By Syndication 
March 5 – RISE Nominations
“Mr. Jones has been Encouraging in the RISE acronym. Last month while teachers had so many responsibilities with the end of term, Mr. Jones took the time to write an encouraging email about our daughter. He addressed it to me, my husband and even copied the school administration! Mr. Jones had observed specific positive qualities in our daughter and wanted to make sure they were recognized. He went above and beyond to encourage her to continue working on these great qualities and to make us aware of what he saw in her. Thank you Mr. Jones for exemplifying the Encouraging part of RISE.“
Nominated by: Courtney Rasband, student
“Mr. Jones was my science teacher in 8th and 9th grade and his class was the best class of the day. You can tell he really enjoys what he teaches and it rubs off on us students. He always has the best lessons to get us engaged, and he is always in just the best mood ever making science so fun. I didn’t care for science until Mr. Jones was my teacher. He is such an excellent teacher – definitely my favorite teacher I have had!“
Nominated by: Kesley Webecke, student
“Susan has done such an amazing job this year of running the special class kindergarten. She is hardworking and so kind. You can just feel how much she loves her students, and she constantly strives to provide the best experiences for them. I love seeing the progress her students make, and I’m so glad Susan is my friend and colleague!“
Nominated by: Danielle Lewis, district employee
“Kirsten is an amazing school psychologist and helps me each time I have a question. I am a new school psychologist at ASD. Kirsten is kind and very sweet. I am so happy she is a school psychologist here. Her smile and calm demeanor makes it easy for me to always feel comfortable.“
Nominated by: Marianne Shutt, district employee
“Mrs. Jorgensen is such an amazing teacher! She makes learning a fun engaging experience every day for the students, going over and beyond to make it a fun learning experience. I have loved having my daughter in her class and always hearing the exciting stories of what they are learning in class! My daughter has never wanted to read more and has grown this year because of Mrs. Jorgensen! She loves her students and we appreciate her very much for all her hard work!“
Nominated by: Lacey Veron, parent
“Melanie is a huge support and advocate for making sure Special Education rules and regulations are being followed.“
Nominated by: Malinda Glasgow, district employee
“Colin always seems to have such positive outlook during difficult or uncertain situations regarding student needs. He is always present and willing to help to solve problems. Colin is easy to communicate with and is a great leader for teachers and students.”
Nominated by: Amanda Quigley, district employee
“Rebecca is absolutely amazing. She is the perfect balance of organization, gentleness, intelligence and fun! I am truly impressed with the expertise and knowledge that she has brought to our district. She takes on any task that is given and always does phenomenal work. She is wonderful!!“
Nominated by: Karen Hunter, district employee
“Sam just joined our team at Meadow this year and we are so fortunate to have her. She takes initiative in helping her students, and has really helped turn around the atmosphere in our special classes. Thanks Sam!“
Nominated by: Steven Corry, district employee
“Ginger is a delight to work with. She is an expert at putting people at ease and working through difficult situations. She is eager to help and very good at identifying students needs and ideas for interventions.“
Nominated by: Amanda Gosman, district employee
“Janine is an encyclopedia of knowledge. If you need to know the answer to something, she’s your girl. And she backs it up with documentation. Janine is awesome!“
Nominated by: Ellen Palsson, district employee
“Wendi is a great team lead, she takes care of all the SPED personnel as well as taking care of all her students in many different ways. Her kind heart embraces all.“
Nominated by: Sam Bates, district employee
“Candace is an incredible asset to our school. She provides support to students who need extra support. Students look forward to their time with Candace and she is always willing to help out however she is asked.“
Nominated by: Missy Steinberg, district employee
“Vic always looks for the positive in our students and sets that tone in our IEP meetings, which helps alleviate the anxiety of the parents/guardians and creates a positive and problem setting atmosphere.“
Nominated by: Amanda Shanks, district employee
