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BEE Recognized Awards November / December 2019

CASSANDRA JOHNSON - 3RD GRADE TEACHER AT DESERT HORIZON ELEMENTARY

Cassandra was selected for the Bee Recognized Award as a winner for Nov./Dec. for her positive, encouraging, and collaborative attitude and demeanor. Cassandra understands what it is like to be a new teacher at a school and she went out of her way to welcome others, with open arms, and make others feel like they belong. The best way to help retain our wonderful staff is to ensure they are connected, meet with success and are part of the Pendergast District family. She helps her team members by putting others before herself, and she does whatever needs to be done to assist her teammates and other staff members. Her teammates describe her as extremely encouraging, positive, motivating, helpful and collaborative. This is high praise and comes with deep appreciation and sincerity. Cassandra goes out of her way to be a help to others, and is always positive. This is truly living our district mission of “Empowering Excellence and Success.” Thank you, Cassandra, for all you are doing for your teammates, your school, and the Pendergast District. You are very deserving of this Bee Recognized Award.

SIOBHAN McCARTHY - PRINCIPAL AT RIO VISTA ELEMENTARY

Siobhan was selected as a Bee Recognized Award winner for Nov. /Dec. for being hard-working, passionate and supportive as the principal of Rio Vista School. Staff members love the positive school culture and celebrations of achievement, and dedication at the school. From the minute you walk onto the campus, you feel welcomed and embraced with a caring atmosphere. Siobhan has set the tone for how an elementary school should feel, and be, for the students, staff, families and the community it serves. Thanks to Siobhan’s mentoring, and leadership, the school has focused on: a fantastic before/after school program offered to parents, supplemental programs in reading, writing, and math to ensure that all students’ individual needs are met, an incredibly positive climate on the campus that promotes a feeling of family through acceptance, kindness, high expectations and respect. The staff celebrates and practices equity, equality, and inclusion of all students within their classrooms. They have shown a significant increase in academic growth of their students over the last several years. Siobhan sets the bar high for the Rio Vista Mustangs and they are always aiming higher as they seek to “Empower Excellence and Success” in their school. Congratulations, Siobhan, you are a credit to your school, your community and your district.

WILLIAM MICHAELS - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

William was selected as a Bee Recognized Award winner for Nov. /Dec. for the outstanding occupational therapy services he provide for the students needing assistance in Pendergast District. This empowering, patient, and involved staff member goes the extra mile to ensure teachers have the strategies needed to support and benefit all students. Just one example is when he received an email early one morning, and within the same day, he made it a priority to stop by, and provide ideas, and support to a student in need. Parents and students alike are thankful for the helpful tips for hand strengthening and improved writing and other skills. A special thank you for helping students who may need an extra boost of confidence and assistance. We are grateful to employees like William who love their jobs and show their kindness each day. Congratulations and thanks for making a difference in the lives of our students, staff and families, and being a valuable member of the Exceptional Student Services team, sharing your expertise with all schools in Pendergast District.

ANDREA TUCKER - PARENT AT AMBERLEA ELEMENTARY

Andrea was chosen to receive the Bee Recognized Award for Nov./Dec. because she is a dedicated and caring parent at Amberlea School. The past few years at the school, she has been a loyal volunteer, sharing her best qualities including her positive attitude and willingness to help her community. Andrea is currently a stay at home mom, dedicated to caring for her triplet sons that attend Amberlea School. She also has a daughter in preschool. Even with all of her mom duties, she still has a full heart for students, and makes time in her schedule to be one of the leading members of the PTA. She is ready, willing, and able to help wherever and whenever needed. She has lent her talents to the Book Fairs, and is a key volunteer helping with fundraising, decorating, and organizing events for the PTA to benefit the students at the school. Andrea has been a prime example of the perfect parent volunteer, inspiring others to join in. She is deeply appreciated for all she is doing for the students, staff, families and the community. Congratulations, Andrea, we are so lucky to have you, and your family as part of Amberlea School and Pendergast District.

ANDREW WALLEN - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION

Andrew was chosen as a Bee Recognized Award winner for Nov. /Dec. because he is dedicated, knowledgeable and flexible. A can-do person, Andrew does so much for so many people, and is always willing to get anyone whatever they need to help them do their jobs at the highest level. Staff members have said, “If you need help with application, data, if you need someone to come to the schools and help train on Gradebook, he is the person to call.” He handles his many varied responsibilities with calmness and grace, always willing to find solutions, and ensuring that things can work out when he works on them. Along with all of the things he does, he is a great leader for Central Registration and Synergy Administration. Staff know that no matter what is the problem, they can go to him, and he will get them the help they need because he has let staff know that no question is too small or too silly to ask. He has created a close group of teammates in the department known as “geeks” who love Superhero movies. They even get together on their time off to watch new movies when they come out. Andrew is a super hero leader in Pendergast District. Andrew, we can’t thank you enough for all you do to keep Pendergast District accurate, data-driven, and successful.

NANCY D'AMOUR - GIFTED TEACHER AT WESTWIND ELEMENTARY

Nancy was selected for the Bee Recognized Award for Nov./Dec. due to all of the students she teaches and supports. Her encouraging, mentoring, and innovative methods support everyone on the Westwind Campus. Nancy understands the importance of a challenge while having a little fun. Teaching students that learning happens all the time when you least expect it is a strength of Nancy’s as she helps children look for opportunities everywhere. Nancy encourages a sense of wonder as she helps students see “now is the time to explore” as she builds up each student’s book of knowledge and their confidence by using engaging, hands-on experiences. Nancy understands that being gifted does not mean being different, it is simply shining the light on their unique talents and abilities. She supports the Westwind reading program by leading the event. Mrs. D ‘Amour prides herself in bringing simple songs for students to sing, enjoy and remember. Every Friday morning, first and second graders eagerly gather in the cafeteria to read together and sing songs. Students are able to read words to sing songs, and quickly learn a tune as they are engaged in this wonderful bonding activity. We are so lucky to have Nancy as part of the Westwind family, and congratulate her on this honor.

Credits:

Raymond Pohlmeyer