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School District 49

Appreciating Fantastic Staff in D49

Appreciating Fantastic Staff in D49

Across District 49, there is a love for teachers and staff who support them for their roles in the classroom. D49 leaders and the Board of Education thanked several employees for their ongoing commitment to students during the Sept. 27 Fantastic 49 presentation.

Ron Carroll and Amy Rogers receive accolades during Fantastic 49.

Amy Rogers, Instructional Coach; and Ron Carroll, Math Teacher, were first to receive accolades. The duo from Vista Ridge High School worked diligently to research and help select a new math curriculum. “They were active voices during the adoption process asking questions of the developers,” said Becki Sims, Assistant Principal. “Amy and Ron advocated for teachers, students and families, and they remained student-focused and solution-oriented. They demonstrated leadership and constantly looked for ways to support our students.”

The Discovery Team at Odyssey—Rhonda Cameron, Music Teacher; Nick Mimmo, P.E. Teacher and Katherine Nunn, Librarian—were honored for their commitment to ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. “When it comes to how we treat each other and how we treat our work, I can think of an outstanding example with our Discovery Team,” said Kris Levi, Principal. “What they are able to do for kids is help them discover these hidden and innate talents that build perseverance and motivate. They help students find that passion that pulls them along for the rest of their educational journey.”

Chelsey Woodard, Social Studies Teacher at Skyview Middle School, was recognized for leading with a mindset of continuously making Skyview a better place. “Chelsey has a way of building relationships with students, staff and families like nothing I have ever seen before,” said Shauna Anderson, Dean of Students. “Anytime I walk into her classroom, students are fully engaged in interactive lessons that are so fun to watch. We are so lucky to have her at Skyview and know that she will be a leader in education for years to come.”

Sand Creek staff receive honors during the Sept. 27 Fantastic 49 presentation.

The Gifted Education Lead Team of Sarah Rawlinson, Melanie Holts, Kristen Billingsley, Bethany Champlin, Heather Wall and Wendy Gearhart was honored for helping lead the way for gifted education in D49. The district lead team is in its second year and already making a big impact. “The number of students we serve in gifted education has exploded. We are at 1,500 students now with every zone, and having these staff here to help is phenomenal,” said Diane Neff, Coordinator of Gifted Education. “They are helping our kids, our parents, everybody.”

The evening wrapped up by recognizing Melissa Mayfield, Lead Math Teacher; and Amy Sanchez-Martinez, Campus Director at Sand Creek High School. The two were thanked for their commitment to ensuring students receive the best education possible. “Last year we had the opportunity to do some piloting around a math curriculum. Our teachers were really craving a new tool to help move students’ learning forward. Melissa really spearheaded that with Amy’s support,” said Carolyn Merritt, Instructional Coach. “I also want to recognize their out-of-the-box thinking. They are both all about doing what is best for our kids.”

John Graham, President of the Board of Education, shared words of gratitude for the honorees. “As my time on the board comes to a roaring halt in the next couple months, I always have to say that Fantastic 49 is one of the biggest privileges I have to witness all the fantastic staff, students, parents and volunteers for all that they do.”

Fantastic 49 is the district's recognition program that celebrates fantastic staff, students, parents, and community members before Board of Education meetings. A sincere thank you to Air Academy Credit Union, Dion's, and Texas Roadhouse for donating gift cards for honorees.

Chelsey Woodard is a September Fantastic 49 honoree.
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Staff from OES receive compliments during Fantastic 49.
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Gifted Education Lead Team receives awards during Fantastic 49.