In recent years, education has faced many challenges, and we know our staff continually goes above and beyond to ensure our schools are safe and engaging environments for students to learn and grow. Columbia Union School District started this school year to formally celebrate staff members who are making a difference by lending a helping hand to students, families, and one another. Whether it is through a small gesture or a big effort, these actions have a ripple effect that make Columbia the special place that it is.
November Winner
Alisha Curnow, Instructional Technician
“Talk about wearing many hats and doing it well, Alisha could step into any position on this campus and do the job as if she were born to it... and she probably has had to do so more than once. She is so friendly, never rolls her eyes at my questions, wears an elf costume while singing the ‘I’ song in full voice on the black top to kinders and their buddies, and is always so helpful and kind.”
“Alisha is a para that is not replaceable. She is great with the kids and a huge help in the classroom. She is a natural and I appreciate everything she does. She is a hard worker and I can always count on her help. She is a hard worker and I can't imagine being in the classroom without her!”
December Winner
Laura Garcia, Afterschool Program Director
“She always goes above and beyond to make sure the students and staff are fully taken care of. She genuinely cares about every single one of them. She works tirelessly to ensure that everything is going as smoothly as possible.”
“Laura has been such a delight to work with and for! She is so understanding and helpful, she provides resources and support for all of her ELOP staff, and she is so warm and dependable to all the kiddos! Laura has the excellent ability to resolve issues, handle twists and turns with grace, come up with solutions to last minute challenges, and has such a wonderful sense for what her staff and students need!”
Nominees
Roberto Bem, MOT
“Roberto comes in every morning with a smile on his face, ready to do his job and countless other jobs. There is nothing you can ask of him that he won't help out with. He is hard-working, determined, and a huge asset to this school. From the time he clocks on in the morning until the time he clocks out in the afternoon, he is working and never complains about it. We are all definitely glad to have him as part of our Columbia family.”
“I always see him going that extra mile to keep the campus clean. He supports the students as well.”
Breanne Brown, School Secretary
“ALWAYS a kind voice, efficient as all-get-out, Breanne helps me nearly every single day. With report cards (making this teacher cranky) looming, she handles prints and reprints, setting up grade books, and literally any other task asked of her with the sweetest voice in a timely manner.”
Michelle Hance, Assistant Cook
“For always delivering our snacks, with a great attitude and always taking the time to say hi to our students and at times giving them a hug.”
Gina Hughes, Fourth Grade Teacher & Math Interventionist
“Gina is a jack-of-all-trades AND a master of them, as well! She willingly steps in to help in any situation, comes into my afternoon math class to help, encourages every living soul around her, does a great job with math intervention, and is hitting it out of the park in Leadership!”
Kim Salas, Special Education Teacher
“Keeping our room well organized and accommodating other teachers and students that need extra help.”
(in order)
