In the Spotlight

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In the Spotlight: winners of the Superintendent’s Spotlight Award
Superintendent James Merrill spent several days in May presenting Spotlight awards to staff members who earned this prestigious recognition for second semester last year. Each person selected performs his or her duties in exemplary fashion. Not only do these award winners do an outstanding job, they go out of their way to increase levels of performance and assume additional responsibility whenever possible. Each one serves as a model for the rest of us in terms of the work ethic, attitude, and stance we would do well to emulate.

Here’s what those nominating our Spotlight winners had to say about them:

	Sarah Aho, administrative office associate, Department of Media and Communications Development Sarah Aho “consistently is looking for opportunities to streamline her office’s workload and often assumes duties and responsibilities outside of the scope of her position....She is definitely a ‘go to’ person on the administrative support team…She is able to multitask efficiently so that all projects are completed on time and without loose ends.”
	Susan M. Albert, financial assistant, Department of Administrative Support Services, School Plant Susan Albert “is a key member of the environmental/energy management team at School Plant Services…She reviews and inputs the bills for the more than 1,000 accounts” the office has and assists with issuing communications to our stakeholders, always with an idea on what can be done to improve. Susan is an effective ‘energy watchdog’ for the operation” and a star performer on a team that consistently strives to help make this a stronger division. She has helped bring the office to a new level…”
	Ira Banks, security assistant, Brandon Middle School Ira Banks may have a badge identifying him as a security assistant, but “he is so much more to the community at Brandon Middle School. His face is the first one students and parents see in the morning… and he greets each of them with warmth and enthusiasm…” He “is often the first to respond to a teacher’s or administrator’s call for assistance…Of course, he is always available to chat with a student or to encourage ones who seem to need a friendly word…”
	Kelli Cedo, Title I teacher, Holland Elementary School Kelli Cedo “is a Title I teacher for Holland… In this capacity, she is responsible for all writing initiatives through the school….she also is the “Literacy Team chairperson and academic coordinator She adheres to a rigorous schedule to conduct writing lessons in classrooms and provides support for all teachers. Kelli takes her job as academic coordinator very seriously and her love for kids and student achievement are undeniable. She has a passion for writing and willingness to learn and implement best practices…” NOTE: Kelli Cedo was recently promoted to the position of assistant principal at Pembroke Meadows Elementary School.
	Laurie Clinton, school nurse, Rosemont Elementary School Laurie Clinton “always goes above and beyond her duties to make the school experience wonderful and memorable for our students. She has coordinated so many activities for the special education class, quietly and from behind the scenes… As the media liaison…, Nurse Clinton has made sure to give us the opportunity to ‘shine in the spotlight’. She “is always aware of each child’s needs….Nurse Clinton is one of a kind; we appreciate her kindness and caring.”
	Paula Gee, first-grade teacher, Glenwood Elementary School Paula Gee “is an outstanding educator who leads by example and teaches from her heart. The bond she creates with her first-grade students often lasts well into her students’ high school careers and sometimes beyond….Besides serving the division as an excellent teacher, she is a humanitarian who has proven many times that she is there for her students and colleagues in time of need.”
	Cari Hall, reading resource teacher, Woodstock Elementary School Cari Hall “contributes to the lives of children and helps them to become better readers every day. Her energy and spirit are contagious and she readily shares this with the teachers…. Cari assumes many roles above and beyond her role as the reading resource teacher for Woodstock. She is constantly marketing Woodstock in the community…and is thinking of future Woodchucks and reaching out to parents.”
	Norman Reed, head daytime custodian, Parkway Elementary School Norman Reed is an important part of the Parkway Elementary “staff family.” He “is never in a bad mood. He smiles and laughs…and loves his job." He makes staff at Parkway happier. He is also known to assist staff with tasks such as changing a flat tire. On the ‘big snow day’ parents were dropping their children off and Mr. Reed kindly stated that there was a two-hour delay. Mr. Reed always displays a positive attitude on the job.” Parkway is so fortunate to have him!
	Beth Schlossberg, gifted resource teacher, Arrowhead Elementary School Beth Schlossberg “has served as a leader in education with her students, colleagues, and parents….Beth is truly concerned with offering her students a variety of learning experiences and has integrated technology and various forms of multimedia into her lessons. She works diligently to provide an enriching and extensive learning experience for her students….These characteristics make Beth a role model for those who know and work with her.”
	Michelle Shellnutt, third-grade teacher, North Landing Elementary School “Michelle Shellnutt is one of those teachers who is always trying to improve their school for the benefit of others.” In her position as North Landing’s Partners in Education coordinator she “exceeds expectations.” She also is “the person behind the scenes who deserves to be honored” in recognition of her "school leadership, community involvement, and her caring attitude to make the school an exemplary place for learning."