Six finalists for the School District of Washington and WINGS 2019 Support Staff Person of the Year have been announced.
Candidate must be a non-certified employee of the School District of Washington. Examples include, but are not limited to, paraprofessionals, technology staff, custodians, buildings and grounds, maintenance, administrative assistants, food service, and nurses.
Anyone had the opportunity to submit a nomination for the School District of Washington and WINGS Support Staff Person of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Lori VanLeer and a committee reviewed the nominations and submitted the six finalists to the WINGS Board, who will pick the winner. The recipient will be announced at the staff closing ceremony.
The six finalists for the School District of Washington and WINGS 2019 Support Staff Person of the Year are:
*Dave Wells, Daytime Custodian at Washington High School
*Helen Thebeau, Daytime Custodian at Four Rivers Career Center
*Chris Gauzy, Secretary at Washington Middle School
*Hanah Knickmeyer, Paraprofessional in Toddler Class at Early Learning Center
*Elizabeth Kloppe, Special Education Paraprofessional at South Point Elementary
*Julie Bell, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education Secretary
*Dave Wells, Daytime Custodian at Washington High School
Wells has been with the School District of Washington for nine years. The nomination form states that Wells literally takes care of everything that needs maintenance at Washington High School.
“Sometimes in life you are blessed to work with people who love their jobs and do everything they can to make life of those around them better,” it says in the nomination. “WHS is blessed that we have this gentleman in our ranks.”
*Helen Thebeau, Daytime Custodian at Four Rivers Career Center
Thebeau has been with the School District of Washington for 29 years. The nomination form states that Thebeau maintains the wonderful FRCC facilities inside and out.
“She is an unsung hero of our building,” the nomination states. “Without her, the building wouldn’t thrive the way it does. She has impacted countless students over her time working in the School District of Washington.”
*Chris Gauzy, Secretary at Washington Middle School
Gauzy has been with the School District of Washington for 12 years. The nomination form states that Gauzy does it all at WMS, and does it with a warm and inviting personality.
“Her organizational skills are off the charts,” the nomination states. “She is always willing to do whatever is necessary to help make our building successful and a great place for our kids. Going above and beyond is part of her genetic makeup.”
Hanah Knickmeyer, Paraprofessional in Toddler Class at Early Learning Center
Knickmeyer has been with the School District of Washington for five years. The nomination form states that Knickmeyer takes care of and meets the needs of the toddlers in the class each and every day.
“Having to drop off your young baby for school/daycare is always one of the hardest things that a parent is faced with,” the nomination states. “Her presence is one that is just so easy to love. She is kind, very patient, gentle and has a smile that lights up the room.”
Elizabeth Kloppe, Special Education Paraprofessional at South Point Elementary
Kloppe has been with the School District of Washington for 12 years. The nomination form states that Kloppe primarily works with special education students in a small group setting. She also assists special education students in the regular education classroom. She also helps students in specials, recess and lunch.
“She is a professional colleague who always gives her best to students each day. She has mastered her job responsibilities by being flexible, dedicated and is always striving to seek out ways to help students in their learning activities.”
Julie Bell, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education Secretary
Bell has been with the School District of Washington for 17 years. The nomination form states that Bell does a little bit of everything at the district office. Her primary job duties are Board meetings, BoardDocs, Minutes (and everything associated with Board of Education meetings), assist with policies, liability insurance issues, and bank reconciliations.
"She’s Dr. VanLeer’s right-hand man. Her role in the District is vital. Her calming voice and demeanor is welcomed at the District Office,” the nomination states. “She’s very knowledgeable about her job and the education field in general. She’s one of the first to arrive to the building and works hard every day. The School District of Washington is a better place because she’s a part of the team.”