Legislative Update- February 2022

We have opportunities in place for districts to recognize our staff for outstanding customer service, but we 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 fourth quarter, we focused on Reliability.

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

 

Kelsey Anderson - "She always goes above and beyond for our kids. She always puts safety first, then makes sure their hearts are good, and then she serves their little minds. The kids absolutely adore her, and so do we!! She also is willing to help and support anyone in the building who may need it, no matter what the situation is." and "Kelsey goes above and beyond for our students to make sure that they're getting all they can out of the school year, including love and support for their families!!"

Leanna Belcher - "Leanna is a shining example of this quarter's characteristic- reliability. She always has the information needed ahead of time whenever planning evaluations and meetings. She plans ahead and anticipates the needs of her team so that all the pieces of a plan fall into place smoothly for each and every student. I can always rely on Leanna to have answers to my questions about a student. She helps to make every family's transition from early intervention to pre-school services as smooth and seamless as possible. Leanna is an asset for our ESC and Champaign County communities!"

Cindy Bell - "I nominate Heather, Cindy, Holly, and Shelby for their unwavering reliability and dedication during this past quarter. These remarkable ladies consistently demonstrated their dependability, stepping up to support their classroom teacher through challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Their commitment to keeping things on track, regardless of obstacles, truly exemplifies what it means to be reliable team members. Cindy displayed incredible initiative by taking on all the grading responsibilities when she noticed the teacher needed assistance. Not only did she complete the grading efficiently, but she also took the time to learn how to manage both paper and online assignments through Google Classroom, ensuring nothing fell behind. When our classroom system completely went down, forcing us to rethink our entire approach, this team didn’t waver. They remained calm, adaptable, and reliable, ensuring the work continued without missing a beat. When the education world gave us lemons, this incredible team turned them into Rockstar lemonade!"

Cynthia Bussey - "Cynthia is always at work on time, or even early. She always makes sure everyone has what they need and keeps us on track week by week with weekly newsletters. She is considerate of class time if she needs to relay a message and does it without interrupting the class."

Ashley Carey - "I have had so many requests for website updates recently due to personnel changes, and without a doubt, Ashley has them completed within 24 hours of my request! If I need a form or file, she's on it! When I was out for health issues, I was able to rely on Ashley to help filter emails and phone calls, and anything else that might have needed attention while I was gone. Thank you, Ashley, for being so reliable."

Abbie Cleland - "Abbie has been a wonderful addition to the ESC! She has a can-do attitude and is always willing to help out in any way that she can, even if she is unfamiliar with the work task. She is flexible with schedule changes and brings a happy and positive energy to her work. We are lucky to have her!!"

Erin Converse - "She is very respectful to her staff and students. I love working for her each day!!!"

Ashley Fecher - "Ashley has had to step in and fulfill a job (or more than one, I'm sure) that was not really her responsibility, but she did it anyway. She is always willing to answer questions or provide help when needed, but also respects the time she has with her students by setting boundaries for other staff during the school day."

Nancy Gerber - "Her consistency and reliability over her many years here at Mac-A-Cheek. She will be greatly missed."

Shelby Haffner - "I nominate Heather, Cindy, Holly, and Shelby for their unwavering reliability and dedication during this past quarter. These remarkable ladies consistently demonstrated their dependability, stepping up to support their classroom teacher through challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Their commitment to keeping things on track, regardless of obstacles, truly exemplifies what it means to be reliable team members. Shelby, always dependable, stepped in wherever help was needed. Whether it was subbing for the teacher or handling unexpected tasks, Shelby’s consistent high standards and willingness to adapt left no room for worry. When our classroom system completely went down, forcing us to rethink our entire approach, this team didn’t waver. They remained calm, adaptable, and reliable, ensuring the work continued without missing a beat. When the education world gave us lemons, this incredible team turned them into Rockstar lemonade!"

Robin Henry - "Robin is a sub for Yoder Learning Center. Her reliability for this program is second to none. She is so amazing and available to support every day. She has a strength in anticipating the needs of staff and students, sometimes before we have the need. Her work ethic and dedication to our students are deserving of praise every day."

Emily Hess - "Emily wears multiple hats in our building. Not only is she a classroom teacher, but also our go-to nurse. She is always willing to perform both jobs whenever needed."

Mallory Heyder - "Mallory is the Leader Teacher, but she is also an amazing support to all staff. She has helped all the new Teachers with everything this year. She has some challenging kids, but loves them right where they are. She and Shelby are an amazing team. When Mallory sees me frustrated or upset about anything, she will check on me. I have seen her do this with other staff as well. She has a huge heart."

Heather Hostetler - "I nominate Heather, Cindy, Holly, and Shelby for their unwavering reliability and dedication during this past quarter. These remarkable ladies consistently demonstrated their dependability, stepping up to support their classroom teacher through challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Their commitment to keeping things on track, regardless of obstacles, truly exemplifies what it means to be reliable team members. Heather exemplified reliability by being the glue that kept everything running smoothly. Despite the stress around her, she ensured that all areas were covered and the classroom environment remained stable and organized. When our classroom system completely went down, forcing us to rethink our entire approach, this team didn’t waver. They remained calm, adaptable, and reliable, ensuring the work continued without missing a beat. When the education world gave us lemons, this incredible team turned them into Rockstar lemonade!"

