2018-19
Dennis Smith Network Administrator, ITM — I Care, I Collaborate
"After the tornadoes devastated the Dayton/Beavercreek area, Dennis organized a drive to collect cases of bottled water. He reached out to Education Center and Iowa Street employees to support our northern neighbors. In CPS fashion, the response was great! Donations included water, cleaning supplies and monetary support. Dennis also collaborated with Matthew 25 Ministries to ensure the donation reaches the families impacted in the Dayton/Beavercreek area. His efforts are a prime example of the I Care & I Collaborate Core Values. When we come together as a community, we can do great and mighty things."
—Shouted Out by Rolonda Smith, Employee Experience Manager, Talent Development
Yvette Smith, David Rineair, Angela Fisher, Tyvonna Rice, Purchasing & Accounting — I Collaborate
“Thank you for all the hard work you provided, responding to the endless emails, and expediting your services at a moments notice during my first Clark Montessori intersession. Without you our students would not have what was needed for several local, domestic, and international travel experiences. 'Teamwork makes the Dream work' You are the best!"
—Shouted Out by Angela Murrell-Axle, Intermediate Accounting Technician, Clark Montessori
Stephanie Woods, Human Resources Coordinator, Central Office — I Care, I Commit to Success
"Stephanie has helped me in the past two years with some very significant changes in my benefits. She never says that anything is impossible and shows she cares by being very specific about what you need to do and how to do it. She shows commitment to success by making sure to follow up with you and completing things in the time specified. She is a lifesaver!"
—Shouted Out by Robin Thierauf, Montessori Teacher, Dater Montessori
Susanne Haggerty, Administrative Research Assistant, Testing — I Care, I Continuously Improve, I Commit to Success
"During testing I had several students that could not submit their tests due to some Apple issues. Susanne was so calm on the phone. She showed me that she really cared about that student. She took my information but informed me that she was sure that the tests would be forced to submit at the end of the day. She showed a commitment to success by asking me to call her the next day and we followed up together to make sure that the student's tests had submitted. What a wonderful helper in a stressful situation!"
—Shouted Out by Robin Thierauf, Montessori Teacher, Dater Montessori
Reuben Edwards, Building Engineer, Central Office — I Care
"Reuben has shown so much care in helping me acclimate to my new office, including schlepping in and setting up my new desk, and sprucing up my office furniture. I appreciate him and how much he cares for even the newbies like me!"
—Shouted Out by Sarah Brody, Director of Talent Development
David Rineair, Buyer, Purchasing — I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, and I Commit to Success
"I want to personally thank David Rineair, who took time from his busy schedule to help me with several Amazon orders for Dr. Carrie Bunger. Dr. Bunger ordered over $7000 worth of books for students to use in the 19/20 school year and the order was hung up with Amazon and on the verge of being cancelled out. Because the deadline to resubmit the order had already passed, I reached out to David in purchasing who did not hesitate to jump in and use his expertise to problem solve getting these books through the system for the students before the year end accounting was completed. I know this work wasn’t a part of his normal responsibilities, but his assistance was invaluable in helping me get everything that was ordered for Dr. Bunger processed and shipped. His expertise and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated during this stressful time of year for all departments! Dr. Bunger and I truly appreciate his efforts and want to shout him out for demonstrating ALL the “I am CPS Core Values: I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, and I Commit to Success. Thank you for your dedication David!"
—Shouted Out by Shatauna Harris, Lead Secretary, Talent Development
Coy "Jack" Helton, Custodian, Central Office — I Care, I Commit to Success
"Jack always greets me with a smile. Recently, my flash drive that holds multiple presentations fell behind my work station. I could not reach it and I needed it for a morning presentation. I advised Jack of the situation and he jumped into action — he immediately got down on the floor, crawled under the work station, used the flashlight on his cell phone and pulled the flash drive out. This was above and beyond the call of duty. I appreciate Jack going the extra mile and coming to my rescue."
—Shouted Out by Rolonda Smith, Employee Experience Manager, Talent Development
Reuben Edwards, Steve Smith, Todd Hoffman, Ken Peddenpohl, Jerry Miller, Ron Smith and Jerry Roberts, Foreman, Facilities — I Care, I Commit to Success
"A pipe leaked in the Employee Care Center causing several tile in the ceiling to collapse. Reuben put out the 911, bat call and several district Facility trucks arrived on the scene. By the time I arrived they had assessed the roof, determined the cause and was working on a solution to replace the pipe and to repair the damage. I'm sure this team had a set plan / agenda for the day but they dropped everything to come and assist. That's a prime example of the I Care & I Commit To Success Core Values. Facilities Crew - thank you for being so responsive during an emergency. The next time I see those CPS Facilities Branch Trucks on site, I will know it's go time."
