News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 6 - May 2, 2006
Jaci McDaniel, Hawthorne Elementary
DSA Award Recipient — Support Personnel
You've heard the cliché, but in the case of Jaci McDaniel, it's so true... one person can make a difference. Three years ago Jaci became a grants coordinator at Hawthorne Elementary where she oversees the schools' state and federal grant-funded programs. Reporting mandates alone could bury a grants coordinator in paperwork, but Jaci is a systems wizard. At Hawthorne she surveyed the landscape and dug in, improving procedures for scheduling, communication, testing and planning. Jaci's work in developing staff capacity for leadership and implementing effective protocol to discuss student progress have had a monumental impact on the school. Jaci's focus on quality service inspires all who work with her. Her acumen for details is matched by her clear vision of the big picture. Whether speaking before the Board or volunteering for lunch duty, one precise goal pervades Jaci's every task - improving student achievement For 30 years Jaci McDaniel has dedicated herself to giving children, especially those with special needs, the best possible educational opportunities. Her service is truly distinguished. Congratulations.
Ruth A. Reinl, Lapham Elementary
DSA Award Recipient — Support Personnel
What started as one teacher's efforts to meet the needs of two Spanish-speaking students, has turned into a state model for Early Childhood Special Education for English Language Learners. As an undergraduate student Ruth Reinl was immersed in the Spanish language and cultural in Spain and Peru. Her skills as a communicator and interpreter were increasingly called into play as students and families struggled with special needs. They wanted to understand. Ruth stepped up to the plate to help. Ruth Reinl has an unending passion for teaching as well as learning. She immersed herself in best practices for bi-lingual education. Research, training and collaboration guide her practice, along with a profound commitment to children. She reaches them through understanding and pulls them in with an infectious sense of humor. Ruth generously shares her inspired work with the early childhood community far and wide. Her family playgroups at neighborhood centers have been an incredible source of much-needed support to families dealing with language barriers while caring for their special needs children. As a result of her concern for two students, Ruth Reinl has opened doors to learning for a rapidly-growing population of children at a most critical developmental stage. Congratulations.
Mary Mitchell, Educational Services
DSA Award Recipient — Clerical/Technical Personnel
Mary Mitchell is an exceptional individual. For seventeen years she has been the nucleus of a very large, very busy department. As secretary to the Executive Director of Educational Services she displays a stellar combination of energy, patience, expertise and kindness. In the course of a typical day you may find Mary negotiating meeting space for 300 people, answering questions involving confidential student records, troubleshooting a colleague's software problems, reading literature on Special Education legislation or formatting last minute changes to a major report to the Board. Any one of her responsibilities would stress out the average person, but Mary Mitchell is anything but average. In one minute she may display a quiet and gracious demeanor under pressure then the next she'll shine with warmth and humor when relating to co-workers. An active member of the social committee, Mary oversees details for celebrations with the same flourish and competence she displays in attending to the critical work of the Executive Director. While Mary has amazing skill and dedication, her positive attitude is her most pervasive attribute. It's communicated in her every interaction. Every task, situation and person is made better thanks to Mary Mitchell. Congratulations.
Darlene Vizthum, East High School
DSA Award Recipient — Clerical/Technical Personnel
Every year students rush to her with last minute college and scholarship applications. Somehow this calm and collected guidance office secretary makes sure every last 'T' is crossed and 'I' dotted, so that students have the best possible chance of achieving their dreams. Darlene Vizthum has been the nerve center of the highly regarded and incredibly harried guidance office at East High since 1968. Always on the forefront of change, she's gone from attending in-services on the workings of the mimeograph machine to helping other staff learn the newest data management software. Throughout her tenure, Darlene has kept her department in tip-top shape. Today she assists seven guidance counselors in their critical and often confidential work. From transcripts to transfers, she's a walking handbook when it comes to school and Board policies. For many years Darlene organized the East High Honors Night, a cherished school tradition. In the course of her work she has gotten to know and care for thousands of students, staff and their families. When retirees and alumni stop by to say hello, she's there with a hug. Darlene personifies East Side Pride. She a gift to her school and the District. Congratulations.
