Employee Recognition Recipients

Way to Go Ribbon

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

Shown below are certificated and classified staff who have been recognized by staff, administration, and board members as Certificated and Classified Employees of the Month. Employees can be nominated by students, staff, parents, and community members. Heritage Bank sponsors our recognition program, in partnership with Stanwood and Camano Island area businesses. Award selection is based upon the employee's dedication, knowledge, and passion for working in the Stanwood-Camano School District, and on the admiration and respect of colleagues, students, parents, and the community. Monthly award recipients are considered for the Classified and Certificated Employee of the Year Award.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS!

If there is district employee you would like to nominate for outstanding service, please click HERE.

2022-23 Certificated Employee of the Year

ev

Estevan Vivanco Meza, teacher at Twin City Elementary, Cedarhome Elementary School, and Saratoga, was honored as our 2022-23 Certificated Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Estevan!

 


2022-23 Classified Employee of the Year

Rachel Soriano Sanchez

Rachel Soriano SanchezTwin City Elementary Office Manager, was honored as our 2022-23 Classified Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Rachel!

 

 

 

April 2023 Certificated Employee of the Month

ev

Estevan Vivanco Meza, teacher at Twin City Elementary, Cedarhome Elementary School, and Saratoga, was honored as our April Certificated Employee of the Month by a fellow Cedarhome co-worker. 

"Estevan comes into my classroom on Friday afternoons to support a student. When he comes in he fully immerses himself in the classroom. He somehow becomes an active student participant and a teacher all at the same time. He asks meaningful questions and encourages meaning making for the students around him. I feel like Estevan makes me a better teacher and I wish he could teach with me more often! Thanks for being a great example to both students and teachers Estevan!"

amy

April 2023 Classified Employee of the Month

Amy Jackson, paraeducator at Twin City Elementary School, was honored as our April Classified Employee of the Month by her Twin City Elementary co-workers.

"Amy is such an asset to our building, she deserves to be recognized as employee of the month. She has been a constant support for students and teachers alike and is always a walkie-talkie call away. Some students had a rough start to their school year and Amy supported both the student and the teacher by providing positive encouragement which helped the students be successful at school. With the increased amount of behaviors, Amy is often running from upstairs to downstairs to the playground assisting students in de-escalation. She is dependable and always smiling, regardless of what the day brought. We appreciate Amy and want her to know how valuable she is to our building."

March  2023 Certificated Employee of the Month

David ChoeDavid Choe, teacher at Lincoln Hill High School and Lincoln Academy, was honored as our March Certificated employee of the month by a Lincoln Hill High School student.

"Mr. Choe has helped me with many things from simply helping me with assignments to talking to me about my life problems. He has always been there to help me with anything. He is a great man and a great teacher."

March 2023 Classified Employee of the Month

Tia HannawaltTia Hannawalt, secretary at Elger Bay Elementary School, was honored as our March Classified employee of the month by her  co-workers.

"Tia always has a positive outlook and a big smile on her face. She greets everyone with a feeling that they are important and welcomed. I think she enjoys making others happy through food as well. She has always said that food brings people together and makes a stronger team. Tia goes above board to be thorough in everything she does. I think she is outstanding and deserves to be appreciated for all her efforts."

"Tia always goes above and beyond for her coworkers. Bringing in treats and yummy meals to the staff lounge, packing lunches for others, bringing in books or other items someone might need, always thinking of someone other than herself. Tia has a heart of gold."

February  2023 Certificated Employee of the Month

DL

Diana Laws, teacher at Cedarhome Elementary School, was honored as our February Certificated employee of the month by a Stanwood-Camano community member. 

"She goes above and beyond for her kids. She builds their confidence, helps them come out of their shell and open up to the world."

 

February 2023 Classified Employee of the Month-We have two recipients! 

Lauren Amundson

Lauren Amundson, Athletic Secretary, was honored as our February Classified employee of the month by a Stanwood-Camano School District employee. 

