We have opportunities in place for districts to recognize our staff for outstanding customer service but felt we also needed a way for ESC employees to recognize each other. Each quarter will focus on one of our Four Dimensions. 

For the second quarter, our staff recognized others who have exemplified our first dimension- TEAMWORK. 

See who was recognized and what was said about them below!

Urbana Classroom 233  - "Great teamwork for a difficult classroom" and "Oh my, where to begin..I nominate my classroom because teamwork is about a team not just one person. We have outstanding teamwork! We started the school year completely in the dark, not knowing who our teacher would be, or what students we would have. We have had students removed and even got some new ones. We have been faced with many challenging times, and many stressful situations. I believe our room communicates with each other and other classrooms to handle situations most effectively and safely as possible for our students and staff. Though we are faced with many challenges we still have smiles on our faces and love in our hearts. I believe our class stands up and prevails even in the darkest of hours, and this is why I nominate our class for this "teamwork "Star Award."

Kelsey Anderson - "She goes above and beyond for these kids and their parents! These kids are very important to her and she does everything she can to help them have a great day!! To me this screams amazing!" and "Kelsey is a great person and when she sees a struggle on someone’s face no matter what is going on she is more than willing to jump in and help!!"

Alicia Ayers - "Alicia is a great employee that goes above and beyond what she is required to do. She is supportive to those around her. Alicia is always a great person to talk to and ask for advice. I am grateful for all she does for me and the students we work with."

Shelby Baker - "Shelby demonstrates a perfect example of good teamwork! Shelby is flexible with her schedule to accommodate team members. She is inclusive and inspires those around her with her positivity. She is encouraging and presumes positive intentions from those around her. She is willing to share resources and collaborates with team members effectively. Shelby is an important part of the ESC and Graham Local Schools and I consider myself lucky to be a part of her team!"

Angie Brouhard - "Angie works really hard to keep the SLP Therapy team running smoothly. She is always willing to jump in and help a therapist in any way. Angie lives out service to others on a daily basis!" and "Angie does a great job pulling the preschool team together to create fun and memorable days for the students. We recently had a Polar Express day that she coordinated and got all the teachers and therapists involved in that the students loved. She also does a great job making sure the team is up to date on her students' speech progress and makes sure all parties are involved. She supports me as a teacher through her recommendations and mini-lessons!" and "Angie is always calm and welcoming. She is a wealth of knowledge. She is a team player. She always is working on innovative ideas and activities to see the students succeed. She is flexible when it comes to her schedule and activities. She includes the team in her planning of activities. She coordinates her activities with the classes she works in."

Angela Browning - "Angela is a strong leader in the classroom and with her co-workers. Her class runs smoothly and efficiently. She has a voice that the children want to listen to. She never raises her voice and is always encouraging the children. She listens to the children and lets them know what her expectations are. Angela is always helpful to the other staff members as well. Other teachers will come and ask her for help, advice, etc. She is helpful and encouraging with them as well."

Heather Burris - "When every district was closed, and our custodian was off, Heather, Ashley, and Mary shoveled and salted the central office walks so that those of us coming in could enter safely. Thank you!" and "Heather's support over the past two years has not gone unnoticed. She is a gentle spirit who seeks to support others to move forward. She checks and cares about others. She participates in other areas like the annual STAR award. Her heart and spirit embody the posture of a servant's heart and in the We Work to Serve framework. with the ESC. I count her as a blessing to the ESC and am grateful for her genuine love and care for all those around her."

Rachel Caldwell - "Rachel is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed no matter the circumstance and if she can't help on the spot she will think of ways to help later."

Ashley Carey - "When every district was closed, and our custodian was off, Heather, Ashley, and Mary shoveled and salted the central office walks so that those of us coming in could enter safely. Thank you!"

Matthew Carey - "Matt goes above and beyond his job responsibilities. He does an excellent job with making sure our rooms are ready to go on a daily basis and works well with the kiddos. He continuously asks if there is anything we need or can do for us. He fulfills all dimensions of our STAR qualities; service to others, great attitude, team player, and reliability. Thanks, Matt!"

Paige Class - "Paige is participating in weekly teaming meetings related to student health and wellness. This requires intentional time management, organization, and communication on her part with students and staff, as nursing in an elementary building changes minute by minute. Her perspective and teamwork have led to an increase in behavioral health referrals. Additionally, she works with our behavioral health staff to tag team urgent matters such as panic attacks and psychosomatic complaints. She is a key player in identifying vulnerable students and advocating for resources to meet their needs. GES appreciates you Nurse Paige!" and "Paige has been a very supportive mentor and resource for me in navigating my new role this year. She is always very responsive to my questions and concerns and checks in to see if I have any needs."

