Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) Mission:
Inspiring Excellence: Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day.

Staff

Employee Recognition

The heart and soul of Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools can be found in the people who work in the system: the teachers, support staff, administrators and central office staff. Every day, our people give of themselves in extraordinary ways, in order to help all students reach higher levels of success, and to close the achievement gap between groups of students.

The Board of Education of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools deeply appreciates all those who work on behalf of students in KCK, and gives special recognition to those individuals whose work goes "above and beyond" the call of duty. To do so, the Board seeks nominations of outstanding individuals whose work and service deserve special attention. Each month during the school year, two individuals will be chosen as "Employee of the Month", and honored at a Board of Education meeting.

Thanks to Tammy Dodderidge and Susan Enloe for the pictures and news releases.

KCK Board of Education Honors January Employees of the Month

Sandy McMillian, Chris Green & Deana Taylor, January Employees of the Month

The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored three staff members as Employees of the Month at their meeting on January 10: (from left), Sandy McMillian, Human Resources associate in the Central Office; Chris Green, band director at Washington High School; and Deana Taylor, Human Resources associate in the Central Office.

Deana Taylor and Sandy McMillian were nominated by Steve Vaughn, director of classified Human Resources, who said, "Deana and Sandy started more than five years ago as the team responsible for processing all of the employee information for more than 1,700 classified employees, as well as hundreds of applicants that were handled each year ... They care about ensuring that each person they encounter comes away with a feeling of complete satisfaction with their level of service. It is not uncommon for both of them to be juggling phone calls, processing a new employee in the office and fielding the questions of a walk-in applicant or employee, all while working on various tasks in support of their HR Director ... While each and every employee is expected to be professional and give 100 percent, Sandy and Deana exemplify the level of service that will enable our district to reach its goal of becoming a 'Top 10 District in the Nation.'"

Chris Green was nominated by Caprice Jappa, attendance secretary at Washington, and Ryan Smith, teacher at Washington. In their nominations, they said, "Chris is the band director at Washington High School and he provides the opportunity for the inner passion of music to blossom in each student ... He is very passionate about our students learning music and learning to love and nurture their desire to be excellent musicians ... He has an excellent rapport with students, their parents and our community supporters. He has been very consistent and active with assisting kids with their post-secondary education by helping them to secure music scholarships. His relationships with alumni is unparalleled ... Mr. Green is not just active within our walls. He takes a select number of band members to the middle schools to perform and get the incoming freshmen excited about playing and performing at the high school level ... Recently our band traveled to St. Louis to participate and compete in the St. Louis Gateway Classic. They finished first out of 40 participants!"

– January 12, 2012 News Release

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KCK Board of Education Honors December Employees of the Month

Stephanie Dickson & Marsha Calovich, December Employees of the Month

The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored two staff members as Employees of the Month at their meeting on December 13: (from left) Stephanie Dickson, PE teacher at Silver City Elementary School; and Marsha Calovich, assistant director of Transportation.

Stephanie Dickson, P.E. teacher at Silver City Elementary School, was nominated by teachers Megan Mejia, Linda Macek, Lauren Sosinski and school nurse Sharma Prosser. In their nominations, they said, "Mrs. Dickson inspires the students at Silver City to be active and healthy as well as attentive, empathetic and team players. Her work can be seen beyond the walls of the gym in the students' attitudes. She is extremely passionate about her job and her students. She has increased parent and student involvement in her 'morning walk' routine. She spent her summer coming into the school to paint shapes and symbols on the gym floor to add color and learning resources to our multi-purpose room. Stephanie always seems to be in the process of writing a grant or making calls to get new equipment and PE resources for the students. She welcomes her PE classes with a smile and upbeat attitude. She exhibits the mission statement of 'Silver City Shining Stars'."

