Performance Zone 12
March 2015 Spotlights
Dondero Elementary School
We would like to recognize, second grade teacher, Annette Green for her outstanding classroom achievements. Ms. Green is a dedicated teacher that truly believes EVERY student can and will learn. Ms. Green is a great example of a teacher that goes above and beyond expectations when it comes to student behavior and academic growth. Frequently, Ms. Green will engage parents to ensure student goals are clearly communicated and continued after school. Furthermore, Ms. Green establishes a classroom environment of no excuses and all kids do learn regardless of background or circumstance. Without a doubt, Ms. Green is exceptional and we are lucky to have her as part of the Dondero Team.
Annette
Green
C.H. Decker Elementary School
Mrs. Tisdale is a new member of our Decker community and her contributions this year have been extraordinary. She has embraced our Nevada Academic Performance Framework, by providing a model professional portfolio for colleagues to review and learn from. Mrs. Tisdale worked diligently at the beginning of the year to learn Infinite Campus and worked with teachers and administration to share her expertise and new learning. She stayed after school and gave up her preparation time to help and mentor others. Mrs. Tisdale specifically mentored a long-term substitute who joined her grade level in October. She is consistently reflecting on her professional practice and works hard to implement high-level, instructional practices. Mrs. Tisdale helps to build a strong community among our staff and students. She organizes the staff member of the week and hosted our holiday party. Mrs. Tisdale also offered our little dinosaurs an after-school football club, which she volunteered to coordinate and lead. Mrs. Tisdale is not only a valuable member of our staff, but she is an irreplaceable!
Jacqueline
Tisdale
Kathy L. Batterman Elementary School
Batterman Elementary School is proud to honor Ms. Marentic. She is an outstanding music teacher who's passion for teaching is evident in and out of the classroom. She has gone above and beyond with the development and facilitation of student school performances. Ms. Marentic has taken the lead on many professional development initiatives and always brings an enthusiastic attitude in everything she does. Her ability to step up to the plate and work corroboratively with her peers has proven to be an asset to our family. Ms. Marentic truly makes our school a wonderful place to work as she continues to Fly High, and Make a Difference for our entire community.
Karen
Marentic
Roger M. Bryan Elementary School
Kelly Lawniczak is an amazing Primary Resource Room teacher. As a general education teacher for 7 years, she had the talent and demeanaor for working with students who required extra assistance. Her ability to differentiate her lessons, and provide the necessary interventions, to increase student achievement was phenominal. Two years ago, she decided to work exclusively with our special education students. Her focus and drive to motivate all students to be successful is obvious. She is a team player and goes above and beyond her contracted day to assist anyone who needs it. Kelly is a dedicated teacher who truly wants the very best for all our students.
Kelly
Lawniczak
Pat A. Diskin Elementary School
Lori Gutierrez is in her fourth year at Diskin ES as the Early Childhood Special Education teacher. She is an excellent educator, and an asset to the staff at Diskin. Lori works tirelessly to ensure that all her students receive the individualized instruction they need to make progress within the classroom. By attending additional training classes in the area of assistive technology, Lori learned new strategies in order to better serve her non-verbal students. Due to her hard work, her kids meet and exceed the already high standards that Lori places upon them. Lori is an excellent communicator who works hard to establish a productive relationship between the home and school environment. Her students transition effortlessly from her class to Kindergarten thanks to her dedication. The students and their parents are lucky to have Lori as their teacher, and the staff at Diskin is lucky as well to work side by side with such an outstanding teacher.
Lori
Gutierrez
M.J. Christensen Elementary School
Mallory Geyer is an exceptional teacher. She holds a high level of expectation for her kindergarten students which is evident in their level of achievement of the Nevada Academic Content Standards. Ms. Geyer incorporates many student-centered learning strategies such as Number Talks and Kagan Cooperative Learning structures. She provides innovative lessons with the effective use of interactive whiteboard technology. Ms. Geyer also takes an active role as an instructional leader and collaborates with her colleagues to improve instruction for students. She brings out the very best in her students and we are thrilled to have her as part of the MJ Christensen family.
Mallory
Geyer
Durango High School
Nicole Adarme is an energetic and enthusiastic English teacher. As both a teacher and a volleyball coach, Ms. Adarme finds the time necessary to influence her students on and off the court. Her involvement on campus is noticed by the students, staff, and community. She is a dedicated teacher, volunteering her time and serving in various capacities without complaint. Ms. Adarme serves as a teacher mentor to other Durango teachers helping them improve their effectiveness for students in the classroom. She is commended for her dedication, hard work, and success. The students, parents, teachers, administration, and Blazer community are truly fortunate to have Nicole Adarme as a member of the Durango High School team.
Nicole
Adarme
Victoria Fertitta Middle School
Victoria Fertitta Middle School is proud to recognize an exceptional teacher, Ms. Leslie VanSchaik. Ms. VanSchaik teaches 6th grade computer literacy, 7-8 Publications, and 8th grade explorations at Fertitta. This is Ms. VanSchaik’s 13th year teaching at Fertitta Middle School and her 4th year teaching publications. Her yearbook students received eight awards from the Southern Nevada Journalism Society in 2012-2013, the 2013-2014 Becoming Champions yearbook placed third in CCSD overall, and the 2014-2015 book received 13 awards for photography, layout design, and cover design, including two with a superior rating. Ms. VanSchaik provides an engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social growth, as well as an excitement for learning. Ms. VanSchaik also gives so much of her time to help out her fellow staff members with technology integration and serves on several leadership committees. Thank you, Ms. VanSchaik for your amazing contributions to our school and to student achievement!