Melissa Clerico - "Melissa has been great to work with! she’s very on top of things & very helpful. She makes the classroom a safe place for students & staff. melissa is very generous & is always helping others out when needed. it’s been great having you in room six. thank you for everything you have done!"

Erin Converse - "Erin is always willing to lend a helping hand! She is a team player who will not hesitate to share her time, resources, or ideas. Erin communicates with her team effectively and makes sure everyone is in the know."

Allison Cox - "Allison has been given a job that is almost impossible. She has taken it on with such grace and continued to be part of the preschool team with a smile on her face."

Kristin Dennen - "She has done an amazing job getting her students to work and is always at work and on time."

Stephanie Eckhart - "Stephanie is a true team player. She is willing to step into any role in the classroom setting and will be able to do any of the duties needed. She is energetic and enthusiastic and ready to do whatever is needed."

Kendall Engle - "The K-4 ED room at Urbana Elementary offers some very difficult challenges for aids due to the emotional explosiveness and aggressive tendencies of the students. A great deal of teamwork is necessary to keep everyone safe in the room and to stay positive and supportive of each other. This team has been doing an outstanding job considering this is a brand-new classroom with new personnel. I am so very proud of them!"

Jennifer Fisher - "Jen is an amazing person and co-worker. She is always going above and beyond for all of her co-workers. She helps in the morning to get the preschool students from the bus to their classroom. She is always stepping up in the classroom to cover for anyone who isn't there. She is always bringing in prizes for students. Jen doesn't need to be asked to help with anything she jumps in whenever she sees that help is needed. I am lucky to call Jen a co-worker." and "Jennifer is always helping others and is always being a team player. I know I can depend on her to help me if I need it. Even if they are not her students."

Traci Flatter - "I have had a lot going on in my personal life this school year and Traci has worked with me and helped me to balance my home life and work. I couldn't have done it without her."

Monica Gargac - "Monica has great communication with me about the students that she works with that I have in class. She’s always willing to share information to help us to be able to interact with the students. The students that I have in class that she works with always seem to enjoy leaving to work with her."

Hugh Givens - "Hugh has always stopped what he was doing to help out if I needed. He is a great asset to our Graham team and I am very thankful for him and his willingness to go above and beyond!"

Maribeth Gregg - "Maribeth saw students who are on a co-worker's caseload because her co-worker was out due to family illness. So awesome and what a great example of TEAMWORK!"

Chasity Gregorek - "Chasity and I co-treat students at multiple districts. We are really able to see their growth and potential as they continuously meet their IEP goals. Chasity did a great job servicing these students as I had to miss a couple of days due to my parent's health. She is a real asset to the ESC and always puts the student's needs first." and "Chasity is a very valued member of the team. She works well with students and has their best interests at heart. She respects them as an individual and treats them that way. She provides the gross motor team with assessment information and takes her turn representing the team in meetings, freeing up therapists to provide services. Her love for her job is outstanding!"

Molly Gribben - "Molly jumps at any opportunity to help and support the team. She is always someone you can rely on to help you get the job done. She shares her time, resources, and knowledge willingly! She is a great team player and an asset to our team." and "Molly is new to preschool this year but not new to the ESC. She has effortlessly moved into a new position and has had a positive effect on not just the students but the team as well. She brought a wonderful understanding of students' needs with her and has an innate way of meeting them. She asks questions, shares knowledge, and is easy to approach. She's been a great addition to the team."

Amy Haffner - "Watching Amy, Missy, and Amy in the classroom is like watching magic happen! They are so good at what they do and I love getting to come in and see them with their students. They work beautifully together, are always willing to help and support each other, and are a phenomenal team!"

Ashley Hahn - "Ashley has worked tirelessly this year with a very special student. She takes an active role in seeking out support for her students and works well with the team. She communicates effectively with everyone. She always puts the needs of her students first. When her student is absent she willingly covers other areas and is a great teammate."

Elizabeth Henry - "Liz is always the first one to respond when you need help. She is willing to work with any child or teacher and give a helping hand."

Stephanie Hensley - "Stephanie shows great teamwork within the classroom. She always puts others' needs before her own and always helps the students and staff when they need it."

Erin Kegley - "Erin's interactions with staff and parents are amazing. She takes time to listen, shows compassion towards others, and is willing to help others."

Cecilia Kuss-Shivler - "CeCe has been running point for communicating for the preschool team this year. She has helped to bring our concerns to others and relay information to us. She always puts the needs of the team and preschool program first and is an integral part of our team."

