Kudos go out to Sam Mogensen, a special education teacher at North Middle School.
April Alcala said the following about Sam in their nomination, "I appreciate the way Mr. Mogensen goes above and beyond for his students. He takes the time to make sure his students are not only excelling academically, but socially as well. Anytime I have questions or concerns with things regarding my son, he not only takes the time to listen but makes it his priority to follow up and make any changes necessary to better the situation. He genuinely cares for his students and wants them to succeed in anyway possible."
Kudos go out to Melanie Ohrtman, a Title teacher at Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Melanie in their nomination, "Melanie is committed to her job and diligently works to support students. She constantly tries to improve her practice and learn from others. She is also an asset to the Positive Behavior in Supports (PBIS) team and the building's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team. Melanie is positive, collaborative and supportive. She communicates well with others and is liked by all. Kudos, Melanie!"
Kudos go out to Mark Vogel, a teacher at North High School.
Alisha Jelken said the following about Mark in their nomination, "Mr. Vogel is the greatest colleague and teacher! We are so lucky to have him at North High. He truly cares about every kid on his case load. He even goes above and beyond in his classroom and for his athletes on the field that he coaches. He is always positive and the best person to be around. I am honored to work with him!"
Kudos go out to Kristin Gray, World Language Coordinator, and Jess Fielding, ELD Specialist and Assessment Coordinator.
A grateful colleague said the following about Kristin and Jess in their nomination, "Kristin and Jess work tirelessly for the Sioux City Community Schools ESL population. They test every new ESL student who comes into the district, work with teachers one on one to provide guidance on how to best serve the ESL population, attend trainings on upcoming trends, and advocate for a large population of students in our district. They are always looking for new strategies to use with their students in class and the ESL students they serve. I appreciate all they do for teachers and students and want to say a very loud thank you!!"
Kudos go out to Kristin Schoenherr, an instructional assistant in LIFE Academy at the Educational Service Center building.
A few grateful colleagues said the following about Kristin in their nomination, "Kristin is always hands on with the LIFE Academy Students. It is evident she enjoys her job. The positive attitudes our students have is a refection of Kristin's positive attitude and hands on attention with them. It is noticeable that the students appreciate her."
Kudos go out to Danielle Castaneda, an instructional coach at Clark Early Childhood Center.
Amber Ankrum said the following about Danielle in their nomination, "Danielle is so kind and is able to find the positive in any situation. She has continuously helped me out throughout my first year with the district and I can't thank her enough. She also has come to help my students with her creative thinking to meet their needs. Kudos, Danielle!"
Kudos go out to Ruthan Moos a special education teacher at Liberty Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Ruthan in their nomination, "Ruthan is a compassionate and caring educator. She goes above and beyond to serve students. She is quick to be a problem solver and is always willing to help. She is innovative, relentless, and driven. She makes it her personal mission to enhance the lives of students. She is amazing!"
Kudos go out to Linda Luc a building office assistant at Unity Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Linda in their nomination, "Linda is great with the families that come through Unity's door every day. Linda goes above and beyond to ensure everything at Unity goes smoothly throughout the day. Linda is a team player and gets the job done without hesitation. I love working with Linda every day. Kudos!"
Kudos go out to Preston Fischer, an assistant principal at Spalding Park Environmental Sciences Elementary School.
A grateful paraeducator said the following about Preston in their nomination, "Mr. Fischer takes time for every student and makes them feel heard. He helps with everything from daily assignments to kids emotional needs whenever asked and able. He makes sure his teachers and staff feel heard and appreciated. He is an essential part of our building, and makes everyone’s day a little better."
Kudos go out to Karley Bales, a Compass Academy teacher at Leeds Elementary School.
Jason Sanders said the following about Karley in their nomination, "She is an amazing teacher who goes above and beyond for her kids. This is a very specialized field and she knocks it out of the park! Kudos, Karley!”
Kudos go out to Brandon Mojica, a secretary at North High School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Brandon in their nomination, "Mr. M has made a huge impact in this school. He is very welcoming and supportive of everyone. He has really taken the drama club to the next level and is making it a loving and accepting place for all."
Kudos go out to Kim Krotz, a principal at Morningside STEM Elementary School.
Darla Slater-VanderWeil said the following about Kim in their nomination, "I needed to leave right after dismissal for a family emergency and Kim came to my rescue when I became trapped in the parking lot by parent pick-up cars! She directed traffic, backed some up, and stopped others so I could get out quickly. It seemed like a simple thing, but it was so appreciated! It reminded me how much the climate at Morningside STEM really embodies family."
Kudos go out to Greg Anderson, an English and language arts teacher at North High School.
A grateful student said the following about Greg in their nomination, "Mr. Anderson has been a very supportive and understanding teacher. He has helped not only me, but other students achieve success in our class. I appreciate his patience and engagement with other students."
Kudos go out to Lanaya Harringa, a special education teacher at Bryant Elementary School.
Katie Johnson said the following about Lanaya in their nomination, "Mrs. Harringa goes above and beyond for my daughter and ensures that she’s not only meeting her full potential but also receiving all the support she needs. We are so thankful for all the hard work Mrs. Harringa does and how much she genuinely loves her students."
