Good News Report
December 12, 2023
The Good News highlights uplifting and inspiring stories of the students and staff in Evergreen Public Schools
The Good News highlights uplifting and inspiring stories of the students and staff in Evergreen Public Schools
The Mountaineers celebrated their new building at a ribbon cutting ceremony held in the school gym. Principal Dowell, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Armstrong, and student Kitiona and Jocelyn delivered remarks during the event. Mill Plain was previously the district's oldest building and is now our newest school.
We captured some of the sights and sounds of the momentous day.
Enjoy the video.
The theme of the fair was a celebration of winter traditions and desserts from the many cultures that are represented at the school. Along with the tasty treats, students, staff and families set up tables to do fun crafts and there was even a photo booth.
At Pioneer Help is Always on the Way! Pioneer is creating their own type of HOPE. Their HOPE program teaches students the amazing impact that helping others has on a school community. They're also learning that helping fellow students can lead to some great friendships.
Enjoy the video
This hands on learning experience gave College, Career, and Technical Education students an opportunity to explore careers in construction. Over 100 students were able to operate heavy construction equipment at multiple stations inside and outside the Skilled Trades Center. Under the expert guidance of professionals from Tapani Construction, the students took turns operating such equipment as excavators, diggers, trenchers, dozers and scissors lifts, all of which are mainstays of the construction industry. Use of the equipment was donated by C&E Rentals.
Enjoy the pictures and the video.
Nominations for these awards are based on the employee's direct or indirect relationships to student achievement, and employees are recognized quarterly in three categories: certificated staff member, classified staff member and a group/team of up to five. The nominees must be permanently employed by the district with a minimum of one year of service to qualify. The criteria given nominations include: Is skillful, dedicated and takes an active role in his/her school or department and demonstrates professional poise in carrying out his/her duties. Is recognized by students, parents, colleagues and administrators as a model of excellence in his/her position in the school district. Is an individual who inspires students/staff of all backgrounds and abilities to succeed. Promotes a positive and effective school/work environment. While it is impossible to recognize every deserving employee who meets these criteria, the intent of this award is to identify, select and celebrate staff members who epitomize the image of a high-quality Evergreen Public Schools employee. The recipients of the Evergreen Award for the first quarter of the 2023-2024 school year are:
Classified: Lori Brucher, Transition Coach, Pacific Middle School - Nominated by Abbie Troffer, Family and Community Outreach Coordinator, Burton Elementary School. Lori goes above and beyond for her students at Pacific Middle School. The Viking Village is a place where students feel seen, accepted, and safe. Students are constantly coming in to get what they need whether it is a new pair of shoes, school supplies, clothes, someone to listen to their feelings, food for their families, etc. Lori does what she can to support all students and families. On top of that, Lori hosts the fresh food pantry with help from Share/Clark County Food Bank. Lori is welcoming to families of all backgrounds! She helps them shop, assists with paperwork, and creates a safe place for families to get food when it can be challenging or difficult for their families. Lori Brucher is a tremendous resource, advocate, and friend.
Certificated: Jacques Diano, 3rd Grade Teacher, Fircrest Elementary - Nominated by Alison Lovell, Teacher, Archway Academy; Mr. Diano was my son's teacher last year. He went above and beyond to help Liam improve his reading skills. He worked with him during recess time and one on one when he was able to. I was hoping to get Liam into districts reading summer school (that is sometimes offered) at the end of last school year. Unfortunately, it was not offered last year. Mr. Diano volunteered to work with Liam during the summer break to keep his literacy skills up. Nearly every Monday during the summer, Mr. Diano met with Liam at the library and worked for an hour on a variety of literacy skills. Thanks to his support, Liam did not lose any skills, he had gained during 3rd grade and moved up in reading an entire grade level because of Mr. Diano's efforts. He is an excellent teacher truly wants his students to succeed and lets them know he cares about them. Liam has frequently stated that he wants to go back to third grade, just so he can have Mr. Diano again.
Team: Nancy Garcia Castillo and Kevin O'Rourke, Math Teachers, Heritage High School - Nominated by Kerry McGarry, Teacher, Mountain View High School. Nancy and Kevin are leaders in the Building Thinking Classroom/IM integration. They allow anyone to come into their classrooms and observe how they have implemented BTC into their classrooms. They have been instrumental in getting doubtful teachers across the district on board with the pedagogy. They have shared their lesson plans, their tests, their resources and their experiences. They believe whole-heartedly that each student deserves quality questions as well as the opportunity to experience a quality education. They walk the walk for our students in the Evergreen School District.
We are recognizing outstanding employees who work in our buildings through contracted service providers. They make a positive impact on students and staff. Our district partners with ABM as our contractor for custodial services and Chartwell's to provide nutrition and food service workers.
ABM 2023 Employees of the Year: Presented by Art Salinas, District Manager and Dean Fewkes, Vice President of Operations.
Stephen Wesley, Fircrest Elementary School - Stephen has been with us for 6 years in a DL role. He has consistently been someone we have recognized as a leader with a high level of passion connecting with staff and students at Fircrest.
Anna Lopez, Mountain View High School - Anna has been with our team for 5 years and has been a very solid ambassador for ABM. During her time, she has always had a high level of customer service and a genuine spirit to serve. She is often one of the first people to raise her hand if we are need of additional support which includes any weekend projects.
Chartwell's Distinguished Employee Honorees: Presented by Kirk Mustain, Resident District Manager and Russ, Director of Dining Services.
Malinda Wilson, Admin and Support - Malinda is an integral part of the food service operations as our office manager and transaction specialist. She interacts with all of the schools ensuring that they are accounting for all of the meals served as well as training new associates. Malinda has also been a site lead and fills in regularly at schools when we have associates out of the operation. She continues to set an example for all of our associates with her hard work and attention to detail. Malinda consistently goes above and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on our organization with her impactful contributions.
Robin Birdwell, Production Staff at Heritage High School - Robin is a long term associate in our main production kitchen. Her quiet demeanor and steadfast work ethic make our operations run smoothly and enable our schools have the entrees we serve daily. She is the embodiment of dedication and diligence. Her tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment tare a testament to her character.