Marsha Calovich, assistant director of transportation, was nominated by Kidzone employees Daryel Garrison and Trina Green. In their nomination, they wrote, "When we first learned of Marsha's retirement we called to tell her that Kidzone could not accept her request for retirement. Since we could not convince her to change her mind, we thought we must publicly acknowledge our appreciation for her tremendous support and dedication to the transportation needs of the students in the Kidzone program and throughout the district. Marsha's attention to detail and follow-through gave us a true peace of mind at the beginning of each school year as well as throughout the school year and during summer programming. Last minute requests were not an obstacle, nor were special requests for students and families who had limited access to transportation. Her professionalism and experience were evident. It seems she was always 'on-call' as she responded expeditiously when there was a parent or school concern. While we will greatly miss her insight and compassion, we wish her the very best during her retirement."

– December 15, 2011 News Release

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KCK Board of Education Honors Joyce Wade as Employee of the Month

Joyce Wade, October Employee of the Month The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored Joyce Wade, attendance secretary at Eisenhower Middle School, as Employee of the Month at their meeting on November 13. She is actually an October Employee of the Month, but could not attend the October meeting to be recognized.

Part of her nomination stated, "Joyce Wade brings new meaning to courteous. She also shows that she really cares for the children and enjoys helping people. It shows in her face and in her words. When I call the school to take care of something, she has never given me attitude nor has she treated me as if I was irritating her ... She can teach a whole lot of people in Kansas some mannerisms that she has and it would make Kansas a better place ... She deserves a commendation."

– November 11, 2011 News Release

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KCK Board of Education Honors
November Employees of the Month

Andre Hampton & Heather Quaas, November Employees of the Month

The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored two staff members as Employees of the Month at their meeting on November 8: Andre Hampton, (left) Mac technician supervisor at the Central Office; and Heather Quaas, kindergarten teacher at New Stanley Elementary School.

Andre Hampton was nominated by Tom Sowers, teacher at the KCK Early Childhood Center, who said, "Andre Hampton is an extremely attentive employee in the TIS Department. The moment that he is notified that a need is present within the Kansas City, Kansas Public School community, he is 'right there.' I had a specific computer need that required his attention. After a few e-mails to and from, Mr. Hampton was greeting me in my classroom ready to provide his professionalism and attention to the problem at hand. After diagnosing the remedies for this problem I was told that he would have to take my computer ... Within mere hours the computer was back in my office ready for me to use once again."

Heather Quaas was nominated by Rebekka Brosemer and Destiny Lorance, staff members at New Stanley. Part of her nomination stated, "Heather is one of the most exciting teachers to watch! With her SMART certification and love of teaching, Heather makes it look easy! Her kindergarten students dance, sing, play, color and learn in a fun and exciting environment. Heather's use of technology encourages students to take risks in their learning while knowing she is there for them. She has a wonderful rapport with her students and staff as well as the parents ... You couldn't get a more dedicated teacher!"

– November 9, 2011 News Release

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KCK Board of Education Honors October Employee of the Month

June McKeever, October Employee of the Month The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored June McKeever, nurse at White Church Elementary School, as Employee of the Month at their meeting on October 11.

June McKeever was nominated by Bruce Haber, principal. In his nomination he said, "June is a top-notch, dedicated nurse. She performs her duties admirably. Her work habits ensure that all of the kids are taken care of as quickly as possible so that they can either get the medical attention they need or get back to class with minimal amount of instruction time lost. June has done everything she can to keep the staff informed of healthy lifestyle information ... She has started a walking club and made efforts to get all staff to participate in some type of physical activity. June is usually one of the first ones here and one of the last ones to leave."

– October 12, 2011 News Release

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Two area teachers named finalists for Kansas Teacher of the Year

Emily Fleming (center)

TOPEKA—Sept. 18, 2011—Emily K. Fleming, a kindergarten teacher at Hazel Grove Elementary School in Kansas City (Kansas City USD 500), and Tiffany A. Richard, a high school chemistry and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher at Olathe East High School (Olathe USD 233), were named Region 3 finalists for the 2012 Kansas Teacher of the Year award today.

The announcements were made during ceremonies at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park. As finalists for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction, Fleming and Richard each received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, a major partner in the Kansas Teacher of the Year program. In addition, they are now eligible to be named Kansas Teacher of the Year, an award that will be announced during ceremonies in Wichita on Nov. 19.