"Lauren has been such a tremendous asset to the entire district's Athletic program, particularly so at SHS, since she started as the Athletics Secretary. I became acquainted with Lauren through our district COVID efforts, and she is the first person to volunteer when she sees a need. This past Monday, on a non-school day for students, Lauren organized an event for 3rd-6th grade students to experience different sports. At the beginning of the event I asked her, "Is this a program from Title 9?" Her response was, "No, it's 'National Girls and Women in Sports Day', and I just thought it was a good idea." She went on to explain that it is in the 3rd-6th grade that students begin to drop out of sports participation, with girls dropping out at over twice the rate of boys. Her idea was to introduce Stanwood-Camano girls AND boys to a variety of sports in a low-pressure, supportive and inclusive setting. This event was amazing with teams, a motivational intention, and phenomenal coaches and mentors. In addition to arranging for inspirational "Girls in Sports" graphics to play on the screens, Lauren solicited door prizes to be handed out at the end with a celebratory wrap-up. They took a group photo at the end, reinforcing sportsmanship and the camaraderie of athletics. It was a phenomenal event, and free to all intermediate elementary students in the district. Between her unmatched  organizational skills, her leadership, and her passion for kids in sports, Lauren is an awesome asset to the district and the broader community."


rob

Rob Buchanan, Bus Driver, was honored as our February Classified employee of the month. Rob's nomination came from a Stanwood-Camano School District parent. 

"Our son attended Stanwood Elementary School in the developmental preschool program from the beginning of the school year until this week. Rob was his morning bus driver. From the very first morning he pulled in the driveway and opened the bus doors with a resounding, “Good morning! It’s a great day to go to school!” Until the last day, his excitement to greet Kaden was the same!  

Kaden has a visual impairment and Rob gave him verbal cues as he climbed the bus steps, and lent him a hand at the top. Over the first few weeks of school as Kaden got more comfortable, and mastered getting on the bus, Rob was his biggest cheerleader every morning. Without fail he would pull in the driveway and wave frantically, matching Kaden’s excited energy, and welcome him with as much enthusiasm as he did on day one. 

Making the decision to change preschools was difficult solely based on the bond that Kaden formed with Rob. We are so incredibly thankful for his spirit, kindness, and commitment to the children of the community and especially for making a less than pleasant school experience completely magical for a special little boy." 

January 2023 Certificated Employee of the Month

Kyland Fischer

Kyland Fischer, Counselor at Stanwood Middle School, was honored as the employee of the month by a Stanwood Middle School student.

"Because she has helped many including myself with anxiety and helping me figure out classes. So I think she has the right to win it."

 

December 2022 Certificated Employee of the Month

kymKym Shoemaker, teacher at Port Susan Middle School, was honored as the employee of the month by a Port Susan Middle School student. 

"I am nominating Mrs. Shoemaker because she trys really hard to keep her 3rd period class together when its a crazy day. She also pays attention to everyone when they speak."

 

December 2022 Classified Employee of the Month

Austin Ford

Austin Ford, from our Transportation department, was honored as the employee of the month by his fellow staff members.  

"Austin is our mechanic. He is always there when we need him. We always know we can count on him for help. Austin wears his heart on his sleeve and is a good leader. None of us in transportation would be able to stay on the road without him on our crew. It would be lovely to see him recognized for his hard work."

"Very dedicated to his job and cares so much for the safety of the students and the drivers. Austin is a very skilled mechanic and completes jobs to the best ability. He is safe, quick and efficient in getting things done."

"Austin is always doing extra in securing our buses making sure they are safe for the kids, he’ll drop what he’s doing to come help us when a wiper blade flies off or when we are low on fluids, when a door latch doesn’t shut and our alarm is screaming at us. He comes right away and gets down and dirty to save us when we break down."

"Austin is our Transportation Mechanic. I have known him since he was hired. Very eager young man with a passion to lean and had expertise in the knowledge of Mechanics for Diesel and Trucks. He learned quickly and is our best mechanic for dependability in every area. He is kind and always ready to help us drivers with whatever situation arises here at Transportation and when we are on the road. His loyalty, punctuality and hard work have allowed us to trust him and his knowledge in knowing we are safe as drivers and transporting our children safety is his overwhelming concern. His work ethic shows us all that he is not just here for a paycheck but because he cares so much because we have become his family. I nominate Austin for Classified Employee of the Month because he deserves recognition for his hard work in serving all of us here at Transportation and our School District."

