Colorado Springs School District 11

Erin Ambroz, Coronado High School Drama Teacher

Since her first role as a poisonous poppy in The Wizard of Oz as a 4-year-old, Erin Ambroz knew theatre would play a role in her life.  Participating in community and school theatre throughout her middle and high school years in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Erin then moved to Greeley to attend the University of Northern Colorado and earned her bachelor’s in secondary Theatre Education. In her tenth year teaching, Erin went on to earn her Master’s in Educational Leadership.

In Colorado Springs, Erin performs at Springs Ensemble Theatre and, while she loves performing, Erin’s passion is teaching. Erin began teaching in D11 in 2010, and luckily for us, Coronado in 2014, where she proceeded to change the face of our drama program. Growing from just 2 classes to 5 under her tutelage, it has become her pride and joy. The constant change and challenges keep her on her toes offering both technical theatre and performing opportunities.

Rebranded in 2016 as The CTD (Coronado Theatre Department), the program boasts a yearly awards show, regular open mic nights, musicals, mainstage productions, and entirely student-designed, built, and run productions. Regularly attending and competing at state competitions, Coronado Thespians have consistently performed at a high level earning many scholarships and honors. 

Ms. Ambroz is especially proud of the work the program accomplished since the pandemic. Keeping process before product, students have continued to design and perform against all odds and amidst challenging conditions. During remote learning, students were challenged to transition from stage to film, and still managed to produce two mainstage productions.  With the addition of online streaming of productions and the CTD Instagram page, attendance has grown with many events selling out. In the Spring of 2020, the Advanced Acting class remotely produced an online showcase “Variations on a Theme: Alone.” This production reminded students that we are all together- something Ms. Ambroz emphasizes throughout her program. 

Erin truly loves her job and her students. Whether writing theatre curriculum for K-8 grade theatre in D11, interim sponsoring Student Council, mentoring student capstones, directing, tech-ing, producing, or teaching, she is excited to engage with the educational process and our most important resource: students.  Erin believes in and teaches mutual respect for mutual benefit and encourages empathy within her classroom and program.

Erin was blessed with motherhood when her beautiful 3-year-old daughter Nola was born. When she’s not in and around the theatre performing or directing, she enjoys time with her fantastic Corgeranian pup named Howie, sand volleyball, stand up paddle boarding, and hopes to add travel to her list of hobbies. The motto of the CTD is a combination of Alexander Pope and Shakespeare and a reminder that there is no need to wait- life is now, love is now, you’re on.

“All the world’s a stage… Act Well Your Part”

I would like to nominate Andrea Anderson at Keller Elementary 3^rd Grade. My Mom has been working with the district for 21 years and never won a crystal apple award I would love for her to win the award before she retires. She is a great teacher and has taught every grade in Elementary besides kindergarten she runs battle of the books and the coding club she is smart and a leader and a vet of the school I hope you could consider that.

Hunter A

I’d like to thank Mrs. Baker from Martinez Elementary School.  She taught my son during his 3^rd grade year, which mostly consisted of being remote.  She rolled with the punches, was patient with technology, dogs barking in the background, microphones not being turned on and overall glitches. 

Mrs. Baker was flexible and taught school from her home, her classroom and in person! She was such a blessing over such a weird, unpredictable year. 

We thank you for going into unchartered waters with such grace and determination.

Love,

Angela B

I'd like to take this time to acknowledge Ms. Sozan Bishara.

I think I was more scared than my daughter about her attending preschool than she was! 

As a winter baby, I felt I needed to start her transition to school early with preschool. 

Ms. Bishara has been nothing but amazing in my eyes and made this transition very smooth for all of us. 

Not only do I feel comfortable and confident with Ms. Bishara, I also feel for her because she goes above and beyond daily with our kids. I don't know how she does it. 

I honestly don't feel as though preschool gets taken as serious as kindergarten but Ms. Bishara is the start for our kids to begin their journey with education. 

I can't thank her enough for instilling the values that education is based on. It is because of her (and her team) that my daughter is excited to go to school daily. 

Far too often we hear and address the negative things so I appreciate this opportunity to recognize my daughters first teacher and positively support her. 

