
The following employees were selected for the May 2018 Excellence Award recognition. They were honored at the May 22 school board meeting. Pictured from left to right are:
- Calvin Winz, paraeducator, Anderson Elementary
- Juan Mendoza, teacher, Harney Elementary
- Rachael Honsinger, teacher, Ogden Elementary
- Jami Phelps, teacher mentor, human resources
- Tami Ammerman, mental health specialist, Fir Grove/Vista
The Excellence Award is given to five employees and/or small teams from October to May each school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
Special education teachers—both novices and veterans—have a powerful ally in Jami. She provides individualized and comprehensive support, from observations to one-on-one guidance in designing lessons, assessing students, planning and analyzing data. Her work has even received attention from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Said one of her mentees, “Jami has helped me tremendously throughout my first year teaching special education. … She truly is amazing and has had a significant impact on my life.”
Congratulations to these staff members! They join the many VPS employees who have received Excellence Awards since 2007.