The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) recently recognized the October students and employees of the month.
The following students from Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary and Gateway Polytechnic Academy were honored:
- Karstin McDade from Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary was nominated for being "intelligent, honest, kind, very responsible, and is someone who is becoming an amazing second student. Karstin shows kindness and integrity and comes to class prepared and ready to get to work every day. Karstin’s attitude inside and outside of class (as well as in the hallway) is respectful to both students and staff. A smile is often on her face and she is cheerful and happy as she works through her day. Karstin is responsible and very conscientious for her young age, but is still fun-loving and excited to learn new things inside and outside of the classroom environment."
- Landon Sousa from Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary was nominated for being "respectful in all that he does. That mild manner is evident in his tone with both friends and adults. When I give directions I can always count on Landon to be doing what he is supposed to, and probably helping a friend who is not so sure. I have never heard him raise his voice or speak to someone in a harsh tone. He pays attention in class and never needs a redirection. Integrity is something that Landon knows well. I know that Landon will be doing the right thing. I trust him to know our standards. He will choose the learning environment that is best for him. When he asks to sit in the hallway, or at another spot to work, I know I can trust that he will work while he is out there."
- Corbyn Casey from Gateway Polytechnic Academy was nominated for being "a wonderful leader and role model at Gateway Polytechnic Academy, she is always demonstrating our three pillars of PBIS, Respect, Integrity and Kindness. Corbyn led off the school year doing our morning announcements and did a great job setting the tone for the day. She is respectful in the hallways to all of her fellow GPA students and models the kind of behavior we like our students to show both in the classroom and throughout the building."
- Owen Helm from Gateway Polytechnic Academy was nominated for "being in the third grade and having to travel the campus from the cabanas to the building and back several times a day, many of us get to see Owen on a regular basis and love the way he moves through the building and brightens everyone's day. While in class in the cabanas and at specials, Owen leads by example and does a wonderful job taking care of his work and searching out friends who might need a little extra support. Owen accumulated 140 Aviator points this quarter for showing Respect, Kindness and Integrity to both his fellow students and all of his teachers."
The following employees from Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary and Gateway Polytechnic Academy were honored:
- Renee Braun was nominated for being "a natural educator. Finding just the right words to describe Renee is no easy task. In a nutshell she is wonderful! She has an innate ability to create and strengthen relationships with students, parents, and staff. Renee is an exceptional teacher who puts her students and their learning first; her interactions with students prove she is hard working, has the highest expectations, and is fun-loving."
- Shawna Shreeve was nominated because "as a long time district employee, Shawna is one of those who just knows what needs to be done before it's actually done. Shawna brings so much more to our school than just running an incredibly efficient and organized library. She is the first to volunteer to make and add things to our events to make them bigger and better. Her crafting skills have made not only our library beautiful and fun for the kids, but all our school events have some special touch made by her."
- Ruth Benitez was nominated for "volunteering on our campus for years. She is not a member of our PTO board, but you would never know it. Whenever anything is needed Ruth is one of the first ones to volunteer. She continually goes above and beyond for the teachers and staff at FMSE. She and her family were instrumental in the success of our family reading night. She always has a smile on her face, and a kind greeting. Mrs. Benitez truly cares about all of the teachers, and it shows."
- LaFawn Berry was nominated for bringing "so much to the teachers in the way of resources for science. The kits and website she created are so helpful. LaFawn works with grade levels to organize hands-on projects such as making and launching paper rockets, rain gutter regatta (sailboat races), and Star Lab just to name a few. LaFawn is kind, professional, thoughtful, and always responds to questions quickly. We appreciate all her hard work and contributions to our science resources."
- Stephanie Petre was nominated for doing "a wonderful job teaching fourth grade here at GPA, but her reach and service extends far beyond her classroom. She takes ownership for her class by taking the time to make personal connections with all of her students and finds ways to make them all grow as learners."
- Bonnie Butler was nominated for coming "on board at GPA this year as both a Playground Aide and Crossing Guard. Bonnie does a wonderful job building relationships with all of the stakeholders at GPA through her service and kindness. She masterfully navigates the challenges and temperatures encountered in these positions on a daily basis."
- Rachel Mostofizadeh was nominated because "Rachel serves our school (GPA) in many capacities, she is not only our PTO president, she also teaches our students through the art masterpiece program and she is around almost daily just to check in and lend a helping hand. Rachel’s commitment to make GPA a great place is unmatched."
- Rob Diaz was nominated for being "our day building engineer here at GPA. He takes pride in his work and ownership in making our building the best looking building in the district. Rob is always willing to jump in and do anything necessary to make GPA a great place to work and learn. The staff and students love having Rob as part of the GPA family and are so thankful for all of his hard work."