Matthew Ketcham - "Matthew can be counted on to address any challenges with a calm and solution-oriented approach, ensuring that projects stay on track and the team remains focused and motivated. It is clear that Matthew is not only reliable but also dedicated to the long-term success of the organization."

Tina Leeper - "Strong and Reliable even in the face of adversity."

Terri Mac Donald - "Terri is always respectful of others and their time. She always manages a ton of things on her plate and completes the tasks well. She is always willing to support others, no matter what she has going on."

Shelby Masters - "She goes above and beyond for everyone. She is amazing with the kids and an outstanding support for her Teacher. If I need help in the office, she is willing to jump in and give an extra hand."

Katelynn Pence - "This is her 1st year of teaching & I would've never known! She does an excellent job with her students & treats her staff amazingly."

Lori Perkins - "Lori has been juggling numerous responsibilities for most of the school year, and still makes time to review reports, provide feedback, and complete evaluations with a fantastic attitude. No matter the time of day, I know that I can count on Lori for a timely response and answers to all of my questions."

Mindy Phillips - "Mindy has had to fill in a lot for me with PD days and state testing. She has done an amazing job keeping everything going in the classroom! She is a hard worker, loves the students, and is willing to do anything that is needed."

Sade Richards - "Sade exemplifies her reliability; she always follows through with whatever she has promised. Whether it is to report back to a team member, teacher, parent, or administrator, if Sade has said she will do something, she does. You can also rely on the results of her testing, leaving no question unaddressed in identifying a student's strengths or challenges. She is fair, kind, and reliable, and that makes her trustworthy."

Ziek Roberts - "If you look up the definition of 'RELIABLE ' in the dictionary, Ziek Roberts would be the definition. He not only shows up, but does so with positive energy and efficiency. Multiple times throughout the school year, he has been seen taking trash out and cleaning the facility when our custodian was out ill, etc. Also, he is extremely reliable when it comes to assisting with escalating student behaviors. I have NEVER seen a student who couldn't assist in de-escalating. I'm sure you have heard of "baby whisperers," etc. Ziek is the "neurodivergent child whisperer." He also supports staff and assists with wonderful insight regarding behavioral health plans. He is "always moving," yet seems to be everywhere at once. Not sure how that is possible, but he does it! Truly, this school would not be able to function without him. The few, rare times he has been out ill, there was definitely a void in the school. Thank you, Ziek, for being RELIABLE!"

Molly Schmidt - "Molly is my mentor this year. She has definitely had a full plate, but is always there when I need help, ask a question, or need advice. I have learned a lot from her and appreciate all her efforts with me to make sure I feel supported!"

Melissa Scoville - "I would like to nominate Melissa in recognition of her exceptional reliability, dedication, and unwavering work ethic, despite the personal challenges she has faced with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Throughout her treatment, Melissa has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience. Even during difficult times, she has maintained a positive and determined attitude, never allowing her diagnosis to impact her work or the team. Melissa serves as a model of perseverance, strength, and excellence, and it is an honor to work alongside someone who embodies these qualities so gracefully. She exemplifies what it means to be reliable, and her contributions to our team, especially in the face of adversity, deserve to be recognized and celebrated."

Kristie Suchland - "If there’s one thing we can always count on, it’s Kristie making sure we’re paid on time and every penny is right where it should be! Not only does she keep our paychecks in check, but her positive attitude and warm smile brighten even the busiest days. Thanks for all you do, Kristie—you’re the real MVP!"

Jackie Tingley - "Jackie is an outstanding member in the classroom and the Yoder Learning Center as a whole. She shows up to work and is present in ways that give reprieve to me as a teacher and to other staff who need help. Jackie is reliably aware of what is going on with all of our students at any given time, what holes need to be filled, and what fires need putting out. Her judgment on how and when to assist others is very refined, and she does not overstep boundaries or cause confusion. I can always count on her to get things done without having to follow up or review the final product because she is very attuned to what concise quality looks like. Jackie has been nothing short of a blessing to me, our room, and this entire building, and we are more than grateful for her presence, calm voice, caring demeanor, and daily wisdom."

Holly Wells - "I nominate Heather, Cindy, Holly, and Shelby for their unwavering reliability and dedication during this past quarter. These remarkable ladies consistently demonstrated their dependability, stepping up to support their classroom teacher through challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Their commitment to keeping things on track, regardless of obstacles, truly exemplifies what it means to be reliable team members. Holly’s dedication to managing IEP bins has been outstanding. She took charge with a sense of responsibility, making sure that data collection was accurate and up-to-date, even amidst stressful situations. When our classroom system completely went down, forcing us to rethink our entire approach, this team didn’t waver. They remained calm, adaptable, and reliable, ensuring the work continued without missing a beat. When the education world gave us lemons, this incredible team turned them into Rockstar lemonade!"