The district is pleased to announce the September 2024 Staff in the Spotlight recipients. Every month, each of our schools honors a staff member at their building for going above and beyond their regular duties or for doing something special. Join us in celebrating these outstanding employees!

	PELC	Lori Curtis Lori is the first person any guest at the PELC encounters and genuinely knows how to make everyone feel welcome and like they belong. Lori Juggles the phones, bus issues, boo boos, staff concerns, substitute needs, all the ordering and supply needs, and does it daily with a smile on her face! Lori always has the answer or finds the answer. She is willing to help with anything she can at any time. Lori does more than anyone know to help make the PELC great for everyone! Lori is a rockstar, and we love her! She is the best!
	McKay	Jen Lindsey Jen is the queen of flexibility. She takes the early shift to support one of our students on the bus, she spends her day supporting a few students with jobs or instruction. She always goes the extra mile to make students feel loved and valued. She is always willing to do what is best for students. She has stepped in to support students in a new capacity. She is open and receptive to feedback and trying new strategies. We are lucky to have Miss Jen as a McKay Mustang.
	Sherwood	No submission this month.
	Washington	Madelyn Underwood Madelyn is recognized by her peers for always practicing patience and kindness with the students she works with. She is always willing to step in and assist or flex her schedule as needed. She does a good job of reading the room and seeing where she can be of best use, rather than waiting for instruction.
	Sunridge	Sami Spriet Sami is doing an amazing job. She is creating relationships with her students, applying things she’s learned and adapting to any changes that happen throughout the day. She has a growth mindset and is a team player. You are an amazing brand new teacher! Sunridge is lucky to have you.
	PHS	Stu Clem We want to celebrate Stu Clem for his outstanding leadership and dedication! Stu is a fantastic role model for both students and staff, and his hard work and organization have made the beginning of this school year exceptional. Thanks to his efforts with the link crew and the fall sports assembly, Pendleton High School is off to a strong start. Congratulations, Stu, on a job well done!
	Hawthorne/Homestead	No submission this month.
	District Office/ Maintenance	Dustin Silva Dustin takes the time to make the PSD grounds look like a park setting. Dustin has a strong work ethic and genuinely cares about the product of his work. Parents and community members comment on how absolutely beautiful the grounds look. Additionally, he is kind and greets everyone with a smile and a positive attitude. His demeanor adds to the climate and culture of the school district. Dustin isn’t just “doing his job,” he is working to make PSD a better place for Every Student, Every Day!
	Nixyáawii Community School	Jewel Kennedy For always being here and putting in extra time on Fridays for the students.