Oct. 30, 2018 -- The CH-UH City School District strives for “A Culture of Excellence” in every aspect of the organization. At the heart of this pursuit of excellence are the 900+ employees in the district. In that spirit, each month CH-UH recognizes those employees who go above and beyond on behalf of our students and our school community.
The “Tiger Team Member of the Month” program began in October 2017, and the district recognized 12 staff members per month through this past May. Over the course of the 2017-2018 school year, the district received 337 total nominations from staff.
Read about our 2017-2018 honorees.
To kick off the 2018-2019 Tiger Team Member campaign, CH-UH is honoring 12 people as the October Tiger Team Members of the Month. Each honoree was nominated by a colleague--and in some instances multiple colleagues--for their dedicated service to the district.
The honorees will be recognized at the CH-UH Board of Education regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 5.
Tiger Team Members of the Month - October 2018:
Heights High SchoolDeb Scotese, Nurse Aide“Debbie is a gift to Heights High. All day long, students and staff seek assistance in the nurse's office--sometimes non-stop, sometimes when the office is overflowing--and Debbie is there welcoming everyone. Debbie is THE MASTER multitasker! Every day I'm amazed at all she accomplishes, all while treating everyone as individuals and improving their day, no matter the reason for their visit. We are all fortunate to have her in our district!”
Delisle Options CenterBrad Hallam, Math Teacher“Mr. Hallam is tireless in helping students achieve the requirements needed in math class. He is a very smart and caring teacher. Students seek him out for help, even those who have graduated. Mr. Hallam is a tireless worker and refuses to give up or take a rest.”
Monticello at Heights Middle SchoolMustafa Itayem, Math Teacher“Mr. Itayem is, without question, the finest educator I have ever worked with. He truly puts students first. Students in his class are challenged due to his great teaching style, high degree of engagement, and fun learning atmosphere. Mr. Itayem takes the time to build relationships with each of his students and works diligently to meet the individual needs of everyone in his classes. Mr. Itayem holds himself and his students to high standards by working to create engaging, fun activities that connect the math content to the real world. He is passionate about kids and comes to work each day with a relentlessly positive attitude.”
Roxboro at Heights Middle SchoolDani Copeland, ELA Teacher“Ms. Copeland truly cares about the students she serves and she puts so much extra time into making sure they have what they need to grow. She is planning the D.C. trip for the 8th graders and assisted me in creating a scholarship for some of the students. She also was able to secure funding from the principal for scholarships and started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for students to attend the trip. She does not want to leave any student behind. Ms. Copeland is one of the most caring teachers I know. She takes individual students' needs to heart and delivers amazing lessons. Our school is a better place because of Ms. Copeland.”
Boulevard ElementaryKatherine Sferry, 5th Grade Teacher“Ms. Sferry is a building leader and a driving force in all aspects of our school. Students are inspired to be the best that they can be and they know that no matter where they go when they leave Boulevard, they will always have a piece of her heart. Katherine is always willing to help with anything that will benefit her students. Her laugh is very distinctive and can make the darkest days seem bright. She is a true treasure to the Cleveland Heights family.”
Canterbury ElementaryLaurie Wilson, Media Ancillary“Mrs. Wilson is so flexible in her work with students and staff, even offering the media center and computer lab space for additional use when the weather was so hot and students needed a respite from the heat. She has initiated a staff book recommendation list to further encourage students to read and also has a little lending library for staff books. Her demeanor with students and staff is positive and kind and she is always helpful.”
Fairfax ElementaryTraci Adeen, 2nd Grade Teacher“Traci is ALWAYS willing to help in any way she can. She works with students that are not in her homeroom class because she is here for ALL kids and the overall success of Fairfax as a whole. Traci goes above and beyond to form relationships with the students in her class, as well. She is often attending events to support her students outside of school such as birthday parties, football games, gymnastics competitions, etc. Traci is such an important part of Fairfax Elementary School!”
Gearity PD ElementaryCharna Campbell-Cooper, Special Education Aide“Charna continues to go the extra mile to make sure that ALL students needs are taken care of both academically and emotionally. She is a friend to all Gearity students in the building and a friend to every staff. Ms. Charna has not only been an AMAZING colleague but an inspiration to all the students at Gearity Elementary. Ms. Charna is an exceptional paraprofessional who not only leads by example for her own students but has reached out and inspired students from all over the building.”
Noble ElementaryArica Turoff, 3rd Grade Teacher“Arica is CONSTANTLY pushing her students to excel in the classroom and never sacrifices her high expectations or standards. Her students know they are loved in the room, and her space is extremely inviting! I always love walking into her room and seeing engaged students at work. She collaborates regularly with colleagues in her building in order to plan for a variety of student academic needs. Her classroom is always calm and orderly because of her organizational skills and because of her classroom management.”
Oxford ElementaryDejunee Lawson, Instructional Coach“Ms. Lawson regularly checks with teachers to see how she can support them in instructional planning and models best practices in our classrooms. Dejunee has also worked with educators at the middle school to schedule visits where 7th-grade AVID scholars supported 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade students with binder checks and other essential AVID skills. As the AVID site-based coordinator she supports the building in establishing and monitoring building goals. Dejunee is the definition of a team player who is extremely dedicated to our students.”
Roxboro ElementaryJudy Spainhoward, Intervention Specialist“Judy is our Intervention Specialist at Rox. As you can imagine, she is put in stressful situations on a regular basis. Judy came from Bellefaire without elementary experience. I've watched Judy collaborate with multiple teachers to learn how to teach primary level reading, math, and content areas. Judy is currently working with our music teacher on a project to teach her students empathy. I've never seen a teacher keep her cool and be so loving and supportive to our children with such needs. Judy doesn't lose her cool! She is a role model to the students and staff.”
Board of Education/Bus Depot/MillikinJulie Raffay, Science Instructional Specialist“Julie is always willing to go above and beyond! Not only does she offer prompt service to the district's science teachers, but she also anticipates their needs and proactively works to resolve issues. Julie is the ideal team player, who is always looking to develop creative lessons, empower teachers, and provide an outstanding experience for all members of the CH-UH community.”