Sandra L. Gunderson, Mendota Elementary
DSA Award Recipient - Administrators
Some obstacles in education seem insurmountable, but Sandra Gunderson, principal of Mendota Elementary, has managed to scale mountains when it comes to school improvement. In the past nine years, Mendota Elementary has realized a significant rise in standardized test scores, staff morale and school-community climate. Under Sandy Gunderson's leadership staff, students and parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their school. Her enthusiasm for education is personal. A lifelong learner, Sandy's "plan, do, check and act" strategy provides a day-to-day model for progress. The Mendota steering committee and action teams are focused on getting results. Recognized as a leader in her profession, Sandy shares her experience local, state and national levels. Sandy harbors great conviction, a great sense of humor and a kind heart. Throughout her 30 years in the Madison Schools, as a teacher, program specialist and now a principal, Sandy's primary concern has always been with children and their learning. Sandy would tell you "it's all about the kids." It is this single-purpose that keeps her going and makes her a very deserving honoree. Congratulations.
Mary Ramberg, Teaching & Learning
DSA Award Recipient - Administrators
Work hard. Think big. Reach high and make great things happen. This is the recipe for Mary Ramberg's inspired leadership. As Director of Teaching and Learning for the Madison School's for the past eight years, Mary has led the way for system-wide improvements that have kept our schools among the best in the nation. In her early days as Principal of Cherokee Middle School she firmly paved the road to school-wide improvement. She tackled everything. She tracked-down building repairs, instituted discipline and behavior norms, instilled professionalism and confidence in staff and conveyed high expectations to parents and community. As Director of Teaching and Learning, Mary uses her vast intellect and never-ending zeal to get everyone around her focused on one thing: student learning. She generously gives others the tools and support they need to become leaders. She has turned the School Board's goals for student achievement into reality by zeroing in on what works - supporting ideas, securing resources and steadfastly monitoring progress. Education is Mary's passion; for herself, her colleagues, and especially for children. Congratulations.
Pat Chamberlain, Allis Elementary
DSA Award Recipient — Educational Assistant
Keeping track of your child's immunizations is not always easy. Imagine maintaining records for a whole school full of children. Add to it, the difficulty of record-keeping for children who arrive to Madison from around the world. At Frank Allis Elementary nursing assistant Pat Chamberlain has the task well in-hand, caring for students and their health records as if they were each her own. At Allis, students are reminded of the importance of their health with post-it notes for med times, follow-up phone calls to home, fanny packs to take inhalers on field trips, and treasure boxes for newly lost baby teeth. Just a few examples of Pat's attention to detail in the care and concern for students' well-being. Parent volunteers are greeted with coffee and treats and made to feel valued when helping with vision and hearing testing. Her circle of caring extends far outside the nurse's office. Pat and her husband make their home in the Allis neighborhood. She pitches in throughout the school, orienting new families, hosting staff social events and cleaning the staff room refrigerator even when it's NOT her turn. Every Allis and Nuestro Mundo family is part of her family. Parents are grateful for the kind and competent caregiver in Pat Chamberlain. Congratulations.
Karen McGuire, Lincoln Elementary
DSA Award Recipient — Educational Assistants
"Nurse Karen" as the kids at Lincoln call her, uses her skill, intelligence and compassion to keep kids healthy and learning. Nursing assistant Karen McGuire has an amazing ability to organize her hefty workload to maximize the amount of one-to-one attention she can provide to each student. Her unique incentive program helps children learn to take charge of their health care needs. Whether responding to a child's allergic reaction or scrape on the knee, no student leaves her office without knowing they are cared for. Diabetes, asthma, allergies... due to critical student health concerns, Karen has become an important resource in the lives of many Lincoln students and their families. Always the consummate professional, she maintains her knowledge of health issues in order to educate and calm children and parent's worries. She does whatever it takes; providing extra clothing, putting in time at health check clinics, learning Spanish, offering assistance in navigating the health care system. For more than twenty-two years Karen McQuire's expertise and warm heart have provided care and comfort to a generation of Madison's families. Lincoln staff, students and their families join us in recognizing her important work. Congratulations.
Kirk Danhouser, Lincoln Elementary
DSA Award Recipient — Custodial/Building Services
A master of his trade, a strategic planner and a caring, gentle soul describe the unique combination of traits of Lincoln Elementary custodian Kirk Danhouser. Kirk has put his shine on everything at Lincoln. Upon first arriving at the school, Kirk put a plan for building improvement into action. He cleaned the aging ventilation system, trimmed landscaping and considerably brightened up the place, while staff watched in awe. A request for assistance is always met with a listening ear. He's a problem-solver. His professional rapport and communication skills have paid off greatly for students and staff at Lincoln as he collaborates with District tradespeople to get the job done. His work is so thorough and efficient that Lincoln's endless stream of community and after-school events come off without a hitch. At the beginning of the day Kirk displays his signature smile and can-do attitude. It's never unusual to see a thank-you gift of baked goods in his mailbox. Kirk's talents and abilities, cooperative spirit and personal integrity are appreciated and recognized by his Lincoln family with this recognition award. Congratulations.