November 2022 Certificated Employee of the Month

Morgen ten HoopenMorgen ten Hoopen, teacher at Stanwood Middle School, was honored as the November employee of the month by a Stanwood Middle School parent.

"Morgen ten Hoopen has been a positive roll model for the students since she was still a substitute. She genuinely cares about each kid that walks thru her classroom, as well as those that come into contact with her outside of her classroom. This year she started a JV Cheer program at SHS to help bring about school spirit and reinforce positive attitudes, encouraging the team members to show good sportsmanship and to help reshape Stanwoods reputation. When my daughter had Mrs. ten Hoopen for advisory at SMS, she talked about how they were encouraged to reach out to their classmates that they might not have been friends with, to get to know them and offer support or just a smile to let them know that they’re all in this together. I feel like we need more teachers/staff like Morgen in our district because she not only engages the kids but she makes them feel seen and encourages them to be their best selves. I feel fortunate that my daughters have someone like her to look up to in our community, and I know I’m not the only parent that feels this way."

November 2022 Classified Employee of the Month

Rick Refling

Rick Refling, from our Transportation department, was honored as the November employee of the month by fellow staff members as well as a parent of a student on his bus route.
"I would like to take this opportunity to nominate Rick Refling as Employee of the Month. Rick is a bus driver at Utsalady and has a layover in the middle of his day. Last year in the spring he came to us and asked if we ever had mid-day jobs that didn't get filled - "Boy do we ever". This fall he came in, requested to be on the sub list and we have been keeping him busy just about every day he is available, working in ASSIST and Playground. He is willing, flexible and kind to all of our students, and our students love to see him working in our building. Today he worked for an hour, and then volunteered in ASSIST during music and brought along his bass to play for the students. Rick is empowering students by sharing his passions and showing a real life example of how passions can connect to what they learn in class. Last week he jumped out of his bus before loading students to teach our "Color Guard" how to fold the flag. When Rick sees a need he jumps right in and helps. Rick epitomizes our Character Strong values, impacting the lives of our students and employees every single day."

"Rick is one of our bus drivers at Utsalady that cares deeply about all of the students that ride his bus. When there are concerns or celebrations he reaches out to the office and administrators to work out the problem or celebrate students. Rick goes the extra mile. Last spring Rick came to our evening Kindergarten open house. He parked the big yellow bus in the back of the school and allowed all of our kindergarten students to get on the bus with their families and take rides around the school. When a new kindergarten student asked if they could go around again, Rick happily accommodated them. Many times kindergarten students are nervous about riding the bus. This willingness to engage with our families and students provided a positive experience for our new kindergarten students."
"I would like to nominate Rick Refling as Employee of the Month. Rick was my children's bus driver last school year, and we are so lucky to have him again this year. As a parent, he checks in with me when any bus concerns arise, and problem solves with students. He seems to really want to get to know his bus riders and to build a relationship. He is an asset to our district."

October 2022 Certificated Employee of the Month

Treven BrewerTreven Brewer, Elger Bay Elementary teacher, was honored as the October Certificated Employee of the Month. He was nominated by an Elger Bay Elementary parent.

"Mr. Brewer is phenomenal teacher and role model. He inspired his students to develop responsibilities, habits, and learn in a fun way. He set daily roles and responsibilities that the students had to apply for. The the application they stated why the should have the job and how they would do a good job. He also genuinely cared and had active conversations. My son Nathan Williams would come home telling me about conversations they had, Mr. Brewer would ask inquiring questions on how his lacrosse game was or other specific things. Nathan grew immensely not only with core education but his self esteem and leadership. Other examples that I saw when volunteering in his classroom were 1) the way he set up way to encourage reading by setting goals and teaching them how to make these goals, 2) conversations with them allowed them feel seen, heard and able to communicate back 3) during the parent teacher meeting he had the student sit at the desk and lead the meeting, interacting with teacher and parent."

