Colorado Springs School District 11

Hello, my name is Carrie Ingrum and I work at Fremont Elementary school. The SPED teacher I work closely with is Jamie Bennett. I wanted to nominate her this year for the crystal apple award. She is constantly going above and beyond for the kids on her case load. She is loved by her students and her peers. She has a case load with high behaviors and handles each child with patience and love. All of her kids improve daily not only on academic goals but with personal goals. She comes to work everyday with compassion ang a dedication to helping children. 

Thank you for your consideration 

Carrie Ingrum

Jamie Bennett is a sped teacher at Fremont Elementary.  She is amazing.  She has most of the special education case load at Fremont and handles it with such grace.  She always is available.  She is always happy.  Her work speaks for itself.  Ask any of her students.  Even the hardest ones.  They will all sing her praises. She goes above and beyond for her students and the staff under her. She spends hours finding the best resources and planning for each student as well as shopping for rewards and fun projects.  She truly is an amazing person who deserves all the things.  

In the classroom, how does this teacher meet the needs of all students?

Jamie not only meets all the needs of her sped students, but comes up with creative and individualized plans for each one.  They are thoughtful and fun.  Each student is at their own level or right above to push them for growth.  The kids love coming to her room. 



How does this teacher demonstrate professional collaboration?

Jamie has meetings to collaborate with the other sped teachers weekly as well as listens to the sped assistants.  She values everyone's opinion and truly listens. 



How does this teacher contribute to a positive school/parent/community partnership?

Again she values everyones opinions and truly listens.  She speaks with parents to bridge homelife with school life to keep the kids on the right trajectory.  She is always laughing and happy.  She treats the kids with respect and they respond positively to it.  So when they act out, she has a way with them that no one else does.  She loves her job and you can tell.  It permeates.  She is a gem.  She deserves to be recognized for all of her hard work.  

Attached is Isaiah Williamson nominating Delena Brooker from Audubon Elementary. Please let me know if you have problems accessing it

Jen Williamson

 crystal apple.mp4

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate interventionist, Michele Bueter from Buena Vista Elementary for the Crystal Apple Award.  I have known Michele for many years.  She has worked as a teacher at Howbert, Rogers, West Middle, and Buena Vista while I have known her.  She has years of experience with students at all levels.  She is amazing at getting students to grow from where they are.  She is a team player who is willing to run clubs and do extra work as needed.  She reaches out to parents to partner with them in helping students grow.  She collaborates regularly with her colleagues to do what is best for students.  Many students have been blessed by working with Ms. Bueter.  Michele is definitely a Crystal Apple teacher.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

I choose to nominate Angel Chavez for the Crystal  Apple Award. I have been fortunate enough to have known Ms. Chavez for over 20 years.  She taught second and third grade for my two sons, who are now 33 and 29 years old. Today she is now teaching my first  grandson. As volunteer grandparent in the classroom, I see first hand the work Ms. Chavez does for her students. She knows all her students and their individual needs is still able to include them all in every activity at different levels. Ms. Chavez has made sure that all her children can read words. She stays after school most days of the week to offer tutoring for reading and math, each with an approach to best suit the student. Ms. Chavez goes above and beyond every time in order for her children have the ability to succeed in everything that they do. She offers hiking clubs for the students and their families in order  to got to know one another and do things together. Ms. Chavez is an asset in this world and should not go unrecognized. She is an amazing person and deserves to be awarded multiple times in multiple ways. Many thanks to her as a parent, for being a part of my children’s a life’s and even more thanks to her from a grandparent now for  being a part of my grandson’s life. She has helped raise members of society to be proud of. Many thanks Ms. Chaves and the teachers like her along the way to help make this possible. She deserves this award to conclude her career and to let her know that she has never gone unnoticed throughout the years.

