The district is pleased to announce the October 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	Tia Sharp & Miriah Golter – This dynamic counseling duo is amazing.  Both work well with students and staff and have calm and gentle demeanors that make the building a better place as a whole.  Miriah Golter is at the PELC all day and is working with an intervention group providing SEL support in the afternoons in addition to all of her other Child Development Specialist duties.  Tia Sharp splits her time between the PELC and McKay Creek Elementary School as the Behavior Support Specialist.  These two have made a positive impact on the PELC in just the few short weeks they have been here.  The PELC team is proud to have Mrs. Sharp and Mrs. Golter as members of the PELC school family and look forward to what these two do in the future.
	McKay	Jill Deutz – for always being cordial and helpful.  Jill jumps in, organizes, and gives suggestions to support our McKay staff and students.  She looks out and advocates for the needs of her students, not just her own but all students.
	Sherwood	Kirsten Campbell – Kirsten is a great support to our 1st grade team and a wonderful mentor for our new 1st grade teachers.  She puts in many extra hours to help us all do what is best for kids.  She is an awesome team player and an example for our 1st grade crew.  Kirsten is awesome with her students.  Her positive and explicit instructions help her students be successful.  She is also kind and generous with her students.  She makes sure that materials are ready, organized, and lined out for every part of her day.  She uses every minute for learning in her day, and Sherwood is so lucky to have her.
	Washington	Jennifer Fossek –Jennifer has been an educational assistant at Washington Elementary for seven years.  Prior to that, she was the secretary for the School Based Health Center at the middle school for seven years.  Jennifer, along with working full time, is pursuing her Oregon Transfer Degree for BMCC focused on the field of education.  Jennifer was recognized for always supporting our students and staff.  Jennifer strives to provide the best support for all students in a caring way.  She has a way of getting students to do the best they can every day.  Way to go, Jennifer!  We are proud of you as a Wildcat!
	Sunridge	Margie Robinson – Margie is a dedicated math teacher who holds students to a high standard.  She goes above and beyond to make sure the students are successful, bringing in students before school, after school, and at lunch to help students understand concepts they need in math.  We notice the work and effort you put in every day to help our students succeed.
	PHS	Brenda Smith – Brenda’s relentless dedication and exceptional capabilities have significantly enriched our school environment.  Her versatility and adaptability are nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating a unique ability to swiftly grasp new concepts and effectively adapt to diverse educational scenarios.  Brenda is a quick learner, and she has seamlessly blended into various educational settings, showcasing an admirable eagerness to assist both students and staff.  Her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure that every individual receives the necessary support embodies the essence of the community that PHS prides itself on.  Her daily contributions extend far beyond her assigned responsibilities, reflecting a sincere commitment to nurturing a conducive and supportive learning environment.  The remarkable flexibility she exhibits, coupled with her earnest endeavor to contribute positively, plays a pivotal role in our ongoing journey toward making PHS a better place each day.
	Hawthorne/Homestead	Travis Zander – for getting the students involved in community projects all over town.  They help maintain the Little League fields, Bob White, BMCC baseball field, Round-Up Stadium, and most recently, Happy Canyon mud war pit.  These projects establish a sense of community pride and commitment to others.
	District Office/ Maintenance	Jenny Corey – Jenny Corey goes above and beyond for her students at PVLA.  She takes their success or struggles personally and refuses to see them fail.  Through home visits, phone contacts, and open lab time, she ensures all of her students are successful.  We appreciate her ability to be proactive with her time and her constant efforts to improve our online program.
	Nixyáawii Community School	No submission this month.