THANK YOU MISS BISHARA AND YOUR TEAM! 

I can only expect the same motivation from the kindergarten team next year. 

Thank you, Heidi F

Ms. Sheila Bishop taught my son Jackson during his first year at Martinez when we moved to Colorado Springs.  She now teaches my daughter Julia.  I love that for their 1^st grade experience, they have both had her as their teacher.

Ms. Bishop only does what is best for my kids.  Anything and everything to help them be their best and to set them up for success she says “yes” to! During this pandemic, I expressed concern about what I felt I could not adequately teach at home during remote learning.  I knew that one of Ms. Bishop’s superpowers was to fill in the gaps and help them get to where they needed to be.  And let’s just all pause for a moment and remember that our kids did not fall behind during the shut down, they did however survive a global pandemic. They have loved being back at school, being in the classroom and especially the never ending hugs from teachers like Ms. Bishop.  Thank you Ms. Bishop for always squishing my kids, showing them unconditional love, always including them in everything you do, and being silly and having fun.  You rock our worlds!

Love, Angela B

High school math is a tough subject to teach.  Ashley Brewer has done a fantastic job teaching my son in Calculus for the past two years.  Her lessons are engaging and the students enjoy learning with her.  My son is well prepared to start college next year.

In addition, I appreciate the work she has done at Doherty in the math center to help all students at all levels.  This year she has also taken on the responsibility to help with student council.  She is an amazing asset to Doherty in everything she does.  Ashley Brewer is a Crystal Apple teacher.

Regards,

Velvet S

I would like to tell you about Mrs. Jones at Edison Elementary. She is my daughter Zaliyah's 1st grade teacher. She does such an amazing job with the kids and is always willing to help if there is a problem in the class. My daughter really loves having her as a teacher and enjoys seeing her every school day. She makes sure to listen to your concerns and helps with it. I really appreciate everything she does!!

Emily

An excellent elementary PE teacher is hard to come by—and the fact that Ms. Crowe has been the PE teacher for all my kiddos at Scott is a true blessing.  Not only has she blessed my kids with her time and attention, but she has impacted thousands of kids because of the opportunity she extends to kids through her intramural and after school programming.  Ms. Crowe is also a supportive fan of students—and continues to support them all the way through high school as she still attends my daughter’s games as a sophomore in high school.  My entire family loves her dearly.

Stephanie L

Crystal Apple Recipient for 2016

Mr. D. is an excellent example of a Crystal Apple teacher.  He is the choir teacher at Doherty high school.  He directs amazing performances throughout the school year and consistently has students that participate in upper level choirs.  He is able to engage students to learn music and perform at the top of their abilities.  He is always a favorite teacher of parents and students alike.  He is a Crystal Apple teacher.

Regards,

Velvet S

I would like TO THANK ALL OF MY KIDS TEACHERS YOU ARE AMAZING AND YOU ARE APPRECIATED thank you for your presence and your beautiful efforts to being teachers for our children through the struggles during the last few years through covid through online learning . Thank you for all of your time and dedication to the education of our children .  MR FITCH THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS COMMUNICATING WELL WITH ME FOR MY SON ORION FOR HIS GROWTH AND HE ENJOYS YOUR CLASS HE ALWAYS SHARES THE AMAZING THINGS HE'S LEARNED IN YOUR CLASS .

Nina G

My son has Mr. Foss for Science class. My son loves how he provides field trips as incentives for the 6th grade class. He also really enjoys the experiments they get to perform in class. As a parent, I love to see my son come home so excited for science. Mr. Foss makes class fun and engaging- that is how my son learns best. Mr. Foss has great open communication and is very receptive. We love Mr. Foss!

Krista B

Crystal Apple Recipient for 2017

My son has Ms. Gomez and says she is very encouraging, always pushing him to do his best. She makes math class fun. From a parent's perspective, she has great communication making her on top of things before they become an issue. She gets to know her students beyond the grades and uses that to find the best way to work with her kiddos. We love Ms. Gomez!