Thank you

Yolanda Lynn Davis

My nominee for the crystal apple award is Angel Chavez. I have known Ms. Chavez for many years, not only is she teaching my grandson but she taught my children. I am a volunteer grandparent in the classroom and I see the work Ms. Chavez does with the children. She knows all her children and their needs but includes them all in every activity at different levels. Ms. Chavez has made sure that all her children can read words. She stays after school most days of the week to offer reading tutoring and has math clubs for children to learn math in a different way. Ms. Chavez goes above and beyond of what she needs to,so her children have every ability to succeed in everything that they do. She offers hiking clubs for the children with their parents so they can all get to know one another and do things together. Ms. Chavez is an asset in this world that should not go unnoticed, she is an

 amazing person and deserves to be awarded multiple times in multiple ways. Many thanks to her as a parent and a grandparent for she has helped to raise successful productive citizens and I am very proud of my children and many thanks to teachers like Ms.Chavez along the way to help make this possible. She deserves this award to end her career in the best possible way, and to let her know that she has never gone unnoticed all of these years. 

Thank you

Yolanda Davis

Ms. Davis has been very helpful as not just my math teacher, but also my advisory teacher. Ms. Davis provides interactive math lessons which help me learn math. She is also always there for me if I need help, not just with math, but in general. Ms. Davis is understanding and flexible. Her attitude is positive and with that she creates a positive classroom environment.

Nominated by Braedyn Bruckner

Crystal Apple Awards Committee,

I am writing this letter to strongly recommend Jennifer DeVito for the 2023 Colorado

Springs School District 11, Crystal Apple Award. Ms. DeVito goes above and beyond for

students and staff at King and is a tremendous asset to the King community. She has a group of

learners with very diverse needs. Each student feels important and a strong sense of belonging

in her classroom. She builds a climate of respect. She teaches and models that each person is

different and therefore needs something different, flexibly supports students in what they need,

and encourages her students to support each other in that mindset. Not only does she support

them with social-emotional learning, she also supports each student's growth academically.

From students who struggle to learn to those who are advanced, Ms. DeVito ensures each

demonstrates learning and growth. She helps them set and monitor goals and she tracks data

closely and adjusts her instruction accordingly. She is very reflective on her own teaching and

instructional approaches. Ms. DeVito cares deeply about each student in her care and holds

them to a high standard.

As a student teacher, a certified interventionist, and as a general classroom teacher, she works

hard to learn about the standards, instructional resources, and how to use them effectively for

her students. In addition, she seeks out and plans highly engaging activities that align to her

students’ interests. For example, she plans content review games with a ‘Fear Factor’ theme.

She used her student’s interest in Pokemon trading cards to integrate science, math, writing,

and speaking and listening standards so that students could demonstrate learning through their

own Pokemon trading cards and game. Since the school currently is not able to obtain bussing

for field trips, Ms. DeVito brings people and experiences to 3rd grade. The list of ‘extra’ things

she prepares can go on. She adds value to learning and spends much of her own time, money,

and energy doing her best to make school and learning fun.

Ms. DeVito is an excellent communicator. She provides families with opportunities to be

involved. She sends a monthly newsletter and uses ClassDojo to send regular pictures and

messages about student experiences and activities. Parents are invited to visit as surprise

readers each week. At the beginning of the year, Jenn asked parents for her students’ extra

curricular activity schedules and often attends her students' games and other activities after

school and on the weekends. Ms. DeVito attends every possible King event and knows a

majority of King students’ names, even outside her regular classroom. She develops strong

relationships within the King community. It’s evident how much she cares about the work she

does.

Ms. DeVito is the teammate every staff member hopes for. She encourages and builds up

others’ strengths. She affirms the work of each person. From building techs, special education

paras, front office staff, to other classroom teachers, and so on, she encourages and shows

appreciation for each. She goes above and beyond in her planning and preparations for her

class, and willingly shares any and all of her work for the benefit of students in the building. As

a first year teacher, she was an ESSER Interventionist last year and she created and led regular

WeEx meetings as a support group for interventionists from other buildings to learn from and

collaborate with one another. Ms. DeVito works with her teammate daily to plan and prepare

materials, and she also seeks out collaboration with other grade level teams, her TLC, special

education team, the LTE, social worker and counselor on a regular basis. She is on the social

committee, SST (Student Supports Team), Kagan Team, and One Plan Team. She

demonstrates leadership, takes advantage of professional development opportunities, and

shares her learning with others. Jennifer DeVito is the kind of teacher and teammate that every

principal, parent, and staff member wants in their school. Ms. DeVito is beyond deserving of the

2023 Colorado Springs District 11 Crystal Apple Award. I strongly recommend her for this

award.

