2022-2023 Nominees

Agata was recognized for her outstanding academic growth, passion for learning and for being a positive role model in her zest for reading. Agata showed an enthusiasm to learn new skills that was beyond first-grade level. She never gave up and continues to thrive academically. She is an outstanding role model who wants to read and  encourages others to read as well. Agata shows an extreme passion for learning and growing academically. She encourages others to be passionate about learning. 

In the first of its kind in the history of  Recognize a Student, we had a student AND HER PARENT jointly recognized as Stars.  Glen Oaks' second-grader Aleksandra Toczek and her dad "Ted" were both nominated for their academic dedication and commitment throughout the school year. Aleksandra's dad served as her at-home reading coach who inspired her to read every day. The growth Aleksandra made in reading was amazing.  I'm so proud of her and wish we had more parents like her dad. I'm just so proud of both of them. Aleksandra has read 250 books. She is my top winner so far. We are aiming for 500 books by the end of the year!

Rayah and Ameera, fourth and fifth graders, respectively, were recognized for helping (without being asked) a fellow student get her heavy band instruments on and off the bus. To me, both girls showed what it is to be helpful and kind. I'm a school bus driver, and if you think my hands are full you should see my heart.

Mustafa is a fourth grader at Glen Oaks School. He was recognized by teacher Leasa Kelly for being a hard-working, responsible and polite boy, but also for being extremely kind. He is a boy who does the right thing even when no one is watching.  I have seen Mustafa reach out to a few kids who joined our class from the instructional classroom and he made them feel welcome. He talks to them and makes them feel included. Mustafa also shows great empathy toward others. He recently partnered with a kid he knew had a bad time during recess and made efforts to make the child feel better. The world would be a better place with more people like Mustafa in it!

Tatiana is a second grader at Glen Oaks School. She was recognized by her teachers Mrs. Smyth and Ms. Mihelich for being an extremely hard worker who never gives up. Even when she is struggling with a concept, she continues to try to figure it out. She practices on her own and has taken and passed more than 100 IReady Reading tests and more than 95 IReady Math tests. Additionally, she is a kind and caring girl who always looks out for her classmates. She is helpful, enthusiastic and encouraging. We are very lucky to have her in our classroom!