October 2022 Classified Employee of the Month

Rachel Soriano SanchezRachel Soriano Sanchez, Twin City Elementary Office Manager, was honored as the October Classified Employee of the Month. She was nominated by fellow staff members as well as parents of students at Twin City Elementary.
"No one else could display the level of compassion that Rachel shows for each student that walks through those doors. Rachel treats each family with respect and kindness. She goes above and beyond the description of what her job requires. She is a role model when it comes to how staff should step up and help families in our district. Rachel is truly a blessing to each student at Twin City. Her focus is always in what is best for the student and how she can help reach that. She is selfless and puts in countless extra hours to serve her community. I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Rachel to be honored for the work that she does and the dedication she shows."
"Rachel answers the phone at TCE almost every time I call and is so patient and kind. I usually don't know who I need to talk to with my question, and she always guides me in the right direction. I know it's a tough job - she must get a million calls each day - but she's never short or impatient or rude. She's the best!"
"She displayed outstanding kindness & comfort to me as a new kindergarten mom. She was warm & friendly during our meet the teacher meeting and incredibly comforting after dropping my son off for his first day of kindergarten. She absolutely deserves to be recognized."

2021-22 Certificated Employee of the Year

Darryl MainDarryl Main, Stanwood High School teacher for 34 years was selected as the district Certificated Employee of the Year.

He was nominated by both students and parents.
"Mr. Main is an excellent teacher. He makes all of his classes and activities entertaining and intriguing with the mix of hands-on work and writing. He puts extra effort into everything that he does with the school as well as FFA activities."

"The best teacher I have ever had! My family loves him as he has taught my brothers and cousins. He's all about guiding us to success and has opened many opportunities for students."

"Mr. Main goes above and beyond to make sure his students succeed, giving us opportunities to do many different things to prepare us for the real world. It isn't just a "welding" class, he wants every one of his students to do well in life beyond high school."

2021-22 Classified Employee of the Year

Rocio (Rosie) Montenegro

Rocio (Rosie) Montenegro, was honored as the Classified Employee of the Year. Rosie has been a custodian in the district for two years in Transportation, Maintenance, and the district office.

She was nominated by coworkers in Transportation.

"Rosie is the hardest working employee in the district. Our department looks better than it ever has since she started working here. She is humble and kind in her interactions and always asking how she can serve our department better. It is very rare to find someone with such an excellent work ethic and pride in their duty to serve. Rosie is the best!"

"Rosie is always cheerful, even at four-thirty in the morning, she has a smile and a cheery greeting for me. Rosie is very organized and serious about her duties. She goes above and beyond for our building. She works so hard and is detailed in the work that she does. Her bright attitude and hard work ethic are both amazing. Our transportation building has never been so clean."

April 2022 -Certificated

Claudia Holum

Claudia Holum, German teacher at Stanwood High School, was honored as the April Certificated Employee of the Month. "Frau" Holum was nominated by an SHS student, who wrote, "Frau Holum is always there for her students. She goes above and beyond, always offering her help and support for students. She is incredibly understanding when it comes to students and their situations. Furthermore, besides being a wonderful teacher, she also helps the school in other ways. A prime example of this is her role as advisor for the German Club, and how she worked with ASB to facilitate the SHS Culture Night."

April 2022 -Classified

Sheila Bland

Sheila Bland, bus driver in the SCSD Transportation department, was honored as the April Classified Employee of the Month. Sheila was nominated for the award by parents of students on her route 21 in the Warm Beach area. "She is the most attentive, kind and thoughtful person. She knows all her students and goes beyond the typical driver duties. She is honest and kind. I never worry about my kids when they are in her care. She is an incredible community member that gives back to everyone. She is selfless, accountable, hardworking and loving."

"She goes above and beyond every day to make sure to greet my youngest daughter, who even knows her by sight and name. She never misses the chance to race out the door to see her bus friend drive by and wave no matter the weather. If anyone deserves an award, it would be her for bringing such joy to my children and happiness to everyone that crosses her path."

March 2022 -Classified

Rocio (Rosie) Montenegro

Rocio (Rosie) Montenegro, was honored as the March Classified Employee of the Month. Rosie has been a custodian in the district for two years in Transportation, Maintenance, and the district office.