Sincerely,

Anonymous

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate government teacher, Robert Duensing from Doherty High School for the Crystal Apple Award.  Two of my sons have had Mr. Duensing for AP Government.  When my son told me that he wants to go to class because it is fun I knew he had a great teacher.  The work is challenging because Mr. Duensing is getting them prepared for the AP test.  Beyond that, he is getting them ready to be responsible citizens.  Being able to learn, research, and listen to other viewpoints gets them ready to be informed voters and contributors to society.  He encourages students to register to vote.  Thank you to Mr. Duensing.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

Gaby Escobar is Carver Elementary's English Language Learner Teacher and a phenomenal teacher! She works with all of our ELL students and families in grades kindergarten through fifth grade and tutors our First Grade Students. She is a member of our Home and Community Partnership Team and personally invites her families to our Carver Cafe, Parent and Child Relationship Classes, and Family Nights. She collaborates with our District Family and Community Engagement Team and was selected to mentor college students from Colorado College. Ms. Escobar's knowledge, passion for education, and commitment to her students is to be commended.

Thank you and please let me know if you need any additional information!

Lisa

Lisa Bizzell

Principal

Carver Elementary

719-328-7100

Ms. Fogelberg is an amazing third grade teacher. She builds relationships with her students and they all know that she cares about them. Students feel comfortable in her room and they look forward to coming to school every day. Ms. Fogelberg makes learning fun for students and keeps them engaged throughout the day. She teaches students math raps and chants to help them learn their math facts. Ms. Fogelberg's room is full of fun and learning!! 

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate Robotics teacher, Susan Forget from Sabin Middle School for the Crystal Apple Award. Ms. Forget provides fun, hands on, and engaging lessons for students.  Ms. Forget also runs the robotics club which participated in competitions this year.  Sabin had four teams qualify for the state competition.  Ms. Forget communicated with parents and community members to help support students in learning how to work as a team, problem solve, and compete.

Students are better prepared for the real world from these experiences.  Ms. Forget also helped support the state qualifying Doherty team so they could compete this year.

Ms. Forget regularly collaborates with the CTE team as well as the other elective teachers at Sabin.  She is a Crystal Apple teacher.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

When a student ever asks for paper he gives them a pack or when a student asks for a notebook he gives them a notebook.                   He is always ready to give any information to help with the work and if any student asks a question he tells the entire class incase another student needed to ask but didn’t.          He gives support to all students and always asks other teachers when he goes outside the classroom for a hands on work

(From a student)

Please accept this student created video for Lin Goodwin-Wittry for a nomination of Crystal Apple recognition.

https://youtu.be/Cr2Zc0Qt2rw

Ms Graham is so well loved by all. I never see Ms. Graham without a smile- she has such a positive outlook and loves to share that with others. Ms. Graham is creative and makes learning fun. Ms. Graham is very involved within the school- she advises student groups and represents the teacher voice at PTA meetings. Ms. Graham always gives her best and is a true gem within Penrose.

Nominated by Krista Bruckner

 --

Have a great day,

Krista Bruckner

"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done." - Lucille Ball

Dear Crystal Apple Committee:

I am writing this letter to acknowledge Katelyn Graham as West Middle School’s Crystal Apple Teacher for the 2022-2023 school year.

