Sara was recognized for being a wonderful and very dedicated speech pathologist who truly cares about providing our autistic students with the language and voice they need to be effective communicators. She recently participated in our field trip to the children's museum, and she was absolutely amazing! Ms. Vickery played the entire time with our students and encouraged their communication with devices or verbally. She was truly dedicated and involved, making the whole experience much more beneficial and fun for our kids. We greatly appreciate everything she does every day for our students:)  

Georgette Vandervelde

Georgette was recognized for coordinating the Oak Ridge 3rd-Grade field trip to the Chicago History Museum. She has gone above and beyond in her organization of materials, communication with teachers and parents, and even supplying post-field trip activities!  I can not thank her enough for all of the EXTRA time and energy she has put in, making sure we are beyond prepared for this field trip. We are super excited and so are the students! It will be a wonderful experinece all because of her!

Thank you Georgette! 

Dorita McCabe

Laura is the first person I see when I walk into work. She is always busy answering phones, checking in substitutes and helping answer any and all of my questions. Laura was recognized for being an amazing employee and for her calm demeanor that is perfect for such a stressful position. Recently, a substitute was needed mid-day and Laura quickly made it happen. I am truly grateful for Laura! 

Bethany Garza

 Bethany was recognized for being patient when it comes to our students. She is respectful and kind to everyone. She truly goes the extra mile when it comes to our students. She is so organized and on top of everything that our classroom truly flows on a day to day basis. 

Amanda Cesak

Amanda was recognized for being an overall great teacher and person.  She is so passionate about being a teacher and about math. She teaches using different learning techniques and always has more than one way to explain a math problem. She celebrates each student ! She creates such a welcoming classroom environment. I was new to the 4th grade curriculum and she made me feel welcome and has helped me acclimate to the curriculum this year. I could not have done it with Amanda ! 

Jean Park

Jean was recognized for  being wonderful support to me as a new team leader this year. She is always willing to answer questions, lend a listening ear and offer support in any way that she can. I am so grateful for all of the help she has offered this year and am so grateful to have her as a teammate. 

Katie Ruzich

Katie was recognized for being so helpful to me as a new team leader. She is always willing to answer my millions of questions, offer suggestions and help me in any way that she can. I appreciate her willingness and patience to support me as I adjust to my new role. I'm so grateful to have her as a teammate!  

Krystina Borowski

Beata was recognized for her outstanding dedication and leadership in the classroom this year. Beata has truly gone above and beyond to support every student in her class, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported. Her commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing classroom community has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, Beata, for your unwavering dedication and for being a shining example of excellence in education. 

 Patti Potacki

 Patti was recognized for being a very understanding individual who is consistently willing to help both students and staff. Patti always makes sure to send reminders when it is time to turn books in to the library. She is very organized and skilled when it comes to students and the library. She works very hard to keep it in good shape, making it easier for students to find a book of their preference. 

Hope Triezenberg

Hope was recognized for being a WONDERFUL co-teacher. Such a hard- working individual. I love working with Hope. She is so kind and always radiates joy. She is caring and loving and is empathetic towards the students. She is very flexible and easy-going. I'm grateful I get to collaborate with her as my co-teacher and friend! 

Margaret Bartkus

Margaret was recognized for being so helpful to me as a new team leader. She is always willing to answer my millions of questions, offer suggestions and help me in any way that she can. I appreciate her willingness and patience to support me as I adjust to my new role. I'm so grateful to have her as a teammate!  

 Cassie Milner

 Cassie was recognized for truly being an exceptional driver and employee. She sees a problem and comes up with a solution. Cassie asked parents if they were not able to meet the bus who is an alternate that would be allowed to receive the student. She gave the parents an index card to fill out with the alternate person's name. She is also very good at dispatching when needed. She knows the area and handles each situation in a professional manner. Cassie is truly an asset to NPD117. . 

Karen Campione

Patricia was recognized for being one of the kindest people I have ever worked alongside. She continues to impress me with her hard work and passion for helping students succeed. Patricia is supportive and is an excellent communicator who shows difficult ideas in a way that is engaging and understandable for her students. Patricia is willing to learn new things and is professional, smart, friendly and helpful. She is always there when someone needs help. Patricia is a great person to work with and I sincerely appreciate all the effort she puts into doing an excellent job. I enjoy working with her everyday. 