Mandy Lauck - "Always incorporating therapies into classroom activities and asking for therapist input. They are wonderful team players!"

Tina Leeper - "Tina is always ready and willing to help anyone inside and outside of the classroom. Her positivity always shines through to everyone on our team. She is a great asset to the entire program."

Melissa Lehmann - "Melissa has been wonderful since joining our team at Graham and is always willing to help in any way that she can! She has great ideas for improvement and is always there if needed. I am so happy she is here!"

Sherry Leis - "She has been phenomenal as my classroom aide since I started here. Showing and explaining how to do various things, always willing to help and be supportive."

Stacey Logwood - "Stacey is always the best at exemplifying teamwork! She shares information when and if needed so our team can collaborate to help the student the best way that we can. She is always willing to stop what she is doing and jump in if needed anywhere in the building. She is great!"

Stacey Longshore - "Always incorporating therapies into classroom activities and asking for therapist input. They are wonderful team players!"

Nannette Mentzer - "Nan is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed."

Tracey Merica - "Tracy has been part of a statewide initiative for personalized learning. She supports districts through PD, coaching staff(entry-level teachers for example to move forward in their classroom in lesson planning and personalization in their classroom. My experience of Tracy is hard work, and professionalism, and value her work in the districts. She looks for best practices and innovative ways to infuse her excitement of learning and science into the classrooms."

Kassydi Miller-Brown - "Kassydi has gone over and beyond to assist with students when staff numbers were low. She not only helps teach writing but allows time to work one-on-one with multiple students throughout the day. All while still succeeding tremendously with her contracted one on one, Ayson. Thank you Kassydi for your heart for these students and staff!"

Mary Mitchell - "When every district was closed, and our custodian was off, Heather, Ashley, and Mary shoveled and salted the central office walks so that those of us coming in could enter safely. Thank you!"

Jodi Montgomery - "Jodi is infectiously positive and has a tremendous work ethic. She truly has a heart to serve. Jodi looks for solutions to make the work environment at Adriel run as efficiently as possible and is an awesome addition to our building."

Crystal Morris - "Crystal is always willing to help, no matter the task. She always asks to see how she can help and does so without skipping a beat. She is always willing to share her time. knowledge, or resources to help the team or students."

Chelsea Moses - "Chelsea has shown so much growth in leading her classroom. Even with low staff in the room she has made the student's best interest her main priority. She continues to push students to recognize their own hard work when they step outside of their comfort zone. She encourages her classroom paras in all their efforts to get kids where they need to go and lead the students to be their best versions of themselves. Thank you Chelsea for seeing the bigger picture for these students and not letting difficult times slow your pace to reach those goals."

Adina Partin - "The K-4 ED room at Urbana Elementary offers some very difficult challenges for aids due to the emotional explosiveness and aggressive tendencies of the students. A great deal of teamwork is necessary to keep everyone safe in the room and to stay positive and supportive of each other. This team has been doing an outstanding job considering this is a brand-new classroom with new personnel. I am so very proud of them!"

Elizabeth Pease - "The K-4 ED room at Urbana Elementary offers some very difficult challenges for aids due to the emotional explosiveness and aggressive tendencies of the students. A great deal of teamwork is necessary to keep everyone safe in the room and to stay positive and supportive of each other. This team has been doing an outstanding job considering this is a brand-new classroom with new personnel. I am so very proud of them!"

Melissa Peterman-Cutlip - "Melissa always goes above and beyond to help anyone that may need it. She is very flexible and will work anywhere she is needed"

April Petry-Brisley - "Emily, Molly, and April have all volunteered and have been actively supporting their colleagues with tech support and how to use i-Ready and TeachTown this year. Their teamwork is so appreciated and has made a difference for those who are not as tech-savvy or have been unable to dig into the application of the new programs themselves. Thank you!"

Ashley Quimby - "Ashley always goes above and beyond and helps anybody that needs it. The kids are always excited to see her and she always brings a smile to their faces"

Betsy Reames - "Helps in her class but helps in other classes at a moment's notice. I can count on her to help should my assistant be somewhere else in the building. She is always very positive and friendly."

Kathleen Riley - "Kathleen loves working with her students. She has wonderful ideas, is always willing to share resources and materials, and is a great person to work with! Kathleen always strives to make therapy functional and fun for the students. She communicates information to students and parents in a positive way and actively listens to her colleagues."

