Building Teachers & Support Staff Members of the Year

During the last week of school, Dr. Hough & Dr. Harrison delivered the news to the winners of Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year at each of our buildings. These wonderful educators were nominated and voted for by their peers.

Support Staff of the Year

• HHS: Jenny Whitehead

  • Jenny is dedicated to her students. She makes connections with some of our school's toughest students with ease and is always willing to find new strategies to help our students in the special education program. She is funny, kind, and willing to meet kids where they’re at always.

  • Jenny Whitehead has impacted generations of students by becoming a safe place for them in the community. She has cared for and loved these students. She has dedicated her professional life to Holden School district and it shows in the face of every single student she has had the chance to work with. Mrs. Whitehead's legacy at Holden is one of caring, flexibility, and genuine love for each student that walks through our doors.

  • If I am ever struggling with a student, I know that I can bounce ideas off Jenny and she will give great feedback.

  • The students and staff love Jenny. Holden will not be the same without her. Happy Retirement!

    
     

• HMS: Nancy McConville

  • We always joke that Nancy runs the school, but truly she is the one keeping our ship afloat. She is often cleaning up the messes of others (both literally and figuratively) but you won't catch her complaining about it.  She is a treasure.

  • Nancy is one of the most efficient people I know.  I cannot tell you how many times I have stood at her counter and just said, "I have a problem and I need you to help me figure out how to do this thing" and she does.  When it comes to planning, logistics, and efficiency, she can't be beat.

  • You'll never hear Nancy worked up or out of sorts.  She is as even-keel as they come. No matter how many students are standing in her space, how many phones are ringing, or how many teachers are waiting for her to help them, she interacts with each person with grace and kindness. 

  • She is the knower of all things and even gives great advice about life. Students and staff alike just enjoy being around her and talking with her. She listens intently and makes you feel like the most important person in the room.

    
     

• HES: Jana Siemer

  • Jana is kind, caring, and hard working. She steps up before being told or asked, helps everyone, fights for what is right, and provides essentials and extras to students.

  • Jana is just a friendly fellow staff member!  She is vital to our school, both kids and staff.  She helps us all and is always available for us.

  • Jana is very knowledgeable on student illnesses and how staff can help those kiddos. She is also helpful when it comes to preventing illness spread with ideas and strategies!

  • Jana is always willing to help with anything! She has multiple kids she has to do feedings or special medications with and she is always there to help them!

Teacher of the Year

• HHS: Miranda Langston

  • Miranda is always positive, always there to do what's best for students, always sharing positive classroom procedures and activities with other teachers.

  • When students like going to learn about math, you know you've done something right.

  • Miranda Langston had the best professional development session of the entire year, where she gave other teachers instructional strategies that they could take and implement in their own classroom, that truly could be used across the curriculum.

  • Miranda is a very positive role model for students and conducts herself with dignity and class. She's a great teacher and a great colleague.

• HMS: Eimile Lewis

  • Eimile is a great teacher who builds excellent relationships with her students. The students are always excited to be a part of the band.

  • Eimile does a lot for her school community. If the student council wants the band to play at an assembly, she makes it happen. The drumline does a great job of bringing the energy to every state send-off.

  • If a student has a concern about something, Eimile always makes the time to listen to them and help them. I always hear good things about the band after they perform at a community event. People are always impressed with how well the band plays.

  • Eimile told me once that when she reads, she likes to learn how to make herself better at her job. The band sees consistent growth every year because she makes it a fun learning environment.

    
     

• HES: Emily Ringen

  • Emily's commitment to students frequently goes outside of her department and she is always available to educate staff about special education processes, criteria, and general information.

  • Emily Ringen is a leader in our school. She exhibits professionalism at keeping situations private.

  • For years, Emily has put in countless hours to organize our Special Olympics Track Meet, down to the smallest detail. Our district receives compliment upon compliment from individuals associated with other schools and organizations.

  • Emily is very knowledgeable and patient when explaining her area of expertise. She is frequently stopped in the hall for an update about testing.