“Andrea did a great job helping our school with a student who was struggling behaviorally! She moved her own schedule around to help us get supports in place for the student sooner. She was very helpful with coming up with a plan for our student, and is providing support to our school as we implement the plan.“
Nominated by: Fiona Molsberry, district employee
“Julie is an amazing speech teacher. She knows how to help students when they are struggling with speech and works hard to help them understand how to say things correctly. She is very hard working and dedicated to her profession. She has been working hard to get her doctorate which at times has been a heavy load for her, but she still always does her best and efficiently completes all of her work. I love working with Julie and I’m grateful that we are friends and coworkers.“
Nominated by: Amy Taylor, district employee
“Stacy is a bright light at Harvest Elementary. I see her work tirelessly after hours ensuring that she is providing the best education for her students, as well as supporting her teams and parents. As her husband, I get the special privilege of seeing her work when no one is looking, and she is constantly striving to do better and making sure her parents are happy. She is a shining star in the district!!“
Nominated by: Scott Trinh, district employee
“Jess is a FANTASTIC teacher and our students are so incredibly lucky to be taught by her. She constantly is doing the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing. Her ability to connect with students, while holding them accountable and having high standards is second to none. She is such an asset to our school community, and I’m personally so grateful to have her on my team!“
Nominated by: McKell Nelson, district employee
“Amanda is someone who makes an extra effort to connect with and care for people. She is a positive, encouraging force, who really makes a difference for her students and coworkers! She looks for the bright side, even in challenging situations, and approaches with empathy and humor. Amanda is also capable, conscientious, and dependable. She gives her best effort to everything she does!“
Nominated by: Amie Schoedel, district employee
“We’re thrilled to have Cade Jolley back with us this year as our new PE teacher. Having previously student-taught at our school, he’s no stranger to our community. Though this is his first official year on staff, he brings experience from other schools and has effortlessly bonded with both colleagues and students. His energy and enthusiasm make his classes a hit, quickly earning him a spot as one of the students’ favorites. The strong connections he’s built with teachers and the way he engages with students are truly impressive. We’re excited for the positive impact he’ll continue to make!“
Nominated by: Rachel Mattice, district employee
“We’re so lucky to have Savannah in our Lakeridge Family! In just three years at our school, she’s blown us away with her amazing classroom management, to the point where we regularly send new teachers to learn from her. Her use of positive reinforcement system keeps students engaged, and her clear expectations make them feel safe and supported. Additionally, she always goes the extra mile to connect with her colleagues. We’re so grateful for all she does—it’s hard to imagine our school without her!“
Nominated by: Rachel Mattice, district employee
“Mr. Smith is the band teacher here at Timpanogos. I am a percussionist there and he does an amazing job working with us. He always encourages us to improve and to keep doing music. I also like that if he calls out a student for not playing in time or playing wrong rhythms, he approaches them nicely and gives them suggestions on how to improve their sense of rhythm; he does it in a way to not make the student feel embarrassed. Finally, Mr. Smith is always excited, kind, and brings a positive attitude to our class.“
Nominated by: Miles Belnap, student
“Laci is an amazing person who always cares about what she’s doing. She makes the testing center a fun and easy place to take tests. She cares about what she is doing and always is a bright light who cares about the students and helps them to get what they need. Laci Jorgensen is one of the most amazing people I know. I don’t think there is one person who doesn’t like her.“
Nominated by: Austin Wright, student
“Mrs. Jorgensen is always so amazing when I need to take a test in the testing center. She’s always ready with a smile to help me however she can. Her classroom environment helps me feel less stressed while I’m testing.”
