Regional Office of Education 47

CONGRATULATIONS to Rebecca Temple, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Rebeca is a teacher at Bi-County and was nominated by Alissa Kirchner. Rebecca Temple is a shining example of marigold that brings joy to her coworkers, students, and community. During her employment with Bi-County Special Education Cooperative, Rebecca has served as a special education teacher within Life Skills classrooms and currently holds the title of Itinerant Orthopedic Impairment Teacher. As an Itinerant OI Teacher, she travels throughout the county, servicing students ages preschool through 22 years, in multiple school districts. Rebecca leads with a calm heart that seeks out the best in every individual that she encounters. Her encouragement is quiet but strong. She knows just the right amount of silly and fun to engage a hesitant student. Her knowledge of assistive technology is expansive to help her students participate academically and socially in ways that they would not be able to otherwise. Her creative problem-solving skills allowed a teenager with limited motor control access a communication device for the first time, using a stylus hot glued to a baseball hat. Although many of the students on her caseload have mild to severe physical disabilities, Rebecca sees no limits to their abilities. It is impossible to work alongside Rebecca and not share her enthusiasm and excitement for even the smallest victories. When tragedy struck her Life Skills classroom in 2020 with the unexpected passing of a student, Rebecca and her students collected plastic bottle caps to make recycled plastic benches in his memory at Northside and Southside Elementary Schools. Despite her own grief, she worked to honor her student in a tangible way his classmates would understand and allowed them to have a part in that process. Within the community, Rebecca also serves as Den Leader for Cub Scouts, combining her passion for teaching with her love for homesteading. She embodies the values she teaches her scouts: she is trustworthy, courteous, helpful, thrifty, and loyal. Each year the scouts make pinewood derby cars and enter it in a race. This February, Rebecca invited the entire Scout Pack 321 to her home workshop to carve their pinewood derby cars. I have been told by other Den Leaders that Rebecca’s scouts absolutely adore her. When I read the characteristics of a marigold—nurturing, supportive, mood-boosting, and community-minded—Rebecca Temple fits each one. I am so grateful that I was “planted” near her and hope that others will also recognize the service she provides to our schools and community. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Emily Grady, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Emily is a 5th grade teacher at Tampico Elementary School and was nominated by Tori Franks. Mrs. Grady is one of the kindest people I have ever met. I had the honor of student teaching under her. She has an amazing rapport with her students. Every one of them seems to adore her. The knowledge I gained in my short time in her classroom was worth more than its weight in gold. I felt ready to take on my classroom after having taught under her. If a student was struggling she made it her top priority to help them. She is a truly deserving person for this award. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kara Wisdom, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Kara is a teacher at Erie Elementary School and was nominated by Kali Livengood & Rose Morine. Mrs. Wisdom is the heart of Erie Elementary. Whether she is cheering on the pre school kids when they come to school in the morning, or hugging the "grown up" fourth graders, all kids are welcomed by her. From spelling tests to book reports to math times tables every effort is cheered and praised. Science activities are fantastic learning opportunities and the kids look forward to her lessons. She is the first one to cheer on staff, and the biggest support when they need uplifting. She has endless energy that can motivate the most reluctant learner. Her love for learning and teaching and getting kids to grow is among the best there is in this profession. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda Abbott, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Amanda is a teacher at Erie Elementary School and was nominated by Rose Morine. Amanda welcomes kids and staff daily. If students/staff need a caring and kind ear, she is there. Always encourages, always empathetic. It takes a special person to do that. Amanda gears her social/emotional lesson towards teachers’ curriculum and will change focus on a moment’s notice if asked. She coaches biddy basketball and is otherwise active in the community. She truly encourages and supports everyone in the district. Her compassion and stamina are endless. She also helped out at the high school this year when the high school counselor was out on leave. Amanda will do home visits and helps screen preschool students to ensure they are where they will ‘bloom. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Heather Geary, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Heather is a teacher at Franklin Elementary School and was nominated by Laurie Allspaugh. Heather has such a passionate heart for the children she works with and gives everything to help them be the best they can be. I have watched her blossom into a strong Paraprofessional with an amazing work ethic. She can be firm when necessary, silly at times and always loving. She works well with all staff, asks questions if needed and is always self-motivated. I have watched Heather work with some of the most difficult and aggressive students without losing her cool or giving up on the situation or child. Her goal is to lead her students into success with determination, compassion, and most of all a heart full of love for each and every child who touches her life. She is definitely one in a million! Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ashley Heun, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Ashley is a 3rd grade teacher at Unity Christian School and was nominated by Jessica Hollewell. Ashley Heun actually serves our K-6th grade students, plus any that come to her, as our resource teacher. Her personality is warm and loving which makes her a favorite to many. Ashely's love for the students shows in how they blossom working with her in the resource room. She believes in their abilities and that they are able to succeed which gives the students the confidence to do such. Ashley is always positive, and she is always looking for new ideas to use and works alongside her students to show community and learning. She is truly a blessing to not only her students but also our faculty, staff, and entire community. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Katie Wilcox, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Katie is at Franklin Elementary School and was nominated by Rich Lund. Katie is very passionate about her job. She’s busy from the second she comes in until she’s done for the day. Throughout the day, she stays calm and is very professional. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Melissa Kyarsgaard, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Melissa is a 1st grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School and was nominated by Amanda Mohr. Missy Kyarsgaard is an amazing teacher, friend, co-worker, mom, daughter, sister and wife. I have worked with her, for 12 years, through so many tragedies that would bring many to their knees, but these have made her a better, more compassionate teacher, friend, and co-worker! Missy connects with her students and their families making lifetime friendships. She makes connections with students and families not even in her class. Always caring for students and their families in need of food, Christmas help, or just a shoulder to cry on! Melissa Kyarsgaard loves her students and friends with a fierceness that most can not emanate! Our students smile as she greets them every morning and smile as they leave! She brings her artistic character into the learning environment and helps fellow staff members(me) who are artistically lacking. Missy is the Marigold in Franklin Elementary School's garden! All who know her will grow better with her in their world!! Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Addisen Thayer, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Addisen is a paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary School and was nominated by Shelby Melton. "Miss Addisen" is such a patient, kind, and creative ESP! She works hard every day to ensure her student's basic needs, emotional needs, and even wants are met! Addisen is a problem-solver and an advocate, frequently coming up with creative solutions or asking to collaborate to bring issues to a larger team to address together. While she is a one-on-one aide for one particular student, Addisen is nurturing and supportive of all students and is responsive to any issue that comes up. She is also community-minded in her interactions will all school staff members, happy to help wherever she can. Addisen is a member of SPS University, so on top of her full time job as an ESP, she is in school working towards a teaching degree. We love having Miss Addisen at Lincoln School! Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Shelby Melton, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Shelby is a 3rd grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School and was nominated by Angela Shaw. Shelby encompasses the attributes of a Marigold in so many ways. First, in spite of the many difficult circumstances she faces on a typical day as a school social worker, she handles every problem with a positive and calming presence. Shelby conveys sincere care and is incredibly patient. In situations where many would be overwhelmed, Shelby is able to find humor and roll with the punches. In addition, she works tirelessly to meet the needs of her students. Shelby's students love their time with her, as she creates an atmosphere that is fun, accepting and encouraging. Another attribute I admire about Shelby, is that she does an excellent job collaborating and communicating with staff and families of students. She shows professionalism and positivity when working to meet the needs of her students. Shelby is an excellent problem solver, and frequently shares creative solutions with the IEP team members that help students achieve their goals. The staff at Lincoln have been blessed to have Shelby on our team. It has been such a pleasure working her. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Enrica Jacob, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Enrica is a one-on-one aide at Lincoln Elementary School and was nominated by Lauren Burrus. Enrica (Ricci) is a one-on-one aide in my 4th grade classroom. Ricci approaches her work with dedication and passion using her own background knowledge and experience to help guide her. She goes above and beyond finding new resources to help support her student in and out of the classroom. She provides her student with comfort and structure that has set him up for a successful 4th grade year. Whether it's providing assistance with assignments, offering a listening ear during challenging moments, or communicating with a parent, she consistently demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to her students’ overall development. But what stands out most about Ricci is her commitment to creating meaningful relationships with not only her one-on-one student, but the entire class. She genuinely cares for each students well-being and academic success. She takes time to understand each student’s unique needs and strengths, tailoring her approach to meet their needs. Her patience, empathy, and compassion has created a space where students feel valued and understood. Ultimately contributing to a positive learning environment. Along with her job as a one-on-one, Ricci has started an after school art club. In the club she helps nurture student’s creativity finding a variety of hands on activities for them to work on. She encourages each student’s ideas and helps find ways to make them a reality. In summary, Ricci embodies the qualities of a Marigold. Her commitment to building strong relationships with students and her tireless efforts to create a positive and inclusive learning environment make her an amazing addition to not just my classroom but Lincoln as a whole. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kayla Messer, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Kayla is a one-on-one aide at Lincoln Elementary School and was nominated by Shelby Melton. Kayla Messer joined the Lincoln team midway through the fall and has been an asset in our building! She is a one-on-one aide for a student who benefits greatly from her calm, encouraging, but firm demeanor. She goes above and beyond to respond to student needs and also be proactive to get ahead of potential problems to prevent them. Kayla is a Marigold at Lincoln School and we are so lucky to have her! Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