Katelyn is an extraordinary teacher. In her social studies classes, all students are routinely engaged in rigorous coursework and held to high expectations. She makes learning fun and relevant through projects and games that integrate language arts and the visual and performing arts into social studies. Katelyn goes out of her way to ensure her students are successful by providing additional academic and social-emotional supports whenever needed. Katelyn is, also, responsible for developing the Leadworthy class at West Middle School. In this class, our students have worked with students from Coronado and Palmer High Schools to become peer mediators. Katelyn is committed not only to building students’ knowledge of social studies, but also in developing citizen leaders. Katelyn’s colleague, Dr. Karissa Rytting, states, “Katelyn Graham meets the needs of all students in her classroom by providing choice, including options that offer greater depth and complexity. She encourages students to select challenging choices. Katelyn is a wonderful teacher with whom to collaborate. As a social studies teacher, she supports language arts and math standards through writing and graphing.” Katelyn’s teammate, Ms. Allison McDonald, likewise possesses tremendous respect for Katelyn. “Within the classroom, Katelyn makes sure she is meeting the needs of all her students. When a student transitioned into her classroom with highly creative gifted needs, Katelyn made sure to ask the student how she could help them in the classroom. She ensured they could demonstrate that they were learning the topic Katelyn was teaching each day. When teaching gifted students, there are varieties of methods Katelyn uses within her daily lessons that help them understand the content in a way that will relate to their interests.” “It's clear that Mrs. Graham has a heart for ALL of her students. Her unique ability to meet students where they are and inspire them to set learning goals is unparalleled. Students know what they are learning and why they are leaning it. Mrs. Graham goes above and beyond to make sure her lessons are extraordinarily engaging. She insists that all students achieve high levels of learning and differentiates her instruction and academic expectations so that ALL students develop an intrinsic desire for learning,” elaborates Gifted Magnet Program Coordinator, Tanya Ehlinger. Regarding Mrs. Graham, eighth grader, Ashiya Brown explains, “She makes students feel safe and important. She encourages students to do their best, and when they are not at their best, she cheers them up and lets them take a break so they don’t feel overwhelmed. She also always checks up on her students when she notices something is wrong. She gives us the opportunity to be teachers in the classroom, too.” Assistant Principal, Jarrod Torrez recognizes, “Mrs. Graham creates lessons with low entry points but high ceilings for all students. Her lessons are highly engaging and content rich.”

Katelyn is a leader among her peers. As the lead teacher for our social studies professional learning community, she also serves on our Guiding Coalition (Building Leadership Team). In these roles, she is responsible for facilitating collaboration with her team in fulfilling the vision of our school’s One Plan. Ms. McDonald adds, “As a mentor, Katelyn makes sure to show support to new teachers in the building as well as help them navigate how to incorporate new ideas within the classroom. She is also receptive to receiving materials from co-workers to make a more collaborative process that has everyone contributing within the professional learning community of which she is a part.” WMS Dean, Ashlee Kimani elaborates, “Katelyn is always willing to collaborate with all content teachers to support learning across the curriculum.”

Katelyn has contributed to positive partnerships at West by coordinating our Winter Showcase, in which families came to school to view students’ first semester projects and listen to their presentations. She also accompanied her Leadworthy students to the Educating Children of Color conference, where they presented to a packed audience about their peer mediation program. Ms. McDonald describes, “As part of her peer mediation program, Katelyn helped students navigate giving a presentation and mock mediation at the Education Children of Color conference at Colorado College this year. Students involved in the program understood their impact on, not only their community within the school, but also within the greater Colorado Springs community. She helped run a title night that showcased projects from across multiple grade levels where she helped students develop projects in which they cooked food for consumption, created art projects highlighting important historical people, and presented on how a theater program helped students understand what they wanted to do with their future in the world.” Dr. Rytting further recognizes Katelyn’s commitment to building students as citizens, “Katelyn fosters professional relationships with students and their families by listening and reaching out to parents by phone or email.” Mrs. Ehlinger shares, “Mrs. Graham is clearly a life-long learner and seeks to collaborate with other professionals regarding her expertise. She is currently getting a Master's Degree in the field of gifted education. She whole-heartedly contributes to our PLC meetings and provides multiple ideas on how to inspire students to achieve their best. She also eagerly takes on leadership roles throughout the building. She is the department lead for her social studies team. I can always rely on Katelyn to be a presenter at all GMP events. She communicates effectively and consistently with students, her teammates, and parents.”

In support of Ms. Graham’s nomination, WMS Autumn Hayes provided the following testament.

Student Nolan Diges explains why he thinks of Mrs. Graham as an excellent teacher.

