Each month, our partner school districts submit glowing reviews of our employees, from which we select four employees of the month. We’re pleased to recognize our honorees from March 2024!
Kevin Colopy
Poudre School District, CO
Kevin Colopy was nominated twice this month by colleagues from Bethke Elementary School, who had such wonderful things to say about his flexibility and classroom management!
Heather Gassner, Office Manager, wrote: “Kevin has done a phenomenal job stepping in at the beginning of March due to a staff illness. Kevin is prompt and friendly upon arrival. Due to illness, we have had to juggle schedules, but Kevin has been incredibly flexible. Kevin has been fantastic with the students, and they have enjoyed interacting with him. Kevin has incredible classroom management. Students have been engaged and respectful because of his management style. We look forward to having Kevin return!”
Ann Alfonso, the Principal, wrote: “Kevin is awesome! He stepped into a position that ended up lasting five days. He jumped in to help wherever needed and took on the role in the media center. He collaborated with staff and went above and beyond to support our staff and students. We can’t wait to have him back again!”
Shirley Kinlaw-Faulcon
Beaufort County School District, SC
Shirley Kinlaw-Faulcon was nominated by Eve Weaver, Literacy Teacher at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, who wrote: “Ms. Kinlaw is on fire in the classroom! She takes academic learning and social/emotional learning seriously! Teachers at our school are happy to learn when she covers their class. “Covering” is not the appropriate verb as Ms. Kinlaw strives to teach the students. When teachers leave a plan, they can be sure that Ms. Kinlaw will fully implement it. She is front and center in the classroom, moving around tables and desks and assisting students. She cares deeply about making each day of learning meaningful. For example, Ms. Kinlaw was teaching suffixes to students and used the board to give many examples of words. She ensured that each student took ownership of the learning and engaged them in using suffixes. She guides students to focus on the lesson goals when they are off task. She cares about student achievement.
Caring about each and every child is paramount to Ms. Kinlaw. During a math lesson, a student was extremely disruptive and disrespectful. Ms. Kinlaw quietly addressed the student and treated her with respect and dignity. The student rejoined the group and was successful. When third grade classes were participating in swimming lessons, Ms. Kinlaw took time after the school hours to dry students’ towels, so they could have their gear ready for the next day.
I highly recommend Ms. Kinlaw as my favorite ESS employee. As a support person for grades 3 – 5, I have witnessed Ms. Kinlaw in action in at least six classrooms. She strives to keep the classes moving forward in learning when she is assigned to substitute for the regular teacher.”
Rebecca Logan
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, TX
Rebecca Logan was nominated by Marion Perez, Account Manager at ESS, who wrote: “Ms. Logan was selected as Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Support Staff of the Month for March! The district recognition committee selected her for her outstanding work and dedication to Bryon P. Steele II High School, and the students and staff she supports.
Two school staff members nominated her because Ms. Logan exemplifies the mission, beliefs, vision, and values of Bryon P. Steele II High School and Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD.
The first staff member wrote: ‘Rebecca has always been a team player and wants the best for each student. She puts so much effort into helping the students succeed. The students respect her and are so lucky to have her in class.’
The second staff member wrote: ‘Ms. Logan is always a ray of sunshine. She is willing to help ALL students and work with the teachers she supports.’
Thank you for Ms. Logan for all you do every day for the students of Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and ESS!”
Tishea Haigler
Hampton City Schools, VA
Tishea Haigler was nominated six times this month by colleagues from Paul Burbank Elementary, who had such wonderful things to say about her attitude and willingness to support everyone at the school!
Brandilynn Sheridan, Fifth-Grade Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Haigler is always ready to help and jumps in anywhere she is needed. When I have to step out of my classroom, she helps my students feel comfortable and safe. That is a talent that is not teachable. Some people have it, and others do not. Ms. Haigler has it! I’m so thankful to call her a friend and co-worker. My students and I love her to pieces, and she is truly the best.”
Georgia Branch, Fifth Grade Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Haigler is the best building sub Burbank Elementary has. She is always willing to help without any complaints. She is everywhere when needed whether in the special needs classes, general education classrooms, or even admin support. She always has a pleasant hello and smile when she greets you. She has a big heart as well. She knows what to say to help a child regulate their emotions and calm down.”
Sherry Gwynn, Second Grade Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Haigler is always willing to step in and help with any assignment needed. She knows all the students in the building and has no problem collaborating with all the adults. Ms. Haigler always has a smile on her face. The students love having her around.”
Nicole Smith, Nurse, wrote: “Ms. Haigler is very professional and has a great rapport with the students and staff. She is very active in the school. Ms. Haigler is always looking for any area to help in the school or with school activities. She goes above and beyond to make sure the students are learning and feel safe. She is a great person inside and out, and the students can see that as well.”
Blakelei Wheeler, SPED Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Haigler is always so welcoming to students and creates meaningful relationships with them. She always makes sure that students with disabilities feel included.”
Jermarion Sykes, Fourth Grade Teacher, wrote: “Ms. Haigler is a vital employee with Hampton City Schools and especially at Burbank Elementary. She is always ready in full force with a cup of coffee in hand! She is such a personable person and is willing to help whenever needed. We at Burbank are glad to have her, she is AWESOME!”