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 December the winning staff members were Aydaly Juarez (Elementary) and Dani Jablonski (JR/SR High School).
Nicole Brandt
Nicole Brandt is deserving of this award because of her eagerness to try new things and take on challenges. When she sees a need, she does not hesitate to jump in to help.
Brandt works really hard to bring cultural diversity to her classroom every day. This is such an important practice because of our diverse student population. Students realize how their cultures connect to others around the world through the universal language - music. It is awesome to see students so excited about celebrating not only their culture, but the cultures around the world.
Another encouraging thing to see are the student performances that Brandt organizes. She has incorporated various elements of music into her programs to engage students that might not be as confident with singing. It is so fun to watch these shows and see the different ways she gets kids involved and active.
Lastly, Brandt has been very open to taking on more responsibilities and brainstorming solutions within the elementary in various ways. She has been found helping out in the resource classrooms helping run small groups to supervising our students with higher needs at dismissal when the paras report to their after school duties. She has been willing to take on band duties to allow our older students to continue learning. Brandt is not afraid to take on more responsibility or challenges when she sees a need. She strongly desires an inclusive environment, and it is very obvious in her day to day actions.
Charlee Kleve
Charlee Kleve always goes above and beyond with helping in the high school. She has been on many committees, does AOC, did Junior High Cheer in the past, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, and helps in many more ways.
Even as Kleve has had a rough year, she made sure to check in and see how many of her fellow teachers and staff were doing. She has a great bond with her students and staff. She is a wonderful role model on how students should follow R.I.S.E. She models each one of the four areas daily in her classroom as well as in her life.
Kleve deserves the recognition for a job well done and for being an inspiration to all of us when life throws you lemons she made amazing lemonade.
Both of these staff members will be honored at the next School Board meeting.