Nassim Saeed

Sharen was recognized for being a very hardworking and organized individual who is always prepared and ready to do her best every day. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get to work closely with Sharen the past two years. She never disappoints in times of need. Her hard work and efforts never fail to amaze me. Sharen is one of the most enthusiastic people I've ever met and I am continually impressed by how she is able to inspire everyone to do their best. Besides being an amazing co-worker, Sharen is also an amazing teacher who sets high expectations for her students regardless of the challenges she may face. She is continually encouraging her students to reach their potential. I am so grateful to work with such a kind and understanding person. 

Advije "Via" Memishi

Patti was recognized for "helping me when I missed my library time and made sure my students were able to check out books. Her flexibility was really helpful."

Oak Ridge EL Team: Ayah Abdallah, Grace Staszel, Marietta Igoe, Doaa Denah, Tarra Cosgrove, Anna Kowal-Swiech, Aisha Abdulla and Kelly Scully

The Oak Ridge EL Team was recognized for their help and support during ACCESS testing season. Team members went above and beyond to ensure their students felt supported and encouraged throughout their testing sessions. Team members went out of their way to pep students up to show what they know, were flexible with their schedules and pitched in to support one another in make-up tests. I am so grateful for all their help, and all they do on a daily basis to support our kiddos. They are truly an AMAZING team! 

The bilingual team worked so hard to prepare their students for Access testing all school year. During testing, the team collaborated, was flexible with their schedules, and dedicated so much time and effort into testing their students. Thank you for all that you do and for making our students shine! 

Wendy, Gloria and Kenn were recognized for helping during ASSET's dismissal. We appreciate these team members for taking charge and ensuring that all of our kiddos exit safely. We also appreciate them  taking the initiative to dismiss students quickly and efficiently. Thank you for always being willing to help! You're the best!  

Jen McCormick

Jen was recognized for her exceptional kindness, care and dedication as an educator. Her commitment to creating a positive environment both in her classroom and on her teacher team is truly commendable. 

Renad Mohamad

Denise was recognized for always being so helpful, always being ready for the day and being polite with the bus drivers and the students. She is always flashing a wonderful smile. 

Sakeenah Shakir, Maureen Reilly and Samar Abousalem

Sakeenah, Maureen and Samar were recognized for exemplifying the power of teamwork. Their commitment to collaboration and mutual support shines through in their productive weekly data team meetings, where they demonstrate that by working together, we can achieve great things. With their shared mindset that "all students are our students," they embody the spirit of inclusivity and excellence. Thank you for your dedication to our students and for being outstanding team players. 

Marcey and Sheri were recognized for being "truly outstanding people" who provide a welcoming environment for parents, students, and staff at Glen Oaks School. They are always willing to help out while balancing and organizing dozens of tasks to run our building. Their personalities and work ethic are such an important part of our school community. I feel very grateful to work with these ladies each day and they make our school a better place. Thank you! We appreciate you both!

 Orlanda Kennedy

Orlanda comes to work with a positive attitude and is always willing to help out wherever and whenever needed. She leads guided reading and math groups on a daily basis. She is eager and willing to learn new intervention programs so that she is able to work with students during these guided groups. Thank you Mrs. K for all you do! 

Hana Hassan

Hana  was recognized for going above and beyond when it comes to her job. She is an excellent paraprofessional, who is very kind and caring to students.  She helps out whenever and wherever she can by taking on extra responsibilities during recess and lunch. She helps all the students during specials like art and P.E. by making sure they are safe and staying focused. She works very hard making sure our classroom environment is one that is welcoming to all students. Every day she comes to school with a smile and a warm hug for everyone who needs it. She is a very special person and I am glad I work with her.

Kim was recognized for going above and beyond her duties for her student. When my classroom para was out for an extended period of time due to an injury, Kim stepped up and was willing to take on not only her roles as a 1:1 para, but also the classroom para's roles as well. She is great at communicating and letting me know important information. She takes the initiative to email related service providers with questions about not only her 1:1 student, but also the other students in the room. For example, we needed new chargers for a communication device for one of my students and before I could send the speech therapist an email, Kim had already done so. I am not sure what I would do without her! Thanks for all of your hard work! It is much appreciated! 

Denise was recognized for always being so helpful, always being ready for the day and being polite with the bus drivers and the students. She is always flashing a wonderful smile. 

Katelynn was recognized for "being the most compassionate and hard-working person that I have had the privilege to work alongside at Oak Ridge. This school year has brought so many challenges in such a short time and her stability and problem-solving skills have helped so many students and teachers. Katelynn never hesitates to go the extra mile for her students and they trust and confide in her when they need it the most. I believe that most people do not see everything she is able to balance and take on at school and I want her to know that it does not go unnoticed by her peers. We would be lost without her. I learn from her every day about what it means to be a great social worker and I think she deserves to be recognized for her positive impact on the Oak Ridge Community." 

