The district is pleased to announce the September 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	Aimee Gunter – Congratulations to Aimee Gunter.  Aimee worked several years as a paraprofessional in the Pendleton School District (and was a darn good one!)  Aimee earned her teaching credentials and began her first year as a kindergarten teacher at the PELC this year.  One would barely notice that she is in her first year of teaching.  Aimee is a master at creating positive relationships with students, staff, and families.  She asks the right questions and makes decisions that put students first.  We recognize Mrs. Gunter as our September Staff in the Spotlight at the PELC for those reasons.  Congratulations!
	McKay	Leslie Gard for taking on her new job with kindness, grace, and enthusiasm.  Leslie hit the ground running when she joined us at McKay.  She is efficient, friendly, and amazing with kids and staff.  She is a self-starter and a problem solver.  She made our office cozy, like a home for our school family.  She is perfect for this role, and we love her.
	Sherwood	Danielle Veitenheimer – Danielle has many new 1st graders on her caseload and has made an effort to help these students acclimate to the new building and feel safe with her.  I have also observed her with parents, and she is comforting and professional, assuring them that she can handle any needs such as bathrooming, behavior, and many other things.  We are lucky to have Danielle.
	Washington	Cassandra Chay – Cassie is new to Washington, yet it seems like she’s been here longer.  She catches on super quick, is flexible, and always is positive.  She has stepped in multiple times to help struggling students without batting an eye.  Cassie and another team member have revamped our Success Room to be comfortable, welcoming, and Conscious Discipline focused.  She has been exceptionally helpful to our 1st Grade team as a great support.  We are all thankful that Cassie joined our team.
	Sunridge	Katie Bodewig – Katie is a powerhouse and an integral part of our Sunridge Staff.  She works hard to build relationships with every student.  Our students are better people because of her involvement.  Katie’s amazing hard work, drive, and dedication are evident every day.  She is such an asset to our SMS team
	PHS	Amy Umbarger for taking an active interest in the well-being of each of her science counterparts.  She keeps close contact with the parents in a very thorough and meaningful way.  Her pupils responded well to her engaging approach to education and genuine interest in them.  Under Mrs. Umbarger’s guidance and encouragement, her PLC team members consistently realized measurable gains, and she researches PD opportunities for our science department to grow as a department
	Hawthorne/ Homestead	Chris Perkins – Chris is new to Hawthorne this year, but he has been doing an amazing job with our Project Based Learning (PBL) students.  He is kind and makes our students feel like they have a place where they belong.
	District Office/ Maintenance	Tim Gilbert for getting all of the PSD staff to complete open enrollment with all of the beginning of the year work.
	Nixyáawii	Robby Bill for taking the extra time and going the extra mile for students in need.  Your hard work and dedication are appreciated.