At ESS, our strength lies in our phenomenal team, and we’re proud to recognize those who lead by example. Each month, our partner school districts submit glowing reviews of our employees, from which we select four employees of the month. We believe in celebrating the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our team members who go above and beyond in their roles. We are thrilled to recognize our January Employees of the Month!
Holly Coffee
Genoa Central School District, AR
Holly Coffee was nominated eighteen times this month by colleagues from Genoa Central Elementary School, who all praised her for going above and beyond to help students succeed.
Rana Pilgreen, Elementary Counselor, who wrote: “Mrs. Holly Coffee is an exemplary worker. She goes above and beyond the expectations left by teachers. A day in the classroom with her is never a day wasted. She teaches the students, and they love her. Mrs. Coffee is part of our staff in more ways than a helper; she is part of the family. We appreciate how much devotion she puts into our students and school. I can not think of anyone more deserving of recognition than Holly Coffee.”
Wendy Cobb, second-grade teacher, who wrote: “Holly works very hard. She subs somewhere in our building most days. She has subbed personally in my classroom. She does what is expected while maintaining classroom management. She can handle what is on the lesson plans and tries to keep it as close to normal as possible without the teacher in there. She has a great rapport with the staff and students. She is an excellent nominee for this award.”
Shellye White, teacher, who wrote: “Mrs. Coffee is one of the most dedicated subs I have ever had in my classroom. She has a great, loving personality and is wonderful with the kids. When I have been out of my classroom for sickness or other reasons out of my control, Mrs. Coffee has stepped in and been a sub for my class. My students love her but also respect her. I know that if Mrs. Coffee is my sub when I am out, my class will continue to learn and be productive in my absence. I appreciate her so much and the peace she brings me when I have to be away from my class. She obviously loves to sub, and her personality brings much joy to the school.”
Morgan Meredith, SPED Paraprofessional, who wrote: “Holly goes above and beyond working. She is exceptional when she has subbed in our room. Our kids love her.”
Kristi Wooten, Nurse, who wrote: “I am nominating Holly for many reasons. She is always available; she goes the extra mile, and she is always willing to help, even if it is something outside her duties for the day. She takes the time to get to know the students’ medical issues, what to watch for, and what to do in an emergency. Most other subs never ask extra questions or know what students have medical issues. She is amazing at communicating and easy to reach. She is always very patient with the kids and has a positive attitude.”
Lindley Floyd, teacher, who wrote: “Mrs. Coffee is our favorite! My students ask constantly when she is coming back. Every student in the school loves her, and she can’t get down a hallway without being hugged. She is a hard worker and determined, and she loves each student as if they were hers!”
Deborah Conway, teacher, who wrote: “Mrs. Coffee has subbed for me multiple times over the past few years. She has been my substitute of choice for some time. I do not have to worry about our classroom when she substitutes. She is very professional, courteous, and always goes the extra mile. My students love her and are always excited to have her in our classroom. During my first year, she taught me several tricks on our Ben-Q. I have also worked with her when a team member was absent. She is amazing to work with. She adapts easily to changes. My favorite thing about her is that she is always positive and smiling.”
Ashley Rehkopf, teacher, who wrote: “Mrs. Coffee is the best sub I have ever had! She is extremely knowledgeable about all subjects and is always willing to learn how to do things to better her time with the kids. For example, she was going to be subbing for my class for a couple of days, so she came and shadowed me so she could see how our days usually went. In my opinion, that is above and beyond for a sub. All the kids love her and are so excited when she is subbing in their class!”
Penny Olson, second-grade teacher, who wrote: “Mrs. Coffee is always on time. Mrs. Coffee always tries to complete each task that is left for her. She works well with each person on the campus. She is very flexible and kind to the students! She does a great job!”
Galyn Richardson, second-grade teacher, who wrote: “Holly goes above and beyond in whatever she is asked to do. She will step in and do what she sees needs to be done, even when not asked. You can always feel secure when she is in your room. She faces the challenge of a new class, curriculum, and routines with a smile and gets the job done. She is reliable to the max!”
Ronna Richardson, Dyslexia Interventionist, who wrote: “I am nominating Holly Coffee because she deserves any amount of recognition that can be given to her. She is always willing to work, shows up on time, and always wants to help!!!”
Samantha Plafcan, Pre-K teacher, who wrote: “Holly is such a great sub. She is willing to do anything asked of her and will also jump in when she sees someone who needs help. Most of all, she is reliable, and the kids love her!!!”
