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QCUSD recognizes students, employees of the month

Queen Creek Unified School District December Students of the Month and Employees of the Month are from Queen Creek Elementary and Schnepf Elementary schools.

The Queen Creek Unified School District recently recognized its December students and employees of the month at Queen Creek Elementary and Schnepf Elementary schools.

Students of the Month for December are:

Kai Gomez, Queen Creek Elementary. “Kai is a true role model to everyone because he is always honest, he’s a kind child that shows integrity wherever he goes. You can always find him working hard, he holds a positive attitude, and he can be found helping others. I appreciate how he follows directions and continues to strive for excellence,” said his teacher, Ms. Hiraoka.

Kaden Redding, Queen Creek Elementary. “Kaden is an extremely hard worker who gives great effort and has made good improvements in all academic areas this year. He is conscientious of getting his work turned in on time and doing it well. Kaden is polite, kind, respectful and considerate to others. He leads by example in the classroom and is very responsible. Kaden comes to school with a big smile and a positive attitude,” said his teacher, Mr. Sutter.

MaKayla Klietheremes, Schnepf Elementary. “Makayla exemplifies exceptional leadership that stretches beyond our fourth grade classroom. She is a natural leader with a gentle spirit, kind heart and genuine enthusiasm for learning. Her kindness, helpfulness and respect for others can be witnessed daily at Schnepf Elementary. MaKayla serves as a member of the SES student lighthouse team as well as a literacy leader in our school library. As a member of our student lighthouse team, MaKayla dedicates her recess time to being a habit catcher that acknowledges and rewards our student community with PBIS points when they are exhibiting core values of kindness, respect and practicing integrity in our school hallways, on the playground and in the shared common areas of our campus. As a literacy leader in our library she spends time reading to younger students and fostering the importance and love of reading .In the classroom, MaKayla’s authenticity shines through each day when she shares a kind smile, offers a helping hand and encourages others with her positivity. Whether working with her peers through a tricky math problem, collaborating with her classmates during group projects or offering alternative solutions when confronted with problems, MaKayla’s positive spirit empowers herself and others to be successful. She effortlessly shows appreciation for the uniqueness of others, expresses genuine concern for their well-being and goes out of her way to connect with others making her a key contributor in creating an environment where students and adults feel important and valued. MaKayla is a true leader in the Trailblazer community and a clear choice to be honored as a student leader at Schnepf Elementary.”

Zade Valdez, Schnepf Elementary. “Zade is a student leader wherever he goes. He is always leading with his best foot forward. His positive attitude and leadership speaks volumes at Schnepf Elementary. Whether doing math or playing a kickball game he strives for success and sets his own goals beyond the ones given to him. Zade is always willing to lend a hand and is a positive leader for other kids on our campus. His smile and willingness to serve and uplift others make a difference on our campus. Zade is a hard worker and a friend to all. His proactive attitude guides him to work well with others. We are so proud of Zade and the student leader he is at Schnepf Elementary. Keep leading!”

Employees of the Month for December are:

Jeffery Sutter, Queen Creek Elementary. “Jeff Sutter stands out as an exceptional resource teacher who consistently demonstrates a remarkable commitment to meeting the unique needs of each student. His teaching approach is characterized by a diverse range of strategies tailored to address individual learning styles. Whether employing differentiated instruction, personalized learning plans or innovative techniques, Mr. Sutter ensures that every student receives the support required for their academic success. His dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment fosters a sense of empowerment among his students. Not only does he support students, but leads the SPED department at QCE with integrity, kindness and respect. Mr. Sutter is an invaluable asset to the educational community.”

Joanne Maxwell, Queen Creek Elementary. “Joanne Maxwell excels as a cafe manager, going beyond the traditional role by ensuring students have not only nourishing meals but also the support they need for success. Her dedication is evident in the personalized attention she gives to each student, as she takes the time to know them by name. Joanne's commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere in the cafe enhances the overall school experience. Her ability to anticipate and meet the diverse needs of students underscores her attention to detail, making her an outstanding figure in fostering both nutritional wellbeing and a sense of community within the school.”

Tim Siemens, Queen Creek Elementary. “Tim Siemens is an exceptional volunteer who selflessly dedicates his time each week to enhance the school environment. His commitment to his grandchildren’s school is evident in the meticulous care he provides to the school garden, creating a vibrant and educational space for students and staff. Beyond that, Mr. Siemens efforts extend to ensuring the front of the school is inviting to visitors. His passion for beautifying the school makes a lasting impression, fostering a positive first impression for anyone entering the premises. Mr. Siemens dedication to these tasks showcases his invaluable contribution to creating a welcoming atmosphere for both students and visitors alike.”

Kaulin Rusch, Queen Creek Elementary. “Kaulin Rusch stands out as an exceptional computer tech, consistently demonstrating unwavering support for teachers and adept problem solving skills. His reliability is evident in his always-ready assistance, ensuring that teachers can navigate technology seamlessly. What sets Mr. Rusch apart is his proactive approach to problem-solving, faced with a challenge he doesn’t immediately know how to resolve; he tirelessly goes the extra mile to research and find the solution. This dedication not only showcases his technical prowess but also underscores his commitment to providing teachers with the tools and support they need to excel in their roles. Mr. Rusch’s dynamic combination of expertise and a proactive mindset makes him an invaluable asset to the school community.”

Deana Schmidt, Schnepf Elementary. “Deana has a gift for seeing every single student and she helps them thrive in a creative environment. She is so emotionally in touch with students and you can see how much the students appreciate that connection. She is dedicated and outstanding in the instruction of music and performances. Deana works so, so hard to make sure each and every one of the hundreds of students she teaches has a positive experience. She has worked many hours to put together the Schnepf Farms Concert, Veterans Day, Lion King, all huge undertakings, and is involved in basically every event that happens at the school. She is always so kind, smiling and ready to listen to the kids. If they want to perform a musical piece they're working on, she allows time for that in class. She goes above and beyond. Thank you, Deana for who you are and your dedication to making SES an awesome place for our students and staff members!”

Pam Benisek, Schnepf Elementary. “Pam is amazing with our students in the Navigators Reading Club but also jumps in wholeheartedly to anything she does on our campus. She truly cares about helping students succeed. Our kiddos are always thrilled to go to Navigators to see her and learn with her. She has even made time in her day to pull additional struggling students for some extra intervention and she gets results. Pam studies and researches best ways to help her students learn on her own personal time and is 100% invested in the care and growth of the whole child. She also has such a positive attitude. You rock, Pam!”

Tania Walchli, Schnepf Elementary. “Tania is a go-getter who helps out wherever she is needed. She volunteers countless hours with the PTO and has worked so hard to bring our community together and organizes and leads fabulous events. Tania’s all-in attitude and servant leadership is exemplary and she makes Schnepf Elementary School a great place for kids and staff. She is deeply invested, is an excellent communicator and is A+ dependable to help make us better in so many areas. Thank you, Tania, for all you do and who you are that conveys your passion for our students, staff and community. You are AMAZING and we are so blessed to have you as part of our TEAM.”

Lisa Fink, Schnepf Elementary. “Lisa is a positive leader and is an invaluable support to our students, teachers and administrator. Lisa is passionate about students, believes in the best for each one, and is a wealth of knowledge. She inspires our staff to rise to greatness and helps to foster the leadership, skills and talents that brings teams together. Her insight, professionalism and positive attitude have been difference makers with our students and TEAM. Thank you, Lisa, for your ongoing dedication and support of SES students, staff and families. We appreciate all your hard work and effort!”