Krista B

I would love to share with you about Jennifer Gustafson from Edison Elementary. She is very caring and always willing to help the children with anything they need. She was my daughter Zaliyah's kindergarten teacher last year when they were remote and was always making sure that she kept their attention as much as she could by making it fun for them. She still makes sure she helps my daughter if she needs help even though she is in first grade now. She is a very incredible person who not only helps the children in the class but also helps run the PTA and makes sure to be at every meeting and event no matter what!! My daughter loves her very much and I am so lucky and thankful she had such an incredible person for her Kindergarten teacher and is still able to see her at school this year!!

Emily

I’d love to nominate Sandra Haley for the crystal apple award I want to nominate her because my daughter has had issues going to school because she feels very alone but she enjoys going to classes with Mrs. Haley that’s what she looks forward to every school day! She loves Mrs. Haley and I personally think she’s great with my daughter!

Sandra C

Ms. Hellman has been thoroughly accommodating and encouraging of my two boys at Scott—more than anyone ever has been in GT.  She has noticed their talents, been very communicative, and encouraged them to explore their strengths.  My boys have never been more excited to go to school since they have been able to access GT—Ms. Hellman even tested Parker for a creativity designation, a new classification and one typically only tested for in middle school.  That she was willing to figure out a way instead of saying “No, that isn’t done” means a lot to our family and a TON to Parker.

Stephanie L

I would like TO THANK ALL OF MY KIDS TEACHERS YOU ARE AMAZING AND YOU ARE APPRECIATED thank you for your presence and your beautiful efforts to being teachers for our children through the struggles during the last few years through covid through online learning . Thank you for all of your time and dedication to the education of our children . MRS. HILLWIG YOU HAVE ALWAYS SHARED AND COMMUNICATED WITH ME SO WELL FOR AZELAS GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN YOUR CLASS THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO .

Nina G

Ms. H. definitely deserves to receive this award.  The way she is with the students shows that she is very passionate about what she does, we need more teachers like her, when we first got here from Georgia, honestly I was really nervous about my son Jaffe starting a new school, but Ms. H made Jaffe feel right at home in her classroom, he talks about her all the time.  She's very sweet, caring and she loves her class like they are her kids.  She deserves this award and more.  She goes far and beyond to meet all her kids needs, that itself takes a lot of patience.  Thanks for being such a great teacher.

 Sincerely, 

 Delicia P and Jaffe L

Calling Colorado Springs home since he was 5 years old, Jeff Hodur grew up attending D11 Westside schools and is a proud Class of 1996 graduate from Coronado. Singing in choir at Holmes and Coronado he discovered his passion. College recruiters approached him while performing at All State Choir his junior year and he knew becoming a choir teacher was in his future.

Jeff earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and his Master’s in Technology in Education. His teaching career began at Challenger Middle School in D20 where he completed his student teaching. When his choir director at Coronado announced his retirement, he reached out to Jeff and persuaded him to take his place. Twenty years have flown by, and Jeff maintains he made the right decision. Coronado couldn’t be happier.

The Blue Notes, Coronado’s acapella group, was created in 2005 and he has led them to place top 3 in the state at 2 competitions. He consistently represents 80-90% of the students from all schools in the district who are accepted into All State Choir. He has directed his Show Choir to place 1^st in the CHSAA state competition 3 times, and earned 1^st place, gold, and superior ratings at national competitions in Seattle, Washington DC, Anaheim, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Boston. His choirs have been invited to perform numerous times at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. In 2020, his choir performed a 30-minute acapella concert at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City. While in New Orleans, Jeff’s proudest moment was receiving the “Heart of New Orleans” award for the one school who represents kindness, leadership, and respect to all other schools, professionalism to the competition staff, and made others feel welcome while at the national competition.

Jeff’s focus and greatest joy is to share his love of music and have his students realize that music is a permanent necessity in their lives, no matter the direction of their careers. Lifelong musician equals lifelong happiness. He continues to maintain connections to past students through music, preparing them for auditions, giving lessons and providing guidance as they journey through the professional world of music. He has helped many students prepare for college auditions, college recitals and other vocations before school, after school, and on weekends. He has performed at their weddings and their family members’ funerals.

You can always hear Jeff coming, singing as he passes through the halls. He loves singing, watching sports, camping, mountain biking, riding his motorcycle, hiking, watching movies, helping at his church, cooking, and hanging out with friends and family.

