Josh Huestis, Senior at CM Russell High School, nominated by Rae Smith, Principal at Sacajawea Elementary School

Josh Huestis, Senior at CM Russell High School, nominated by Rae Smith, Principal at Sacajawea Elementary School. Josh Huestis was the guest reader at Sacajawea Elementary on Friday, January 29, 2010. He read aloud “Tacky the Penguin” to the entire student body of Sacajawea. You could tell Josh took the time to practice the book before coming to read aloud to the students. He has such poise and charisma! He also brought along his favorite book to read when he was a child and explained to the students why it was his favorite book. He took the time to answer questions, sign autographs, and get his picture taken with students. The students and staff of Sacajawea were in awe of him.

Josh has such a presence about him and is a very humble individual. Not only is Josh a basketball star for CMR but also a very high academic achiever. He is taking honors and AP classes at the high school and works very hard on and off the court. He is a great role model for students of all ages and a hero to our young children in this community. I applaud the efforts of Josh Huestis and look forward to the great things that will come from him in the future.

Toni Bender, Scheduling Technician at North Middle School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Toni Bender for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Lori Hungerford, Attendance Secretary at East Middle School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Lori Hungerford for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Donna Keeler, Secretary at Great Falls High School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Donna Keeler for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Dawn Thompson, Office Assistant at CM Russell High School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Dawn Thompson for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Teri Belnap, Administrative Assistant at West Elementary, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Teri Belnap for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Deidre Martinko, Administrative Assistant at Sacajawea Elementary School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Deidre Martinko for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Cathy MacDonald, Administrative Assistant at Riverview Elementary School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Cathy MacDonald for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Linda Donovan, Administrative Assistant at Mountain View Elementary School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Linda Donovan for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Colleen Dabler, Administrative Assistant at Morningside Elementary School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Colleen Dabler for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Debbie Bibb, Administrative Assistant at Longfellow Elementary School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Debbie Bibb for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Donna Thunstrom, Administrative Assistant at Loy Elementary School, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director and Tammy Morse, Federal Programs Technician. I would like to recognize Donna Thunstrom for diligently collecting and processing the Federal Cards that generate Impact Aid dollars for the district. Your attention to detail made this a much more timely and successful process this year. You have helped bring funding to the district, which benefits all students.

Rich Conrad, Custodian at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Rich Conrad for stepping up as the temporary engineer with the placement of services at Skyline Center. Within one day the building went from an abandoned, unkempt building to a sparkling entry. Rich completed anything and all that was required with a smile on his face and the question, “Is there anything else I can do?” His work ethic and pleasant manner were very much appreciated by all staff that interacted with him as much was done in a very short period of time. Rich had the building ready to go for our kiddos!

Jerry Horton, Supervisor for Buildings & Grounds at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Jerry Horton for overseeing the reopening of Skyline so that preschool children can experience a positive start to their education. Jerry and Tim rearranged schedules and made suggestions to assure the best use of the space available and that it was completed in a very timely manner. They made certain that a high standard was set and had a quality area prepared for our preschoolers.

Tim Schneibel, Assistant Supervisor for Buildings & Grounds at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Tim Schneibel for overseeing the reopening of Skyline so that preschool children can experience a positive start to their education. Jerry and Tim rearranged schedules and made suggestions to assure the best use of the space available and that it was completed in a very timely manner. They made certain that a high standard was set and had a quality area prepared for our preschoolers.

Dave Houtz, Supervisor for Special Services at the District Office, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Dave Houtz for examining the current bus routes and finding a way to bus preschoolers from Longfellow and Whittier to Skyline Center. Dave’s willingness to meet the needs of our students’ and families, whether it is preschoolers or homeless children, is greatly appreciated. He understands the importance of every child having access to quality education.

John Thares, Teamster Foreman at the Warehouse, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize John Thares for finding unused items and delivering them to the Skyline Center with a smile. Their willingness to help find useful items at Little Russell and expedite the delivery to Skyline enabled the preschool to open on time.

Barney Hayes, Teamster at the Warehouse, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Barney Hayes for finding unused items and delivering them to the Skyline Center with a smile. Their willingness to help find useful items at Little Russell and expedite the delivery to Skyline enabled the preschool to open on time.