Fleming and Richard were among six Teacher of the Year semi-finalists from Region 3, which covers the third U.S. congressional district. Other semi-finalists were Gina L. Zimmerman, a third-grade teacher at Edgerton Elementary School (Gardner Edgerton USD 231); Christy Taylor, a kindergarten teacher at Indian Valley Elementary School in Overland Park (Blue Valley USD 229); Marin E. McCrossen, a ninth-grade English teacher at Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park (Blue Valley USD 229); and Donna Rhodes, a tenth-grade language arts teacher at De Soto High School (De Soto USD 232). Each of the semi-finalists received a golden apple, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan. Statewide, 106 educators were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction.

Nominations are made in each of four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education, sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels to select semi-finalists and finalists from each region. The selection panels are comprised of teachers, education administrators, and higher education representatives.

Each panel selects six semi-finalists, three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semi-finalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the regional finalists.

The individual selected as the Kansas Teacher of the Year is then eligible for national distinction as Teacher of the Year. The National Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the ING Foundation and Target, is a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the University of Phoenix Foundation and People to People Ambassador Programs. The Kansas Teacher of the Year team, comprised of the Teacher of the Year and state finalists, travels the state advocating for education and the teaching profession.

– September 18, 2011 News Release from KSDE
Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications, 785-296-4876

Link to KSDE News Release

KCK Board of Education Honors September Employees of the Month

Holly Draper and Trina Walker, September Employees of the Month

The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education honored two staff members as Employees of the Month at their meeting on September 13: Holly Draper, (left) life skills teacher at Eisenhower Middle School; and Trina Walker, bus driver in the Transportation Department.

Draper was nominated by fellow teacher Laura Butner who said, "Holly is a life skills teacher for our students with special needs from ages 11-15 ... She believes it is important for her to be the voice of her students. She speaks out, emphatically, for the rights of her kids. She was recently asked to apply and chosen for the Special Education/Alternative Assessment Review Board for the state of Kansas. She has broadened awareness of our regular education students as well. Holly has opened her doors to allow and encourage students to earn time from their other classes so they can come in and work with or read to her kids ... She works very hard with her students."

Walker was nominated by Douglass Elementary Summer School Principal Heather Hamtil, who said, "I had the opportunity to serve as Summer School principal at Douglass Elementary School (this past summer) ... Transporting all of the students to our site was a huge undertaking since about nine different elementary schools were serviced at Douglass for Summer School. Each morning I would meet and greet the students as they got off the bus, and it was at this time that I got to see Trina in action and the care she showed the students on her bus. She exhibited our motor, 'Inspiring Excellence ... Every Grownup, Every Child, Every Day.' She told every student goodbye using their name, every day, and told them to have a good day. She had student incentives for good behavior and attendance. She checked her bus after delivering the students to ensure that no one was left behind on the bus ... She is an excellent example of someone going above and beyond to do the best possible job!"

– September 14, 2011 News Release

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KCKPS Board of Education Honors May Employees of the Month

Kelley Freeman & Pat Monaghen - May Employees of the Month

Two staff members have been named employees of the month for May 2011 by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education. Kelley Freeman (left), teacher at Northwest Middle School, and Pat Monaghen, Physical Therapist at various district schools were recognized at the May 10 Board of Education meeting.

Kelly Freeman, a first year teacher, was nominated by fellow teacher, Angela DiObilda-Sharp. In Ms. Sharp's nomination letter, she wrote of Ms. Freeman's drive, dedication and commitment to her students. "In her short time she has coached, led student council and planned dances, pep rallies and field trips. She makes every effort to support her students, often staying until after 5 p.m. to tutor or plan activities that will engage them in reading/language arts," wrote Sharp. In presenting Ms. Freeman to the Board, Ms. Sharp said that she is also impressed with her positive attitude and enthusiasm. "That enthusiasm, when you've been in this business for several years, is quite an inspiration," said Sharp.

Teachers Jannice Barland, Renee Cooper and Barbara Smith, and para-professional Christina Longdon nominated Physical Therapist Pat Monaghen. An outstanding physical therapist, she takes time to be sure all students on her case load are using equipment appropriate for their needs, goes to clinics to her students, and attends field trips with students who would not be able to attend without assistance. "Pat has even designed and made clothing for students with very special physical needs," said Ms. Barland when she introduced Ms. Monaghen to the Board of Education. "She is patient and caring with everyone she encounters, students, parents, and teachers. If she does not know the answer to a question, she researches until she finds the answer ... She is a great physical therapist and a good friend."

