November Rocket Staff Recognition

Each month, the District recognizes staff members who exemplify the core principles of our "Learning Without Limits" philosophy and are celebrated and awarded for their outstanding contributions. In line with our tenets of solving complex problems, connecting with others, engaging in rigorous learning, and owning the learning, the peer-nominated program highlights those who consistently go above and beyond to foster innovation, teamwork, and personal development. 

November Rocket Recognition Winners

Connecting With Others:

• Jhett Markle, New Salem Elementary Teacher

  • "Jhett stands out as a beacon of inspiration and dedication within our school community. Her passion for special education is evident in every aspect of her teaching practice. Jhett has a remarkable ability to connect with students on a personal level, recognizing and celebrating each individual's strengths while providing the necessary support to address their unique challenges. She is able to meet the students where they are and create a classroom where they are accepted and supported."

• Brayden Ball, Spring Grove Elementary Instructional Assistant

  • "Brayden is brand new to the building and autistic support this year. She has gone above and beyond to build a rapport with students and learn the programming. Brayden is an asset to our team. I am beyond thankful for her and all she does."

Engaging in Rigorous Learning:

• Tabitha Lau, Spring Grove Elementary Instructional Assistant
  • "Tabitha is very outstanding and always positive. This year has been very testing for her, and she is always working through it with a smile!"
     
• Heather Shaw, Spring Grove Elementary Teacher
  • "Heather is continuously creating and sharing resources with all team members. She attends evening and weekend student activities and communicates with parents daily. She is always willing to take the time to go above and beyond for anyone. She is a leader for our first-grade team and continues to build relationships with students and parents, even years after they have been a part of her classroom. She has made me feel welcome and a part of the team from day one."

Owning the Learning:

• Sarah Riser, Spring Grove Area Middle School Teacher
  • "Sarah is very positive in encouraging and supporting other staff members. She is a problem-solver and works collaboratively to prevent concerning situations from escalating."
     
• Anne Scheeler, Paradise Elementary Teacher
  • "Anne is always going above and beyond for her students/coworkers. She always brings positivity to the day! Her students are always so kind and cheerful. She is always coming up with ways to incorporate them into their regular classes, whether through fun activities, learning exercises, or just recess! She has so much compassion and acceptance for her students!"

Solving Complex Problems:

• Kristin Brenner, Spring Grove Area High School Teacher
  • "Kristin is an amazing asset to our building. She cares so deeply for our students, works hard to ensure that she is making positive connections with them, and works to ensure that her students have what they need to succeed. Kristin has made positive and meaningful connections with all her students on her caseload. On numerous occasions, I have witnessed Kristin take the extra moment to learn more about the students in her classroom, ensuring that she knows what each student needs for their learning. She takes extra time to attend meetings for her students and connects with other staff to ensure they are aware of what each student needs. On more than one occasion, Kristin has rearranged her schedule to meet with me with a student. She has done this to ensure that the students get what they need, learn more about her students, and make that one-on-one connection. She is absolutely amazing, a wonderful team player, and someone I can count on each and every day."
     
• Linda Miller, Pupil Services Administrative Assistant
  • "The Pupil Services Department is connected to our district students in many ways.  Linda's tasks range from December 1st Child Count (an accounting of each student receiving special education services within and outside the SGASD), completing Act 16 count yearly (expenditures in special education), tracking McKinney-Vento paperwork to assisting each department housed under Pupil Services with their individual needs. She assists with completing handbooks, SHARRS report, tracking Chapter 15/504 plans and IEPs. She assists teachers with ordering materials and provides special education records to districts when students move. She monitors our students in outside placements, assists with budgeting and managing meetings, and interacts with the public in a professional and assisting manner each day. She has helped complete the cyclical monitoring of several pupil services departments. 

    When information is hard to find or conflicting, Linda puts on her detective hat to find facts that help benefit our team and district to complete statewide and federal reports. She will go above and beyond to support her teammates and the families she assists. Linda is a life-long learner.

    She serves the students, staff, and families of Spring Grove with kindness, humility, and grace.  We are lucky to have Linda as a member of our Spring Grove Area School District family."