Going the Distance

Mary Paulson
Chief of Staff
Kristy Brooks-Lathers
Management Assistant 1
Mike Halbirt
Internal Auditor
Executive Administration

mary paulson kristy brooks-lathers mike halbirt going the distance

We would like to recognize Mike Halbirt, Mary Paulson, Kristy Brooks-Lathers, the MRT group and all of the QAM Auditors.

We all worked at making sure that our departments were ready for the ISO 9001:2008, Quality Assurance, certification audit. Mike, Mary, and Kristy have worked very hard at preparing the district as well as putting together a wonderful staff of people for the Management Review Team and the internal auditors. They poured blood, sweat and tears into making sure that it would be a success. Thanks to their hard work, dedication, strong structure and leadership they helped us all with this soaring achievement!

Getting the various departments to embrace quality assurance could be a challenge, however, they were able to do it and make it look effortless. That is because of their commitment to the way we do business and making it a part of our everyday lives. What a great job of motivating and being an example to the rest of us on how we can commit ourselves and the work we do to better the education of our students. Way to go!! A big thanks from all of us! We appreciate you all.

Submitted by: Jackie Ogan and Jennifer Berrien

Shawna Herrera
Julie Pemberton
Kristin Minahan
Wendy Steckly
Melody King
Instructional Assistants
Schirle Elementary School

schirle life skills team going the distance

I would like to nominate the wonderful team of educational assistants in the Schirle Life Skills classroom. I am so fortunate to work with such talented, compassionate and hard working individuals. Each one of these ladies comes to work each day with a smile and ready to give her all. Students are given plenty of encouragement, care and positive learning opportunities. There has been so much growth already this year! I appreciate the special talents that each person brings to the classroom. Every day, I am amazed by how this team goes above and beyond what is expected. Thank you Schirle Life Skills team!

Submitted by: Wendy Mazurier

Lynne Marks
Instructional Coach
Mónica Takata
Principal
Middle Grove Elementary

lynne marks monica takata going the distance

Middle Grove Elementary staff would like to nominate Mónica Takata and Lynne Marks for going the distance. This is not a onetime event that we are recognizing; Mónica and Lynne have been going the distance since the day they started at Middle Grove. Our staff has always had efficacy, but they brought us together and led us to a place where we can be collaborative problem solvers. They have a contagious optimism, give genuine encouragement and feedback, and bring a warm spirit to the building that radiates and drives us to keep on marching. Mónica and Lynne truly believe in every child, everyday and enable us to do our jobs with the support we need for the students we treasure. There are too many occasions to list the acts of professionalism, generosity, and kindness that they have shown our community. Because of their hard work and genuine belief in our school, Middle Grove truly is a great place to be.

Submitted by: Aimee Boswell and Middle Grove Staff

Bonnie Johnson
School Bus Driver
Transportation

bonnie johnson team going the distance

We would like to nominate Special Programs Driver Bonnie Johnson for going above and beyond for the safety of a small child. Bonnie was driving her route and noticed a small child riding a bike with no adult in sight at a busy intersection.  She called in to transportation dispatch who then called the Keizer Police Department. The child was found safely by the police thanks to Bonnie’s awareness and judgment.  Way to go Bonnie! Great Job!

Submitted by: Doris Jared and Kris Freeman

Shawna Moran, Boo Rayburn, Marek Eaton, Julie Walton, Leif Rasmussen, Michael Simkins, Jason Swank, Ron Speck, Steve Larson, and the instructional coaches
Instructional coach training

various going the distance

We would like to recognize a group of folks who went above and beyond in preparation for and during a recent training for instructional coaches. Shawna Moran, Boo Rayburn, Marek Eaton, Julie Walton, Leif Rasmussen, Michael Simkins, Jason Swank, Ron Speck, Steve Larson, and the instructional coaches all worked together to salvage the day when snow delayed the flight of our presenters. Some quick thinking, a reworked training plan, lots of flexibility, and positive attitudes on the part of everyone involved made the day a success despite Mother Nature. Ron and Steve, thanks for making lunch arrangements. Instructional coaches, thanks for flexing your schedule and working through your lunch break to complete the training. Shawna, Boo, and the fabulous team from TIS, thank you for making this all come together successfully for a great day of learning.

Submitted by: Rachael Harms

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