My daughter has Ms. Holder for reading and writing. She says that Ms. Holder is really nice and very encouraging. Ms. Holder doesn’t make people feel bad if they do something wrong. We love Ms. Holder!

Krista B

Hi, I nominate Mrs. Brenda Holmes, once again. I did last year as my granddaughter benefited tremendously from her teaching. Now there's another granddaughter in her class and as prior I see her flourish. Her teaching methods are encompassing, from basic learning skills to apply the great outdoors, tickling the imagination of our smallest. Encouraging hard work. I've sat through many online classes during pandemic, and was in awe of her patience yet focused direction. I'll have another accomplished adult due to her hard work!

Julie O

My daughter has Mr. Hunt this year, and has for the past five years. Despite the changing times, Mr. Hunt has always held the same high standards and pushes his students to always give their best. My daughter loves PE because Mr. Hunt makes it fun and allows the kids to get their energy out. Every time I see Mr. Hunt, he always asks about my son, who had Mr Hunt the four years prior. Mr. Hunt cares about his students even after they move on and he always has encouraging words when he sees my son visiting. We love Mr. Hunt!

Krista B

Crystal Apple Recipient for 2015

Inducted into the prestigious Northridge Hall of Fame in Dayton OH, in 2016, Paul started his teaching career in Northridge Local Schools and came to Coronado in 2014 where he initiated new curriculum with the Digital Music Production program for D11. He composes, orchestrates, and arranges music for Coronado’s band, orchestra, choir, and theatre program.

After playing Mussorgsky’s “The Great Gate of Kiev” in 6^th grade band, Paul knew he was destined to be a musician. He completed his music degree at the University of Dayton, adding a Masters in Music at Denver University and Master of Practical Theology at The King’s Seminary.

Knowing the importance of performance experiences in various situations, Paul has been instrumental in taking his students to perform at Disney World in Orlando, Carnegie Hall in New York, Music Festivals in Anaheim, California and Washington, DC, earning the Gold Award at Elitch Gardens in Denver and Six Flags in Texas. His Chamber Orchestra has been invited to perform at the Colorado Music Educators’ Convention at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

To keep the program alive during the height of the pandemic, Mr. Jacobson edited and aligned a full string orchestra mixdown track from over 177 individual student audio recordings and film to produce four virtual orchestra videos in which students are seen playing together in separate windows along with their music. Inconceivable! And entertaining.

Music is Paul’s passion, and he has shared this love with not only Coronado and his students, but the community, directing organizations of all levels and sizes from full professional orchestras and massed choirs playing to audiences of thousands, to small beginning school bands. He has produced independent recordings and composed and orchestrated underscores and accompaniment scores for musical theatre, film & television with full virtual and live orchestras. 

Father of 3 successful sons and 3 grandchildren, when Paul is not giving back to Coronado, his faith, his family, and his community, you might find him travelling the world, or fishing and hunting in the great outdoors, the more remote the better, as long as there’s chocolate!

Paul pursues success by making others successful. A true educator and one we are honored to have at Coronado.

Please click to see the video

https://medial.d11.org/Play/8548

“Ms. Liz” in The Learning Center at McAuliffe Elementary has shown extraordinary efforts to provide meaningful education to our special education students. She always goes above and beyond to meet a student where they are. If that means laying in a tent to work on sight words, bouncing on yoga balls to encourage reading, or singing silly songs to get their attention to add and subtract.

With this being her first year at McAuliffe, she fits right in, but adds her own spunk and sparkle. Ms. Liz and her staff work wonders with the students in TLC, and every single one of them have made tremendous strides this school year!

She is adored beyond belief. Who wouldn’t love a fun, energetic, accommodating, and selfless teacher like her? Besides, she has pink hair! She deserves the world!

Camie S

Please click to see the video

https://medial.d11.org/Play/8549

Please click to see the video

https://medial.d11.org/Play/8550

I would love for Sherri Landis to be chosen for a Crystal Apple award.  Mrs. Landis goes above and beyond to support students and help them expand their learning and reach new levels.  She builds their confidence and helps them to try new things.  AP Seminar is a difficult class with college level content, but Mrs. Landis is there every step of the way to help students bridge their learning from the high school level to what is needed to be successful in an AP class.  Her positive Can-Do attitude is contagious and students thrive in the learning environment she has carefully and intentionally created.  