Katelyn Graham is a consummate teacher and invaluable member of the West Middle School family and D11 community. She is more than worthy of recognition by West Middle School, District 11, and the Crystal Apple Committee.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Shalah Parker, Principal

West Middle School

Good afternoon,

I would like to nominate Ms Brooke Grant, from Patrick Henry Elementary for a Crystal Apple.

We moved here this year, and she really made sure my highly anxious daughter would be surrounded by friends that would “show her the ropes” to ease her.  It’s very clear she absolutely adores her students and celebrates each win like it was her own child. There is a wide range of abilities and needs in her classroom, but somehow, she seems to facilitate them all. Whether it’s one-on-one time or that gentle nudge to give them the confidence they need to take the leap, she seems to know exactly what they need.  I’ve watched my shy, scared-to-fail girl, grow leaps and bounds this year with the confidence Ms Grant instilled in her that she could do hard things.  This is not just in the classroom either, this is socially and how to make decisions for herself and not just follow others. These are lifelong traits that go well beyond reading, writing, and math.

It’s very clear she is extremely well-respected by her fellow teachers.  Every time I’ve been in the building and someone asks about my kids, and I mention Ms Grant the response is always something similar to “she is the greatest!”.

Ms Grant is great at communicating what is going on at the school and in the classroom. Her husband is the vice-president of the PTO so she is very involved in what is going on.  She urges the parents to get involved as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had the most parent volunteers and even fellow employees from her classroom.  I believe there is a direct connection to the respect we as parents have for her that want us to get involved.

I still remember who my favorite teacher was growing up, and I have little doubt that Ms Grant will be that one teacher my girl will always remember and cherish.  As a parent there isn’t any more you could ask of from a teacher than what Ms Grant has done from giving her a great education, lifelong tools, and being a very positive role model. I will forever be thankful for her and that my daughter was in her classroom.

Stevie Posegay (parent)

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  kindergarten teacher.  She still makes sure she helps my daughter if she needs help even though she is in second 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 is happy she is still able to see her at school this year!!

I would love to tell you about Micah Hudson. She is currently my daughter's 2nd grade teacher now. She is a very caring and loving teacher who is always willing to help. My daughter loves being in her class and is always happy to see her at school. If I have a concern I know she will try her best to help. She is an incredible teacher and I am so happy my daughter is in her class! I really appreciate all that she does! 

1.  This year my wife and I approached Mr. Joiner about our student with special high needs.  24 hours before the year began he accepted her into his class knowing she was unable to attend a high school of understanding made months before.  Mr. Joiner promised to provide extra instruction to challenge this student throughout the year.  He fulfilled that promise on his own time.   This provided the challenge our daughter required.

2.  Working with us, the math department chair, the gifted and talented coordinator and the science department Mr. Joiner was instrumental in ensuring our daughter has had an amazing year of learning above and beyond the standard material in her math class.

3. As a parent Mr. Joiner has only contributed positive experiences for us.  By taking on a challenging student and surpassing the basic requirements Mr. Joiner can only have contributed to  the school/ parents/ and community positively.

I would love to tell you about Heather Jones at Edison Elementary. She is one of the most amazing teacher's you will ever meet. She was my daughter Zaliyah's 1st grade teacher. She does such an amazing job with the kids and is always willing to help. My daughter really loves  her and enjoys seeing her every school day. She is always there for Zaliyah when she needs someone to talk to. I can't thank her enough for  everything she does!! She is so awesome!!

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate first grade teacher, Shay Kuehn from Scott Elementary for the Crystal Apple Award.  I regularly volunteer in her class so I see first hand how she works with students, families, and staff. Mrs. Kuehn regularly has parents, grandparents, and community members who volunteer in her class.  I read with her students every week so I can see their growth as the learn throughout the year.  She is so patient and kind with each student.  She works hard to get each student the instruction they need.  The entire class works together to make a strong first grade and Scott community.

The first grade team of teachers at Scott is one of the best.  They work so well together so that all first graders succeed.  They have had other schools come and observe them because they are outstanding. Shay Kuehn is an extraordinary teacher who deserves to be honored.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

Hello,

As a parent of three students with special needs, I would like to recognize one of the most amazing Special Education teachers we have ever had.