District Teachers of the Year Honored

For the pride they take in their work, and their dedication to the district and its students, two teachers in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) have been chosen as the elementary and secondary KCKPS teachers of the year. They are: Emily Fleming, from Welborn Elementary School; and Rashanda Rhodes, from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. They were chosen from a list of Star Teachers nominated by each of the district's schools. Their names will be submitted to the Kansas State Department of Education as nominees for the 2011 Kansas Teacher of the Year.

The teachers were recognized in a surprise presentation during their professional development time on April 6.

Emily Fleming Fleming is a kindergarten teacher at Welborn and has been with the district since 2005. She sets high expectations for all her students and they work hard to meet those expectations. Approximately 80 percent of her students are at or above proficiency on checkpoint assessments. She is a member of the leadership team at Welborn and was instrumental in bringing the "Bless the School" organization to Welborn for a school makeover last summer. Her motto is "Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best."

Rashanda Rhodes Rhodes began working in the district in 2002 as a summer school math teacher at Eisenhower Middle School. Since 2006 she has been at Sumner, where she teaches economics and IB economics. Her objective as a teacher is "to increase student knowledge, improve critical thinking and communication skills, build global awareness and to produce civically-minded citizens." She sponsors educational tours out of the country with students at her school. They have traveled to England, France, Italy, Germany and Greece. Outside the classroom, she is a mentor in the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.

These teachers and the district's other Star Teachers will be recognized at a special district program on April 20.

– April 14, 2011 Staff Notebook

KCKPS Board of Education Honors April Employees of the Month

Betty Sutulovich & Ken Seaver - April Employees of the Month

Betty Sutulovich, Nurse at Sumner Academy (l-r), and Ken Seaver, lead custodian at Noble Prentis Elementary School were recognized by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education as April 2011 Employees of the Month at their meeting on Tuesday, April 12.

Betty Sutulovich

Nurse Betty, as she is affectionately called by Sumner students and staff was nominated for employee of the month by counselor Lori Mason. In her nomination letter, Mason wrote, "Whether it's consoling a student who has test anxiety and an upset stomach, a student who has a high temperature and should not have come to school bud did so to hand in class assignments; a parent needing information on immunizations or free health clinics; a staff member needing a blood pressure check; or even more serious situations such as falls, fainting, medical emergencies, Nurse Betty is always there. Nothing fazes her ... Nurse Betty is always quick with a smile and a kind word for all. She is loved by everyone." A 28 year veteran of KCKPS, Sutulovich served students at Douglass, Morse, Grant, Hawthorne, Kennedy, Silver City, Fairfax, Wyandotte, Eisenhower, and Sumner. She will retire at the end of this school year.

Ken Seaver

Noble Prentis principal Jim Poplau nominated Ken Seaver for employee of the month. "The word 'custodian' takes on extraordinary meaning when it comes to Mr. Seaver.", wrote Poplau. "... He genuinely takes care of the building, the staff, and most importantly, the children here as if they were his own family. One only has to ask and Mr. Seaver will find a way to get it done." In presenting Seaver to the Board of Education, Poplau spoke of how Seaver interacts with students daily, laughing and joking with them. He also checks on their welfare, making sure that they are eating well, and wearing appropriate clothing. In closing, Poplau told Board of Education members, "When all is said and done, Ken Seaver is an invaluable member of the staff. Noble Prentis cannot operate effectively without his service, dedication and fantastic personality!"

– April 12, 2011 Email to Media

KCKPS Board of Education Recognizes March 2011 Employees of the Month

Stan Gordon & Brandy Fredlund - March Employees of the Month

Stan Gordon (left), Technology and Information Services programmer, and Brandy Fredlund, first grade teacher at Noble Prentis Elementary School, were honored by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education as March 2011 employees of the month at their meeting on Tuesday, March 8 meeting held at F.L. Schlagle High School.

