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 Andrea Schlachter (Elementary) and Liz Favela Hermosillo (JR/SR High School).
Andrea Schlachter
Andrea Schlachter always puts student needs first and truly wants everyone to succeed.
Schlachter is passionate about her job and will always put the student needs ahead of all else. Her desire to have her students be successful in all they do is extraordinary. She is a strong leader and is not afraid to challenge you if needed. Her actions are always in good faith and she truly believes in the student.
Schlachter is very knowledgeable in how best to meet students' academic needs as well as behavioral needs. She is creative in coming up with and finding new resources for her students. She is great at sharing those resources with others. Schlachter is consistent and fair, and her students love her. Other staff members appreciate her honesty and straight forward approach to things. Schlachter is quiet but mighty.
Schlachter is an amazing advocate for her students as she wants the best for all. She is willing to go the extra mile every time to ensure that all student needs are met. She will help others every chance she gets and she does it in a manner that many do not ever hear about. She selflessly advocates for our Dragons time and time again and I am proud to call her a colleague. Schlachter holds all her students to high standards and encourages them all to meet her at the top. She meets the needs of all students by letting them see that she is a person who wants them to succeed. A silly chant, rap or dance are just a few of the things she does to motivate students to work hard. She gives so much of herself and I appreciate her very much.
Liz Favela Hermosillo
Liz Favela Hermosillo goes above and beyond for her students and her fellow teachers. Whenever an ESL student needs help in any subject, she would find time to cater to them. She would stay after school or use her planning hour just to help them. Her genuine care is evident, whether academically or emotionally. Her treatment is just the same for her fellow teachers. She would go as far as covering someone's classes or providing support if a teacher is feeling overwhelmed. We are very blessed to have her back in the school.
Both of these staff members were be honored at the School Board meeting on 15 April 2025.