—Shouted Out by Rolonda Smith, Employee Experience Manager, Talent Development
Karen Cummings, Human Resources Technician, Employee Care Center — I Care, I Commit to Success
"Karen opens the Employee Care Center at 7:30 a.m. She arrived this morning to find the ceiling had collapsed due to a pipe leaking. Karen immediately responded by contacting Reuben Edwards, Building Engineer and myself. Her quick actions prevented the damage from being much worse. Karen, thank you for living out the I Care & I Commit To Success Core Values."
—Shouted Out by Rolonda Smith, Employee Experience Manager, Talent Development
Julia Indalecio, Staffing & Recruitment Manager, Human Resources — I Collaborate, I Commit to Success
"During a recent New Employee Onboarding Session one of our newest colleagues asked if she can have a quick conversation with a HR Representative. I followed up by reaching out to Julia via email and asked if she was available to join us for a one-on-one conversation. Toward the end of day I was thrilled to look up and see Julia coming through the door. This personal attention made all the difference in the world for one of newest employees. I'm sure Julia's plate is full right now as she's in the midst of a busy hiring season. However, she still made the time to showcase the I Care & I Commit To Success Core Values. Thanks for holding up the I Am CPS Banner!"
—Shouted Out by Rolonda Smith, Employee Experience Manager, Talent Development
Rosemary Jane, Technology Trainer, ITM — I Commit to Success
"Rosemary always goes above and beyond by ensuring that teachers are aware of new technology that is available to them. She makes time to attend Principal Staff meetings upon request and participates in several of the Blended Learning Academy activities."
—Shouted Out by Ashley Baggett, Blended Learning Coordinator, ITM
Julie Sellers, President, CFT/CFOP — I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, I Commit to Success
"I don't know anyone who works harder for the teachers and students of CPS. Julie is constantly working to improve teaching and learning conditions for all teachers and students. She is also fighting to make sure the district has the money that it needs so that our students have the resources that they need to be successful. She is also working to make sure that teachers and administrators can retire with the dignity that they deserve."
—Shouted Out by Julia Wiant, Teacher, Western Hills
Dustin Schleibaum, IT Systems Engineer, ITM — I Commit to Success
"Dustin goes over and beyond to ensure that our infrastructure — in particular the services that support our Apple devices — ensuring that those devices are updated, safe and working for all students across the district. Whether it is rebuilding servers over the weekend to ensure they are ready for use on Monday or pushing out a needed application, Dustin is the guy!"
—Shouted Out by Wes Hargrave, My Tomorrow Senior Tech Supervisor, ITM
Cheryl McBee, Intervention Specialist, Department of Student Services — I Collaborate
"I would like to give a shout out to Cheryl McBee for her quick efforts and clever thinking during this years Alternate Assessment season. Quirky testing scenarios are no match for Ms. McBee! As the Department of Student Services Home Instruction Coordinator, she swiftly coordinated instructors to ensure that our students participated in the assessments. Her networking capabilities, knowledge of district staff and skills at thinking on her feet particularly helped me out with a case where she orchestrated a team (teacher, parent, instructor and interpreter) to find an assessor in less than two days for a newly identified student. This allowed us to remain compliant, showed the parent that we cared about their student and the results of the assessment will give valuable information to the entire team. Thanks, Ms. McBee, I don't know what we'd do without you!"
—Shouted Out by Bridget McComas, Manager, Department of Student Services
Patricia Miller, Teacher (Modern World History), Withrow University High School — I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, I Commit to Success
"I am a new teacher and Ms. Miller is always willing to help! She is great to her students, and has control over her classroom. She has been going to school to get her masters all while working diligently with her students. She stays late a lot. I am sad to hear she is changing schools because she is the perfect example of what I'd like to be as a teacher!"
—Shouted Out by Stephanie Finley, Long-term sub, Student Services
Angela Jones, Senior Support Specialist, Customer Care Center — I Care, I Commit to Success
"Angela Jones is my go-to person in the district. She has a wealth of information. If she can't answer my question, which is seldom the case, she will find the answer and get back to me quickly. Angela is always friendly and upbeat. She returns my phone calls and emails."