Stan Gordon

Stan Gordon garnered two nominations for employee of the month. He was nominated by Patricia Adams, Federal Programs Technical Assistant, and Charlotte Batrez, Retirement Specialist and the payroll department staff.

Adams wrote about Mr. Gordon's helpfulness to help her streamline the process of reporting time and effort spent working on federally funded programs, allowing for tightened control over this process. This is required by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act for any employee paid by a federal fund. His new reporting program will save Mrs. Adams, principals and school secretaries much time and effort. "Over time," said Mrs. Adams, "this savings of time/dollars to the district will allow those involved to spend their time in other needed areas."

Charlotte Batrez and the payroll staff wrote, "Stan is the most laid back, patient employee ... Stan understands what is needed to create a program to fill the request you need ... He goes above and beyond to make sure everything works and that everyone understands the procedure ... He is so appreciated!"

Brandy Fredlund

A first year teacher, Brandy Fredlund was nominated by principal Jim Poplau. Poplau says that Mrs. Fredlund is a natural teacher. She is "constantly reinventing herself. She is reflective in her practice, accepting feedback and puts everything she hears, learns and sees into action instinctively."

Mrs. Fredlund has the largest number of students in her class in Noble Prentis. Her students respect and admire her. "You can see the trust they hold for her in their eyes," wrote Mr. Poplau. "Even on a tough day ... you can tell that they are trying their hearts out for their teacher."

The last remark in his recommendation, Mr. Poplau wrote that Mrs. Fredlund "deserves this recognition, because without it, she would still work to be the best for her students."

– March 9, 2011 Email to Media

KCKPS Board of Education Recognizes February 2011 Employees of the Month

Katie Nagy & Caprice Jappa - February Employees of the Month

Katie Nagy, (left) Special Education teacher at M.E. Pearson Elementary, and Caprice Jappa, Attendance and Truancy Secretary at Washington High School were recognized as employees of the month by members of the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education at their meeting at Frank Rushton Elementary School on Tuesday evening, February 8.

Katie Nagy was nominated by parent Nel Njai. Ms. Najai was unable to attend the meeting. Her nomination letter spoke of Ms. Nagy as wonderful, highly committed and enthusiastic. Ms. Nagy, said, Ms. Najai, "has inspired me to expect more of my son .... She is helping build the foundation for improved academic achievement, focus and interactions." Connie Horner, M.E. Pearson principal, presented Nagy to the Board. Mrs. Horner spoke of how she inspires her because of her commitment to her students and their parents. She also told of the many programs and collaborations between special education and general education classes at Pearson spearheaded by Nagy, and of the phenomenal success of the students in Ms. Nagy's class. In a tearful acceptance speech, Nagy said how honored she was to receive the award, especially since she was recommended by one of her parents. "Support of my students' parents is essential to their success." Mrs. Najai closed her letter with the verse from a card that she gave to Mrs. Nagy. "You are a gift to others. Some have a gift for helping others to see the world as a place of possibility ... Some impart wisdom or comfort and care. Some point out the path, and some take you there ... Some warm the heart with a human touch. You have all these gifts. Thank you so much."

Nominated by fellow secretary Pamela Givhan, Caprice Jappa is known as "Ms. Wildcat Spirit" at Washington High School. In her nomination, Ms. Givhan wrote of Ms. Jappa's tireless work to bring that spirit back to the school. Two of the many events she has organized are a football tailgate party for the homecoming game, an annual December holidays door decorating contest. Jappa has worked with sponsors such as Arby's to assist in fund raisers for our students. She helped to organize the "Think Pink" game night, in part to make students aware of the situations that others are going through. Jappa nominated Washington High School for KCTV-5's Cool School. Accepting her award, Jappa said, "Its all about the students." Acknowledging that her position as attendance and truancy secretary can sometimes be a negative one in dealing with parents, she tells parents that one of the reasons that their student may be having trouble is that they are not involved with their student's school. "I tell them that I need their help in making their child successful. They need to be involved in what's going on with their child at school, both academically and socially." Givhan closed her remarks by saying "Ask any employee in the building and they will tell you she is a God-send to our school."

– February 9, 2011 Email to Media