The district is pleased to announce the January 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	Taylor Nelson – Congratulations to Taylor Nelson, PELC Staff in the Spotlight for this month.  Taylor is a kindergarten teacher at the PELC.  Taylor has a way of managing her classroom with compassion and incredible calmness.  Taylor’s students rise to the highest of expectations because they respect and adore their teacher.  This year, Taylor has adapted to some big changes in her classroom with grace and compassion.  Taylor also steps up to serve on committees and help with family events.  Taylor has a special bond with all of her students and is a great asset to the PELC family.  We are proud to have Taylor on our PELC team.  Congratulations from the PELC family!
	McKay	Noele Mead – Mrs. Mead gives 100% all day every day.  She is the biggest advocate for every one of her students and holds herself and others to a very high standard.  She is our Christmas Queen, Rule Following Guru, and Energy Monarch!  Thank you, Mrs. Mead, for being phenomenal.
	Sherwood	Mallory Dieu – Mallory is always willing to help staff and students and has a positive attitude.  Her approach and personality with kids is something we love.  She jumps right in and has a “can do” attitude.  She has the ability to make everyone around her smile.  She is a hard worker and always willing to lend a hand.  She has stepped up and helped cover P.E. when needed.  She is reliable and flexible.  Mallory has so many strengths, and she has contributed to the Sherwood culture in such a positive way.  She is a gem!
	Washington	Anny Welch – Anny is noted as always being kind and beyond helpful.  She is a great example to follow for small groups and is so welcoming to our students.  It is very apparent that our students and her coworkers appreciate her positive attitude and commitment to our educational community.  Anny has been a longtime volunteer at Washington Elementary and has been a wonderful addition to our staff as an assistant this year.  Keep up the great work.
	Sunridge	Erin Zacharias – Erin’s dedication to our students is truly inspiring.  She goes above and beyond to create a positive and inclusive environment for our students to learn and grow.  She has an impressive ability to connect with our students and make learning fun and engaging.  Thank you for all that you do!
	PHS	Karen Demianew – Karen’s incredible dedication and support to our PHS students is unwavering.  Her commitment to the student’s well-being goes beyond the call of duty and makes a significant difference in the lives of PHS students every day.  Her guidance and understanding have been a beacon of light during challenging times, and her support has helped many PHS students navigate the complex journey of high school.  Her efforts to create a safe and nurturing environment do not go unnoticed, and her ability to listen and provide thoughtful advice is truly a gift.  Karen is more than just a counselor.  She is a mentor, a supporter, and an invaluable part of our school community.  Her impact on the lives of students at PHS is profound, and we are incredibly lucky to have her as part of the Bucks family.
	Hawthorne/ Homestead	Mike Bittorf – Mike Bittorf is an integral part of Hawthorne High School.  He connects with the students and makes English class something they look forward to.  He made reading an important part of the program.  Many students have learned their love of reading due to Mike and the PBL program.  We appreciate that we have him, and Hawthorne would be lost without him.
	District Office/Maintenance	District Office –   Thad Baum – for working tirelessly with the maintenance team on snow removal for the safety of the students and staff.  Thad’s work ethic, dedication, and knowledge are a huge asset to PSD, and we appreciate everything he does for the district.
	Nixyáawii	No submissions this month.