She was nominated by coworkers in Transportation.

"Rosie is the hardest working employee in the district. Our department looks better than it ever has since she started working here. She is humble and kind in her interactions and always asking how she can serve our department better. It is very rare to find someone with such an excellent work ethic and pride in their duty to serve. Rosie is the best!"

"Rosie is always cheerful, even at four-thirty in the morning, she has a smile and a cheery greeting for me. Rosie is very organized and serious about her duties. She goes above and beyond for our building. She works so hard and is detailed in the work that she does. Her bright attitude and hard work ethic are both amazing. Our transportation building has never been so clean."

February 2022 -Certificated

Dave AustinDave Austin, physical education teacher at Port Susan Middle School, was selected as the district's Certificated Employee of the Month for February. Dave has been a teacher for 30 years, most of that time at Port Susan.

He was nominated by a parent who wrote in part: "He embodies the spirit of inclusive teaching in our schools. Mr. Austin has been such a lovely example of coaching and setting an example of inclusion in the classroom, on the court, and in the locker room. This is the beautiful thing that happens when a staff member truly believes that all students have value and place. The great thing about a teacher who practices inclusion is it is contagious. It blooms and it spreads and when it's done right, without charity and without agenda or pity. Mr. Austin is modeling a mindset of acceptance and respectful inclusion to every kid he comes in contact with. It's a magical thing to be a part of and it deserves to be celebrated."

February 2022 -Classified

Chris Oldow

Chris Oldow, custodian at Twin City Elementary School, selected as the district's Classified Employee of the Month for February. Chris has been a custodian in the district for 28 years and is much beloved by the Twin City community.

He was nominated by a student and parent. The student was researching job skills and asked "Mr. Chris" if he could job shadow him.

The student wrote: "Mr. Chris showed me all the different janitor materials. He let me use the vacuum and the auto scrubber. I was able to use the cleaning cart. Mr. Chris showed me the other cool machines he uses. It was fun! I would like to do this again sometime!"

The parent wrote: "Mr. Chris is the perfect example of how every staff member and school employee, no matter what job they have, has the ability to make a positive impact on a student's life. Creating that relationship with my son is a gift. Our school custodians have made a huge impact on my son's social growth, and without knowing it has provided him with inspiration for future career goals."

January 2022 - Certificated

Darryl MainDarryl Main, Stanwood High School teacher for 34 years was selected as the district January Certificated Employee of the Month.

He was nominated by both students and parents.
"Mr. Main is an excellent teacher. He makes all of his classes and activities entertaining and intriguing with the mix of hands-on work and writing. He puts extra effort into everything that he does with the school as well as FFA activities."

"The best teacher I have ever had! My family loves him as he has taught my brothers and cousins. He's all about guiding us to success and has opened many opportunities for students."

"Mr. Main goes above and beyond to make sure his students succeed, giving us opportunities to do many different things to prepare us for the real world. It isn't just a "welding" class, he wants every one of his students to do well in life beyond high school."

October 2021

Matt Brennan

Congratulations to Stanwood HS teacher Matt Brennan! Matt was surprised during the virtual SHS staff meeting this morning with his selection as certificated employee of the month for October. School Board members Natalie Hagglund and Al Schreiber and Superintendent Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh were present to honor Matt, who received two heartwarming nominations.

"Matt holds character in high regard in his efforts for students to become better human beings," one nomination read in part.

"Mr. Brennan is an awesome community leader and role model for our youth" wrote the other nominator.

2020-2021 CERTIFICATED AND CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR:

Diane Wood

Don Vennetti

Diane Wood (left) Teacher, Utsalady Elementary, and Don Vennetti (right), Director of Food Services, were recognized at the May 18, 2021 School Board Meeting as the district's 2020-2021 Employees of the Year. Heritage Bank, in partnership with community businesses, sponsors our staff recognition program. Diane and Don were selected from the 2020-21 monthly award winners. Congratulations, Diane and Don, and thank you for all you do for our students, families and community!

MARCH 2021

Photo of Brandi Smith

Photo of Rhea Link

Brandi Smith (left) Teacher, Stanwood Elementary, and Rhea Link (right), Paraeducator, Elger Bay Elementary. Congratulations!