—Shouted Out by Nancy Patterson, Support Specialist, Sands Montessori
Amy Myer, Intervention Specialist, Dater Montessori — I Care, I Collaborate, I Commit to Success
"Ann has been working diligently to provide behavioral supports for her students utilizing different teachers to "check in" with the students. She has communicated improvements, collaborated with past teachers to find motivational rewards and enjoy the successes the students have shared. She has also taken the lead role in our garden at school. We are going to get a green house!!!"
—Shouted Out by Robin Thierauf, Teacher, Dater Montessori
The AP Language & Composition Department, Teachers, Walnut Hills — I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve
"I have a student at Walnut Hills and was invited to participate in a 'Community Reads' program. This is a program that allowed students in AP Language and Composition class to invite another adult to read a book with them and then, break into smaller groups and have a community book discussion. The students were able to choose from several books and created discussion questions prior to our community read. I have never seen such a lovely group of different people at Walnut Hills. All there for a chance to read and share with the community. It was AMAZING! Diversity was shining through and the event was a fun way to build discussion skills with the students."
—Shouted Out by Robin Thierauf, Teacher, Dater Montessori
Terry Davis, Grant Writer, Curriculum — I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, I Commit to Success
"Terry Davis helped me when I was challenged to complete a grant project with a short timeline and complex requirements. Terry cleared her calendar to collaborate on multiple revisions of the grant narrative. She was committed to assisting schools in culture improvements. Thank you Terry for being a role model for me in our I AM CPS Core Values!"
—Shouted Out by Carrie Bunger, Positive School Culture & Safety Manager, Talent Development
April Thompson, Teacher-ELA Curriculum Council Chair, Roll Hill School — I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve
"April has really been striving to give as much information about the new English/Language Arts (ELA) adoption as she can. She wants to make sure we all make an informed decision and that we share what we have learned. She also has been including, 'Make it, take its' into our meetings, so we aren’t just sitting there. We are sharing, building and learning from each other. She is just wonderful!"
—Shouted Out by Robin Thierauf, Teacher, Dater Montessori School
Donna Jenkins, Support Specialist, Customer Care Center — I Care, I Collaborate, I Commit To Success
"Ms. Jenkins goes above and beyond to help our families find solutions to problems. She has always worked with our school to ensure that all sides were on the same page and to clear up any miscommunication. Because of her dedication and commitment to our district, we have been able to improve our relationships with families especially when there has been a complaint made. When you stop by, she is always smiling and welcoming as you enter the customer care center. Ms. Jenkins, the Hartwell family wants to say thank you for all you do!!!"
—Shouted Out by Antwan Lewis, Principal, Hartwell Elementary
Leslie Bryant & Jeneen West, Director & Assistant Director of Customer Care — I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, I Commit To Success
"Both of these young ladies have shown nothing but love to our office staff as well as the community that we serve. During the extensive illness of my late husband, they have supported me above and beyond the call of duty. I have now a great need for both of their support and once again they have both stepped up to give me much love and support. I come to work no matter how bad or sad I feel because I am in an office that is truly a family. They teach, uplift, look at ways to make our work environment better, never micro manage, help to make us all look good and make us all feel important. I thank God for them every day. They are my guardian angels and I love them both. CPS is lucky to have them both!"
—Shouted Out by Donna Jenkins, Support Specialist, Customer Care Center
Candy Rozier, Intervention Specialist, Sayler Park — I Care, I Collaborate, I Continuously Improve, I Commit To Success
"Candy demonstrates I AM CPS core values because she has a strength-based approach to working with students, families, and staff. She is a leader and wants to encourage everyone around her to do their best. Candy is willing to think outside of the box. She accepts challenges and shares ideas with others. It is a blessing to work with her!"
—Shouted Out by Marija Dunatov, School Psychologist, Sayler Park
Todd Brown, Carpenter, Facilities — I Collaborate, I Commit To Success
"Whenever he is doing any kind of small project around the school district, he goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is satisfied in his work and that all aspects of the job are complete before leaving the area."
