Dec. 1, 2023 -- The theme across the CH-UH School District this year is Believe. In that spirit, each month CH-UH is recognizing employees who go above and beyond to inspire one another to "believe" and create a culture of excellence in our district.

For November, 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--and the nominees were then voted upon by a staff committee.

The honorees will be recognized at the Board of Education regular meeting on Tuesday, December 19.

BOE/Bus Depot/Millikin: Vanessa Bantum
Vanessa has a long record of being a dedicated, hard worker on behalf of the district, students, and fellow staff members. She is known for giving the people around her the very best. Vanessa has a talent that I will call a human GPS. She has the outstanding ability to drive a school bus, and simultaneously help other drivers navigate the city turn by turn.

Boulevard: Christina Nordlund
Christina is an outstanding school psychologist! She is professional, highly intelligent, filled with true wisdom and understanding, and genuinely warm hearted and caring. She's open and honest to all students and staff and welcomes all who seek her assistance. Her ETRs are detailed, thorough, and extremely well written. The students love her and are always excited to see her. Our staff looks up to Christina as a professional and friend.

Canterbury: Marilyn Doss
Marilyn is our nurse paraprofessional. She is dedicated to making sure our students are healthy and comforted. She is so kind and caring and her care goes above and beyond Band-Aids. If she notices a student who seems down or distressed about something, she is there to discuss things with them and be sure they leave her office feeling more comfortable about their situation. Canterbury is lucky to have her!

Delisle/TVA/IT: Guy Bradshaw
Mr. Bradshaw is a dedicated member of our high school automotive technology program. He plays a crucial part in creating a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere. Mr. Bradshaw's fairness and consistency in assisting the class contribute to the overall success of the program. He takes the time to connect with each student on a personal level, fostering a sense of community within the class. Mr. Bradshaw actively supports students in their academic pursuits, providing guidance and a supportive presence.

Fairfax: The Paraprofessionals of Fairfax
As a group, they are not honored enough for all of the hard work they put in everyday. We have an amazing team.

Cynthia Foster, Lanny Bishop, Alecia Vickers, Dj Battle, Larissa Mckinney, Elliot Hill, Jada James, Keiarra Nelson, Patrice Perry, Ricquel Martin, Destiny Curtis, Aleacer Tripp, Deborah Howse, Kevin Davis, Lauretta Brown, Barbara Heard, Erika Davis, Natalie Harris, Minnie Spoon, Barbara Champion

Gearity: Amanda Blazetic
Blaze is such a dedicated advocate and amazing teacher. She is always willing and able to lend a helping hand to other students who are not part of her caseload. She treats all students like they are her own! Blaze has such patience and compassion for her students who have special needs. She truly has a heart of gold!

Heights High: Samantha Greene
Greene always goes above and beyond for her students and her co-workers to help in any way that she can!

Monticello: Mikia Searcy
Ms. Searcy has gone above & beyond to support Monticello's efforts in partnering with families. She has been a nimble leader in supporting the school's National Network of Partnership Schools. And most recently, she took on helping to re-build the PTA! It is worth noting she does it all with a warm enthusiasm. Thank YOU Mikia!

Noble: Jazmine Monroe
Jazmine is a true gem at Noble! I have been lucky to work with her for several years. She is compassionate about growing our first grade scholars, collaborates and shares her knowledge of the science of reading with our team, creates engaging lessons, and inspires me each day! Jazmine is also our tech coach and has brightened up Noble by leading the Sunshine Committee. Noble is so lucky to have her.

Oxford: Edie Fiala
Mrs. Fiala is an amazing support for our staff, students and families. She helps families to gain access to much needed resources. Mrs. Fiala comes to work each day focused on students' needs. She has worked closely with staff to provide students with the supports they need to access their education. Mrs. Fiala shares resources with staff and comforts students on a daily basis.  

Rox El: Debbie Hirsch
Debbie took the most recent unit in Wonders and made terrific connections to her IB unit. Having learned about monuments in ELA, Debbie expanded that reading to research involving the Cultural Gardens of Cleveland. The students then wrote persuasive essays to encourage other people to visit their chosen garden. Families reported that the students were so excited, they actually visited MLK Blvd to explore! Thanks, Mrs. Hirsch, for connecting the learning and engaging the students beyond your four walls!

Rox Mid: Ryan Williams
Ryan is an excellent team leader. He is organized and thorough presenting information to the teachers on our team. He is also a fantastic teacher. His lessons are creative and interesting for students. I often will help students with their math work during our RIA period so I can see first hand that the work is challenging and creative for students.

Read about our previous honorees here.