Kevin was recognized for "taking extra precaution" to make sure all the snow and ice is removed from sidewalks and parking areas at Dorn. Since we've gotten all this beautiful weather, Mr. Kevin has made sure that the outside of our school is safe for us to get out of our cars to our school's entrances. He knows my path to the front office, so he makes sure it is salted so I don't fall. He checks the sidewalks multiple times to make sure the staff, students and parents are safe, especially when it's icy like today. I appreciate Mr. Kevin for always taking care of us here at Dorn. Thank you Mr. Kevin! YOU are appreciated!

Maggie was recognized for being the HEART of our Special Ed Team! Her job description should just say: “All the Things!”

First and foremost, she supports academically struggling students! She is also an evaluator, a case manager, on most Mondays — an early intervention transition team member, and a very valuable member of our multi-disciplinary team. Furthermore, we can't forget: a substitute teacher, an assets teacher and a double bus duty crowd controller. Wearing so many hats, it is not uncommon to get an email from Maggie at midnight. She does all this with such warm smiles, kindness and caring. She is a detail person and the woman with the answers. Her input and note taking in parent meetings is so thorough and appreciated. Thank you, Maggie, for all you do for Sorrick. You are amazing and very much appreciated. 

Dan was recognized for leading the Building and Grounds Department with such care. When building administrators call him about something, he shows up that day or the next to take care of things for our students and staff. He ensures that our driveways and walkways are safe for students and staff. He shows up to our school, one of five in the district, checking on the status of ice and snow before most of our staff arrive. He personally went outside with a shovel and salt to help take care of any unsafe conditions. We appreciate his hands-on approach to his leadership.  

Sandy was recognized for going above and beyond as a paraprofessional at Glen Oaks! Her dedication to each student shines each day as she inspires her students to do their best in math class. Ms. Ahmad is loved and respected by staff and students for the consistent attention and support she gives to struggling math students. She also supports teachers by keeping students focused and on task during lessons. Ms. Ahmad has a gift for anticipating what needs to be done and gets right to work. I am inspired by how much the students love working in her groups and how well they do under her care. Thank you, Ms. Ahmad!! 

Halina Korniejczuk and John Mahoney

Halina and John were recognized for are so incredibly responsive to our students with special needs. They show up every day with a smile on their faces. They come ready to help us problem-solve and address any needs that may arise. They go the extra mile to make sure our friends are treated with care and compassion, all while keeping safety as the top priority. They recognize our students' needs and adjust their approach to ensure a smooth transition between school & the bus - they have even taught us some tricks! Dorn Room 5 (EC) is so thankful for the helpful staff on Bus 17!

These amazing ladies were recognized for their hard work and dedication toward their  students. They work so well as a team to make sure all of our students meet their full potential. This group of staff members collaborate, welcome new ideas, and work together doing what is best for our students. They worked to plan a very successful Family Math Night as well, where we had stations for families to participate in, showing parents strategies on how they can support their children at home. 

Sherry was recognized for always being friendly and kind to both parents and students. She greets everyone with a warm smile and makes sure to keep parents aware of early dismissal days/ shortened school weeks/ etc. Sherry keeps a prompt bus route and I feel at ease knowing she’s the bus driver for my daughter. We will miss Miss Sherry once we move on to Oak Ridge. 

Jenna is the PBIS Representative for third grade at Oak Ridge. She was recognized for going above and beyond her role assuring ALL teachers of the third-grade team have everything needed when using PBIS incentives, nominating VIPs and completing activities that go along with lessons. She completes all of these "extras" on her own time and she needs to be recognized for her WONDERFUL ACTS OF KINDNESS! I appreciate all she does and this nomination is long overdue. Thank you Jenna! 

Vaia is a paraprofessional who goes ABOVE and BEYOND every single day! She walks in the classroom with a positive attititude and a smile on her face. Although our days have their challenges, Mrs. Makris is ready to begin every day giving 110%!  Her top priority is the students! She is there to assist wherever needed and takes on many daily responsibilities with ease and organization. She is encouraging, friendly, trusting and fair. The students know that they can go to her whenever needed and she will help them out. I can count on her because she rarely misses a day of work. She is HERE and READY! I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with her another year. I could not do this job without her! THANK YOU MRS. MAKRIS! 

