The 2018-19 school year officially launched today with the annual Welcome Back event that highlights past successes and maps a path for the year to come.
This year’s program themes was “Equity” and mixed motivation, inspiration and humor to showcase the idea that education works best when people work together and find common ground.
The 2017 Outstanding Educator of the Year, Kelly Carlson, delivered a short speech, “Many Hands” about how all staff —both teachers and support staff — contribute to the shared mission of education.
Three guest speakers shared stories about the importance of students feeling connected to the school system including Cielo Tahmaseb, ELL teacher at Buel; Taghrid Elmeligui, Computer Science Pathway teacher at MHS; and Gustavo, a student preparing to graduate college through the Janus Youth Programs.
Superintendent Maryalice Russell honored 20-year-plus employees with service pins and recognized Newby, Columbus, Duniway and Wascher for fostering a learning environment that resulted in the maximum growth in various student sub-groups on the SBAC assessments last year.
Service award recognitions include
20 years
Keith Bellwood, Janelle Carey, Marci Ingram, Jared Larson, Stephanie Legard, Jody Mechals, Rodney Minor, Karin Nichols, Sue Olsen, Beth Ann Pope, Jodi Vicknair and Aundrea Weise
25 years
Cindy Almond, Cathie Auvinen, Tracy Brandt, Mark Bunker, Karen Drader, Julie Early, Sheila Elerath, Ron Farrow, Joyce Jensen-Gower, Gwen Silva, Annette Simonsen and Lance Trantham
30 years
Sharon Buehler, Steve Denney, Gloria Kemper, Kathryn Lundeen and Jeanne VanBuskirk
35 years
Rosemary Rice
The event also featured several video tributes to teachers from members of the Class of 2018.
Staff slide shows
Aug. 29, 2018