GEM Award Winner - Ashley Highland
Ashley Highland, High School Teacher, Wayne Memorial
Nomination letter:
"She always has serious conversations with us about real-life problems and how they relate to the past, so we can better understand assignments and topics. She helps us with things we don't understand and explains work clearly, so were not confused." -WWCSD Student
"One reason I think Ms. Highland should win this award is no matter how many days your absent you should always be able to under stand your assignments I know many teachers do this but she takes it to the next level making sure you understand and it explained in detail though slide even when she not with you, you an still feel the power of her teaching. ps unless you don"t have access to wifi or your course pack you should be able to do it." - WWCSD Student
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Christine Doyle, Assistant Principal, John Glenn
Nomination letter:
"Mrs. Doyle has been supportive and a great resource in implementing our new curriculum. Her knowledge of MiStar DNA is helpful, too, as we start to build common assessments. Her office door is always open." -WWCSD Staff
"Mrs. Doyle goes the extra mile by supporting the teachers and working with the students to maintain the most consistent discipline/behavior possible. She will talk to the students to make sure they understand the high expectations here at John Glenn. She is a great addition to our admin team." - WWCSD Staff
David Cipparone, Social Worker, Wayne Memorial
Nomination letter:
"David Cipparone routinely Goes the Extra Mile by taking on some of the most challenging students at Wayne Memorial. He is a strong advocate for his students. David goes above and beyond in supporting many students outside of his regular caseload when a need has been demonstrated. Building data shows that he conducts the majority of risk and threat assessments in partnership with the administrative team. David is highly collaborative with IEP teams, while supporting teachers and meeting a wide array of student needs. He is the unsung hero of Wayne Memorial and very worthy of this acknowledgment. -Staff Member
Mr. Cipparone helps you deal with all the drama around the school. When other staff don't believe in you, he does, and he will fight for you. At the beginning of the year, when I had many tardies, the staff thought I should be suspended, but Mr. Cipparone believed I could change and fought to keep me from being suspended. To prove him right, I changed - WWCSD Student"
Muyiwa Cornish, ASD Teacher, Adams Middle School
Nomination letter:
"Mr. Cornish is one of the most compassionate and invested teachers we have encountered on the autism spectrum journey. He walks our son to and from the classroom to our car, before and after school. He has dropped off communication iPads at our home when our son has left them at school. He ensures safety and learning each and every day. We are beyond grateful for him and all he has done for our family!" - WWCSD Parent
"Mr. Cornish connects with each student as only he can! He also has a wonderful rapport with their parents. Both students and parents know that they can count on him to help with any concerns or situations that arise with a calm and knowledgeable approach. Parents, students, (and even para's) are blessed to be in his room!" - Staff Member
Tamara Gabourie, PE Teacher, Hicks Elementary
Nomination letter:
"Ms. Gabourie was introduced to me as the gym teacher, but she does so much more, and it's greatly appreciated! She is making sure the kids succeed in all areas she can. Tuesday and Wednesday, she tutors an hour before school starts, and on Friday, she teaches karate before school starts. She is always in good spirits, and my kids look forward to attending the early morning programs. Thank you, Ms.Gabourie." - WWSCD Parent
"To provide attendance enrichment, she provides our students with karate classes where kids can earn their stripes and belts. Because the demand was so high, she opened up a before-school class, giving up her own time for students. She consistently shows up for each and every student, no matter the circumstance. Whenever another teacher needs support, she doesn’t hesitate to step in and provide whatever support is necessary." - Staff Member
Brenda & Jess, Family Resource Center
Nomination letter:
"Brenda consistently keeps me informed about family resources and always follows up with me regarding any concerns or questions I may have about the information provided. She reaches out whenever she receives resources that are tailored to my needs. I truly appreciate the food bank and distribution resources she shares—my household has benefited greatly from the support she has provided.” – WWCSD Family
“Any time my family or I need anything, Jess goes so beyond and gets me help and answers all and any questions I’ve ever had! She’s truly super nice and always has a big smile anytime, greeting everyone!”-WWCSD Parent