The district is pleased to announce the November 2022 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	Shawndine Jones – Congratulations to Shawndine Jones, Pendleton Early Learning Center Staff in the Spotlight.  Shawndine teaches the Umatilla Heritage Walk to Language classes at the PELC.  Thanks to her expertise, the youngest students in the Pendleton School District learn the basics of the Umatilla language.  Shawndine goes even further, bringing in Native American regalia and helping all of us – children and adults learn from each other and learn more about ourselves.  Further, Shawndine is the kind of co-worker we all want to be.  She makes everyone – new staff, visitors, and people she has known for a long while – feel welcome.  She jumps in (with a smile) whenever she is needed.  Shawndine is willing to pick up any duty when we are short-handed.   Shawndine has the innate ability to anticipate a need and volunteers to help.  Shawndine is a wonderful, effective educator and a truly kind person.  Our students look forward to the Heritage Language lessons and the time they get to spend with Shawndine.  She creates caring connections with kids, and the kids love her.  Shawndine is most deserving of the Staff in the Spotlight recognition.  We love her.
	McKay	Marques Johnson – Mr. Marques is loved and appreciated by staff and students.  He is always prompt, kind to students, supportive in his lessons, and helpful to everyone.  He is dedicated to McKay students and staff.  He is an amazing role model to all of our Mustangs.
	Sherwood	Jacey Wilson – Jacey knows her students so well, and she supports them.  She meets them where they are.  She is always doing activities in her room that make learning fun.
	Washington	Bridget Tackett – Mrs. Tackett always will do what it takes for 1st grade to be successful.  She goes above and beyond to make sure that all students’ needs are met.  She has great communication skills and is a ROCKSTAR in 1st grade.
	Sunridge	Rick Scheibner – EVERY SINGLE DAY YOU SHOW UP FOR KIDS!  You are their biggest supporter, advocate, and listener!  You work so hard every day to ensure that the kids feel welcome and wanted and that they know someone cares about them.  You go above and beyond to get to know students while still finding time to photograph school events and promote them on the reader board.  It’s great to see how you are involved with creating opportunities for students to grow and develop their talents and interests.
	PHS	Sarah Gaulke – Special Education Teacher/Advisory Lead – Sarah has the unique ability to build rapport with all students.  Mrs. Gaulke works with a variety of ability groups and makes unique connections with each student she comes across.  The connection helps her easily teach even the most advanced concepts to her students, and she is truly marvelous to observe.  She has excellent written and verbal skills when communicating with parents and administration and is often praised for her professionalism by members of the staff.  She takes on many responsibilities at Pendleton High School, including lead to the advisory committee this year.  Sarah embraces all opportunities for professional development and willingly accepts feedback to engage students more readily in her classroom.  Sarah accomplishes all tasks with great initiative and a positive attitude.  Go Bucks!
	District Office/Maintenance	Charlie Grabner – for always having a positive attitude, a smile on her face, and warm greeting.
	Hawthorne/ Homestead	Teresa Bermel – Teresa works in all aspects of credit retrieval and GED.  We’ve already had students obtain their GEDs and/or diplomas.  Teresa is helpful and makes students feel comfortable in her classroom.  We appreciate her!
	Nixyáawii	No submissions this month.