Performance Zone 12
May 2014 Spotlights
Ashley
Mitchell
C.H. Decker Elementary School
CH Decker is proud to honor Ashley Mitchell, Intermediate MCS teacher. As a third year teacher, Ms. Mitchell has made a definite difference in the lives of the students and families she works with. Annually, her students attend community based instruction field trips, utilizing life skills such as saving and spending money and learning about safe neighborhood skills. The favorite event of the students is "Shop -With- A-Cop", where students walk with several Clark County School District Police officers to a neighborhood store to purchase items they have saved money for. Ms. Mitchell's students are part of the iFly Assistive Technology project which enables students to use iPads in the classroom and at home as a part of their learning. Through Ms. Mitchell's efforts, students with disabilities have a champion and advocate.
Joan
Bucklew
Pat Diskin Elementary School
Joan Bucklew has been at Pat Diskin for four wonderful years. Currently, this year she looped with her fourth grade class. She has initiated Student Council for third, fourth and fifth grades. Her dedication to her students and the school is remarkable. Together with the Student Council members, they have organized the school Valentine Dance, Earth Day celebration, raised money through Santa and Valentine grams, and provided lunch for Teacher Appreciation week. She holds her students accountable for their own learning while providing a safe, innovative and challenging learning environment. We at Diskin are proud to have her in the Diskin Family.
Beautiful Personality
Understands Her Students
Creative
Kind
Leverage Leader
Exceptional
Willing to Help All
Gwen
DeMent
Durango High School
Gwen DeMent who personifies excellence inside of the classroom. This remarkable science educator is an extremely gifted craftsman who easily translates beliefs into action. She masterfully plans lessons that captivate the interest of her students through hands-on inquiry and a consistent connection to how science is alive in the world in which we live. She effectively demonstrates and shares her passion for Geoscience on a daily basis. Her energy and passion are amazing; every day in Ms. Dement’s classroom is one rich with active, lively, students who are excited to learn about science. Her students embrace her enthusiasm for teaching and thrive under the direction of this talented educator. Ms. DeMent goes above and beyond the typical teaching day. She arrives to school early every morning to set up her phenomenal labs, class presentations, video clips and notes. She serves as an after school to tutor for the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam and is seen on a regular basis leaving the parking lot well past contract hours. She is dedicated to her craft and continuously hones her skills through professional development, graduate courses, and on-line learning. She is a club advisor, a student supporter and a phenomenal asset to Durango High School.
Erica
Kirby
Harvey Dondero Elementary School
We would like to recognize fourth grade teacher, Erica Kirby. Ms. Kirby is an example of excellence at all levels. She provided a classroom environment that makes transformational instruction truly possible. Students strive to meet high expectations daily, understanding that they can achieve. Ms. Kirby believes each student can learn and the data proves it. Additionally, Ms. Kirby volunteers her time after school leading a grant sponsored by the Nevada Ballet Theater for Future Dance students.Students accepted into the program must have great attendance and grades. Ms. Kirby has made a difference one student at a time for Dondero ES. She is absolutely AMAZING!
Toni
Palmira
Keith and Karen Hayes Elementary School
Hayes Elementary School is proud to recognize second grade teacher, Antonette "Toni" Palmira. Mrs. Palmira exemplifies the characteristics, which our school strives to develop in all students, staff, and community. She is the grade level chair as well as a key member of the school Achievement Team. Her skills in teaching and learning are only surpassed by her big heart and high expectations. As a leader, mentor, and school advocate, Mrs. Palmira works to make sure all the students achieve success as she addresses the "whole child" in her educational philosophy. Thank you for all your time and effort. You are a Hayes Hero to the core.
Jennifer
Butera
Kenny C. Guinn Middle School
Seventeen years ago a young woman by the name of Jennifer Hoffman entered the doors of Kenny C. Guinn Middle School. Little did she know the impact that she would make upon the lives of all that passed through those doors including her own. She met the man of her dreams, changed her last name to Butera, added parenthood to her resume, and became an advocate for students and staff. Jennifer never hesitates to go after whatever is needed to make geography come alive for her students or to create an environment that celebrates success for both students and staff. Even if it means that she needs to adopt the persona of the “Chocolate Fairy” to recognize her fellow peers or transform into Pat Benatar in order to celebrate the students’ hard work during the CRTs. Jennifer Butera is not only an outstanding social studies instructor but is also the heart and soul of Kenny C. Guinn Middle School.
Ann
Balmer
Judy and John L. Goolsby Elementary School
Ann Balmer is a truly amazing educator! She has the wisdom that comes with over thirty years of teaching combined with truly current methods. With both of these, she engages students and ensures that they succeed. She has rock solid belief in the bright future of each of her students and acts on this. Whatever challenges they bring, Mrs. Balmer is 200% committed to them and their success. Mrs. Balmer's professionalism and expertise make her a leader of the pack!
Diane
Salem
Victoria Fertitta Middle School
Fertitta MS is proud to recognize our fantastic 7th grade science teacher, Diane Salem. Ms. Salem consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. Ms. Salem provides an engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social growth, as well as an excitement for learning. Ms. Salem plays an integral role at Fertitta as the Science Department Chair and serves on several school committees. Ms. Salem was selected to be a part of the 2014-2015 Fertitta Academy and traveled to Atlanta for professional development with a cadre of teachers and administrators. Thank you, Ms. Salem for your amazing contributions to student achievement!