Thomas K. Johnson, MSCR
DSA Award Recipient — Custodial/Building Services
Though times are tough and budgets tight, Tom Johnson makes it work, with quality, efficiency and a very high rate of customer satisfaction. He is the maintenance carpenter for Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR). Imagine the wear and tear on facilities and equipment that results from the thousands of students and citizens enjoying a dizzying array of after-school and recreational programs offered at over 50 sites. Classes don't stop when equipment fails, because Tom Johnson is there in a flash, with creative and cost-effective solutions. Tom Johnson is an excellent planner and scheduler, tackling a never-ending list of work orders with grace and lightspeed. Not just an expert with a power saw, Tom is a model of dedication and teamwork. He builds communication bridges, serving on the MSCR Equity team, serving as an MSCR ambassador to school staff and communicating with Building Services always in the best interest of the whole organization. Emergencies and interruptions are taken in stride. Tom's fundamentally positive attitude is what makes him a vital and valued team member and fitting recipient of this award. Congratulations.
Greg Pond, East High
DSA Award Recipient — Custodial/Building Services
A custodian's job is difficult. Budget cuts have made a lonely job a whole lot lonelier. But Greg Pond is an Eastsider at heart. His job as an East High School custodian, offers him a daily opportunity to give back to his community. And he does it very well. Teachers at East marvel at the special attention their rooms are given when Greg Pond is on the job. They appreciate the person they recognize as a colleague when it comes to caring about the learning environment of students and working environment of staff. Removing gum, fixing blinds, even saving discarded pencils to be recycled are the kind of details that contribute to the quality of school life for all who pass through the doors daily at East High. Principaled and consistent, staff at East can rarely recall an unkind word from Greg, even when complaints would be justified. He's considerate of staff working late into the evening. He knows all the teachers, anticipates their needs and habits and makes their days better. Greg is a third generation MMSD employee, an East High graduate and his children also attended the school. His affinity for his second home and pride in his work is obvious. We are pleased to recognize him with this Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations.
David W. Michaelis, East High School
DSA Award Recipient — High School Teachers
Being called "the best teacher I ever had" by a former student is one of the finest moments a teacher can experience. East High math teacher David Michaelis has earned this distinction, time and time again. This veteran teacher, as Math department chair, carefully scrutinized efforts to reform curricula, always asking, Is this what's best for learners?" In his 35 years in the Madison Schools David Michaelis has been motivated by one thing: doing right by his students. The East High math team took seriously the District's goal for all students to pass algebra. David's strong work ethic, personal integrity and diplomacy made it possible for team members to work through some very difficult questions. He advocated and succeeded in establishing shared planning time for teachers when they said it couldn't be done. As department chair, Dave could have selected the most coveted teaching assignments for himself. Instead, he stayed where he felt he was most needed, with beginning and struggling math students. He wrote an Aristos grant to obtain calculators for students who couldn't afford them. Dave's love of the field of mathematics has always kept his head in the game, never missing an opportunity to improve his own learning. Dave Michaelis is a highly respected elder statesman in the East community and a most deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations.