John Hasner, Teamster at the Warehouse, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize John Hasner for finding unused items and delivering them to the Skyline Center with a smile. Their willingness to help find useful items at Little Russell and expedite the delivery to Skyline enabled the preschool to open on time.

Jennifer Spellman, Supervisor of Food Services, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Jennifer Spellman for adding the preschool at the Early Learning Family Center located in Skyline to the school lunch program. Jennifer supported families by supplying staff to help fill out the proper paperwork and worked with Helena to establish Skyline as a site to serve food. The preschool lunch program has been up and running since the first day due to Jennifer’s effort.

Ed Varner, Supervisor for Music at the District Office, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Ed Varner for examining existing schedules and finding a way to provide quality music instruction to the preschoolers. Once a week the preschoolers will be enhancing expressive language through music instruction with a music teacher.

Gary DeGooyer, Supervisor of Athletics/Health Enhancement at the District Office, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Gary DeGooyer for requesting any appropriate equipment not presently being used be sent for use by the preschoolers. Every day preschool children are developing gross motor skills with balls and scooters thanks to Gary.

Bob Odermann, Executive Director for Business at the District Office, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Bob Odermann for finding the time to patiently meet with all of the community agencies and arrange the use of space at the Great Falls Early Family Learning Center which is located in the Skyline building.

Andy Bubnash, Electrician Foreman at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Andy Bubnash for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Terry Litostansky, Electrician at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Terry Litostansky for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Terry Schott, Painter Foreman at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Terry Schott for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Joe Jaraczeski, Painter at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Joe Jaraczeski for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Mark Robinson, Carpenter at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Mark Robinson for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Dan Wiltrout, Carpenter at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Dan Wiltrout for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Rich Lawson, Carpenter at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Rich Lawson for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Bob Nelson, Plumber at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Bob Nelson for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Jeff Sabo, Plumber Foreman at Lowell, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Jeff Sabo for creating a positive, bright, clean, safe space for the preschoolers of this community. Schedules had to be rearranged and timelines were short but every one of these Great Falls Public Schools’ employees had a smile as they helped transform Skyline back to a child friendly center.

Jeff Patterson, Director of Information Technology at the District Office, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Jeff Patterson for establishing phone lines and computer ports to allow the Skyline building to get back on line. The willingness to provide what was needed to open the preschool for children was evident every step of the way. Your understanding that we do everything for the kids was greatly appreciated.

Dan Sibert, Technology Architect at the District Office, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Dan Sibert for establishing phone lines and computer ports to allow the Skyline building to get back on line. The willingness to provide what was needed to open the preschool for children was evident every step of the way. Your understanding that we do everything for the kids was greatly appreciated.

Cindy Gordon, Human Resources Executive Assistant, nominated by Sally Mathers, Literacy and Federal Programs Director. I would like to recognize Cindy Gordon for always being ready to do whatever needs done in a calm, professional manner with a smile on her face. She presents the district in a positive light and never tires of the details of recruiting and hiring staff. She has been a terrific person to work with as the district has hired the staff for the preschool in the Great Falls Early Learning Center in the Skyline building.

Steve Komac, Health Enhancement Teacher/Head Wrestling Coach, nominated by Ray Lyons 1^st Engineer at Great Falls High School. Steve is truly a pleasure to work with for myself and all of the custodial crew at GFHS. He is always professional and courteous in our dealings. He goes above and beyond normal requirements in letting me know on times and need for all wrestling events well ahead of time.

After the recent wrestling event at GFHS Old Gym on Jan 30^th he had all the athletes help pick up trash, stack tables and folding chairs after the event finished and before they went down to shower. We really appreciate that and it certainly shows his pride in our school. I believe actions and leadership like this instills the same in his wrestlers. In my opinion, he is certainly a great asset to the GFHS Family.

Sherri Clark, Attendance Secretary, Patti Gillespie, Attendance Aide & Brenda Hafliger, Teacher Aide at Great Falls High School, nominated by Fred Anderson, Principal at Great Falls High School. We had to replace our two Attendance Aides this year due to a retirement and the other went on to become a teacher. Therefore, Sherri Clark started the year with a new crew in one of our busiest offices in the school.

