School and Community Winter 2024

A Spotlight on Excellence: Applause for Colleagues

As part of MSTA’s most recent giveaway, we included a section in the form for members to give a shout out to an admirable colleague. Here are some submissions that made our hearts smile.

“I would love to give a tremendous shoutout to an incredible teacher, Trista Sargent , who truly goes above and beyond every single day. She makes sure each student’s needs are met at their individual level and helps to make them feel important enough to care about themselves too. Trista comes in daily and takes care of many students with various abilities. She does not allow her kids to use their diagnosis as an excuse for negative behavior, but instead helps each of them reach higher than even their parents thought they could reach! Trista fights hard to assure her kids are included in all general education activities and includes herself on committees to assure transparency among all stakeholders. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a shoutout than Trista Sargent!” - Kathie O’Connor, Fox C-6 “ Sonya Austin is the secretary at Buffalo Prairie Middle School, and every day she goes above and beyond to help the kids and staff. No matter if we need a hug, a pep talk, something looked up, or whatever, she is on it. She carries a lot of burdens with the things she sees and hears in

the office, but she faces every day with a beautiful smile and does everything in her power to brighten everyone else’s day.” - Julie Thomas, Dallas Co. R-1

“ Debra Wyat t always goes above and beyond.”

-Lauren Clark, Fairfax R-3

“ Ms. Brandi Killian is a Special Education teacher and has the kindest heart!” - Courtney Koehler, Woodland R-4 “ Christina Atkinson , our school librarian, has started a very active book club! And Traci Nave, our principal, is doing everything imaginable to build community.” - Rebecca Dunnell, Riverview Gardens “ Laura Hensiek teaches seventh grade math and is always operating behind the scenes to make things happen for the kids. Planning events. Errands for supplies. Setting up classes and groups. Always stepping in where needed. The (many) little things add up in a big way.” - Haley Pirtle, Central R-3

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