Hannah McElyea (aka, Mrs. Mac) has been teaching at McAuliffe elementary for a few years as mostly the Resource teacher. This year, due to staffing, she was asked to take over as the sole SpEd teacher in our school’s Significant Support Needs classroom for most of this school year.

This will be the third year for two of my students in this specific classroom, and the first year I have seen either of them meet and exceed the goals set for them. Not only that, but they now enjoy and look forward to coming to school everyday!

The exciting new ideas “Mrs. Mac” has brought to our amazing students has kept them engaged and learning. Her fun personality has made coming to school everyday thrilling and fun, and her patience and ever-calming presence keeps our sometimes ever-chaotic lives at peace.

Although she is so small, her heart is HUGE, and filled with compassion, grace, and understanding for everyone around her. She radiates positivity, and you can’t NOT smile when she is around.

Hannah has intense dedication to ALL of her students, and loves them ferociously. Without her, our school (and most importantly our SpEd classroom) would surely be lost. Thank you, Mrs. Mac, for all that you do!

With joy,

Camie Ward

Amber Mello is a first year, kindergarten teacher that continuously strives to meet the needs of her students every day! Her creativity, endless energy, and great instruction is paramount in reaching the individual personalities of each of her students. She frequently collaborates with behavior interventionist for ideas and the teacher learner coach for differentiated instruction. She is a member of the Climate and Culture Committee and most recently provided individually created cards for ALL staff members! Mrs. Mello is a tremendous asset to Carver Elementary and we are lucky to have her!

I would like to nominate Mrs . Moyer for the Teacher's Crystal Apple Award .

 My daughter and I have truly enjoyed having Mrs. Moyer as Azela's 1st grade teacher . She has been very pleasant for my daughter to learn with . Azela's overall performance in reading and math have increasingly improved since the beginning of this school year . We've had our challenges and Mrs Moyer has been there every step or the way to show support in the classroom and at home when we've reached out with questions or concerns . 

     In the beginning Azela had some struggles with math . Anytime we had questions about her homework Mrs. Moyer showed very strong support and quick responses . She would send us videos of examples for math that Azela needed assistance with or anything I had questions about myself. I was very impressed with her willingness to always help us out on her learning journey. 

       Mrs. Moyer keeps parents involved in the classroom environment. I've been invited a few times to read for story time , it was so nice to connect with Azela in her class meet her classmates and friends and be invited to have this time in class helped us all grow closer and more acquainted . I feel at peace and comfortable knowing my daughter had such a kind and professional teacher. She loves school and she loves being in Mrs. Moyers class I find it so important to have all three things we admire about her and her ways of teaching and growing . I enjoy the way she keeps us organized at home with weekly homework sheets , with things the classroom is currently learning about and what we need to study at home .

       Thank you Mrs .Moyer for the beautiful year that AZela has spent in your class and company it's such a blessing to know that a wonderful person like you is a teacher to create a strong foundation for children as they grow we appreciate your kindness and all that you do to support our students .

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate theater teacher, Ryan Reed from Doherty High School for the Crystal Apple Award.  Two of my sons have had Mr. Reed for theater class.  They have also performed in many productions with him and attended the Thespian conference.  Mr. Reed makes every student feel welcome.  He also encourages conversations to help build on their strengths and learn from their weaknesses.  He regularly communicates with parents so that we are aware what is going on and how we can help.  He also collaborates regularly not only with the performing arts team but also the special education team.  Students love Mr. Reed.  Doherty High School is a better place because of teachers like Mr. Reed.  He is well deserving of the Crystal Apple.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

This video was student created in support of Francis Roberson from Mitchell High School for recognition as part of the Crystal Apple Program.  The file is too large to be shared through email and can be accessed with this link.

Mr. Roberts is a fun teacher. He makes learning history fun and engaging, even from an online environment. Mr. Roberts makes  himself available to me if I need help and provides good feedback on assignments. I transferred from another school where my first quarter experience in history class was not a good one; Mr. Roberts allowed me to love history again.

