June 2023 Nebo PEAK Award Winners

Submitted by lana.hiskey on
June 2023 Nebo PEAK Award Winners and Nominators
Florencia Padlock, Adult Education, Landmark High, Nominated by: Alesha LeMmon
Claudia Jensen, Teacher, Westside Elementary, Nominated by: Graciela Bartholomew
Sheree Storrer, Computer Technician, Park Elementary, Nominated by: Natalie Taylor & LesLee Hunt
Michelle Gast, Instructional Coach, Brockbank & East Meadows Elementaries, Nominated by: Amberly Kariuki
Korie Duncan, Services Manager, Transportation, Nominated by: Jill Strong
Kevin Walker, Social Worker, Spanish Fork High, Nominated by: Bart Thompson, Matt Christensen, Jade Andersen, Seth Spainhower, Monica Carter, Leslie Swenson, Shannon Hales

THE PEAK AWARD CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM
Nebo School District wants to showcase our Positive Energy and Kind employees. PEAK Awards are nominated by patrons and recognized by the Superintendent Staff and Nebo School Board of Education. The award is administered by the Communications and Community Relations Department. 

Florencia Padlock, Adult Education, Landmark High
Nominated by: Alesha LeMmon

“Florencia has worked in the district for many years and in many capacities. One of the most noted jobs that she has had is working with migrant families and those who are in need of English language learning. She has taught Latinos in Action (LIA) and assisted English Language Learners (ELL) for many years. 

“Last year, Flo took on the responsibility of running the Nebo Adult Education program and has taken a struggling program to new heights, especially with her ESL class. She is an encouraging influence to all students who enter her door. Many of these students have encountered educational struggles. She speaks with them in an encouraging and caring way as they work together to earn an Adult Education Diploma, GED, and gain English fluency. Flo has taken on additional responsibilities to organize and grow the program, continue her own learning by taking courses offered through the Utah State Board of Education, and improve community relationships in order to provide meaningful services to all of our students.”
    
Claudia Jensen, Teacher, Westside Elementary
Nominated by: Graciela Bartholomew

“Mrs. Jensen is an outstanding teacher. She gives hours and hours to the profession. Mrs. Jensen is sunshine to the students she serves. I know she devotes many hours of preparation to deliver the best content and best practices to her students. She is fluent in English and Spanish which makes her a valuable asset to her students and parents. Claudia spends many hours preparing her classes. She has charisma and enthusiasm for her students. Thank you, Mrs. Jensen, for being the best at what you do in both English and Spanish. We see you, and we value you!”

Sheree Storrer, Computer Technician, Park Elementary
Nominated by: Natalie Taylor & LesLee Hunt

“Sheree is such an incredible asset to Park School. She always goes above and beyond what she is required to do. She is always so happy and cheerful and fun to be around. She makes everyone feel like they are her best friend. She even helps teachers set up their rooms at the beginning of the school year. Sheree is a natural at teaching students. The students learn so much in her computer prep class. She does an amazing job as Park School's PR Ambassador. Sheree is so talented that she can do and accomplish anything that is put in her way.” ~Natalie Taylor

“Sheree is always positive with staff and students. She is always willing to put in the extra time to help wherever she can. Her willingness to put in the extra time and effort is a great example. She goes out of her way to cheer up a student or staff member. Sheree has the kindest heart.” ~LesLee Hunt

Michelle Gast, Instructional Coach, Brockbank & East Meadows Elementaries
Nominated by: Amberly Kariuki

“Michelle has had such a big impact in implementing the new phonics reading program at our school. She is so knowledgeable about the content and has done everything she possibly can to help us implement it into our classrooms--from mini professional development sessions, to providing resources, to helping each one. Michelle is always so positive and happy about everything she does!”

