The district is pleased to announce the January 2023 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	Taylor Nelson is a PELC kindergarten teacher in the Raccoon classroom.  Taylor was nominated for Staff in the Spotlight by multiple other members of the PELC staff.  Taylor has taken great initiative this school year and is quickly becoming a leader.  Her extra efforts to plan fun events for the PELC staff are much appreciated.  Additionally, Taylor has taken an active role in ensuring kindergarten report cards are ready and accessible for teachers.  Taylor works hard to build strong relationships with her students and is always willing to help or lend an extra hand.  Ask any of her students, and you will hear, “I love my Raccoon teacher!”  Congratulations Taylor!  We are lucky to have you here at the PELC!
	McKay	Shelby Spriet – She always has a bright smile on her face even on the toughest days.  She always makes time for her students, and she starts and ends each day with a positive attitude.  Her students know that she is always there for them.  One of Shelby’s biggest strengths is connections – connections with students and connections with families.  This girl has this important concept down.  In fact, a student said this about Ms. Spriet.  “My mom loves Ms. Spriet and thinks she is the best teacher.”  My mom says Ms. Spriet made her feel like she is a good parent.  A compliment like this is priceless.
	Sherwood	Amy Pitner – Amy is the Staff in the Spotlight for the month of January.  Here is what some of our staff members had to say about her.  “I am lucky I get to work with the 3rd grade team, and Amy is always willing to help out and bounce ideas off of.  She is a great support for our team and is always thinking about what is best for her students.”  “Amy Pitner has amazing teaching strategies and maintains expectations of engagement and learning in her room.”
	Washington	Nora Rivera is simply the best.  She is always willing to step in and help in any situation.  She always has a bright smile on her face and spreads positivity.  Nora does so much not only for students but also for staff (too much to list).  She’s a hard worker and always dependable.
	Sunridge	Andrea Park – Andrea is our paraprofessional who runs our library.  Here is what her colleagues had to say about her.  Andrea creates displays that get students excited about reading.  She is willing to meet students where they are – and to continue working with them until they are ready to talk.  She has gone above and beyond to get the SMS library back on its feet with updated content.  We are lucky to have her at SMS.  You rock lady!
	PHS	Kimi Carlson is the lead secretary at PHS.  Dedicated and meticulous, she supervises the day-to-day functions of PHS with efficiency and professionalism.  A highly effective multi-tasker, Kimi expertly handles a tremendously heavy workload while staying on top of all the issues and events that happen daily at PHS.  The title of Lead Secretary does not properly describe all of Kimi’s responsibilities.  She is an amazing asset to PHS, and we are extremely lucky to have her as part of the Bucks family.
	Hawthorne/ Homestead	Greg Whitten – Greg is in his second year with us at Hawthorne.  He also handles PVLA for the high school.  His background as a counselor has really helped our students through crises.  We are so happy to have him with us.
	District Office/Maintenance	Brian Norris for his willingness to help whenever he can.  He always greets everybody with a smile.  It really brightens the day.
	Nixyáawii	Wyekin Wildbill – for filling in wherever and whenever he is needed and also for looking out for the student’s best interests.