It is not often that a parent receives class emails from high school teachers, but Mrs. Landis sends important information to parents so that we can continue to be involved in our child's education.  She lets us know important due dates and the expectations for the assignments.  Her emails are crafted with love and you can get a sense of her passion for teaching through her emails.  As a parent it is definitely appreciated and we love being informed and included.

The AP Seminar students had an important research project and presentation due last week.  Mrs. Landis scheduled time for students to come to school and have additional work and practice time over the weekend and evenings after school.  She had a variety of times so that students and families could attend.  Her level of dedication and passion for this group of students is refreshing and not always seen at the high school level.

My family had a recent death in our family and it is a difficult situation for our child in high school.  I reached out to Mrs. Landis and she was so caring and compassionate for my student as she came back to school.  She kept her high expectations, but also showed the love and compassion my student needed while at school.

Mrs. Landis also attends extra-curricular activities to show her support for students in areas outside of the school day.  Her face lights up when she sees students and makes them feel like they are the most important person in the world to her.  

I cannot say enough positive things about Mrs. Landis and the impact she has on students, their education, and their future.  She is an exceptional educator and deserves to be recognized for her contribution to Doherty High School and District 11.

Thank you,

Nicole B aka Avery B's mom 

Maureen, parent

My family and I would be honored to nominate Fremont Elementary schools Art teacher Mrs. Senters. She is a teacher who goes above and beyond to assure her children are safe and welcome in the classroom. She inspires her students to express who they are through their Art. 

But there's more to this kind soul then just being an Art teacher. She is a human being who cares for others than just her students. 

You see I'm a mother going through the process of an organ transplant for 2 new lungs. It's been really hard on my daughter Kynlee Starcher. And Mrs. Senters has been such a guiding light to Kynlee in making sure my child's mental health has been good and letting her Art room be open any time Kynlee needs to talk or just rest her mind. She has even reached out to me as a parent in offering any kind of help we may need. You don't see many teachers or hearing at least how much they love and care for their students. So to close this up I'm truly hoping she may be aware with the Crystal Apple award. 

Sincerely,

 Ms. D and Kynlee S

I would like to Nominate Kyle Maring from Russell Middle School. Mr. Maring deserves this award because he is a great leader in the school and he's funny. Thank you 

Hunter A\8^th Grade

I’m writing this today to nominate a teacher for the Crystal Apple Award; Mr. Eric McNeil, math teacher at Palmer HS.

 I’ve known Eric, his son Connor and his family for well over 15 years. In my freshman year at Palmer, 10 years ago, Eric was my Fundamental Algebra teacher. I was never apt towards math, geometry, statistics, etc, but Eric made the effort to be understanding, yet supportive of our learning curves. I distinctly remember Eric giving two speeches, one at the beginning of the year and one at the end. The first was a story of his rise from being “homeless to attending Harvard.” He got a standing ovation out of 25 14-year olds, now that’s a feat not seen everyday! The second talk was his infamous “Pineapple story” that still looms through the D11 community/Palmer Alumni to this day!

 I write that to say this: Eric did not retire when COVID hit, nor did he quit when he had to accommodate from every angle to support his students. That’s a stand-up example of Integrity & Compassion, huge factors in today’s world.

I hope you take into account the last 30 years of Eric’s ascension. Thank you!

David F

My son has Ms. Mills for English Language Arts. My son does not enjoy reading- it is like pulling teeth to get him to read at home. Ms. Mills has the kiddos really engaged in a book in the classroom. My son has come home and told me about the books he is reading in class and searches for movies to watch about the books before his other classmates. Ms. Mills is definitely doing something right in the classroom. We love Ms Mills!

Krista B

I am in Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy and I would like to nominate Michele Montgomery Arthur  because she is a great art teacher and always does her absolute best to help us! She is a great teacher.

Emmersen B.

