Oct. 1, 2019 -- The CH-UH City School District strives for “A Culture of Excellence” in every aspect of the organization. At the heart of this pursuit 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. 

For September, CH-UH is honoring 12 people as the 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 tonight’s CH-UH Board of Education meeting. 

 

Heights High School
Karen Kastor, Algebra 1 & AVID 9 Teacher
“When you need something done and done right Kastor is the first person you should always ask. She is well-researched and cares about student success. Kastor also understands that there is more to teaching than content and believes in building relationships. She has been at Heights FOREVER; because of this, Kastor cares about growing and bettering our staff as well as students. Without her I know I would not be the teacher I am today.”

 

Delisle Options Center
Nikia Cleveland, Information Technology Support Technician
“Ms. Cleveland does an awesome job as our school's Information Technology specialist. She is always friendly, smiling, and willing to go the extra mile for our students and staff. She deserves more recognition for all she does!”

 

Monticello Middle School
Dr. Jeff Johnston, Principal
“Dr. J did such a great job helping anyone who needed it during our school’s move and re-opening. He was carrying boxes and books, putting out fires and giving 1000% to his staff each day to help with the transition. He is still doing this and also guiding the building to its best year yet.”

 

Roxboro Middle School
Christine Smrdel, Math Teacher
“Smrdel has been such an amazing team player. She has helped make my transition back into the classroom very smooth. From printing off papers to making sure we stay on top of everything, I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate. I am very grateful to be working with her. She is such a big help!”

 

Boulevard Elementary
William Porter, Skilled Laborer
“Although this is Mr. Porter's first year in our building, he has made quite the impact. He is everywhere in the building - washing windows, sweeping the carpet, weed wacking the yard, greeting the students and parents, carrying boxes for the staff as well as hanging fish in the hallway for the art teacher. He is always helping to make sure that our building is running smoothly and looking amazing. Mr. Porter displays qualities of being a true tiger team member.”

 

Canterbury Elementary
Emily Hesse, Intervention Specialist
“Emily works endlessly to meet the needs of her students. She seeks support and resources so that she can maximize their success, even when it means that she will take more on in order to do so. Emily is an excellent teacher who continues to be flexible and dedicated to all of her students at Canterbury Elementary.”  

 

Fairfax Elementary
Cindy Rocco, School Nurse
“Nurse Cindy is patient, funny, helpful, and an all around team player. She will jump in to do whatever it takes to get the job done. At the front desk you can catch her at any moment answering phones, giving meds, greeting parents, or calming students. She is a standout and such an asset to this district!

 

Gearity PD Elementary
Lisa Evans, Kindergarten Teacher
“Ms. Evans works diligently to support the development of her kindergarten students. She has established strong routines, high standards for academic performance, and is actively participates in evening parent events.”

 

Noble Elementary
Becca Larson, Kindergarten Teacher
“I highly believe Ms. Larson should be recognized as a Tiger Team Member of the Month because working with her since late February has been such a breath of fresh air! Accommodating her in the kindergarten classroom has shown me how a person that goes the extra mile is really appreciated. Seeing how she interacts with the kids on a daily basis as well as making me feel a part of every aspect of the classroom is truly a joy. She is really a devoted hardworking educator and makes this district shine very bright!”

 

Oxford Elementary
DeOnna Whitfield, Special Education Aide
“Ms. Whitfield has built an outstanding rapport with even our most challenging students. She puts her heart and soul into her work and is a true team player. She pushes her students to do their best even when they think they can’t do it. She sees the good in each child in our building. She has been a true blessing to our Oxford community.” 

 

Roxboro Elementary
Maryam Sy, Attendance Secretary
“Maryam is such a positive presence in our building. She's always willing to help, she has endless patience, and she always makes an effort to make anyone feel welcome who enters the office here.

 

Board of Education/Bus Depot/Millikin
Keisha Cox, Accounts Payable Staff Assistant
“Keisha works extremely hard in Finance Department - Accounts Payable. She has resolved billing issues and saved the District money because of her attention to detail. Along with her strong work ethic, she is a positive force in the department. She is a team player, always pleasant, and has great customer service. She comes in early and will stay late to complete an assignment. One of our team members said, ‘Keisha is the reason I come to work every day!’ Now that's the kind of ‘above and beyond’ employee deserving recognition!”