! Currently, Rebecca is a teacher assistant at Barnette Magnet School but she has been an active member of the school community for the last five years in many roles including volunteer, tutor, substitute teacher and all-around inspiration to her colleagues and students.
Rebecca has a diverse and lively influence on the school. She introduced students to the creative profession of fashion design in her exploratory classes, provided enthusiastic support to the running and robotics clubs and developed successful intervention programs for students in need of additional support.
“She squeezes eight hours of work into four and is truly a gift to our students, staff, and school,” said Barnette Magnet Teacher Colleen Smith.
Thank you, Rebecca for your outstanding service to our students.
Ed Irish - March ESP
The district congratulates Special Education Extended Resource Aide Ed Irish, the March Extra Special Support Staff Person!
At Lathrop High School, Ed makes a positive impression on both his students and colleagues daily. As a special education extended resource aide, Ed is known for his superb communication skills and his ability to collaborate successfully with fellow staff members and other service providers. District staff members also appreciate his creativity, patience and calm demeanor – even in challenging circumstances.
“Ed is consistently concerned for students and their achievement and works diligently each day to maximize student learning,” said Special Education Teacher Leah Sansone.
Thank you, Ed for your dedication to a job well done.
Leslie Fitzgerald - February ESP
Congratulations to Technology Materials Development Specialist, Leslie Fitzgerald! Leslie is the February Extra Special Support Staff Person.
Many staff members are familiar with Leslie – whether by her voice over the phone or in person at the administrative center – as a superb and constant source for technical expertise on a wide variety of subjects. She provides training and support to teachers and staff on various applications, web page content and development, and manages thousands of mobile device app orders.
“She is the wizard behind the curtain,” says Curriculum Coordinator Kathy Port. Leslie supports staff in various departments not only with her technical knowledge but also with her positive disposition.
“Leslie has astute interpersonal communication skills and is able to effectively work with a wide range of personalities with minimal effort,” adds Director of Community and Public Relations Bill Bailey. “She exemplifies exceptional customer service with a high degree of professionalism one could only hope to encounter when trouble shooting a problem.”
Thank you, Leslie for solving problems and being an Extra Special Person.
Dennis Ferraro – December ESP
Dennis Ferraro keeps the district connected. Dennis is a maintenance mechanic in the Facilities Management department and is the December Extra Special Support Staff Person.
Dennis oversees a variety of technical equipment throughout the schools and district buildings and is known for his thorough knowledge of complex systems as well as his ability to solve problems swiftly. His fellow staff members also appreciate his cheerful and approachable manner.
“You tell him a need…he makes it happen,” said North Pole Middle School Counselor Maggie Sampson. “He is an incredible asset to our school and district.”
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to a job well done, Dennis.
Michelle Wilken - November ESP
Everyone who passes through the doors at Hunter Elementary knows where to go and what to do thanks to the watchful eye of Michelle Wilken. Michelle is the administrative secretary at Hunter and is the November 2012 Extra Special Support Staff Person.
Michelle oversees a complex operation at Hunter. She organizes and manages materials and supply orders and also directs the daily traffic of students, substitutes, visitors and volunteers. Michelle’s colleagues describe her as attentive, organized and graceful in any situation.
“Michelle does a lot to make our school hum,” said Hunter Principal Jeff Mann. “She is a compassionate listener, an exemplary employee and an advocate for the well being of all of our students.”
Congratulations, Michelle and thank you for all that you do for our students and staff.
Mark Roper - October ESP
The facilities are always ready for business at North Pole High School thanks to the work of Mark Roper and the dedicated custodial staff at North Pole High. Mark is a custodian and the October 2012 Extra Special Support Staff Person.
Mark is known for his positive attitude and his ability to anticipate the needs of others and the school. Recently, Mark coordinated the facilities for an overnight stay of 158 students. The event not only ran smoothly but the building was ready for normal school business the following Monday morning.
“I’m not sure what inspires Mark to bring his ‘A game’ every day - but he does,” said Principal Bridget Lewis. “He is dedicated to having the best facility possible for our kids, our staff, and our parents.”
Thank you, Mark for making a difference every day.
Sonya Hansen - September ESP
Congratulations to Sonya Hansen, September ESP!
Sonya is a Behavior Intervention Specialist at Pearl Creek Elementary and is known throughout the school as a dedicated professional who is always prepared to respond to a variety of situations. Sonya consistently supports teachers and staff by swiftly addressing student behavior issues and modeling positive behavior to all around her. Teachers and fellow staff members also praise her diplomatic and graceful communication with parents as well as her classes in which she focuses on character traits that contribute to success in school and life.
“Sonya has made a critical difference in the lives of our students,” said Extended Learning Program Teacher, Gary Hinzman. “Her determination never waivers.”
Thank you, Sonya, for the work that you do for Pearl Creek students that benefits them now and in the future.
