CONGRATULATIONS to Diane Gould, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Diane is a teacher at Washington Elementary School and was nominated by Ellen Johnson.
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically recommend Diane Gould for the
Marigold Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education.
Diane is a remarkable educator who has dedicated her career to fostering a
positive learning environment and shaping the lives of countless students.
She is completing her last year of teaching and will be going into her
retirement era! Diane has dedicated many years to the field of education,
and throughout her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated qualities that
set her apart as an exceptional teacher. Her kindness is evident in every
interaction, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her classroom.
Students feel supported and valued under her guidance, which greatly
contributes to their academic success and personal growth. One of Diane's
most admirable traits is her unwavering dedication to her students' well-
being and academic achievement. She goes above and beyond to ensure
that each student receives the attention and support they need to thrive.
Whether it's offering extra help during lunch breaks or providing
encouraging words during challenging times, Diane consistently goes the
extra mile for her students. Furthermore, Diane is a supportive colleague
who actively collaborates with her peers to improve teaching practices and
enhance the overall learning experience. Her willingness to share ideas,
offer guidance, and lend a helping hand has had a positive impact on the
entire school community. I am so sad that I have only been able to work
with her for a short amount of time. As Diane embarks on the next chapter
of her life in retirement, it is only fitting to recognize her outstanding
contributions and legacy in education. She has left an indelible mark on her
students, colleagues, and the school community as a whole. I
wholeheartedly endorse Diane Gould for the Marigold Award and believe
that she is more than deserving of this honor. Her kindness, dedication,
and supportiveness have made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate
enough to know her. She is a true Marigold.
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Maggie Block, who was nominated for the Marigold Award!
Maggie is a teacher at Challand Middle School and was nominated by Kelsey Stringer.
Maggie has made herself available to help me learn what I need in
order to be comfortable and capable in my position at Sterling Public
Schools. She is responsive no matter what time of day (or night) I
approach her, and tries to make sure I have the tools I need to serve our
students. I could recount numerous instances in which she has been
able to offer direction to help me be more efficient and effective. She
also offers support with the goal of making sure her colleagues are
satisfied with their jobs on a personal level - caring about the person and
not just the profession. Maggie always has a smile ready, and an open
door as well. Whether it's a piece of chocolate or a funny story, she
knows that we need something for our soul to help make the hard days
bright. Her ability to be this person is possible in part because her years
of experience have made her a capable teacher who has the job under
control. It is clear she desires to secure the best possible outcomes for
all students at Sterling Schools regardless of their ability or background.
Her work is indicative of her belief that all students can learn, and she is
willing to help equip her colleagues to contribute to this shared
endeavor. Maggie values and has knowledge of multiple content areas
across several grade levels. She is not only an invaluable resource, but
wants each team member to succeed so students can receive a well-
rounded education. Finally, in addition to being committed to her work,
Maggie is even more dedicated to her family. Her love for them is so
obviously the impetus behind her hard work. This is a source of
inspiration, and I appreciate having a role model from which to gain
perspective on navigating the balance between work and family. I
appreciate and have benefited greatly, both personally and
professionally, from having worked alongside someone with this
experience.
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Lacy Halverson, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Lacy is a teacher at Challand Middle School and was nominated by Linda Brown.
Lacy is extremely dedicated to her students. She has an upbeat,
energetic personality that is contagious and brings laughter and
positivity to her students on a daily basis. Lacy has an amazing
memory and understands so much about her students beyond the
classroom. I have witnessed her take a student from tears to
laughter in seconds and the way she offers support to those
struggling is really amazing to behold. She goes to great lengths
to make sure her students have all the tools and support they
need to succeed. When other teachers or students are in need of
assistance Lacy does not hesitate to jump in and help. Challand is
a better place for having Lacy Halverson as a teacher.
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Missy Foster, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Missy is at Challand Middle School and was nominated by Kevin Dunne .
In her first year at Challand, Mrs. Foster has uplifted staff and
students on a daily basis & brought positive energy to get
students energized and jazzed to learn about ancient cultures.
Mrs. Foster challenges students to problem solve, think critically,
and develop a passion for learning. She works with all of her
students so that they can be as successful as they can be and
works with them to reflect on their learning and apply it to their
lives. She makes content that may be difficult to understand or
relate, apply to student's lives and makes things that are difficult
seem attainable for all her students. Outside of the classroom,
Mrs. Foster gets to know her students and encourages them to be
involved in sports, clubs, and activities. Mrs. Fosters helps run
FCA, coaches tennis, assists at lunch duty, and attends sporting
events. Mrs. Foster has been an absolute delight to work
alongside and works every day to make learning accessible,
engaging, and relatable for her students.
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Scott Rogers, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Scott is a teacher at Rock Falls Middle School and was nominated by Alyssa Kruger.