Nominated by: Sarai Nuccitelli, student
“Ms. Gardner’s energy and presence is evident in the class. My son comes home every day happy to share what his teacher taught him for the day. In parent teacher conference, she has a way to connect with all students and help them progress in their education!“
Nominated by: Yazmin Munson, parent
“Kristen has been amazing lately! She is working extra hard to help those students who have fallen behind. She has put in extra hours and money to make sure those students are catching up and feeling successful. She is also the best co-worker and support. Kristen is a rockstar!“
Nominated by: Jess Campbell, district employee
“Mrs. Dibb is a very caring and patient teacher. I truly believe she has turned my child’s school experience around. My boy is always excited to go to school and has been stepping up to the plate more this year because he says he feels supported and cared about. She is also amazing at communicating with me and other parents in regards to our children. Mrs. Dibb is simply wonderful at what she does. Thank you for all you do!“
Nominated by: Paige Miner, parent
“Karen Olson is an exceptional special education transportation route coordinator for the East side of Alpine School District. She ensures that students with special needs are quickly connected to bus routes. Karen navigates the complex logistics of transportation in a way that is seamless for families. She patiently addresses questions and navigates challenges with grace. I’m grateful to associate with her in our shared work to support students with special needs. We are fortunate to have her as part of the Alpine community.“
Nominated by: Zach Eagar, district employee
“Kristy is dedicated to helping students succeed in Alpine School District. She helps hundreds of students across several schools and is an amazing COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant). She is always coming up with great ideas and interventions that are individualized to each student. She is positive, happy and encouraging. Kristy is a great team player and always willing to step in and help.“
Nominated by: Gary Robinson, district employee
“In the past year and a half, Heidi has implemented reading interventions for our entire school. She pours through each grade and each student’s levels phonic & fluency data to plan, provide and guide teachers as to what each student needs to grow in their reading. She works above and beyond to help each student reach their reading potential!“
Nominated by: Michelle Brimhall, district employee
“Lucas is our school counselor. Lucas goes above and beyond to help our students with their social and emotional needs. Recently I watched him in the hall interacting with a student who was struggling to control their emotions. Lucas asked the student if they were feeling a lot of energy that they didn’t know how to deal with and release. The student said they were. Lucas asked the student if he could run with him outside around the school to release some of that energy. The student gave Lucas a thumbs up and I could immediately see a change in this student’s demeanor and emotions.“
Nominated by: Marci Bargeron, district employee
“Mr. Stewart is the best advocate for our students and teachers. He is always out interacting with the students and staff and has built strong relationships with them. He is a highly trusted adult in our school community and both students and teachers know that he has their best interests at heart. He is patient and kind and helps so many students here. He is so thoughtful and caring and is very respected and loved in our school. We are so grateful for our Mr. Stewart!”
Nominated by: Christie Wirick, district employee
“Honestly, I can’t tell you how amazing Justin Davis is. He truly makes a difference in our kid’s life. The impact he makes in such a short time is something that I believe will stick with my son forever. He has a way with the kids. He’s no longer busing my child now but he still talks about him all the time. If I could keep him on our bus route we’d never let him leave! He’s an outstanding guy!“
Nominated by: Johnathan, parent
“On the first day I dropped my daughter off at school. She was terrified, her anxiety got the best of her. As each day progressed, I worried about her ability to handle things. I knew she was attached to me, but when Mrs. Ericson worked with her she didn’t seem to be so attached. Mrs Ericson gave me encouragement for how to help my daughter calm down, and to not have so much anxiety. Within a few days, my daughter stopped struggling. I didn’t have to park to walk her into school. I was able to drop her off, and she took off. Ready to go play with her friends. It’s a miracle!“
Nominated by: Brooke Hudson, parent
“Mrs. Tanner has worked incredibly well with my son to help him with his math.“
Nominated by: Nathan Thurber, parent
“Julie Van Dijk is exactly the principal Aspen needs. She leads with student learning as her guiding compass. Her dedication is evident as she consistently prioritizes the well-being of both students and staff, showing unwavering love and support. Julie’s ability to foster a positive educational atmosphere makes her an invaluable asset to our school community.“
Nominated by: Emily Peterson, district employee