Kudos go out to Amber Holmes and Megan Christiansen, special education paraprofessionals at Unity Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Amber and Megan in their nomination, "Amber and Megan go above and beyond everyday for the students they work with. Together they help build a strong team in the classroom with the teacher. Amber and Megan are not afraid to help out when the work needs done. Kudos!"
Kudos go out to Colin Werner, a teacher at West Middle School.
Elizabeth Barrett said the following about Colin in their nomination, "Colin is an amazing sixth-grade teacher and asset to our 'Green Team' at West Middle School. He spends the majority of his lunch time with students. Recently, I observed him during lunch creating a meaningful connection with a student who has been struggling with behaviors at school. The student came into lunch very upset, but left lunch with a stronger understanding of the situation while making a positive connection with Mr. Werner. I know that connection will only make that student more successful in school. I'm proud to have Mr. Werner as a colleague!"
Kudos go out to Gina Bohan, a preschool office manager at Clark Early Childhood Center.
A grateful colleague said the following about Gina in their nomination, "Gina is always kind, welcoming, radiates positivity to all those around her. She goes above and beyond to ensure our preschool program runs smoothly and is an invaluable member of our preschool team. She is the true definition of a team player and I'm so grateful to work alongside of her."
Kudos go out to Tamie Farrer, a preschool teacher at Bryant Elementary School.
Ana Sedano said the following about Tamie in their nomination, "I have gone to Ms. Tamie with so many challenges as a fellow colleague and she is always so supportive. She is full of gentle advice that never fails to help me. I am also grateful to have Ms. Tammie as my son teacher and I wish there were more teachers like her. I give her kudos for her passion and positivity. She is positive with each child she has in her classroom, which leads to a great student outcomes!"
Kudos go out to Kathy Fickett, an instructional assistant at North Middle School.
Jenna Bork said the following about Kathy in their nomination, "Mrs. Fickett goes above and beyond what is expected for our students at North Middle. We are extremely grateful for all the extra time and work she puts in building relationships with the students. She is more than an instructional assistant and we are very lucky to have her!"
Kudos go out to Chelon Busch, a first-grade teacher at Spalding Environmental Sciences Elementary School.
Brittney said the following about Chelon in their nomination, "Mrs. Busch is an outstanding teacher! She goes above and beyond for my daughter and has great communication with me as a parent. She is positive, kind, caring, and always has a smile on her face. She truly is in the right profession. I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done, and will continue to do!"
Kudos go out to Keith Chapman, an attendance specialist at Unity Elementary School.
Mariah Hendrix said the following about Keith in their nomination, "Keith always checks in with our parents and students who have been absent to make sure they are okay and get back into school as soon as possible. He is also always willing to help around the building with our staff and students! Kudos, Keith!"
Kudos go out to Jillian Salem, a teacher at North High School.
Two grateful colleagues said the following about Jillian in their nominations, "Ms. Salem always ensures her students feel heard by working with them one-on-one and devoting her time to ensure her students are successful in her classroom. She's always there to help her students succeed, before, during, and after school. She is a truly amazing and caring teacher who is always very nice to talk with and available to listen. It is her first year of teaching and she’s doing a fantastic job. Ms. Salem does a great job engaging all her students. Kudos!"
Kudos go out to Chris Koch, an assistant principal at East Middle School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Chris in their nomination, "Mr. Koch has been such a great addition to East Middle School this year and has positively impacted the overall culture and environment. Mr. Koch is great at building relationships with students. He supports all staff in the building and always wears a smile on his face. I am thankful for his presence in the building!"
Kudos go out to Laurie Kistner, an ELL paraeducator at Leeds Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Laurie in their nomination, "Laurie’s goes above and beyond each day. She knows the academic levels of her students and works with them to close the learning gap. Even through all of this work she does with her students, her main focus is to teach the students how to be independent when the enter the classroom. Kudos, Laurie!"
Kudos go out to Tracey Broughton, an second-grade teacher at Perry Creek Elementary School.
A grateful parent said the following about Tracey in their nomination, "Mrs. Broughton is a serious ray of sunshine for the kids. She’s such a kind and welcoming teacher. She’s a dedicated and super great about communicating with families. Ms. Broughton is the kind of teacher you wish you could have for every grade. Kudos!"
Kudos go out to Michelle Modlin, a building assistant at East Middle School.
Rebecca Thoms said the following about Michelle in their nomination, "Mrs. Modlin does it all! She is the wonderwoman of the office! She is great at supporting all students when they come to the student center. She resolves any issues, answers questions, and supports all staff. She does it all with a smile on her face and with a caring attitude! I am thankful to have her at East Middle School!"
Kudos go out to Abby Sheppard, an assistant choir director at East High School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Abby in their nomination, "Abby is one of the most dedicated and hard working people I know. She will go above and beyond for our music programs and her students, or when anyone needs her or just wants to talk. She’s always there. She’s also honest anyone when need be and she deserves to be recognized for all her hard work!"
Kudos go out to Whitney Wanderscheid, a counselor at Loess Hills Computer Programming Elementary School.