Korie Duncan, Services Manager, Transportation            
Nominated by: Jill Strong
“Korie is amazing to work with. She deals with a lot of high stress situations, and she is always calm and collected. Korie is so supportive to everyone that she works with and always willing to look for solutions in tricky situations. I appreciate the kindness that she has shown to me as well as to other teachers, technicians, bus drivers, and students. If I ever have a transportation question, she is the first person I call.”

Kevin Walker, Social Worker, Spanish Fork High
Nominated by: Bart Thompson, Matt Christensen, Jade Andersen, Seth Spainhower, Monica Carter, Leslie Swenson, Shannon Hales
“Kevin is willing to go the extra mile for all students. He is very skilled and has the unique ability to connect with all students but especially struggling students. I've personally seen him handle difficult situations in a professional and impactful way.” ~Matt Christensen

“Kevin is an amazing asset to Spanish Fork High School. He is willing to help in any situation that comes up. I have had multiple situations where I have called Kevin, and he dropped what he was doing to come help the student that I was working with. Kevin is known at SFHS. I love watching as he walks down the hall during pass time. Students are giving him hi-fives, and he is stopping to ask them about their day. Students feel comfortable talking with him in very difficult situations. We love Kevin at SFHS.” ~Jade Andersen

“Kevin is a game-changer for our students! He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to our students. He connects with struggling students through his sense of humor and down-to-earth attitude. He is able to make an impact in ways that often others cannot. We are so grateful to have him as a part of our team!” ~Bart Thompson

“Kevin is a complete rock star! He is an invaluable asset to so many people at our school. Kevin is a man for the people--ALL people! Kevin is constantly thinking outside the box and willing to try new things in order to help the people he serves. Very few people have the willingness to go above and beyond their job description simply because it's the right thing to do. He works so hard to connect with kids and gives them tools to be successful in their endeavors!” ~Seth Spainhower

“Kevin is so good at his job. He never gets rattled and is always willing to step in and meet with kids. He deals with the hard things using a level head and an awesome sense of humor. He has helped so many students through trauma and hardship. We are lucky to have him in our district.” ~Shannon Hales
    
“Kevin is truly a ‘culture changer!’ He is such a great resource for all of us. He is great with students and is very knowledgeable. He has helped our school start implementing Panorama, and he always provides good insight and ideas. He is so great at creating relationships with students and fostering positive change in behavior. He is a wonderful asset for us here at SFHS!” ~Leslie Swenson

“Kevin is a fun loving, funny, and positive person. Since starting here last year, he has helped so many of our students with their mental health, and he has brightened our school. He has been able to make connections with many students through laughter and helping them see the positive side of things. He is goofy and fun and can often be seen dressed up as Spiderman or Buddy the Elf. Kevin has a true gift of being able to talk to anyone. He helps students see a different way of thinking and has truly made a difference in our school. Kevin has held a few group sessions that have done great things. Students love Kevin, and he is a great asset for counselors.” ~Monica Carter


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This initiative is designed to focus on "raising the bar" on providing exceptional customer service, both internally and externally. A key component of this initiative is the development of the PEAK Award. The PEAK (Positive Energy and Kindness) Award is presented monthly to someone in the Nebo School District who "really gets it" when it comes to providing exceptional customer service, which in turn results in positive impacts on everyone including students, parents, co-workers and members of the community.

Who Gets Nominated?
Faculty and staff members are nominated by anyone in the community through the Nebo School District website, www.nebo.edu/PEAK wherein a special Customer Service link is provided. The directions as to how to nominate an employee for the PEAK Awards are clearly spelled out on the site. All nominations must include information on how the individual has provided exceptional customer service, as well as how the employee's actions impacted the nominator's overall perception of Nebo School District Schools. The name and contact information of the nominator must be included.

#TheClimb #NeboHero #NeboSchoolDistrict #studentsuccess #empowerstudents #engagestudents #focusonstudents #loveUTpublicschools #utpol #uted #ThankATeacher #LoveTeaching #PEAKAward

Attributions
By Lana Hiskey