Michele Roberts - "Michele has come back from retirement and jumped right back in to help me in the transition to gifted coordinator. She has been supportive and has helped guide me through the emails, processes, and paperwork necessary to make a small step in the big shoes that I have to fill! Thank you, Michele, for always being willing to assist, no matter how challenging your teammate may be! :)"

Molly Schmidt - "Emily, Molly, and April have all volunteered and have been actively supporting their colleagues with tech support and how to use i-Ready and TeachTown this year. Their teamwork is so appreciated and has made a difference for those who are not as tech-savvy or have been unable to dig into the application of the new programs themselves. Thank you!"

Diane Schurter - "Diane went out of her way to provide a little shop full of nice gifts that the students in Laura's class could choose from. They were able to pick gifts for their loved ones for Christmas. THEN... she brought in wrapping paper, ribbons, and name tags to help the students wrap the gifts. In addition to that, she is ALWAYS kind and encouraging to me. I really appreciate the effort that she puts into her work and the extra support that she gives to her students."

Neal Shambaugh - "Before Neal even knew I was out he took it upon himself to start taking out trash. Then when he was informed I was out, he finished the job. I cannot tell him how much I appreciate that kind of teamwork! Thank you, Neal!"

Leah Short - "Leah is adjusting to the preschool setting so nicely and has been willing to jump in when we need her."

Missy Sine - "Missy and Amy are the quintessential embodiment of teamwork! They have been referred to as a "well-oiled machine." They work so smoothly and effortlessly together as a pair but also include all team members in the planning and execution of plans for their students. They work hard to incorporate ideas and input from all team members. Their students benefit tremendously from their willingness to engage with their support staff/related services- as evidenced by the wide range of developmental areas they cover with challenging and engaging activities on a daily basis. Missy and Amy set high expectations for themselves and their support staff, but provide all the support needed to make it all come together. Their students benefit from their hard work, dedication, high standards, and willingness to include all in "team pre-school" at Burg!" and "Watching Amy, Missy, and Amy in the classroom is like watching magic happen! They are so good at what they do and I love getting to come in and see them with their students. They work beautifully together, are always willing to help and support each other, and are a phenomenal team!"

Amy Stiles - "Missy and Amy are the quintessential embodiment of teamwork! They have been referred to as a "well-oiled machine." They work so smoothly and effortlessly together as a pair but also include all team members in the planning and execution of plans for their students. They work hard to incorporate ideas and input from all team members. Their students benefit tremendously from their willingness to engage with their support staff/related services- as evidenced by the wide range of developmental areas they cover with challenging and engaging activities on a daily basis. Missy and Amy set high expectations for themselves and their support staff, but provide all the support needed to make it all come together. Their students benefit from their hard work, dedication, high standards, and willingness to include all in "team pre-school" at Burg!"

Angie Thomas - "Angie is the definition of teamwork. I would not be able to do this job without her. She keeps our classroom afloat and is easy to work with while she does it!"

Jackie Tingley - "Jackie follows through with directions given by therapists to address the student's goals for walking on a daily basis with excellent attention to detail and providing proper instruction to the student to increase his independence. She is a great team player!" and "Always willing to help out and work as a team player"

Mark Ward - "I was out in London when I got notified about a door on the roof being open. Mark knowing I was unavailable went and got the door closed and latched appropriately so that I did not have to stress about getting back to Central. I am thankful for his teamwork!"

Emily Wemyss - "Emily, Molly, and April have all volunteered and have been actively supporting their colleagues with tech support and how to use i-Ready and TeachTown this year. Their teamwork is so appreciated and has made a difference for those who are not as tech-savvy or have been unable to dig into the application of the new programs themselves. Thank you!" and "Being my first year, and first classroom. Emily has made me feel so welcome. No matter how many times I ask a question, she answers. And has made me feel good about the job I am doing. More than willing to step in and help me if I need it. She cares about her students and that they have self-confidence in themselves and feel it every day."

Amanda Wilson - "Amanda’s primary goal for our students and our building is success. For our students and building to be successful, teamwork is an important aspect of that. Amanda demonstrates amazing teamwork skills. She works with all of our Madison County school districts and builds amazing rapport with them to set our students up for success. When it comes to Mac South she also works collaboratively with everyone to make sure we are doing what needs to be done in terms of our students and issues we have with our building. She is always open to suggestions and ideas when it comes to IEPs, interventions, and building issues. Since we are smaller, we typically all work with the majority of our students at Mac South and she is always willing to step in and help a student or staff with any issues. She also has amazing communication skills and can defuse a lot of issues with those skills. Amanda excels in all of our dimensions but teamwork is one dimension where she shines."

Cortney Yost - "Cortney and I have been working together since August. She is a team player and is always willing to work together to accomplish a goal or help a child improve. She shows teamwork throughout the day ( bus duty, cafeteria, recess)."