Robin is a 2nd grade teacher in my district, and she is the epitome of the words “teacher leader”. She had been working hard on aligning her curriculum to her standards, while also transforming her classroom into a self-paced, personalized learning environment. She saw a desperate need for the entire grade level to go through some training and refocusing of priorities when it comes to teaching the standards. She took it upon herself to get the training need brought to the attention of the administration, and then offered examples and resources to all members of the grade level to show them how to align curriculum to standards and assessments. She also agreed to do further trainings with the other teachers to ensure they become comfortable with the new alignment process. ALL 2nd grade students will benefit from Robin’s initiative!

Penny has proven to be invaluable in her position as a 2nd grade teacher. Our school was presented with a new initiative this school year. Many teachers were reluctant to give it a try. Penny took on the initiative and completed the first three units. She unselfishly shared all of her work with the other teachers. As we know, teaching is often a “thankless” job. I am presenting this card to Penny to THANK her for her work ethic and willingness to be a team player. Penny, I wish we all had your deep rooted desire to do our best!

My principal gave me the 7 of hearts card on the first day of school. He said he appreciated all that I had done over the summer to help the first day be a success. Often times the work done behind the scenes goes unnoticed, and it was really nice that he took the time to notice my efforts.

My sister recently had surgery and is confined to a wheelchair for a period of time. Grabbing some groceries while pushing a wheelchair is not an easy task. After buying a load of school supplies for her students, my sister tells me that she needs a new mini refrigerator to hold all of the extra breakfast and lunch food items. I left her up front, loaded the refrigerator and made my way back to the front of the store the whole time wondering how I was going to make it to the truck with EVERYTHING. God tends to put people where we need them. Mrs. Betty Sue and her precious husband pushed our cart to the truck, helped me unload everything and even put up our cart! People like them show that there are still amazing and Godly people in the world. We appreciated their kindness more than we can express!

Jon thanked me for being a significant part in bringing him to Muhlenberg County. It was a team effort and very glad it was able to take place. My role was small compared to the inspiration he gave us and the reminder that we all make a difference in students’ lives whether we ever know the impact or not. I love watching for the significant moments and the inner reward when these moments are realized! Thank you Jon!

She’s got an amazingly tough job and has to deal with plenty of difficult passengers. On my trip out, she took the time to really listen and help us. (Don’t always see that). Well, you see it for the important safety stuff, but she took care of the simple things with a wonderful smile as well.
It made a difference in my day and she will get this card when we land.

I had this one student years ago in my 7th grade science classroom, Miranda. Miranda was not the most studious student nor did she get along well with others; however, she and I clicked. She came from troubled home and low socio economic status. At the conclusion of the year, I found a note on my science lab table addressed to me. Miranda had written me the kindest note I could ever receive. She told me I was the only one who could see the good in her and thanked me for giving her a chance. I pack this note with me and read it often. She made me feel significant and continues to remind me of the significance each time I read it.

After a seven year hiatus from this school I was rehired to be an assistant principal. I am back in the same office and building that I was prior to leaving for another job. This is a welcome change and breath of fresh air for me. Mrs. Bumps and I go way back. As a matter of fact when she was in elementary school she attended a conservation camp where I was one of her counselors. Now, SEVERAL, years later she took a chance on me to return to my old job and support her in her role as leader. She has a tough job, leading one school that is split on two campuses, several miles apart. This is an unimaginable task; but she does it with ease. This card was for “being a member of her team” but it means more to me than that. This job is a blessing and I am proud to be here to support her and make this school better than it has ever been. I told her before that I have her back and I believe she has mine. This promises to be a great year. Thank you to Donna Bumps for taking a chance on me! Year 25 has officially begun! HOORAH!