Mallory Purifoy, teacher, who wrote: “Holly is great with all of the students! They get excited to see her in the school. She rises to any challenge and always does an amazing job! She’s fantastic at what she does and is always happy to be there.”
Lacy Fawcett, secretary, who wrote: “She is absolutely exceptional. She is always helping. Always first to pick up a sub job. Always on time and does the job great without any complaints. We, as a school, love her as one of our own. She never fails us.”
Angela Royal, paraprofessional, who wrote: “She is great with students and always has a positive attitude. She also handles the lesson plans provided.”
Madison Nelson, third-grade teacher, who wrote: “She is always there when we need her and works almost daily, filling in for someone! We consider her a friend.”
Lindsay Tubbs, teacher, who wrote: “Holly is the best sub! She is my first call when I will be out & I do not worry about my class or things getting done when she is in my room. I know she will follow my sub notes & my room will be exactly how I left it when I return. She is a dream! No matter the position she fills in for, she EXCELS at it.”
Jen Townsend, teacher, who wrote: “Holly goes above and beyond in everything. She is always willing to help out. The students love her; she feels like part of our school family.”
Sarah Morgan
Kokomo School Corporation, IN
Sarah Morgan was nominated by Jada McCallum, Principal at Lafayette Park International Elementary, who wrote: “Sarah Morgan has seamlessly transitioned into a full-time, long-term substitute teacher, providing consistent student learning stability and fostering a positive classroom atmosphere. Below are some qualities that make Mrs. Morgan stand out as a long-term substitute.
Mrs. Morgan has developed strong relationships with her students, motivating them to do their best. She goes above and beyond to design meaningful lessons that align with the school curriculum and state standards while infusing her unique creativity and style. She is also learning to keep accurate records of student progress and communicates effectively with parents to keep them informed about their child’s performance.
Mrs. Morgan is always willing to collaborate with fellow teachers and support staff to ensure smooth transitions and meaningful instruction. She has demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills, effectively addressing any academic or behavioral challenges that arise, and is open to discussing best practices in various areas.
She has proven invaluable to our second-grade team, and we are grateful to have her with us.”
Natalia Milejski
Colts Neck Township Schools, NJ
Natalia Milejski was nominated by Debra Steele, Innovation Lab Teacher at Conover Road Elementary School, who wrote: “Ms. Milejski is a fantastic teacher! She is my first choice as a substitute teacher if I am absent. Many teachers in our school prefer her as our substitute teacher because she goes above and beyond her regular duties. We can leave lesson plans and know that she will teach the lessons. Also, we know the students will be safe under her watch. She notices all behaviors and strives to acknowledge and minimize the negative. Mrs. Milejski is a rock star! She can teach any grade level from preschool through second grade, General Education, and ABA/Special Education. Her flexibility is prevalent when she has multiple classes in a day. The children are comfortable in her presence and can approach her for assistance. Mrs. Natalia Milejski is a natural teacher! Not only does she teach the lessons, but she adds life skills and social interaction skills into her lessons. I highly recommend Mrs. Natalia Milejski for Employee of the Month!”
Gloria Thomas
Fairfield County School District, SC
Gloria Thomas was nominated by Gregory Scott, Principal at Geiger Elementary School, who wrote: “I am honored to nominate Mrs. Gloria Thomas for the ESS Employee of the Month award. Mrs. Thomas has been an asset to our school, demonstrating exceptional dedication and commitment to our students and community.
Mrs. Thomas stepped in to fill the vacancy in our music program as a substitute, and her impact has been extraordinary. She not only fulfills the day-to-day responsibilities of the role with professionalism and excellence but has also gone above and beyond to ensure our students continue to thrive musically. Despite the challenges of filling a temporary position, Mrs. Thomas has ensured our students remain engaged, inspired, and enriched by their music education.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Thomas has been instrumental in maintaining our school’s vibrant musical traditions. She has taken it upon herself to organize and prepare our students for extracurricular performances, such as Rideway’s Pig on the Ridge and the annual tree lighting ceremony. Our students, parents, and community cherish these events, and her commitment to making them a success is nothing short of remarkable.
Mrs. Thomas’s dedication to our students and willingness to go the extra mile test her character and professionalism. She has brought joy and pride to our school and community, ensuring no opportunity for growth and celebration is missed because of the vacancy.
I nominate Mrs. Gloria Thomas for this recognition with sincere gratitude. Her hard work, selflessness, and commitment to excellence deserve celebration.”