Nominated by Braedyn Bruckner

Mrs. Roten Rogers Elementary 4th Grade

Coming from a mom with 2 children formerly 4th grade students, and hoping for her to continue her career through my last child being in grade 4 as well, I know first hand how deserving she is of this recognition. Mrs Roten has a nack for truly knowing multiple different learning styles and being able to read her children to know how they learn the best. She teaches overall in the classroom a subject, and when she sees a student struggling to catch on, she adjusts her format and gets on the students level. Kinesthetic, visual, audio, even TREATS at times. For example…. BROWNIES to learn fractions! I have never seen someone so invested in the children in their classroom, that they devote themselves to financially supporting the classroom due to underfunding from the district or just a desire to do something for them.

Mrs. Roten also attends after school functions, runs the Yes Club and participated in each of the events put on by the school, getting to know parents and students on a more personal level. Taking into consideration how flexible this woman has been and continues to be , and contributing on every board (including principal searching) not only benefits her classroom but the amazing relationship the parents have with this educator! Thank you!

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate band teacher, Angelo Sapienza from Doherty High School for the Crystal Apple Award.  Mr. Sapienza is an amazing band teacher and person.  He consistently challenges students to work hard and perform at their highest level.  Every band group at Doherty has improved in the time my son has participated in band.  The quarterly concerts are well done and participation is growing.  The auditorium will soon not have enough room.  Students want to be in band.

Mr. Sapienza consistently works with band parents to help support all the band groups.  He has been instrumental in encouraging a band parent group to form.  He also encouraged community help in improving the Doherty bands by bringing in sectional instructors.

In addition, he collaborates with the performing arts team to promote the arts at Doherty.  Thank you Mr. Sapienza.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate GMP science teacher, Chris Smith from Sabin Middle School for the Crystal Apple Award. Mr. Smith taught all three of my sons in middle school.  Mr. Smith provides fun, hands on, and engaging lessons for 6-8 science.  Many middle school teachers do not communicate with parents very often.  Mr. Smith provides parents with a weekly email.  It explains what students will be learning during the week and provides questions for parent-student discussion so we can work as a team.  I know I can always reach out to him.

The GMP teachers at Sabin spend time collaborating interdisciplinary lessons and experiences so that every gifted student in the program can succeed.  He also collaborated with the general education teachers to help all students.  Finally, Mr. Smith also regularly works with student teachers to prepare future teachers.

My sons have been well prepared for high school and beyond because of Chris Smith.  So many students have been blessed to have him in middle school.  He is truly one of the best.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate kindergarten teacher, Virginia Stewart from Scott Elementary for the Crystal Apple Award.  Mrs. Stewart taught all three of my sons in kindergarten.  I still regularly volunteer in her class so I see first hand how she works with students, families, and staff.  This year Mrs. Stewart has many students with special needs.  I am amazed that each student is getting what they need because of her experience as a teacher and her collaboration with her colleagues.  She has to work closely with all her families for each of her students to succeed.  It’s been a challenging year because of staff shortages but Mrs. Stewart continually does what is best for students.  She is one of the best.  So many students have been blessed to have her as one of their first teachers.

Velvet Stepanek

I nominate Mrs. Stutts.  She is a first-grade teacher at Henry Patrick Elementary School.  Teresa Stuts is a very attentive, passionate, hardworking, respectful, and very involved in her classroom.  She always meets the needs of all her students.  Her students are always happy and excited to be in her class.  She takes time with each student to make sure that they get the education and attention they need.  Both my son and daughter have had the pleasure to be in her class and I have to say my children are very good and reading and writing and especially in math.  My kids just love her. 

 She’s always on top of everything.  My children really enjoyed her as a teacher.  She always involves the parents and other teachers in the kids education.  I like how she is very easy to talk to and always communicates with parents, including myself.  I honestly believe that she is responsible for so many students excelling.  Mrs. Stutts always has a smile on her face and joy in her heart. 