Tina Krouth, Whitehorse Middle School
DSA Award Recipient — Middle School Teachers
In a school setting, knowing something about computers can be a dangerous thing. Everyone wants your help. But for Kristine Krouth, a little knowledge just isn't enough. She was once a special education teacher, but her interest and aptitude for technology, combined with her generous spirit have transformed her into an instructional technology leader. With a willingness to pitch in and delve into the unknown, Tina has become an unmatched resource in her Whitehorse middle school community and throughout the District. Years ago, when many educators were at a loss for how to infuse technology into already crowded curricula, Tina fearlessly embraced the challenge, learning by doing and educating herself on best practices. In her lab, students are equipped for a rigorous exploration of the world of computers. Outside class, Tina designed and maintains the school's webpage, collaborates with staff, advises on software and hardware and plays a critical role on the School Improvement Planning team. Naturally, distinctive abilities such as hers are quickly recognized. District-wide she has taught classes, helped frame the District's technology plan, and evaluates new products. Respected not only for her knowledge, Tina has an incomparable way with people. Her inquisitive, thoughtful and cheerful demeanor turns tense and fear-filled situations into opportunities for enlightenment. We extend our gratitude to Whitehorse teacher, Tina Krouth. Congratulations
Ray LaPoint, Jefferson Middle School
DSA Award Recipient — Middle School Teachers
Ladies and Gentleman, he's entertained and educated a generation of middle school students with innovative history lessons and legendary stories of world travels... your Master of Ceremonies for the Jefferson Follies for more than twenty-years. You know him, you love him, say hello to Mr. Ray LaPoint. Fellow teachers admire his ability to adapt his motivating and content rich social studies units to connect with all learners. The Women's Panel, a unit on women in history, is one example of his boundless creativity. Beyond the classroom walls and the school day Ray's enthusiasm for engaging students in their learning takes him into caves, up cliffs and to the Iditarod. When helping students produce the 8th grade graduation slide show, Ray is involved in learning alongside his students, always helping them reach the next level. Ray's influence on the Jefferson community is felt everywhere. Parents and especially students will realize his legacy long past their middle school years. Jefferson school will feel Ray's presence long after he retires. A master of ceremonies and master teacher. Congratulations.
Terry Millar, UW Mathematics Department
DSA Award Recipient — Citizen-Districtwide
Dr. Terry Millar's contribution to the Madison Schools defies superlatives. His work goes far beyond his role as a Professor of Mathematics at the UW. He has been a driving force for improved science and mathematics education in our schools. Dr. Millar approached the District with an idea to infuse current UW research into Madison's public schools. Five years later, thousands of dollars in grant awards, and UW graduate students working directly with middle school students are just snapshots of his ability to think big and put his vision into action. Terry's work has created expansive opportunities for teacher professional development. Not content to simply initiate and step away, Terry remains deeply committed to assessing progress and making on-going improvements. An outgrowth of Terry's work, the Math Masters project, introduces Middle School teachers to new and sometimes challenging approaches to teaching and thinking about math in a supportive and collaborative environment. The genuine warmth and respect Terry displays for other education professionals contributes immensely to the program's momentum. His open give and take relationship with staff has helped mold the MMSD/UW partnership into a National Science Foundation teaching model and has given new credence to the term "University Outreach." He's a great thinker, do-er and generous citizen of the education community. Thank you and congratulations.
Virginia Hanson, Falk Elementary School
DSA Award Recipient — Elementary Teachers
At the end of each school year, each one of Ginny Hanson's students is presented with a special portfolio of their work. When they re-open those portfolios years from now they will remember the many ways in which this very fine teacher taught them to reach high and do their best. At any given time, Mrs. Hanson may be orchestrating five or more classroom groups designed to address the specific learning needs of her students. Her enthusiasm for learning is clear when her room is transformed for cross-curricular studies such as geology and architecture. Parents and other staff are drawn into her world. Ginny's contributions don't stop at her classroom door. She led the reorganization of the Falk Book Room. She creates hallway bulletin boards, serves on her school planning team and helps with Saturday Soccer. For her colleagues, Ginny Hanson has been both a teacher and collaborator in science study, environmental education, equity and establishing school behavior norms. Her students will forever take with them Mrs. Hanson's "knee-slappers" and her lunchtime conversation. The Madison schools are forever indebted to her for 31 years of dedication to our children. Congratulations.
Therese Kolan, Allis Elementary/Gateways
DSA Award Recipient — Elementary Teachers
When the staff of Frank Allis Elementary was feeling like a team headed for defeat, it was time to call in a coach. Therese Kolan is a coach of the literacy kind. During her thirty years in the District Therese has been a teacher in the classroom, Reading Recovery and special education. Now as a "Gateways to Literacy" coach she leads a team of teaching coaches who work with classroom teachers to perfect a balanced literacy model of education that improves student achievement in reading and writing. As a literacy coach at Allis Elementary she brought together a group of weary educators and transformed them into a confident and powerful teaching team. Therese patiently listened to what staff had to say and helped them identify and agree upon essential student outcomes. She observed classes and illuminated strategies to improve teaching. As a result student achievement dramatically improved and the staff was invigorated. With her support, empathy and infectious love of learning Therese Kolan moved this Professional Learning Community toward shared vision, cooperation and pride. And for that, we extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations.
Last Updated: Fri Sep 7 03:02:58 2007
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