Fantastic 49 Honorees Shine at Showcase Meeting
District 49 hosted December’s Fantastic 49 celebration on December 12 before the monthly Board of Education meeting. The meeting was hosted by Vista Ridge High School, as part of a series of showcase meetings that will be held in different schools across the district.
The first honoree of the evening was Casey Frese, English Teacher at Vista Ridge High School. Caseys educational approach centers on going above and beyond, and he provides solutions that enhance and improve the overall experience for students.
He was nominated by Tom Payne, VRHS Principal. “I cannot think of anyone that exemplifies (Vista Ridge’s) core expectations better than Casey,” he said.
The next honorees were the Power Zone Instructional Coach team (names below). This team of has made great progress in elevating and aligning instruction, setting a new standard of excellence.
They were nominated by Theresa Ritz, POWER Zone Superintendent. “Their commitment is exceptional and inspiring, and I’m honored to recognize them,” she said.
Power Zone Instructional Coach Team:
- Kim Kressler, POWER Zone Instructional Coach
- Curtis Turner, POWER Zone Math Specialist
- Amy Rogers, Vista Ridge High School Instructional Coach
- Meghann Lords Csizmadi, Vista Ridge High Instructional Coach
- Carri Crowe, Skyview Middle School Instructional Coach
- Jessica Jenkin, nspiration View Elementary School Literacy Coach
- Barry Schneiderman, Inspiration View Elementary School Math Coach
- Kim Watkins, Odyssey Elementary School Instructional Coach
- Andrea Sharketti, Ridgeview Elementary School Instructional Coach
The final honorees of the evening were the 2024-2025 Falcon Education Foundation mini-grant recipients. Each year, the FEF, a non-profit organization that supports students and staff in District 49, awards mini grants that fund unique classroom projects. Twenty six grants were given to educators in the district this year, totaling over $18,000.
“District 49 staff goes above and beyond to ensure that students have the most innovative, unique experiences possible through these grants,” said Kayla Maldonado, FEF President.
Fantastic 49 is the district’s recognition program that celebrates fantastic staff, students, and community members before the board of education meetings. A sincere thank you to our sponsors, Air Academy Federal Credit Union, Dion’s, and to Texas Roadhouse