I recently received a phone call from a parent concerning her son who attends GFHS. She conveyed to me that the professionalism and kindness that the Attendance Office ladies always give is exceptional. In this busy world, sometimes customer service is left behind but these ladies do a great job and we truly appreciate all that they do.

Carnahan Towing, nominated by Dave Houtz, Supervisor of Special Services at the District Offices. I would like to recognize Carnahan Towing for their willingness to jump right in and help with traffic control and care and concern for students and drivers. They witnessed the chain of events and remained for assistance all through the situation.

The Prospector Restaurant, nominated by Dave Houtz, Supervisor of Special Services at the District Offices. I would like to recognize The Prospector Restaurant with a Good Apple Award. On February 16^th we had a multiple bus accident scene at the corner of the Old Havre Highway and Smelter Ave. Although no students were seriously injured, it was cold outside and the surface conditions were treacherous at best. The Prospector allowed all 19 students to safely and warmly, wait inside of their establishment for about 1 ½ hrs. while law enforcement finished the investigation. This was a real blessing in that the students were safely gathered; it also allowed EMT’s to check them for injuries, all in one place.

Elaine Vogler, Special Education Teacher at East Middle School, nominated by an EMS Student’s Grandparent. At the beginning of the year I had asked Mrs. Vogler for her assistance in obtaining a book that my granddaughter asked for as a Christmas gift. SS does not ask much of us, so if she does ask for something Grandma tries very hard to help her receive it. SS is not a demanding child and she is certainly not presumptuous in any way, shape or form. I told Mrs. V I would rather support the school system and buy the book from school than go get one from a department store. Very close to Christmas Mrs. V advised me she actually bought the gift for her. Imagine my surprise and amazement when I was handed three volumes from the series to be able to wrap for my granddaughter’s big gift! Mrs. V did not have to do that, but she did so out of the kindness of her heart and because she loves to support reading for her students.

I wish there was some way I or our family could financially support or otherwise recognize you for your daily gifts in our school. All I can really say is, “Thank you so very much for your tremendous help and efforts. You are all quite incredible.” What a gift you all are and you have no idea.

Lori Hungerford, Attendance Secretary at East Middle School, nominated by an EMS Student’s Grandparent. Lori Hungerford has been grandma’s eyes, ears and legs on a daily basis to help ensure my granddaughter is able to navigate to so many places she needs to go. There was a time grandma could be at her side to walk her into school and out of school for medical appointments, etc. But grandma must use a cane which grandma does not like; it makes her feel and look vulnerable (and yes with a cane in hand one cannot deny one has a disability, illness, infirmity). Thank goodness Lori is constantly and consistently posted like a lighthouse every day to offer stability for us! I am certain she does so for all the students, aren’t we all so lucky. Lori also does her daily routines with a smile. I recently was with her and I was in tears because this health condition is literally kicking my behind. However, Lori was smiling and laughing and doing everything possible to cajole me into happiness. She’s like a lighthouse, beaming and beaming.

James Frahm, Health Enhancement Teacher at East Middle School, nominated by an EMS Student’s Grandparent. My granddaughter requested to join volleyball, but we were nervous and hesitant because it is a rather strenuous, aggressive game and we did not want her to get hurt. If we had not allowed and supported her to join we all would have missed out so much. Coach Frahm has been exceptional coaching her and her teammates. She and our family have grown in so many ways from this experience. An intense amount of social isolation can exist in a family with a child having various needs and concerns. Coach Frahm has given her, her teammates and our families a tremendous amount of fun by watching and being a part of his exciting and exhilarating coaching. He has been wonderful to meet the needs of the girls on the team, often meeting at 6:30 a.m. to accommodate the girls other school, family, and outside requirements. His dedication to the team and willingness to be flexible with them has been outstanding. Whether a student does successfully complete a volleyball move or serve is not the issue; the coach naturally encourages participation and effort. His terrific example has a very successful influence on his team. All the girls on his team have learned from his example how to positively reinforce other teammates to try. You and even the girls have no idea how amazing it is to see her be a part of this great team. The team players often assist her to become the best player she can be. All high five each other whether or not they successfully execute a game move, win or loss! Our team learned this wonderful sportsmanship from the positive and expert coaching of Coach Frahm!