“Mrs. Davis is kind, creative, patient, and inspiring as a teacher. My son, Oliver, comes home everyday telling me how much he loves school because of Mrs. Davis. I am impressed with her attentiveness to each student and their needs. She truly loves each child. I am grateful to Mrs. Davis for being the kind of teacher I hoped my son would get to start his eduction. We love Mrs. Davis!“
Nominated by: Amanda Jones, parent
“Mrs. Monteath is an incredible teacher who cares deeply about the students she teaches! I am constantly amazed by the level of dedication she has to create great experiences for her students including my daughter! Mrs. Monteath is a huge asset to the school and I am lucky to have her teaching my daughter!“
Nominated by: Kyle Jenks, parent
“Mrs. Palmer is an outstanding educator who ensures every kindergartner thrives throughout their full-day journey. Her warmth and dedication shine as she fosters strong connections with her students and cultivates their early love for learning. Serving as an extension of each kindergartner’s family, she makes remarkable strides in their growth, building a strong sense of citizenship and belonging. She is truly exceptional!“
Nominated by: Camille Zollinger, parent and district employee
“Mrs. King is absolutely AMAZING with my son! She goes above and beyond to teach him sign language along with how to communicate with his iPad. She is always so welcoming and keeps us updated with anything going on at school or with my son. He enjoys having her as his teacher and we are blessed as well. She has a big heart and cares about him just as much as we do! It takes a lot of patience and understanding to take care of a child who is nonverbal and autistic, Mrs. King shows us daily that our child is in great hands! We can’t thank her enough for all that she does!“
Nominated by: Jessica Garcia, parent
“Miss Stone inspires my son to work hard and be kind to others. She cheers him on and he knows that she is someone who supports him. In many ways she has shown my son that he matters. She goes beyond involving parents to be a team with her in the students education.“
Nominated by: Mckall Rowley, parent
“Miss Stone has made a huge impact on my son’s elementary experience. She genuinely cares for him and all of her students. She makes learning fun and engaging. She challenges her students and has created a classroom environment where all students can thrive. My son can’t wait to get to school. At the end of the day he can’t wait to tell me about what he’s learned in class. Miss Stone does a great job communicating with parents and helping us be a part of our son’s education.”
Nominated by: Shawn Fielding, parent
“Ms. Pulley is exceptional when it comes to helping the kindergarten students in every way. She is the nicest, sweetest, and calmest teacher I’ve ever met. My daughter absolutely loves her and never wants to miss school because of Ms. Pulley. She has learned so much from her this year. Ms. Pulley is a phenomenal teacher and deserves all the recognition!“
Nominated by: Jaden Westover, parent
“Our son had his tonsils removed and had to recover at home for about two weeks. Mrs. Pulley was so thoughtful that she had the class sign cards to show support for our son. With the card she also dropped off activities for our son to do as a family. She went out of her way to actually drop these things off to us on her free time. Me and my wife we were both in tears knowing how remarkable, inspiring, selfless, and encouraging this was! Mrs. Pulley is the number one pick for this award in our book!“
Nominated by: Jordan Esteban, parent
“I’ve watched Mrs. Hamilton inspire her class many times. Recently, she taught a lesson on selflessness, which was coupled with a writing assignment. Mrs. Hamilton had the class brainstorm examples of friendship & stewardship in the school & in the students’ families and neighborhoods. As the lesson progressed, the students put these principles into practice without prompting; they went out of their way to do nice things for others in the room. There was such a positive feeling among the class members. I’m grateful for teachers like Mrs. Hamilton who build character while teaching curriculum.“
Nominated by: Emily Edmonds, parent
“Lori is compassionate, patient, fun, kind and loving to all. Lori has vast knowledge from high school down to elementary school. She deeply cares about the students and wants to make a difference. Lori’s leadership, wisdom, flexibility, teamwork, and great attitude lift others to be their best. Her fun and amazing lessons teach lifelong skills that will help students to be successful in school and in life.“
Nominated by: Debi Lewis, district employee
“Shana Vanisi is my son’s teacher this year. My son has ADHD and special needs, and I’ve watched him just bloom under her care and guidance this year. Shana is kind, sweet, funny, energetic, understanding, resourceful, respectful to her students. She is fun, colorful, and has an approach to teaching that makes my son and his friends look forward to school and feel seen and heard for the individuals they are. She is flexible, creative, and fun with her students, and shows everyday just how much she loves her students and her job. Thank you Ms. Vanisi, you are seen and so very appreciated!!!“
Nominated by: Alexandra Gettings, parent