Kate Kross

Kate is tirelessly working with seniors, even on her planning period, to help them get across the finish line. Every day, for the past three weeks, she has had at least two seniors working with her on make-up work, credit recovery or senior story completion. The patience and humor that brings to the table provides a small window into what kind of teacher she is in the classroom. It was so very clear how the students felt about her as they leaned into her suggestions and guidance. I truly appreciate having someone like her at MHS.

Ashley Munoz

Ashley Munoz is MMA's very own 1st-year 5th/6th grade self-contained teacher who is the definition of excellence in action. She has mastered the delicate balance of super high expectations and a highly structured environment while filling her classroom with radical love and kindness.   Staff and students alike are in awe of the "home away from home" she has built.  Her classroom is a safe, nurturing space where every learner feels empowered to reach their full potential. She isn’t just teaching; she’s creating a community where her students truly thrive. For her heart, her discipline, and her unwavering dedication, she is undeniably deserving of District Teacher of the Month!

Trish Bourcier

Trisha is a valuable member of both the Manchester School community and the community of Manchester as a whole. As a teacher at Buckley school she teaches with passion, kindness and high expectations that bring out the best in all the students in her class. Her students enjoy their time and feel the love she gives to them, this is evident by the droves of former students visiting her or saying good-bye to her each day.

Trisha is a valued teacher to the staff as well. Many teachers and staff go to Trisha with qiestions, concerns and stop by her room just to chat every day. She extends her 20+ years teaching experience by mentoring new teachers as well as student teachers to help them develop into educators who are comfortable in every aspect they need as they begin their career. They even messgae or connect with her after their time with her.

Trisha is a mother of 5 boys, 2 who have graduted from MHS and the younger 3 are 1 each in Bennet, Illing and MHS. She is interavtive with the boys teachers and active in many committees that benefit these schools. Last year she joined the committe for the MHS Safe Grad, this year she the President of SafeGrad and will continue to be involved until her last son graduates in 8 years.

Other things she has been a part or lead of in the community include ACS Relay for life (member, team leader and Executive Board Lead), she spear-headed the fundraising for a student diagnosed with teminal cancer (several events including the MHS soccer game with students/alumni and more) and she is also an active member of the Manchester ELKS which holds many events for the community at large.

These are just a few of the ways TrishaBourcier is a perfect person to be nominated.

Beth Sweet

As a tier 3 reading teacher, Beth Sweet consistently worries about her students and goes above and beyond to try and meet their needs. She pushes to get more time with them and gives up her own prep time to help the whole department in trying to vertically align with Bennet and MHS. She organizes field trips for our students to read to elementary school students and helps us to prepare our students to gain the confidence to be able to do it. 

Milly Charles

Milly has gone above and beyond for the scholars and staff at Verplanck. She counsels her scholars with compassion and toughness at the same time. She has taken on the care of a difficult case with grace and understanding, often spending her own time taking care of the student under very difficult circumstances. She has made the rest of our lives and jobs easier because she has worked so hard. We truly could not do it without her!! 

Michelle Congleton

Michelle is an amazing co-worker and teammate. She goes above and beyond to plan exciting events for our grade level, as well as for the whole school. She is involved in our school climate committee, and works with the team to create fun activities for the students and staff at Buckley. She is someone I can rely on, and who is always there to lend a hand or to just be a listening ear. Thank you Michelle! 

Tammy Sullivan

Tammy is the most supportive veteran teacher that I have ever worked with. She is consistently there for me and helps me through things. Tammy never gets the recognition that she deserves. I watch in awe at how she shows up every day and never lets the stress of this profession get the best of her. She puts everyone else before herself, and it shows in the way that her colleagues come to her as well as the way her students love her. Tammy is a leader in my building, and I would not be the teacher I am today if I hadn't had her as a mentor. 

Jennifer Smyth

Jennifer truly goes above and beyond for her colleagues every day. She has been a constant source of support during the rollout of the new ARC curriculum—always ready to answer questions, share ideas, and lend a helping hand. Jennifer takes the time to coach new teachers, making them feel welcomed and supported in our district. She also speaks up to ensure teachers’ prep time is protected and respected. Her kindness, dedication, and advocacy make a real difference, and she embodies what it means to be an outstanding MEA member. We are so lucky to have her as part of our team. 

Jen Ensling

Jen has been working extremely hard this year. She is always willing to go the extra mile to support her students, peers, and school community. Manchester High School is lucky to have an educator as dedicated as Jen.