Please click to see the video

https://medial.d11.org/Play/8547

Susan Forget is a Crystal Apple teacher.  She teaches Computer Science at Sabin Middle School.  She is able to engage all students.  My son, was able to go above and beyond what he needed in her class.  She is also the sponsor of the school robotics team.  This team went to the state tournament this year.  It’s been a tough year at Sabin but Susan Forget has been an example of an outstanding teacher.  Her qualities epitomize a Crystal Apple teacher.

Regards,

Velvet S

Mr. Romero, Penrose Elementary School

My daughter has Mr. Romero-Perry for math and science. She loves math and loves how Mr. Romero presents math in a fun way. She says that Mr. Romero is nice and sweet and encourages her to do her best work. We love Mr. Romero!

Krista B

I’d like to take a moment to praise my son’s Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Schofield of Trailblazer Elementary. With 26 children, many of whom are neuro-divergent, Mrs. Schofield manages to give the kind of guidance and care that a parent could only dream of.

My son spent the past 4 years of his life in different kinds of therapy to be able to tolerate attending kindergarten. When the time came, we were terrified that he would regress or struggle. Despite our fears, Mrs. Schofield went above and beyond to acknowledge his needs so he could be successful throughout the school year. At no point during her consistent communication did she ever complain about my child’s  behavior. Rather she used that time to seek out information that would help her to help him; she truly and genuinely cares about each of her students. I feel beyond grateful to have such a compassionate individual to guide my child throughout this major transition in his life.

It would be easy for the demands of teaching to have a negative impact on a teacher, but Mrs. Schofield you attack each day with grace, acceptance and kindness. You are a true blessing to our family and the community in which you serve. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

-The G Family

My son has Ms. Shank for band. Ms. Shank accepted my son in her class with an ability lower than other students, but she believed in him and pushed him to do his best. He loves where he is and has really risen to the challenge that she put before him. Ms. Shank is always willing to help out her kiddos and makes sure they are well aware of that. We love Ms. Shank!

Krista B

I wanted to write about Mrs. Snyder at Martinez Elementary.  She was my son’s 2^nd grade teacher.  She also got us through the first sprinkling covid and how we did everything from home from March – May.  I remember picking up his bag in May from the whole school year.  She had packed it with such love and detail and all of his art pieces were in there.  Mrs. Snyder had to do what she had never done before and did it with such grace, patience and understanding of what parents were trying to do at home. 

The best moment was the following year, when everyone was masked up and my son called her over to our vehicle at carpool pick up and asked her for a hug.  He just bear hugged her and told her how much he loved her. 

That is the true heart of Mrs. Snyder.  She wants kids to learn but more importantly she wants them to know and feel just how much they are loved. 

We are forever grateful for you, Mrs. Snyder.

Love, Angela B

I have known many great teachers but Virginia Stewart stands out in my mind as one of the best.  Kindergarten is a hard time for parents, sending their little ones off to school all day for the first time.  Virginia made this time so much easier in our lives with all three of my sons.  Each of my sons, all different, thrived in her kindergarten class.  As they started learning to read, write, and express themselves, she was there helping them.  My sons, who are currently 18, 16, and 12, don’t remember many of the details of kindergarten, but Mrs. Stewart is the first teacher they want to visit and talk to when we visit.  She is also a first choice to write postcards to when we send them while on vacation.  They remember feeling loved and accepted in her class.  They have all continued to thrive as students and community members because she gave them a great foundation.

As a parent I have spent many hours volunteering in her classroom.  She does an amazing job developing a relationship with each student and family.  She communicates openly with families.  She is able to differentiate academically so that each student gets what they need.  She does what is best for each student.  Most importantly, she makes learning fun.  To this day, I still volunteer in her classroom because I enjoy seeing the difference she makes in each of her students’ lives.  

Virginia Stewart is a teacher that I can always depend on.  She stays up on the latest research and changes her instruction to what is best for students.  She strives to help the entire Scott community.  She is the epitome of a Crystal Apple teacher.

Sincerely,

Velvet S

Mrs. Sunada teaches my son in 4^th grade and he is having so much fun being back in person this year.  She is the perfect fit for him and he just adores her.

Coming off a remote filled year she has embraced where each student is emotionally and academically and has approached every learning opportunity with an open mind to fill in the gaps and meet children where they are. 

