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HIGH EXPECTATIONS
THE COVID TESTING TEAM
Kory LaBonne, Director of School Services, Assessment & School Safety
Jerome Calderone, Executive Director of Human Resources & Student Services
Darlene Cochran, Administrative Assistant to Human Resources
Jenny Sanders, Coordinator of Employee Benefits & Wellness
Administration Center
“These people should receive any high honor they can get. They go above and beyond every morning and deal with a most unpleasant job. They deal with the sick, the unhappy, the impatient, the crying toddlers and do the job as best they can without a medical degree! They are Super Heroes!”
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GROWTH MINDSET
LASALLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF
LaSalle Elementary School
LaSalle Elementary School Staff also received a nomination for Customer Experience
(1 of 2)
"The LaSalle staff is nothing short of amazing! Everywhere you look, there are people who are truly here for the kids. From our phenomenal lunch staff to our building subs and everywhere from kindergarten through sixth grade, you see greatness. We are led by two fearless leaders, who we KNOW have our backs. What we have at LaSalle is rare, and I am proud to be a LaSalle lion."
(2 of 2)
"Many classroom teachers have changed grade levels this year and have new teams. LaSalle has had a growth mindset this year as they learn a new curriculum and improve their teaching strategies. They have been using Whole Brain Teaching and have been recognized for their hard work nationally. Every bit of progress made this year should be recognized! The team has grit and they don't quit! Way to rock it LaSalle!”
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COLLABORATION
CARA PATTON
2nd Grade Teacher
Emmons Elementary School
(1 of 2)
"Cara is the "Mom" of our building. She makes sure everyone is informed and included. She prides herself on being a longtime Eagle, and she truly cares about the staff and students. She ensures her students and colleagues are having a fun and memorable experience. Cara is the epitome of T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More). We are so lucky to have her at Emmons!"
(2 of 2)
"It was difficult to choose just one of these areas for Cara Patton because she demonstrates excellence in so many ways! She is a true leader at Emmons Elementary and has high expectations of her students AND the staff in the building. She leads with diligence, grace and a sense of humor. Her positive attitude in her communications with the staff is contagious! She excels in collaboration because her focus is always on the end goal!”
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COMMUNICATION
JENNIFER SMITH
Director of Communications & Project Management
Administration Center
“Jen does a great job communicating with the entire SCM family! Her communications are clear and creative! She always has a smile on her face when she attends school functions - she embodies the elements of the Mishawaka Way!”
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CREATIVITY
AMBER KOSZYK
Kindergarten Teacher
Emmons Elementary School
“Amber is very creative and keeps the attention of Kindergartens with her innovative and fun ideas within her curriculum. The students are learning by way of a hands on approach. She also has creative ideas on how to engage staff during PLC meetings while teaching the Playbook to her co-workers. Amber has also used her creative ideas to help with the ISTA Outreach at Emmons. She has brought to life some very drab areas of the building.”
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CRITICAL THINKING
TRACEY BOLIN
Controller
Administration Center
“Tracey works tirelessly to ensure that School City of Mishawaka is not only always in compliance of regulations, but she also helps all of us to be better at our jobs. She dedicates her time, patience, and 100% of her attention to each individual she speaks with. She uses her expertise and critical thinking to grow and benefit each of us in our financial decision-making. She delicately, with respect can question the work of colleagues, as a sign of vigilance and concern, to continually bring growth and improvement to our district.”
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INNOVATION
RYAN MITCHELL
Project Lead the Way Teacher and Elementary Academic Competition Coordinator
Battell & Hums Elementary Schools
“Ryan had a vision for all of our elementary schools to come together and start Vex IQ Robotics. He brought his idea to everyone and worked hard to make it a reality. This program has a significant impact on our students. He is teaching them and the adults involved with coaching, judging, etc. to be leaders. His excitement for this event is contagious. He is a great role model for students as well. I did not want to start something new at this stage. He encouraged me to participate as a judge, and I loved it! Ryan was a stand-out to me for the Innovation Exemplar Award.”
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INTEGRITY
WAYNE BARKER
Superintendent of Schools
Administration Center
“Mr. Barker spends the time to communicate with SCM employees in a way that builds trust and lets each of us know that we are heard and valued. His attention to issues that matter to teachers and schools shows that he cares. I have heard so many staff say how much they appreciate his emails and the tone he uses. I also know he calls employees about things that they are concerned about or when they have experiences that are upsetting or unsettling. We appreciate him! He engenders confidence and faith that he is doing what he thinks is best for students.”
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BUILDING COMMUNITY
JENNIFER SMITH AND JENNY SANDERS
Director of Communications & Project Management (Jennifer) and Coordinator of Employee BenefIts & Wellness (Jenny)
Administration Center
“Jen and Jenny are absolutely amazing in their care and support of all SCM employees. Their tireless efforts to plan amazing gatherings and engaging activities are so appreciated by all of us! They remind us that we are a family, not a business, and they help us get to know each other better as friends and not just colleagues.”
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CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
SCHOOL NURSES AND SECRETARIES
NURSES: Lindsay Klemczak, RN (Battell); Jennifer Taets, RN (Beiger); Victoria Barhydt, RN (Emmons); Lisa Watkins, RN (Hums); Ann Snyder, RN (LaSalle);Kellie DeVlaminck, RN (Liberty); Cindy Fumarolo, RN (Twin Branch); Kathy Hurst RN (JYMS); and Jeff Bryant, RN (MHS)
SECRETARIES: Paige Fish (Battell); Kim Stokes (Beiger); Erica Peebles (Emmons); Cathy Greetis (Hums); Lindsey Beckham (LaSalle); Shelly Murphy (Liberty); Bev Anglin (Twin Branch); Kelly Kinsces, Jennifer Addison, Norma Bauernfeind (JYMS); April Hathaway, Danielle Bonk, Erin Czyz, Sue Escher, Kathy Heckaman, Wendy McNeely (MHS)
All SCM Schools
“Much like Bruno, it feels a little sketch to talk about COVID-19; however, that is only the case due to the amount of time, energy, and effort that was spent by our school nurses and building secretaries serving SCM students and families through the most unprecedented time. Between managing individual student cases, making phone calls home to families of sick children and contact tracing, to signing people up for COVID tests and following the ever-changing guidance, protocols, and documentation tracking, much was demanded. Yet through all of those changes, I have the utmost confidence that this group of individuals served our school community with excellence and built an immense amount of trust in how to navigate an extremely difficult situation for so many. Even when the days were long, cases were high, and quarantines were worse, these folks gave us all a much-needed and timely reminder on how to treat one another.”