—Shouted Out by Adam, Carpenter, Facilities
Margo Thomas, United Mail Representative, Treasurer’s Office — I Care, I Collaborate
"Margo is always on the move and is sure to get things where they need to go in a timely manner. But what makes Margo outstanding is her commitment to always wearing a smile, saying hello and making others feel good. Margo is always busy but never too busy to say hello. She is constantly building positive relationships with people from all walks of life throughout CPS. Her smile and attitude can make an impression on everyone that she comes in contact with. I don't get to see Margo very often but her positivity and friendliness has certainly made a lasting impression. Her helpful and good-natured demeanor is model for CPS employees."
—Shouted Out by Candice Patterson, Technician, Information Technology Management (ITM)
Damon Bernath, Electrician, Facilities — I Care
"I needed electric wiring added to a room I was converting from storage to an office. Damon responded to the call and, as I was showing him the room, he noticed that I had been laying carpet squares in the room to make it nicer. Being the day or two before school started, I was stressed about many things, most of which I was afraid I may not have time to complete. I met Damon in the office after he had finished his work. He casually added this to the end of our conversation: 'Oh, I went ahead and finished that carpeting for you.' This gesture, this effort, this act of caring almost brought me to tears. Damon took a load off my shoulders when I needed it most. He constantly serves with integrity, expertise, and caring for his work and the people who benefit from it."
—Shouted Out by Stephen Sippel, Principal, Dater High School
Renay Huff, Senior Support Specialist II, Grants Department — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Renay exhibits all the characteristics of the I AM CPS core values in her work every day. She helps co-workers with Accounts Payable issues (invoices and receiving), with Encumbrance issues (helps clean up outstanding encumbrances, not just for the Grants department) and with Contract Management (making sure that everything is in place within the contract module for co-workers). Renay goes above and beyond every day because if she knows "how to do," you will, too, after talking with her!"
—Shouted Out by Cheryl Whittaker, Accountant, Treasurer's Office
Renay Huff, Senior Support Specialist II, Grants Department — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Renay demonstrates all of the core values. She gives 100 percent effort to every task she encounters. She assists her co-workers and staff throughout the district. She continues to gain knowledge concerning grants, budgets and accounting. Renay is a great asset to our team!"
—Shouted Out by Karen West-Steele, Accountant, Treasurer's Office
Maria Terry, Intervention Specialist, Gamble Montessori High School — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Maria came to Gamble only a few years ago, yet she has made a tremendous impact in the lives of the students and families with whom she interacts. The parents with whom she works know and trust her values, training and recommendations in assisting their children to reach their goals, which she sets high. She collaborates smoothly with her team members, as well as the entire staff, and approaches challenges with a smile. Maria is always interested in advanced knowledge and training in order to continue her education and further improve her skill set. She has served as an energetic and responsible role model for the students, staff and parents within our community."
—Shouted Out by Patricia Moore, School Psychologist, Gamble Montessori High School
Diane Roland, English 12 Teacher, Withrow University High School — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Diane Roland is the consummate English teacher who has been teaching here at Withrow High School for over 30 years! Many can attest to her being always at the ready with an inspiring lesson in English Literature every day, without fail. Ms. Roland takes her students to see Shakespearean plays each year, and she has reached out to the Shakespearean community to bring those actors into her classroom to assist students in preparing a play to present each year. Ms. Roland imparts wisdom on her students by bringing world events into the classroom in such a way as to engage them in discourse that remains with them for life. They not only read about, or witness these atrocities of life via video, but they create a collage inspired by the works of Romare Bearden that enlighten them of their world around them. Ms. Roland talks the talk and walks the walk. Her students come out of the English class prepared, whether they are students with special needs or have the skillset of a college-credit plus mentality; she reaches and pushes them to be better. All who know her love her. Many students come back year after year to share their life stories with her and introduce their children to her, and in these times, that's a rarity. She's one to be admired and respected. I'm so honored to know her and to work with her."
—Shouted Out by Darryl Wright, Intervention Specialist, Withrow University High School
Sue Lipp, Senior Support Specialist, Covedale School — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Mrs. Sue is a true leader of Covedale. She works with all staff to ensure they receive information pertaining to their role at work. Additionally, she is the person who assists new staff in a loving, welcoming and supportive manner. She gives them information about computer log ins, badge log ins, where to park, who to call, where to go, all of which is overwhelming when new to the district. In addition, she handles staff attendance and payroll with the upmost of accuracy. She is on the ball at obtaining coverage for teachers when we are aware of their need to miss work. Mrs. Sue works with families to ensure proper communication between all stakeholders at school."
