Drew Phelps, Budget Manager, West Support Center
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Drew has helped us all through the rollout of our new budget program. He has been kind, patient, responsive and helpful.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Drew has truly gone above and beyond to help very confused principals by walking us step by step through our budget processes, having group or individual meetings, and being open to walking us through the entire process.
Nominated by
Douglas County Feeder Principals
Drew Phelps, Budget Analyst, West Support Center
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Drew has consistently gone above and beyond supporting leaders throughout the transition to Questica. He is patient and knowledgeable and works to provide clarity in so many of the steps needed to understand all the nuances in Questica.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Drew has demonstrated an understanding of the complexities of change while supporting that change through his availability to support individuals, small groups, and large groups of leaders. Each person comes with different levels of understanding and different questions regarding budgetary needs. Drew takes the time to answer questions individually and in small groups. Additionally, he has worked to create supports and structures that are familiar as we bridge from one system to another. Thank you, Drew!
Nominated by
Jill Casas, Principal, South Ridge Elementary
Dennis O'Hara, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Denny is a reliable and steady presence in the Significant Support Needs room.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Denny is always cool under pressure, which in a Significant Support Needs room, is pretty much all the time! When the lead teacher was out for two weeks, Denny was invaluable in keeping the students front and center during this atypical time. However the chips fall, Denny can always be counted on to be all-in to help.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Priscilla Hunt, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Priscilla is very knowledgeable and capable of caring for our most vulnerable students.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Priscilla has demonstrated many times how she can switch from student to student and their different needs from academics to medical. When the lead teacher was out for two weeks, Priscilla was instrumental in helping her team handle the challenges that arose from that atypical situation. Her ability to work with any student makes her a true asset to her team.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Jessica Martinez, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Jess is amazing at working with students with challenging behaviors.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Jess came to this team with a wealth of experience working with students having behavior challenges. When the lead teacher was out for two weeks, a couple of the students were having trouble with the absence. Jess brought her experience to the team and helped get them through that rough patch.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Carolina Gonzalez, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Carolina is amazing with the students!
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Carolina came to Significant Support Needs by way of Affective Needs. She brings a background in behavior which has been an asset to the team. She is also bilingual and proves every day that she is a true treasure in the department. Carolina was rock steady during a challenging time when the lead teacher was out for two weeks. When there was a behavior spike in the class, Carolina could be counted on to do her part to defuse the situation.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Phillip Hall, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Phill is always up for a challenge!
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Phill has been a valuable addition to the Significant Support Needs Team. He can always be counted on to make sure students get to where they need to be and their academic responsibilities are taken care of. When needed, Phill is happy to help fill in and help the team be successful.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Rebecca Milne, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Rebecca is so knowledgeable!
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Rebecca came to the team after winter break but wasted no time fitting in like she'd been there all along. Rebecca has a background in significant support needs and that is such a rare gift in SPED. The team can rely on Rebecca to lend a hand wherever she's needed. We are so lucky to have her!
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Catherine MacInnes, Assistive Technology Team Assistant, Student Support Services, StateWide Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, West Support Center
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
If you looked up the word "Rock Star" in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Catherine. Catherine is the assistant for all of the assistive technology specialists for the district. She juggles all of our requests. It is almost like she thinks of things before we even do and it is already done. Catherine manages our equipment for students, which is a big job. She always has a smile on her face no matter the task asked of her. Every day we are so thankful that she decided to work with us.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Recently I have had a few schools with a couple of big requests for materials for students. Catherine's turnaround time was so fast! If it was on my list it would be at least a week or two out. I have had multiple schools that are so thankful to have Catherine make accessible materials and visual supports available for their students. Catherine may not know it, but she makes a difference in the lives of teachers and students daily!
Nominated by
Sara Rode, Assistive Technology Specialist, WSC, Student Support Services, SWAAAC
Denine Kysar, Administrative Assistant, Mesa Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Denine is always willing to jump in and help.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Thank you, Denine for jumping in at the last minute to help a neighboring school's office staff that was depleted due to illnesses.
Nominated by
Debbey Quintana, School Leadership
Cari Lazarony, Administrative Assistant, Renaissance Magnet Elementary
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Cari is always a friendly face, and willing to help out.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Cari answered the call to go to a neighboring school to help their depleted office staff when they were all out sick. Thank you!
Nominated by
Debbey Quintana, School Leadership
Erika Pope, Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Education, Pioneer Elementary
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Erika is a great leader on the preschool team! She is so dependable and always wants to lend a helping hand!! She is also so compassionate and thorough with her parents.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Erika has stepped up to serve as a licensing director for our team. It is a time-consuming role but she completes it with an easygoing personality.
Nominated by
Meg Lowrimore, Speech Language Pathologist, Early Childhood Education, Pioneer Elementary
Michelle Royer, Educational Assistant, Cloverleaf Enrichment School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Michelle helps with whatever is needed at Cloverleaf. She cares about all of the students and will help teachers with anything they may need. She also helps with the "kiss and go" drop-offs and pick-ups. She takes care of lunch duty and recess for the students. She helps me set up and take down equipment for PE. Michelle will come into the classes and help with the students on top of her other duties. She helps me with K-2 PE classes. She also helps with the Kindergarten class throughout the day when needed. She is kind, compassionate, and caring to students, teachers, and parents.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
When I found out I would have to go on medical leave during the first semester, I asked her if she would teach PE. She went above and beyond and got her sub-license to be a long-term sub for me. Michelle did an amazing job teaching PE and had a great connection with the students. She is back now as the educational assistant and makes such a difference for our Cloverleaf Community and is very loved by everyone. We all appreciate everything she does!
Nominated by
Beth Cushman, PE Teacher, Cloverleaf Enrichment School