A grateful parent said the following about Whitney in their nomination, "Ms. W made sure my daughter felt cared for after the loss of her father. She showed us how passionate she is about her job. She is truly the best person to be working with children. Kudos, Ms. W!!"
Kudos go out to Noah Towns, a choir teacher at West High School.
A grateful student said the following about Noah in their nomination, "Mr. Towns is very helpful and good to work with. Kudos, Mr. Towns!"
Kudos go out to Stephanie Leisey, a paraeducator at Unity Elementary School.
Mequilla Schonrock said the following about Stephanie in their nomination, "I am nominating miss Stephanie because she is an all around amazing woman. The children look forward to seeing her every day and the smile she brings to the children’s faces is indescribable. You can see the hard work she put in effortlessly. The bond she shares with her students is unconditional. Anyone would tell you she is very deserving of this nomination, from her fellow teachers to family and friends, as well as strangers. Anyone can tell just how much time and effort she puts into her work and the students. Whether it's little or big things, she is always there. She is the most deserving woman I know!"
Kudos go out to Marc Curry, a PE teacher at Leeds Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Marc in their nomination, "Marc goes above and beyond for his students. He always has a smile on his face and radiates a positive attitude. Students love going to his class and it's evident you can tell he loves doing what he does. Kudos, Marc!"
Kudos go out to Sarah Phelan, a second-grade teacher at Spalding Park Environmental Sciences Elementary School.
Tessa Jackson said the following about Sarah in their nomination, "Sarah is an outstanding teacher. She loves her students as if they were her own children. She goes above and beyond what is expected of a teacher. She is a great team player. She’s just amazing! Kudos, Sarah!"
Kudos go out to Shijan Oehlerking, a teacher at Sunnyside Elementary School.
Jan Korver and Kari Shine said the following about Stephanie in their nominations, "Shijan is so thoughtful and caring. She loves her students and puts their needs above all else. Community members, parents, other teachers and her past and present students appreciate her dedication, drive, and determination to help them succeed! She is the hardest-working teacher I know! Kudos, Shijan!"
Kudos go out to Kathy Vanderloo, an ELL teacher at Bryant Elementary School.
A grateful colleague said the following about Kathy in their nomination, "Kathy goes above and beyond to provide her ELL students with opportunities to build background knowledge and develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. She engages students through books and discussions and has good rapport with families when communicating at conferences. Kathy also leads the Bryant Elementary School Social committee and works to build up staff morale and community. Thanks for all you do for the Bryant Bear family, Kathy!"
Kudos go out to Angela Helton, a kindergarten teacher at Leeds Elementary School.
A grateful parent said the following about Angela in their nomination, "Mrs. Helton went above and beyond this year in helping my little girl who has autism and ADHD. My daughter was so excited to be going to school to see her teacher and learn. I was so worried that she wasn’t going to do well in school and because of this wonderful teacher, my little girl loved school this year. Thank you so much for caring and being so thoughtful and understanding with her, Ms. Helton!"
Kudos go out to Tracy Jolin Vander-Wilt, an English & Language Arts Teacher at North High School.
A grateful student said the following about Tracy in their nomination, "Mrs. Vander-Wilt is an amazing teacher and I'm sad to see her go this year, as she is retiring. I was nervous at first when I met her, but she slowly grew on me and she made my freshman year at North High very memorable. I'm so glad I had her as my English teacher this school year. Mrs. Vander-Wilt makes learning fun and enjoyable for everyone and she does her best to accommodate students for any reason. Mrs. Vander-Wilt, you deserve the best in retirement!"
Kudos go out to Wendy Bryce, a teacher at the Sioux City Career Academy.
Susan Grau said the following about Wendy in their nomination, "Wendy is an excellent teacher. She has the most electrifying personality and takes that into her classroom with her. Her students love her and get involved in all her class room activities. She has strong friendships with her students as well as the other instructors and staff. I work with Wendy through UNI at the Career Academy and she always opens her classroom for me to talk to her students about how important it is to continue education."
Kudos go out to Rachel Oleson, a kindergarten teacher at Perry Creek Elementary School.
Toryn Kelly said the following about Rachel in their nomination, "Although this was Miss Oleson’s first year as a teacher, no one would've ever guessed that. She created a learning environment for her students that was safe, inclusive, and genuinely gave them something to look forward to. My son dragged his feet and dreaded going into daycare and preschool before coming into Miss Oleson’s classroom. He told me most weekends that he couldn't wait for Monday because it was his favorite day of the week! If that isn’t testament to making your classroom a welcoming atmosphere, I don’t know what is. She is on the ball with parent communication and conflict resolution with her students. We are so lucky we had her this school year!"
Kudos go out to Hannah Kessenich, a teacher at Hunt A+ Arts Elementary School.
A grateful parent said the following about Hannah in their nomination, "Kudos to Ms. Kessenich for being a very caring teacher to my daughter this school year. She loved being in her classroom. Ms. Kessenich always kept us up to date about the students and or events happening in the classroom. She deserves a shoutout because she is doing an amazing job!"