Four employees were selected for the March 2014 recognition. They were honored at the March 25 school board meeting. Pictured left to right are:
• Cindy Dosier, learning support teacher, Franklin Elementary School
• Steffanie Broyles, secondary literacy specialist, Gaiser Middle School
• Laurie Johnson, cafeteria assistant, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics
• Jim Goss, district resource officer, Hudson’s Bay High School

The Excellence Award is given to two to four employees each month during the school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.

Cindy Dosier is a master at decreasing behavior problems while increasing self-confidence for Franklin’s learning support students, who often have experienced little academic success. With her guidance, students are able to achieve things that they never imagined they could. Many make such large gains that they exit special education services within a few years. When they do, Cindy makes them feel extra special by holding a graduation party. Cindy also works to increase her already-deep knowledge of teaching strategies, curriculum and positive behavior supports. Franklin students, their parents and the school staff are grateful to have her in their midst.
Steffanie Broyles has been an integral cog in the Gaiser machine for the past 13 years. Recently, the secondary literacy specialist has taken on increased leadership responsibilities, including facilitating state and district testing, coordinating building data and providing professional development. She also has led the school’s Response to Intervention team, using her knowledge of data and best practices to provide students with meaningful interventions. Steffanie often works long nights and weekends to ensure that the staff makes smart, student-focused decisions. Her colleagues say she’s a shining light at Gaiser. No doubt Steffanie will continue to be a leader wherever she goes.
Laurie Johnson guides Vancouver School of Arts and Academics’ food services with a pinch of pride and a large helping of dignity. This cafeteria assistant organizes her team effectively and focuses on quality. When faced with last-minute scheduling changes or building needs, she always keeps the student experience at the center of her decision-making. On a daily basis, she serves lunch with a cheerful attitude, greets students by name and helps them problem-solve if they’ve forgotten to bring food. Students also enjoy learning about food services from Laurie. With a rare blend of positivity and hard work, she has cooked up a recipe for excellence.
In the words of one Hudson’s Bay student, “he’s one of the good ones.” That nice guy is none other than Jim Goss, a district resource officer who recently sat down with a parent and student whose belongings had been stolen. Said the father, “He treated us with respect and showed us a very caring side to security. My son later came home and I found out that the security office had bought him a lock to keep his stuff safe. That touched me, and I wanted you to know what a compassionate person you have working with our children.”

Congratulations to these staff members! They join the more than 250 VPS employees who have received Excellence Awards since 2007.