One sign of a good hard worker is an attitude that says, the only recognition I need is the compensation I am due. There are other workers who feel like their expressions of gratitude or acknowledgement for hard work increase their sense of value to the organization.
The Holyoke School District has a long tradition of showing appreciation to staff members by participating in events like Classified Staff Week, National Principals Month, Teacher Appreciation Week, and many more. The district also recognizes teachers for every five years of service they give the district and for the last 15 years have awarded excellence in the educational profession with the Emerald Awards.
Continuing with that tradition the administration and board of education has created the Staff Member of the Month Program. During the month staff members have the opportunity to nominate one of their peers who has demonstrated respect, integrity, safety, excellence, ownership or achievement (RISE or SOAR) during their expected or non-expected roles, duties or has gone above and beyond their normal daily duties. From there two staff members will be selected and invited to a School Board Meeting to be recognized.
For the month of October the winning staff members were Ashley Clayton (Elementary) and Jade Goldenstein (JR/SR High School).
Ashley Clayton
Ashley Clayton has transitioned to her new role [as a math interventionist] flawlessly. She has been so patient and gracious as we figure out how she can have the greatest impact on students. She has been a wonderful source of support to her team. Ashley works so hard to make sure that all students are getting the support and help they need. She gets students excited about learning, and always finds ways to make their concept fun. She is such a valuable part of our team and is helping us to make better learning opportunities everyday. She is loved by students and staff alike!.
Clayton is such a bright, positive addition to our building. She greets students on their way out to recess every single morning. She is willing to do whatever it takes to support both students and staff, and [we are] beyond grateful to have her here
Clayton has gone above and beyond in anything she has been asked to do. Not only is she a friendly, motivated, and positive force on the staff, but she uses her vast knowledge to better all of us who come into contact with her. [She] is willing to cover for others when we need it and provide additional assessments and small groups. She’s a phenomenal member of the Holyoke Elementary building.
Jade Goldenstein
Jade Goldenstein went above and beyond to make this year's homecoming week a huge success. She planned and coordinated events throughout the week, spent many hours outside of school to work on and chaperone activities. All of this was done to ensure our students would have a fun and memorable week.
Goldenstein is more than deserving of receiving Staff Member of the Month she is a true role model of leadership, dedication, and ownership. She tackles leadership head on by taking on any tasks such a heading the Spirit Club, [coaching] the JH volleyball team, and [teaching cross curricular lessons such as]her 9th grade art class using many ratios/fractions and various math methods to mirror image an abstract drawing.
Goldenstein is dedicated to our students and spends her time making sure that not only are they held accountable, but that they are always treated with respect and learning through various modes of teaching. She did an amazing job balancing coaching, teaching, and planning Homecoming Olympics. She took on a lot of work and was able to handle everything so smoothly and with a positive attitude.
Both of these staff members were honored at the School Board meeting on November 19th.