Performance Zone 12
December 2014 Spotlights
Marcus J. Christensen Elementary School
Karen Collins is a dedicated and caring first grade teacher leader at MJ Christensen Elementary School. Mrs. Collins has embraced the framework for literacy instruction and led her grade level in its implementation. As a result of her efforts to pursue professional development in blended learning, Mrs. Collins provides learning opportunities that integrate SMART Board technology and iPads for every student during instruction. As a teacher leader, Mrs. Collins assists her grade level in the PLC process and provides support with Infinite Campus across grade levels. Mrs. Collins is highly regarded by teachers, staff, and parents in our school community. We are thrilled for her to be in our Teacher Spotlight this month!
Karen
Collins
Roger M. Bryan Elementary School
Paulina Jarrett is an enthusiastic, energetic, motivating, Kindergarten teacher, whose high expectations for all students
is noted upon entering her classroom. Her students routinely engage in metacognitive activity which leads them to
increased understanding and subsequently take responsibility for their own learning. All the students and parents adore her.
Paulina
Jarrett
Mary
Weisenmiller
Patricia A. Bendorf Elementary School
Since Mary Weisenmiller became our science teacher, Bendorf CRT scores in science have increased 8%. She continues to provide quality hands-on science experiences to our students in a co-teaching/coaching format. She also co-facilitates the courtyard club were students maintain and cultivate our vegetable beds, fruit trees, hummingbird feeders, composting bins, tortoise habitat, and weather station. Because of her caring demeanor and use of inquiry based education, students love science and have given her the highest of compliments by saying they want to be scientists when they grow up. We are so fortunate to have her here at Bendorf.
C.H. Decker Elementary School
Teachers do more than educate, they motivate and model as well! No one does this better than Bridgette Nygard. Within her own classroom, Ms. Nygard presents students with unique instructional options, while adhering to standards. As a mentor to new teachers, she assists with planning and provides support to develop classroom management. This fall was especially motivating for Ms. Nygard's students when, after years of training, she participated in the Iron Man Triathalon, placing all her students signatures on a paper and carrying it with her during the race so that she would have them riding alongside her. Ms. Nygard is a gift to teaching.
Bridgette
Nygard
Harvey Dondero Elementary School
Harvey Dondero ES proudly honors Brandon Reys, Kindergarten teacher. Mr. Reys is a master teacher that defines excellence in the classroom. Kindergarten students in Mr. Reys classroom demonstrated high achievement academically and socially. Additionally, Mr. Reys serves as a Kinder Coach and Mentor to other teachers in his grade level. He collaborated with PZIC's as a model classroom for best practices instruction. Mr. Reys is an active member of his grade level team and the school community. We truly appreciate all of Mr. Reys great contributions to our school. He makes a DIFFERENCE everyday!
Brandon
Reys
Pat A. Diskin Elementary School
Mr. James (Jim) Lenahan, Diskin’s Literacy Coach is this month’s highlight . Pictured with his son, Brayden, Jim loves being with children and they enjoy his great sense of humor. A little Diskin history, Jim met his wife, Robyn a first grade teacher at Diskin. They, along with their four children have been a part of the school’s history for over ten years.
As the literacy coach, he models lessons for teachers, motivates students to love to read and provides limitless resources for staff. Jim takes great pride in providing the necessary materials for the literacy room, and assisting teachers in any way he can. His greatest passion is teaching students to read and to love to read.
We thank you Jim for all that you do for our Diskin Community!
