Nov. 1, 2024 -- The theme across the CH-UH School District this year is Heights United. In that spirit, each month CH-UH is recognizing employees who go above and beyond to inspire unity and create a culture of excellence in our district.
For October, CH-UH is honoring 12 people/groups as the “Tiger Team Members of the Month”. Each honoree was nominated by a colleague--and in some instances multiple colleagues--and the nominees were then voted upon by a staff committee.
The honorees will be recognized by the Board of Education on Tuesday, November 5.
BOE/Bus Depot/Millikin: Chayla Barnes - Administrative Assistant
Chayla is a college student who works part time at the Board, helping with special projects and at the front desk with customer service. She is hard-working, professional, and always willing to help. I am continuously impressed by her drive and her ability to balance her college responsibilities with her work here. We love working with you, Chayla!
Boulevard: Cindy Baldauf - Intervention Specialist
Cindy is a great resource in our building. She is always willing to help with students. She goes above and beyond, with not only her special education students but all students. She has also scheduled wonderful grade appropriate field trips for the entire building. Cindy also helps run the Girls on the Run club for 4th and 5th grade students. Cindy is a great team player.
Canterbury: DeAndre Holt - Special Education Paraprofessional
DeAndre is a new paraprofessional at Canterbury and has already made an incredible impact. He makes the students in our classroom feel not only accepted, but celebrated and loved. He knows how to balance challenging our students along with providing the necessary support. He is patient, kind, and inclusive 100% of the time. We are so thankful to have Mr. Holt at Canterbury!
Delisle/IT: Nikia Black - IT Support Specialist
Nikia is a fantastic problem solver and extremely knowledgeable, but perhaps even more importantly, she approaches her work with the customer at the front and center. She is always eager to help staff so that they are prepared to meet the needs of their students. During times of staff transition, Nikia has been a consistent positive force in the department.
Fairfax: Allison Factor - Intervention Specialist
Allison is a phenomenal teacher. She is energetic, kind, empathetic, and optimistic - the perfect blend of characteristics for her position. Allison is an ally to her students, always invested in their physical and emotional safety and ready to advocate for their needs. She brings a positive but down-to-earth energy to her classroom and it has been a joy working with her this year!
Gearity: Rayna Fomby & LaTraceyona Cameron - Special Education Paraprofessionals
The teacher Rayna and Tracey work with had a medical emergency and went out on extended leave. Rayna and Tracey ensured that the students in their classroom never missed a beat. They worked with the substitute to keep a consistent routine in place and ensured that the curriculum was followed. Most importantly, they ensured that the individual needs of all of the students were met and that the children felt connected while they were at school. The substitute went out of her way to share how wonderful it was to work with them and how professional the team was.
Heights High: Michael Thornton - Cleaner
I had the pleasure of working with Michael this year. Michael has worked for this district for over three decades, only missing one day. The one day he missed was not his fault. He was ready and willing to come to work that day, but there was a blizzard, and his transportation van couldn't come pick him up. He’s a great worker, eager to help out whenever and wherever needed. Michael is a true Tiger Team Member.
Monticello: Matthew Minnillo - Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Minnillo stands outside every morning ensuring students safely arrive in the building, but one October morning, I saw something that warmed my heart. During hail and a heavy rain storm, Mr. Minnillo was using his personal umbrella to cover students' heads as they entered the building. This gesture, though seemingly small, shows the kindness Mr. Minnillo shows towards his students. It is no wonder he is adored by his students.
Noble: Monita Chancellor - Kindergarten Paraprofessional
I am recommending Monita for her dedication to her job. This encompasses looking after all our scholars, current and past. She can be seen working with students to problem solve, give them advice, or help them make adjustments. Monita is a leader amongst other professionals as she shows up on time every day and stays late to help her cooperating teacher work things out. She has a perfect disposition for working with children and can be spotted playing with them and helping them grow. Noble Kindergarten is lucky to have Monita!
Oxford: Kim Anderson - Security Monitor
Kim is always willing to help. She is our security monitor, but she does a lot more. If you need help with a student, she is there. If the hallway lines are too loud, she is there to help. Kim is very professional and detailed, and the Oxford family really appreciates her. She is also a great relationship builder with our students. All the students want to talk to her. Kim deserves recognition for her efforts.
Rox El: Romina Berardinelli - Spanish Teacher
Ms. Berardinelli is one of the most gifted Specialists we have ever seen at Roxboro Elementary School. She brings the teaching, and the students' learning, of Spanish to a completely different academic level of engagement. Ms. Berardinelli dresses in costumes, she sings, she dances, and she engages the children in a fun-filled lesson each time they enter her classroom. This is what learning should look like: engagement and fun! The children at Roxboro Elementary School absolutely love Spanish class thanks to her incredible efforts. She is truly Magnifica!
Rox Mid: Dionne Morrison - ALC Ancillary
Ms. Morrison has one of the toughest jobs in ALE, but she makes it look easy. She consistently gets work from teachers for her students in ALE. Students returning from ALE have not missed content thanks to Ms. Morrison, which is huge in helping both teachers and students feel supported. While students are in ALE, she holds them accountable for both their work and conduct, while also creating a safe space with consistent routines and procedures for students to successfully reflect on their behavior and make positive steps forward. This is extra difficult to do when her student body changes daily, but Ms. Morrison has built community within her room. We are lucky to have Ms. Morrison at Rox Mid!