Each month, Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) honors local students and staff who have gone above and beyond to be recognized by their peers and colleagues. Read on to see who made the list for September 2024.
Students of the Month
Jack Barnes Elementary
Calvin Hansen: "Calvin has had an amazing start to his school year," according to his teacher. "Calvin has done a great job adjusting and adapting to a new school year and new schedule. Calvin has had to do some hard things and make some changes that pushed him out of his comfort zone, and he handled them amazingly. Calvin always works hard and follows the school wide expectations of being kind, being respectful, and showing integrity. Calvin always tries his hardest on all of his work and takes pride in doing his work neat. Calvin is a joy to have in class."
Riley Ribbe: "Riley is the student of the month because she is an insightful student who thinks deeply and thoughtfully before responding," said her teacher. "She sets a good standard for classmates to follow. Riley has proven to be a courteous and polite classmate. She can always be trusted with tasks assigned to her. Riley is also a great helper, always giving people a hand when she sees they are in need. She has such a big heart. She treats other students with fairness and understanding and has compassion for others. She is an extremely motivated student and is always applying her best effort into all of her classroom assignments. She participates actively in classroom discussions and expresses her ideas clearly. Riley is a valued member of the class."
Gateway Polytechnic Academy
Harper Goddard: "Harper Goddard was chosen as one of our September Students of the Month for the respect, kindness and integrity she shows on a daily basis here at Gateway Polytechnic Academy," according to the school. "Harper's smile and kindness are contagious all throughout GPA. She always has a friendly hello to offer and is willing to help anyone out at any time. Harper is eager to learn, and comes to school each day with a smile on her face. Harper is a friend to all of the students here at Gateway Polytechnic Academy. Overall, Harper is doing a great job at GPA and lives our motto of 'Engineering Tomorrow's Leaders Today.'"
Tali'ilagi Kalama: "Li’i is a wonderful leader and role model at Gateway Polytechnic Academy; she is always demonstrating our three pillars of PBIS: respect, integrity and kindness," according to her teacher. "She is respectful in the hallways to all of her fellow GPA students and models the kind of behavior we like our students to show both in the classroom and throughout the building. Li’i is a leader in her classroom and is willing to jump in and help others with their learning. Over the course of the first quarter she racked up 134 Aviator points for showing her great PBIS characteristics. We are very lucky here at GPA to have Li’i showing the way and helping us 'Engineer Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.'"
Power of One Recognition (Staff of the Month)
Jack Barnes Elementary
Ms. Ladia Cortez: "We are deeply grateful to Ms. Ladia Cortez, one of our special education teachers, for her remarkable dedication and the profound impact she has had on our school," according to school leadership. "Her compassionate approach, unflappable patience, and innovative teaching methods have created an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. She goes above and beyond to tailor her instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that they not only succeed academically but also grow in confidence and independence. Her commitment to our campus as a whole has made a lasting difference in our school community, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our team."
Nicole (Coco) Vasquez: "We are incredibly fortunate to have a special education paraprofessional who exemplifies initiative, leadership, and genuine care for students," according to the school. "Ms. Nicole (Coco) Vasquez takes a proactive approach and has an ability to step up in any situation, making her an invaluable asset to our team. She not only supports our teachers with skill and efficiency but also consistently takes the lead in creating a positive and inclusive environment for our students. Her deep commitment to their well-being and success is evident in everything she does, from the thoughtful way she engages with each student to the extra steps she takes to ensure their individual needs are met. Her leadership and compassion have made a profound impact on our school, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions."
Melissa Miller: "We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our wonderful parent volunteer, Mrs. Melissa Miller, whose friendly demeanor and steadfast dedication have made a significant difference in our school," cites school leadership. "Always greeting everyone with a warm smile, she brightens our days and fosters a positive atmosphere in the school. Her consistent support in making copies and assisting with various tasks ensures that our teachers have what they need to focus on their students. Her reliability and cheerful presence have made her an invaluable part of our school community, and we are truly grateful for all that she does."
Kerry Kester: "We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our district math coach, Kerry Kester, for her exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions to our school," according to school officials. "Her expertise and passion for mathematics have not only strengthened our curriculum but also inspired both teachers and students to embrace a deeper understanding of the subject. Through her innovative strategies, personalized support, and tireless efforts, she has significantly enhanced the quality of math instruction at our school, leading to improved student outcomes and a more confident, empowered teaching staff. Her commitment to fostering a love for learning and her unwavering support have truly made a lasting impact on our school community."
Gateway Polytechnic Academy
Rachel Flores: "Rachel is dedicated to the success of GPA and its students," according to school officials. "You can often see her running from place to place working hard to accomplish all her goals. She is a positive light to everyone she meets and interacts with on a daily basis. Rachel goes above and beyond her job to run committees and spend time with her students. She is always joyful with a smile on her face and she offers her time to help other teachers who need help. We are lucky to have her at GPA."
Brad Williams: "Brad, or 'Mr. Brad,' as he is most commonly known, is an amazing colleague and support for students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities," according to school leadership. "Students listen to Mr. Brad and trust him. He can be counted on to do the right thing with regard to students. He is kind and friendly to all of those he encounters. His larger than life personality embodies the GPA virtues of kindness, integrity, and respect. Mr. Brad shows kindness, integrity, and respect wherever he goes and in all of his interactions."
Teresa Longhurst: "As a dedicated volunteer, Teresa never says no to an opportunity to support GPA," according to school staff. "Her unwavering love for the teachers, students, and staff has helped create a family-oriented atmosphere where everyone feels invited and included. Teresa's selflessness and commitment to fostering a warm, welcoming environment truly embody the spirit of GPA, making her an invaluable member of our community. Her tireless efforts have made GPA a better place for everyone, and she deserves to be recognized for her extraordinary contributions."
Cassie Kennedy: "Cassie is the first face we all see when we walk into the District Office," according to school staff. "There is always a smile and a friendly greeting from her as she directs you to the right place. The level of kindness and the commitment Cassie shows to all who enter the District Office is remarkable when you think about how many interactions she has in one day. Cassie, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to making QCUSD the best in Arizona."
