Ashley Frick, Clerical - Specialized Support, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Ashley is caring and understanding when students need it the most.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Ashley is instrumental in keeping Student Services running smoothly. Her gentle and calming personality is an immense support to the numerous students who visit Student Services every day.
Apart from her role in Student Services, Ashley is always ready to help other departments that may need extra support. She seamlessly steps in and ensures that everything runs smoothly.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant/Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Vanessa Hoffman, Professional Development Coordinator, Legacy Campus
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Vanessa has orchestrated the most amazing learning opportunities for BASE employees this year! Since BASE staff works directly with children and parents, the skills and knowledge gained benefit more than just staff, they also benefit the community.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
In addition to collaborating in the development and implementation of the BASE Leadership Academy, Vanessa worked with Student Support Services to deliver unprecedented, specialized coaching sessions for BASE staff working with diverse populations. Vanessa is an amazing asset to DCSD!
Nominated by
Alicia Elmore, Director, BASE
Nichol Swan, Educational Assistant IV - Severe Needs, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Nichol is a caring and compassionate EA who excels in working with some of our more challenging students.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Nichol is an exceptional worker with our students in the Affective Needs Department. She can switch effortlessly from being no-nonsense to being caring, depending on the situation. Nichol is a dependable and trustworthy person, whom you can always count on when you need her. Her contributions to our school make her an invaluable asset.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant/Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Tifany Cazer, Educational Assistant IV - Affective Needs, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Tifany always displays that "can-do" attitude no matter where or what she's doing.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Tifany possesses the remarkable ability to discern what can uplift a student's day. Her intuitive sense enables her to identify the best course of action, ensuring that students feel valued, motivated, and energized. Tifany's exceptional talent lies in her ability to seamlessly navigate the SSN and AN rooms. This rare combination of skills makes her an invaluable asset to any team.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant/Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Beata Kocsi, Educational Assistant IV - Affective Needs, Castle Rock Middle School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Beata is always someone you can count on!
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Beata understands that compassion is a crucial factor in dealing with students in the AN program. She works with some of the most challenging students in the school, whose behavior can be unpredictable. However, Beata has an exceptional ability to recognize shifts in their behavior and respond quickly, ensuring the safety of both the students and the school. Her students respect her and rely on her support whenever needed.
Nominated by
Karen Davis, Health Assistant/Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School
Brandon Hommel, Chemistry Teacher, Rock Canyon High School
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Brandon is one you can always count on to put a smile on your face when you’re having a bad day.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Brandon has gone above and beyond in assisting with installing a distilled water maker. This has been a challenge and he has made many phone calls, arranged for different people to come to the building, and given up many planning periods to help out the science department.
Nominated by
Susanne Petri, Science Teacher, Rock Canyon High School
Matt Hensarling, Manager, IT Systems, Information Technology, West Support Center
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Matt and his team have been so gracious with our numerous requests for data setup and integration with the new content management system. Thank you for helping make this transition as smooth as possible!
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Matt and his team have been very flexible and accommodating with our requests, despite changes and quick turn-around time requests. They have helped us get everything on time and have been invaluable in getting our new systems set up. Thank you!
Nominated by
Chelane Garcia-Herrada, Digital Communications Coordinator, Communications
Anne Matherly, Emotional Support Teacher (Behavior Technician), Iron Horse Elementary
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Anne is always working hard to find the best possible ways to support students. She is caring, compassionate, and empathetic to both teachers and students.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
Anne goes above and beyond every day to make sure the emotional wellness needs of students are being met. If a student is having a difficult time, she makes time in her day to support them with the most creative and effective strategies possible. She thinks outside of the box to use strategies to help students that most would never think of. It is truly amazing how gifted she is at helping students learn how to regulate their emotions and open up to her with their feelings. Iron Horse is beyond lucky to have her here. The positive impact she makes on the lives of students is immeasurable.
Nominated by
Sarah Mitzel, Fourth-Grade Teacher, Iron Horse Elementary
Amber Rietsch, Educational Assistant IV - Affective Needs, Pine Lane Elementary
In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?
Amber is such a rock for our students. She shows up every day warmly welcoming her students. She diligently builds a strong rapport with our students that allows her to hold them to high expectations. This combination of skills embodies our mission at Pine Lane to empower excellence in character, achievement, and contribution to a better world.
How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)
One way that she goes above and beyond is in her level of engagement with each child. This includes initiating games with the kids at recess even when she could just be monitoring. Just today, she and four of our boys entered into a world of magic as they pretended they had a magic crayon. They waved their arms and flew all around the playground. There was such joy on the kids' faces. I love this modeling of play and the willingness just to be silly. Our students need to see this more.
Nominated by
Chris Stairs, Principal, Pine Lane Elementary