Efforts to hold students to high expectations while fostering emotional safety were commonly cited in the nomination forms of the 16 Keizer school employees nominated for a Crystal Apple award.
The annual award program honors “excellence in local education” and the efforts of educators, administrators and other school employees, according to the website.
Across the Salem-Keizer School District, 108 employees are up for the award. Winners will be recognized on Thursday, May 14, during an event hosted by theSalem Area Chamber of Commerce, McLaran Leadership Foundation and the school district.
Keizer nominees include teachers, instructional assistants, behavioral specialists, graduation coaches, office staff and a custodian.
Forest Ridge Elementary School
Parent Whitney Bruner nominated three teachers.
Bruner wrote that Stacey Evans does “everything in her power” to foster an empowering and conducive learning environment.
Bruner said Evans encouraged her daughter to work through difficult subjects and related course materials to her daughter’s interests to boost understanding.
Bruner said Lauren Keller blends “high expectations with genuine care and enthusiasm.” Bruner wrote that Keller consistently challenges her students and fosters a supportive learning environment.
Bruner said Melissa Mikesh has a classroom environment “rooted in care, encouragement and high expectations.” Bruner wrote that Mikesh encourages students to embrace creativity and to “reach beyond what they think they can achieve.
Whiteaker Middle School
Dezarey Deerwester said in a nomination form that behavioral specialist Krista Jardine is described as “amazing” by parents. Deerwester said Jardine helps “students feel safe, families feel heard, and colleagues feel competent.”
Jardine works with students “in a way that preserves dignity and builds internal motivation,” Deerwester wrote.
Custodian Kayliegh Melzer is described in the nomination by Stephanie Sutten as “providing a clean, inviting atmosphere” that removes distractions from students. Sutten said Melzer turns ideas into action, citing an instance of putting penguins around the school to honor a student who died.
Cummings Elementary School
Hillary Hulseman said in a nomination form that instructional assistant Michelle Crook expects respect and kindness from students, and gives it in return. Hulseman said Crook volunteers time to meet student needs, supports and encourages students in the classroom and “gives so much to staff so they can give to students.”
Behavioral specialist Bonnie Rosenthal is described as balancing structure and compassion by Rachelle Braiker in her nomination form. Rosenthal “shows up” for students while helping them feel supported and take responsibility for their actions, Braiker said.
Claggett Creek Middle School
Nominated by Sheila Morales and Robin Buckingham, instructional support assistant Dakota Nimmo is described as a leader in the school with a “calm and steady manner.” The pair wrote that Nimmo “takes the time to truly get to know each student” and addresses their individual needs, and also regularly attends school events, coaches sports and leads an after-school club.
Kennedy Elementary School
In her nomination letter, Kelsey Harris said teacher Cortney Clendening combines “rigorous instruction with a classroom culture rooted in belonging and emotional safety.”
Harris said Clendening also supports students outside the classroom by creating the school’s first food pantry during last year’s government shutdown, learning de-escalation strategies amid concerns over federal immigration enforcement and arranging support for a student’s family while they experienced homelessness.
Gubser Elementary School Teacher Whitney Vue “holds high expectations while giving students the encouragement and tools” needed to meet them, according to Sabrina Cade’s nomination letter. Cade wrote that Vue’s teaching led to increases in reading confidence, and she fosters a classroom environment allowing students to feel “safe enough to take risks and confident enough to grow.”
Six of the Keizer nominees work in McNary High School. Their names were announced on the school’s social media before the district published the full list of nominees. They include teachers Diana Huerta-Cortez, Stephanie Lassetter and Marcus Luther; graduation coaches Rosio Contreras and Nancy Serrano; and bookkeeper Krista VanSlyke.
NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].
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