The following staff members were recognized at the Integrated Services Quarterly Meeting on Monday, April 12, 2021. Their nominations were filled with praise from several co-workers; read on for just a few excerpts.
Michelle Bullock, Para II – Werner Elementary
“Thank you to Michelle Bullock for trying out a new math program this spring for students who needed an educator to think out of the box to meet their needs. Michelle knew her students needed something different to support their mathematical thinking and progress and worked hard to learn something new to increase the success of her students with disabilities. Michelle is differentiating for each students’ needs and implementing best practices every day. Thank you Michelle!!”
Patty Heyse, School Psychologist – Preston Middle School
“Patty is so supportive of the IS team at Preston. During Covid-19, Patty understood how busy the IS teachers were with trying to meet the needs of their students that Patty offered to complete different pieces of paperwork to help out. ” “Patty’s current intern said ‘I can say that Patty is very knowledgeable, helpful, and willing to lend a hand at any time. She is a positive and bright presence even during the most stressful of times. I’ve learned so much from her and I know that her consistent supervision and coaching have prepared me to enter my first year as an official school psychologist.” “We wish Patty all the best in her retirement and thank her for all of her years of service, dedication and most of all friendship.”
Garry Keller, Multi-categorical Teacher – Poudre Community Academy
“The students, staff, and entire community of PCA are incredibly lucky to have a teacher like Garry. He is always willing to think “outside the box” to make sure that our students get their needs met. Garry is beyond creative when it comes to meeting students where they are, while guiding them in meeting their individual goals as well. All of us at PCA are proud to work with you Garry, and are grateful for you, even the butter braid thief and constituents. Thank you for working so hard everyday and making all of us around you better. You truly make our world a better place. ”
Kaitlin Patterson, Multi-categorical Teacher – Rocky Mountain High School
“Kaitlin goes above and beyond to improve our Integrated Services team at Rocky. She constantly strives to streamline systems and processes within IS. Kaitlin has shown initiative and leadership. She has been the liaison between the science department and our team. The fostering of this partnership has allowed so many students to flourish in challenging, yet supportive general education classes. While doing so, Kailtin has also helped general education teachers learn how to best accommodate and modify for students with disabilities. Her honest, direct, and humorous approach to working with students and parents has increased student achievement, independence, and self-advocacy skills. Kaitlin’s willingness to seek areas of improvement and then act has catapulted our team to the next level of awesomeness.”
Erin Ruffner, Multi-categorical Teacher – Rocky Mountain High School
“This semester (Erin) has taken on our school restaurant which is not an easy task during a pandemic. She has gone above and beyond to make the class accessible to all students and has started to grow the business in new and innovative ways.” “Students are learning to grocery shop, meal plan, measure, use customer service skills and more. The students in her class are thriving.” “She always problem solves every roadblock that is in the way for either students or for the restaurant and has made the opportunity for students one of the best parts of their school day.” “Erin has skill when it comes to helping students navigate their social/ emotional/ high school drama needs. Often, we have students who get involved in high school drama but do not yet have the skills necessary to maturely navigate the situations. Erin does an amazing job teaching students’ the skills they need to solve their problems. Thank you for all you do, Erin!”
Karyn Schrom, Multi-categorical Teacher – Cache La Poudre Elementary School
“Karyn has been an impactful and important leader for our team and for our students this year. She is always striving to find unique, individual tools, interventions, and solutions for every student that she works with. She leads our IS team with a calm, caring and inclusive manner. She listens and is always positive and proactive with each team member. Students love working with Mrs. Schrom and are excited to be in a group with her. Karyn is always going above and beyond for our team and for the students!”
Jamie Straw, Speech-Language Pathologist – ECH Assessment Team
“What is there to say about Jamie other than that she is a wonderful teammate who has children’s best interest in all that she does. She is easy going, knowledgeable and professional which allows her to quickly establish rapport with children and their families. Her way of communicating is direct yet empathetic. Jamie is compassionate, helping families recognize the strengths of their child, while educating them on their child’s needs. She has difficult conversations with grace and earnestly listens and incorporates perspectives and contributions of others. She is an exceptional practitioner who makes personal connections with her students and beams with pride when talking about their growth throughout the year. She is a teammate who is quick to volunteer and help others out when needed and provides direction in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and helpful manner. ”
Jennifer Thomason, School Psychologist – Blevins Middle School
“Jenni is so much more than our school psychologist: she is a continual source of insight, wisdom, and professionalism. She is flexible and willing to fill in where she is needed, and always with a positive attitude.” “During my time at Blevins Middle School, I have been fortunate to learn from the guidance and direction of Jenni. Jenni is a bright light in our building, always willing to answer a text in a moments notice to help a student in need. She displays a calm demeanor and truly makes relationships with students where they feel trusted & cared for. ” “Jenni has been instrumental to making my first year a success. She is always open to discuss questions that I have.” “She is a wealth of knowledge and always open to collaborate and consult. Students’ wellbeing is her top priority – kids are put first. I am honored to work with her and call her my friend. Thanks for all you do Jenni!”
Andrea Wallace, Multi-categorical Teacher – Webber Middle School
“Andrea is an amazing paraprofessional because of her big heart, patience, understanding, reliability, and organization. She has worked with these current 8th graders since 6th grade and knows them well. She has developed positive relationships with each student to allow them to feel safe, comfortable, and valued. The relationships she has built has allow these students to grow emotionally and academically. Andrea’s organization skills are top notch which allows her to accommodate each student so that they can access work at their level. Andrea is willing to step in and help in any situation. She has great ideas and is a great person to collaborate with. Andrea is moving on next year to pursue her school counseling degree and license and will be greatly missed at Webber.”
Shannon Wick, Multi-categorical Teacher – Rocky Mountain High School
“During the last two years I have had the opportunity to work with Shannon as a multicatigorical teacher. During this time, I have seen Shannon, advocate for students, coworkers and the greater wellbeing for all those at Rocky. Shannon works alongside one of our coworkers and is able to piece together a complicated para schedule to meet not only students here at school, but also to support PSDV and students who are remote learning due to various circumstances. Next year, Shannon will be spearheading the center based SED program here at Rocky and is taking it on with excitement and enthusiasm. Thank you for all you do, Shannon!”
Thank you all for your service and dedication to EACH and EVERY student in PSD!
Integrated Services Poudre School District 