She gives the best hugs and has such a heart for young souls. 

We love Mrs. Sunada!

~ Angela B

Mr. Thomassen is incredibly consistent in establishing high expectations for students.   He “sees” my twins as individuals, and cares for them uniquely as they have significant differences in how they learn, what they need, and how they need to be held accountable.  I trust Mr. Thomassen implicitly with my boys, and know they will be prepared for middle school as they finish their time at Scott.  Both boys have tested into GT this year, and I think a large part of that is because Donnie makes sure they do their best and gently yet firmly guides them in the right direction, even when they are heading slightly off course.  I am exceedingly grateful that Mr. Thomassen has been my kids’ teacher at Scott, and we will miss him dearly.

Stephanie L

Gina Turner gives of herself in ways that far extend the walls of her English classroom at Doherty High School--whether it’s providing a meal for her AVID class, offering up encouragement and kind words at a pivotal moment, creating a unique opportunity to serve a struggling student, mentoring a student teacher who will lead the next generation, giving up her lunch period at the request of a student, or stepping in to support a peer in the English Department.  Gina is available. Always. She sees the best in people and holds a special ability to bring it forth. She eagerly gives of her time, her resources, and her abilities. Walking beside Ms. Turner, a person is challenged to see others with different eyes, for she is one who see the greatness in students who are sometimes overlooked or overshadowed at Doherty High School. Without a doubt, Ms. Turner simply makes Doherty a better place.

Sherri L

Ms. Urban, Sabin Middle School

My son has Ms. Urban for history class. My son comes home excited to tell me about what he has learned in history class. She has made the class engaging and fun and really captures his attention so he retains the information. He has found a new love in history this year because of her. We love Ms. Urban!

Krista B

Mr. Christopher Welch, from District 11 stands out above the rest! His commitment to his students and the community is to be noted. He has helped my daughter with the progression of learning with her flute for 3 years and counting! 

During the pandemic, my daughter always looked forward to band even though it was during the remote part of learning through the pandemic. Even though my daughter had lost, in -school experience, Mr. Welch was able to keep her and the other students engaged. She also did not lose any progression with her musical academics.  

My Daughter started with Mr. Welch in 5^th grade and was lucky enough to continue with his instruction for the third year now in 7^th grade. The last in person celebration was so impressive. With all the various levels and interests of the students, Mr. Welch goes above, and beyond the excitement and care for his students.  

This past Halloween, we were surprised as we trick or treated around Russell Middle School, and our highlight of the night was being able to engage with Mr. Welch while he was passing out candy. It was so neat to see all the students come up and show their appreciation as well that night.  

Mr. Welch’s passion and dedication to the musical arts is so impressive. He is so great with the students, and really allows a safe place for the kids in the classroom. To the daily commitment he shows his students, to the awesome concerts he puts on, this teacher deserves the highest recognition. Please consider him for all he does for Russell Middle School and District 11. We are so thankful this teacher has been in our lives for 3 years and counting. 

Molly K

I would like TO THANK ALL OF MY KIDS TEACHERS YOU ARE AMAZING AND YOU ARE APPRECIATED thank you for your presence and your beautiful efforts to being teachers for our children through the struggles during the last few years through covid through online learning. Thank you for all of your time and dedication to the education of our children.  Thank you Mrs. Whaley I think you are an incredible teacher you've done so much for Amidas support communication with me and anything you could possibly do to help you've delivered; he learns so much and so well from you. I appreciate your elaborate communication about my son his growth and what I can do to help him grow. We always receive your weekly newsletters so beautifully organized and easy to navigate. I feel glad that he gets emotional support as well. I know that Amidas feels very supported and enjoys being in your class so much! I enjoy being in your class each moment to volunteer when I can. And I look forward to being there some more :) Thank you, you all are very appreciated. 

Nina G

My daughter has Ms. Worner for GT. Ms. Worner advised a chess club in addition to the GT program. My daughter was so excited to join the chess club and has learned quite a bit from Ms. Worner. Ms. Worner has been very encouraging to my daughter and has helped her understand why she is gifted, even if her giftedness doesn't look the same as those around her. We love Ms. Worner!

Krista B