January 2021 Staff in the Spotlight

The district is pleased to announce the January 2021 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 Rindy Watson – for always being kind and helpful.  She is willing to help anyone as needed, keeping everyone’s spirits up with cheerful words and attitude.  Rindy has been so flexible and eager to help in many different capacities this year.
McKay Sally Ladd – Sally is always there to support our McKay staff.  She spends countless hours meeting the needs of our students in a variety of ways, and she is always there to support staff, parents, and most importantly our students.  We are lucky to have such a professional on our team.
Sherwood Nicole Kuza – for her enthusiasm for being the go to person for both students and staff.  She is upbeat and flexible, with a smile on her face no matter what is thrown at her.  We are so lucky to have her at Sherwood.
Washington Aimee House – Aimee is an amazing team player.  She is always going above and beyond for others, and she does whatever it takes to get the job done.  She is a strong and caring teacher.  She brightens our day.
Sunridge John Olsen – John keeps our building squeaky clean, literally!  I appreciate John for many things . . . his positive attitude and his willingness to do anything I ask to help out.  AND – Saving the day!  Not only does John keep our school immaculate, he picks up trash and remembers where it’s from and where it’s at!  For instance, if you drop a $50 Starbucks Card out of your truck and the wind blows it away without your knowledge.  John is sure to pick it up and throw it in the trash.  He is also just as willing to find the trash bag in the dumpster and retrieve the card.  Such amazing service!  Thanks, John.
PHS Evan Rummerfield – for striving to challenge his students, expanding learning outside the walls, and donating three afternoons to participate in supply checkouts to connect with students.  He strives for excellence in every endeavor.
Hawthorne/ Homestead Kiana Rickman – Kiana puts a tremendous amount of effort into building relationships and connections with students in order to develop trust.  She challenges students to take risks and grow through success and failure.  She improves the lives of our students with her positive attitude and thoughtful academic planning.
District Office/Maintenance Diana Van Epps – Diana Van Epps, our HR assistant works tirelessly to juggle the many aspects of human resources.  From hiring substitutes, leave, COVID impacts on staffing, licensure, ODE reporting, and a myriad of other demanding tasks, Diana keeps things running smoothly throughout the district.  She ensures attention to detail and keeps everything organized in all her work.  Thank You, Diana!
Nixyáawii Community School Michelle VanPelt – for her continuing work with seniors to get scholarship applications turned in on time and working one-on-one with them during the pandemic.