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 May 2024!
Joni Brown
Earle School District, AR
Joni Brown was nominated five times this month by colleagues from Earle High School, who all praised her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to the success of the school.
Ray Brown, Teacher, wrote: “Joni is an amazing substitute, and everyone loves her—the staff, the students, the admin. She is nice yet firm with the students and cordial with the staff. She is one of the substitutes I would request if I missed time at EHS.” Rhean Joy Desoloc, Teacher, wrote: “She exceeds her job as substitute teacher. She is passionate about what she is doing and extends her work into understanding the students and their backgrounds.” Kevin Jordan, Principal, wrote: “Mrs. Brown is very approachable and always has a smile. Mrs. Brown will do whatever it takes to ensure things run smoothly. Mrs. Brown never complains. Mrs. Brown, in my opinion, is an excellent substitute.” Tiffany Williams, Dyslexia Interventionist, wrote: “Mrs. Brown is a true advocate for the students of the district and is always willing to help the staff.” Angela Jones, Administrative Assistant, wrote: “Mrs. Joni Brown initially volunteered to assist Earle High School with classes as teachers unexpectedly left last semester. Later Superintendent Burgess asked her to help us when a teacher resigned. She has volunteered to help our students and teachers in many areas. After we could no longer pay subs, she continued to volunteer her time/services. She has purchased items for the school and students out of her pocket. She has provided many lunches for students and employees numerous times. She always has encouraging words for each individual she talks with daily and keeps it confidential. I have never seen her get out of character when things escalated in the heat of an argument. She has never been confrontational. She comes from a musical and gifted family. They have volunteered from time to time as a DJ for parties for our students. They have also volunteered for special programs, catered events, performed musical/vocal concerts and more for our students for FREE. Earle High School faculty, staff, and students love her presence and are grateful for the kind gestures from her and her family. This is why she should be the ESS Employee of the Month for Earle High School!”
Christian Guzman-Patino
Norwalk Public Schools, CT
Christian Guzman-Patino was nominated by Sue-Ellen O’Shea, Principal at Marvin Elementary School, who wrote: “Christian displays all the characteristics of an employee any school would be happy to have on their staff. He has worked as an ESS building substitute since ESS joined the Norwalk Public School District. He incorporates both the flexibility and dedication that is necessary to succeed. He is an intelligent, responsible, and hardworking individual and is well-equipped to handle any classroom situation he finds himself in when he arrives at school each morning. He takes on each assignment as if he were the classroom teacher for any subject area. His interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and knowledge of best practices in education make the staff feel comfortable knowing he will be covering their classes while they are absent. Christian has taken on two long-term assignments this year alone while the teachers had surgery. Each teacher returned after recuperating, knowing the students were well cared for, and the learning did not stop just because the regular classroom teacher was out. Christian is a prime example of an ESS sub deserving of this honor.”
Carmoni Blakley
Iredell-Statesville Schools, NC
Carmoni Blakley was nominated by Jennifer Ribbeck, Principal at East Iredell Elementary, who wrote: “Carmoni Blakely stepped into a kindergarten teaching position in November and has done an amazing job! She immediately built relationships with the students and created a well-structured environment with high expectations. She has a positive attitude and a growth mindset. She participates in PLC meetings, staff meetings, action team meetings, and even volunteered to be a bus monitor. She also volunteered to be a member of the school behavior sub committee. She communicates extremely well with administrators and asks great questions! She is amazing and I’m so thankful to have her at our school!”
Francis Belluscio
Beaufort County School District, SC
Francis Belluscio was nominated by Michelle Brockway, Principal at Hilton Head Island Elementary School, who wrote: “Mr. Belluscio has been our building floater substitute for years and we are so thankful for him. He is dependable and always willing to help wherever he is needed. He has built so many relationships with students and staff over the years and is well liked by everyone. He always has a big smile on his face and adds to the positive culture we always strive for.”