Hello,
>
> I realize the deadline for these submissions was Friday, March 31, but due to some travel delays, I was not able to submit my nomination on time. I'm hopeful you can still include it!
>
> Catherine Tantengco is an exceptional teacher at Buena Vista Montessori Elementary School. I am confident that if all K-12 educators were as masterful as Ms. Catherine, just about every challenge facing our country could be solved.
>
> 1- In the classroom, Ms. Catherine creates an absolutely magical environment for all students. When my husband and I have been lucky enough to spend time in her primary classroom, it almost brings us to tears to observe how her remarkable demeanor makes every child feel calm and engaged in learning-- from young three-year-old preschoolers to mature six-year-old kindergarteners. True to the Montessori method, she literally tailors every single lesson to an individual student, meeting their needs and helping them learn and grow in phenomenal ways. She prepares her students to be responsible, confident, skillful, and kind problem-solvers in every way. We simply cannot believe how much our daughter has learned in two years with Ms. Catherine and Ms. Sheila, not to mention how much she loves school!
>
> 2- Although parents don't generally have many opportunities to observe professional collaboration, I am impressed by the way Ms. Catherine collaborates with Ms. Sheila all day, every day to achieve their shared teaching goals, as well as with the "specials" teachers, after-school club leaders, and BV administrators.
>
> 3- Ms. Catherine is an excellent communicator, responding to parent questions in a prompt and thorough manner whether by email or in person before or after school. Every interaction we've had with her has been positive, and she seems very happy and proud to be part of the BV community.
>
> Thank you for this effort to recognize outstanding teachers. Ms. Catherine is certainly deserving!
>
> Sincerely,
> Kim and Ed Roberson
> parents of Louise Roberson, Buena Vista
> (303) 817-2172

Mr. Ten Brink makes class fun. He teaches topics using engaging methods like playing songs to get us to remember facts. The labs we do in class are really fun too. I transferred from another school where my first quarter experience in science class was not a good one; Mr. Ten Brink allowed me to love science again.

Nominated by Braedyn Bruckner

In the classroom, how does this teacher meet the needs of all students?

How does this teacher demonstrate professional collaboration?

How does this teacher contribute to a positive school/parent/community partnership?

To whom it may concern,

Ms Theis Kindergarten Teacher at Patrick Henry Elementary, she not only makes sure all her students IEP is applied when learning but goes beyond to help with what she feels will help her student master objective. 

She is so profesional when teaching when communicating with parents when dealing with any issue in her classroom.

Will go beyond to make sure parents are well communicated and aware what is the weekly plan what events might come what objective are covered. Many parents in our community are  Spanish Speakers and she will make sure to translate and communicate to everyone not leaving any one behind. She informs us when there's events out in the community to help our  student educational growth at home. 

Ms Theis a professional dedicated caring teacher at Henry Elementary 

-Haydee Renteria 

I

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate fifth grade teacher, Donnie Thomassen from Scott Elementary for the Crystal Apple Award. Two of my sons had Mr. Thomassen in fifth grade.  My sons were well prepared for middle school after having Mr. Thomassen.  They still recall the amazing time they had learning in Mr. Thomassen’s class.  They loved his humor, engaging activities, and challenging math problems.  Mr. Thomassen regularly reached out to parents and allowed me to volunteer in his class.

Mr. Thomassen has a strong fifth grade team he collaborates with regularly.  His class also has a buddy class in a younger grade that collaborates.  This strengthens the Scott community.  Mr. Thomassen is an amazing teacher who deserves the Crystal Apple Award.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

Crystal Apple Committee,

I would like to nominate PE teacher, Bill Walker from Sabin Middle School for the Crystal Apple Award. Mr. Walker taught all three of my sons in middle school.  Mr. Walker provides fun and engaging lessons in PE.  Students learn about a wide array of sports and the importance of physical activity in life.

Mr. Walker is always available to talk to parents and collaborates with the Sabin staff to help support all students.  He has also served on the Sabin School Accountability Committee in the past.  Mr. Walker is a Crystal Apple teacher.

Regards,

Velvet Stepanek

Mr. Yenne is a really good teacher. He cares for his students by meeting their individual needs. He gets to know his students and what they need to learn and he does his best to make it happen. Mr. Yenne is kind and respectful and enters the classroom everyday with a positive attitude.

Nominated by Olivia Bruckner