Scott is an incredible educator who puts in over time to make
meaningful experiences for his students and build lasting relationships
with them. You can clearly see his impact through the revolving door
of students from previous years coming back to visit him on a regular
basis. These students look up to Scott and still cherish the bond he
created with them as 7th graders because he's proven to care about
them as a student AND a person. He makes kids feel seen, heard,
and loved and he always has an open mind and a servant’s attitude
toward even the most challenging of situations. He invests in the fine
details of each students’ life and every year students adore him and
look forward to the time they get to spend in his classroom. As a
Social Studies teacher, he works to make history come alive for
students and makes it relevant to their lives today. He works with
members of our community to give real world learning experiences for
kids such as civil war reenactments, meeting with political leaders,
and field trips to the capitol. Not only does he strive to support and
nurture the whole student; he does all that he can to encourage and
support his fellow educators. Scott is a selfless friend who leads the
7th grade team while already having leadership roles on the school
lighthouse team, as head track coach, cardio club leader, and athletic
director. Though he wears so many hats, he still puts the needs of
others at the forefront and works tirelessly to make everyone else's
job easier. Scott is a one of a kind teacher!
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Lantz, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Chris is a teacher at Merrill School in Rock Falls and was nominated by Kristi Chavira.
Mrs. Lantz teaches with the goal of supporting all learners to love not just their
education, but also themselves. Every year she gains a new set of students and
sees them through an empathetic lens of "How can I help them grow as people
first and then learners?" Her instruction is built around her deep knowledge of her
students and their individual needs. Her students are not just told they are
capable of great things, they too believe it and strive to achieve it! She cares
about her students and knows the importance of creating a lasting impression
upon them. She recognizes and appreciates the need to build a strong
relationship with her students, their families, and her colleagues. Mrs. Lantz is
reflective in her teaching, and encourages reflection in her students also. She
teaches students first how to read. Then, she teaches them how to understand
what they have read. Mrs. Lantz taught Title 1/Reading Recovery for 8 years.
She uses that knowledge to help her colleagues in all areas of Reading
Instruction. I am the Reading Interventionist in our building, and she has given
me unlimited amount of support and encouragement. Mrs. Lantz works beside
her colleagues to maintain what is best for her students, as well as their students.
Her students make gains beyond expectations through her continued shared
knowledge and her ability to uncover what her students need the most. Mrs.
Lantz communicates her students' learning with an end goal in mind. She models
for the students what being a good person is and how they should behave. If she
sees a student is struggling with the barriers outside of the classroom, she will be
the first one to look for ways to help them and their families. Countless times, she
has purchased things for her students to give them extra support when their
family may be struggling. Mrs. Lantz, no doubt, will continue to teach her
students about the many important aspects of life. They will gain self
improvement in not only their academics, but also mentally and emotionally. She
is an amazing supporter for students, their families, and her colleagues.
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Kristi Chavira , who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Kristi is a teacher at Merrill School in Rock Falls and was nominated by Jenna Dempsey.
Near the start of my teaching career, I was blessed to be able to teach
alongside Jen Banks. In addition to teaching with Jen, I had the
opportunity to teach one of her children in kindergarten that year. Jen
was not only a colleague, but a friend and a supporter of me both
professionally and personally. Having known Jen, I personally felt the
love, support, and genuine care that she imparted on everyone she
worked with. Kristi Chavira is someone who also exudes the love,
support, and genuine care of those with whom she works with. When I
transitioned into the math intervention position in 2020, Kristi helped
me with what was needed as an interventionist. She encouraged me
to allow myself to try new methods, to trust myself to take risks, and to
teach in ways that best meet the needs of our students. She continues
to be a second set of eyes on schedules and helps me make it work
when I want to squeeze in “just one more group”. Kristi is someone I
can go to for advice and to run ideas past on ways to best meet the
needs of our students. She offers patience and compassion to her
students and is always working to help each of her groups to be the
best they can be. Kristi will often take students extra times to work on
specific skills to better themselves as readers. Her problem-solving
skills in many areas of teaching help to fulfill and enrich the lives of
everyone she works with. Overall, I cannot think of a better person
who represents a marigold at Merrill Elementary than Kristi Chavira.
She truly has bloomed where she was planted and enriches the lives
of those around her.
Thank you for being a marigold in our schools!
CONGRATULATIONS to Jessica, who was nominated for the Marigold Award! Jessica is a teacher at Washington School and was nominated by Krissy Schneider and Liz Engstrom.
This has been a new year of being able to work with Jessica. She
truly is the perfect example of what a Marigold should be. She is
willing to go above and beyond to support the needs of not only
the students but staff as well. She is a shoulder to cry and a safe
place to problem solve together. Jessica thinks of the collect of
the class needs as well as the what works best for an individual.
Jessica helps bring the positive environment up in the school, and
she gives people a boost when needed. She is a ray of light and
brings joy to others. She has helped not only me but others
blossom and reach their best potential this year.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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!
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 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!