—Shouted Out by Michele Kipp, Principal, Covedale School
Erin Vogt, Intervention Specialist, Riverview East Academy — I Care; I Collaborate; I Commit to Success
"Erin brings a light into the lives of both the students and staff she works with at Riverview East Academy. She is always willing to listen and support those around her. It is very evident how much the kids look up to and adore her! In addition, she continues to demonstrate the ability to implement effective intervention strategies and supports for all students, whether or not they are eligible for Special Education Services."
—Shouted Out by Kelly Grothouse, School Psychologist, Riverview East Academy
Tammi Wells, Senior Support Specialist, Dater High School — I Care; I Commit to Success
"Tammi is very professional. She values everyone's time and effort. She will problem solve any situation that may arise. She gives each staff a 100 percent of her attention. She exemplifies fairness across the building."
—Shouted Out by Demetran Jones, 7th grade Teacher, Dater High School
Ashley Ogletree Baggett, Blended Learning Coordinator, Information and Technology Managment Department (ITM) — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"I Care — Ashley Baggett helps lead a girl-empowerment group at Ethel M. Taylor Academy. Next year, she is going to be in charge of what will now be called the "Pearls for Girls" program. Ashley even replaced the phone for one of our girls who had a phone stolen. She is such a tremendous role model for the girls, and she arranged for a bunch of professional women to come talk to the girls with inspiring stories of their successes! I Collaborate — Ashley worked closely with all the teachers in her Blended Leaning cohort to help them implement Blended Learning startegy. I Commit to Success/I Continously Improve — The Blended Learning cohort that Ashley started this year provided amazing opportunities for teachers to learn, grow and improve. It was an awesome program!"
—Shouted Out by Carolyn Powers, 5th-6th grade Science Teacher, Ethel M.Taylor Academy
Janet Fine, Senior Accounting Technician, Walnut Hills High School — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Janet cares about each detail of her job and about the well-being of the school, community and students. She has a difficult job due to the scope of Walnut Hills high School (WHHS). With roughly 3,000 students, Janet collected $797,000 this school year and processed over 8,670 transactions. She always has her finger on the pulse of the WHHS Student Activity finances. She keeps meticulous records for the 34 Advanced Ed classes offered at WHHS, more Advanced Ed classes than any other school in the U.S. She collected money or waivers from 993 students who took over 2,500 exams this year. Just because WHHS is over twice the size of other CPS high schools, that fact doesn't allow her any assistance with her treasury duties. She shows her care and concern by going over and above. She follows up multiple times until she has the results the school needs for student activities. She will not stop until she resolves any discrepancies. If a student has a hardship, she has been known to help them out financially, emotionally, and even had a graduated student move in with her for a short time when the student was down and out. Janet is very compassionate. Janet collaborates every day with her co-workers. She is often found showing a peer how to manipulate Excel to make a job run more smoothly. Working smart comes easy to Janet and efficiency is her game. She is quick to lend a hand or solve a problem when she sees a fellow employee in need. She also serves on the Budget Commission and is on the CFOP union's Executive Committee. Janet is always seeking to improve her skills. She has taken classes outside CPS in applications such as Access. She also takes classes within the CPS system on topics such as google forms. She sharpens her Excel skills by teaching herself. Janet commits to success by not settling for anything but her best. She strives for excellence at every turn, no matter the obstacles. Janet sets her standards high and helps others to learn better ways to succeed as well. She is a winner! We are very fortunate to have her in our school system."
—Shouted Out by Joan Kuethe, Lead Secretary, Walnut Hills High School
Pamela Williams, Transportation Operations Supervisor, Pupil Transportation — I Care; I Collaborate; I Continuously Improve; I Commit to Success
"Pupil Transportation is so happy and grateful to have Pamela Williams - not only as our Supervisor, but as a caring and supportive member of our staff. She is the perfect example of the I AM CPS core values. Her professionalism, attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills make her a huge asset to the Pupil Transportation Department. She is honest and respectful when speaking with our parents and CPS' bus vendors, as well as with her Pupil Transportion staff. And, it should be noted that she accomplishes all this and more while not only serving as our Supervisor, but also taking on additional duties and responsibilities in the absence of a Director for the department. THANK YOU, PAM. We so appreciate all you do."
—Shouted Out by Sue Scott, Support Specialist, Pupil Transportation
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