Regional Center for Change School Jr/Sr High School Principal - Start Date 08/01/2024 Regional Center for Change (C4C) is an alternative middle and high school with a mission dedicated to student achievement in school and life. Instilling hope for a future, self-confidence now, and resilience forever in all our students. The school is located In Rock Falls Illinois and is part of the Thome School building. Qualifications: A master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field, or a bachelor's degree in education with a desire to become a school administrator. We provide tuition assistance for the right candidate to pursue an educational leadership degree. A background working with at risk students is preferred but not required. How to Apply - Please send your resume and letter of interest to Josh Knuth at jknuth@roe47.org. For additional information regarding the position, please contact Josh Knuth at 815.625.1495

CONGRATULATIONS to Aubrey Farrell, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Aubrey is a STEM teacher at Lincoln and Jefferson Schools and was nominated by Jill Hoyle. Aubrey Farrell is the STEM teacher for kindergarten thru fifth grade students at Lincoln and Jefferson Elementary Schools. She continuously demonstrates a willingness to meet the diverse needs of her numerous students. Aubrey's creativity and vast science knowledge is the foundation of her success. Her instruction is engaging and student-centered. She invites students to submit ideas for STEM units and collaborates with them to ensure that students' voices are honored. Aubrey also seeks to support the classroom teachers and to extend the core curriculum through instruction that crosses the core disciplines. Not only are her students deepening their STEM knowledge, they are also becoming more adept at applying employability skills. Authentic learning is the framework for student collaboration, problem solving, creative thinking, and more. One of Aubrey's greatest strengths is her flexibility. She has proven time and again that her positive attitude and focus on students' needs as she encounters less than stellar circumstances to provide instruction is the key to her students' success. Their growth and interest in STEM careers are undoubtedly the evidence of her effective instruction. Even in the face of discouragement, she reflects and moves forward, always seeking to improve her instruction. Aubrey seeks to elevate her peers and meet their needs before her own. She consults with classroom teachers, special education instructors, administration, and parents to seek pathways to provide relevant instruction for students, to bring their strengths to the forefront, and provide success for each student. This increases student engagement. Aubrey has set aside time each lunch period to learn Spanish, which has proven valuable time and again. During a recent fire drill, Aubrey was able to provide instruction in Spanish creating a safe environment for students who would have been quite disoriented otherwise. Working with Aubrey has been a wonderful experience for me. She has increased my STEM knowledge, improved my unit ideas, and encouraged me through every circumstance. She maintains a focus on the tenets of STEM and a focus on others around her. She is truly a remarkable instructor who has shaped a new position into a life-changing opportunity for her students. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Marchet Harts, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Marchet is a preschool teacher at Jefferson Elementary and was nominated by Cali Miles. I have never witnessed Marchet having a bad day! She exemplifies everything a preschool teacher should be. She is kind, nurturing, positive and loving. I always leave interactions with Marchet feeling a little more upbeat and encouraged. She laughs during the rough moments and always puts a positive spin on every situation. She truly is a marigold! Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Amber Schott, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Amber is a 1st grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School and was nominated by Olivia Cain. Besides the fact that Amber is caring, positive, and patient, Amber is always going above and beyond in every aspect of teaching. Whether it is for her students, her coworkers, or her own professional development she is constantly improving. Amber always takes the initiative to further her knowledge on a variety of new topics like nonverbal communication, SEL support, BIP improvement, and play-based learning. Amber is already planning on how she can be successful in her new position next year in the kindergarten, self-contained classroom. Any student or teacher is lucky to know her! Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kristin Ports, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Kristin is a 1st grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School and was nominated by Reganne Springman. Kirstin is always encouraging her students to never give up and try their hardest no matter what. She can tell when they are struggling and makes sure they know that no matter how hard something is they can always work hard and figure it out. She always makes sure they never give up by being there to support them through the hard times. She makes learning fun when she can and teaches new concepts in a way that will help her students learn it better. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ann Heyvaert, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Ann is a teacher at Jefferson School and was nominated by Jody DeSchepper. Ann is a Special Ed Teacher. She helps each individual child in her class room talking with them helping them through problems. Ann also provides a treasure chest for when they do great work and sometimes as an extra gift. And she buys candy to treat the kids who get green on math they get really excited about that. It takes a lot to be a special education teacher an Ann is it!

CONGRATULATIONS to Christie Houck, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Crystal is a 2nd grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary and was nominated by Stacey Harrington. Ms. Houck is one of the kindest teachers I have ever seen. The students in Ms. Houck's class are bilingual and I've seen the encouragement they are given to try their best in a calm, caring atmosphere. Her positive attitude and sense of humor are a few of the reasons her students adore her. Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This special month of recognition raises awareness about mental illness, its prevalence in today's society, and its impacts on people of all ages and backgrounds. @RegionalOffice47 #RegionalOffice47