Karen has been AMAZING this school year as she not only fulfills her role as the Glen Oaks School Psychologist, but ALSO as the School Psychologist at Oak Ridge since that position as not been filled. I have had the opportunity to sit with Karen during many types of meetings where parents are present in order to discuss their children. Karen is respectful, professional and so knowledgeable of the information that she shares with the families, which makes them feel very comfortable going through these processes that are not the easiest to understand. I am grateful that Glen Oaks has shared her with us. We could not get through this year without her! THANK YOU Karen! 

Edith was recognized for being so helpful with any situation that is given to her. She is always happy to assist with our students and parents who do not speak English proficiently. She is always energetic and happy to do her job in an outstanding way! She easily transitions from task to task and goes above and beyond what is asked of her! 

Lynne was recognized for being an  exemplary teacher who goes above and beyond in and outside of her classroom. Her students love her playful way of teaching math which they will remember for years!

Her love for them goes far beyond teaching math. She teaches many necessary social and emotional skills daily which will be helpful for life. She is also an outstanding leader with the Sorrick Social Committee and various other committee's throughout the district. 

Dianne was recognized for being an amazing teacher clerk and going above and beyond to make parents and students comfortable and excited to be at school each day.

She is even learning phrases in other languages so she can communicate with the parents and students at Sorrick! They are so surprised to hear her greet them in their language! Her kindness shows in everything she does! 

Shannon was recognized for being a true professional.  She is knowledgeable and efficient in helping our parents and students. During a parent-teacher conference, she was instrumental in answering a family's questions. You can tell that she cares about our students by the way she takes the time to explain our processes. I appreciate all that she does for our school community. 

Derek was recognized for going above and beyond this year to provide additional opportunities for our students. Derek has been working tirelessly, both before and after school, to provide NPD117 students with access to extra programs. He is running choir at Glen Oaks and Oak Ridge, supporting the play at Oak Ridge and Glen Oaks, coaching Math Club at Dorn, and teaching Learning Links/Pushes and Pulls at Sorrick.  

Aggie was recognized for having so much patience, kindness, and understanding for staff and students. She really helps to create a wonderful environment for our students. Our class wouldn't be the same without her.  

Sorrick School is so lucky to have Stephanie Olson, our Instructional Teacher. She deserves this Star recognition because of her ability to design instruction to meet the unique special needs of each student right where they are. Her positivity, kindness and patience are all on display in her class. Stephanie celebrates the individual accomplishments of her students ensuring that they feel capable, proud and empowered. Because of her knowledge and skills, struggling children read, communicate, attend and learn. .  

Tara Damhoff

Grace is our TIPP teacher and she was recognized for creating an outstanding structured learning environment for some of our youngest students. These little ones are thriving and learning, Learning and  LEARNING! Communication opportunities are the center of it all. Thank you also to her excellent classroom staff. All have embraced AAC and this has lessened the frustration of these little students. In one quarter, Grace has made such a bold difference in her students’ lives. 

Manal Zoubeidi, Danuta Figus and Roberto Diaz de Leon 

Manal, Danuta and Roberto are such  great additions to the NPD117 team. They are in and out of our building (Glen Oaks) helping us in parent meetings, brainstorming solutions in our attendance meetings, and attending school/district events. Whenever any staff member reaches out to a parent liaison for support, they receive a response almost instantly. They have built relationships with all staff members and parents in our school community. We absolutely love our parent liaisons and feel so lucky to have them on our team! 

Sana was recognized for constantly working to ensure that her students at the earliest levels of English language development are engaging with quality grade-level content at a linguistically- appropriate level. She has high expectations for her students and offers the support needed to meet them. She is focused and motivated for all of her students to make growth in both their English language development and academics. She is such a pleasure to work with and is always bringing ideas for promoting student learning and growth.  

Roberto Diaz de Leon

Kelly and Rabab were recognized for being phenomenal Language and Literacy teachers. They go above and beyond to ensure that their program is running smoothly, that all students are receiving access to meaningful lessons, and advocate for the needs of their kiddos. Kelly and Rabab are always willing to help support fellow teachers and bring positive attitudes to school each day. Thank you for all you do. You are SO appreciated! 

Yolanda Morin

Yolanda was recognized for being an exceptional bus driver and always being friendly to the students and staff.. 

Olga Baroudos

Kathy was recognized for being kind, patient, helpful, knowledgeable and much more. Her work behind the scenes in the district office makes everything run smoother. Kathy has come to our rescue many times, and we have learned a great deal from her. No matter how busy she is, she always finds time to answer all of our questions. Kathy makes it easy to communicate by always being there for us. Thank you, Kathy!

Anna Kowal Swiech