FEBRUARY 2021

Photo of Colleen Knutzen

Photo of Sherri Webb

Colleen Knutzen (left) Teacher, Twin City Elementary, and Sherri Webb (right), Paraeducator, Elger Bay Elementary. Congratulations!

JANUARY 2021

Picture of Diane Wood

Picture of Natalie Burkham

Diane Wood (left) Teacher, Utsalady Elementary, and Natalie Burkham (right) Paraeducator, Stanwood High School. Congratulations!

DECEMBER 2020

Photo of Julie Zurcher

Julie Zurcher (Certificated), Teacher, Port Susan Middle School. Congratulations!

NOVEMBER 2020

Photo of Nick Clack

Photo of Annie Houk

Richard (Nick) Clack (left), Teacher Lincoln Hill High School, and Annie Houk (right), Secretary, Stanwood Elementary. Congratulations!

OCTOBER 2020

Picture of Cherae Almanza

Picture of Barbara Mazzio

Cherae Almanza (left) Principal, Port Susan Middle School, and Barbara Mazzio, School Bus Driver, Transportation. Congratulations!

SEPTEMBER 2020

Photo of Monica McDaniel

Photo of Don Vennetti

Monica McDaniel (left), Saratoga School Lead Teacher, and Don Vennetti (right), Food Services Director. Congratulations!

2019-20 CERTIFICATED AND CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR


Photo of Brian Wallis

Photo of Rick Houk

Brian Wallis (left) and Rick Houk (right) were honored as Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year, respectively, for the 2019-20 School Year. The Board of Directors formally recognized Brian and Rick at their June 16, 2020 regular board meeting. Congratulations!

   

2019-20 EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

FEBRUARY 2020

PHOTO OF RICK HOUK

Picture of Joyce Zeigen

Joyce Zeigen (right), Teacher of the Month, teaches at Twin City Elementary, and was nominated by her colleagues. Rick Houk (left), February Classified Employee of the Month, and custodian at Stanwood Elementary, was nominated by the Stanwood Elementary school staff. Congratulations, Rick and Joyce!

JANUARY 2020

Photo of Geri Prater

Photo of Ginna Randall

Geri Prater (left), January Teach of the Month, teaches at Stanwood High School and was nominated by the high school counselors. Ginna Randall (right), January Classified Employee of the Month, is a para-educator at Utsalady Elementary School and was nominated by her colleagues, Deborah Simoneschi and Riitta Dunning. Congratulations!

NOVEMBER 2019

PICTURE OF CHELSEA HANSON

Picture of Kristi Cook

Chelsea Hanson (left), November Teach of the Month, teaches at Port Susan Middle School and was nominated by students in her classroom. Kristi Cook (right), November Classified Employee of the Month, is a para-educator at Utsalady Elementary School and nominated by a colleague. Congratulations!

OCTOBER 2019

Picture of Brian Wallis

Picture of Lulu Gaylen

Brian Wallis (left) October Teacher of the Month, teaches the Culinary Arts Program at Stanwood High School and was nominated by his colleagues. Marilou (Lulu) Gaylen (right), Classified Employee of the Month for October, is a para-educator at Stanwood Elementary School and was nominated by a colleague. Congratulations!

SEPTEMBER

Photo of Nate Christensen

Picture of Payroll and Personnel Staff

Nathan Christensen (left), September Teacher of the Month, teaches at Lincoln Hill High School/Lincoln Academy and was nominated by a parent. Payroll-Personnel Staff (from left to right, Roxanne Forslund, Jana Shaughnessy, Kaylie Amundson, Sandy Kintner, and Rita Kellerman), Classified Employees of the Month for September, were nominated by Maurene Stanton, Executive Director of Human Resources. Congratulations to all!

2018-19 School Year:

TEACHER AND CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Photo of Carrie Miller

Photo of Carrie Miller

Carrie Miller (left) and Carrie James (right) were honored as Classified Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year for 2018-19. The Board of Directors formally recognized both employees at their May 21, 2019, regular board meeting. Congratulations!