The Queen Creek Unified School District recently recognized the September students and employees of the month at Desert Mountain Elementary and Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary schools.
Students of the month for September are:
Liam Baker, Desert Mountain Elementary. Liam is an excellent student and a hard worker. He is very curious and is excited to learn. His behavior and work habits set a good example for other students. Liam is kind and respectful. He gets along well with his classmates and is known throughout the school for his friendliness and positive vibe.
Rigden Anderson, Desert Mountain Elementary. Rigden is an outstanding student and demonstrates everything PBIS expects of a student. He comes in ready to work, helps others when in need and always gives his best effort. He follows the rules in and out of the classroom. He displays all three -character traits: kindness, responsibility, and is always kind. He is positive and encouraging to his peers. Rigden comes to school with a smile.
Ariel Muro, Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary. Ariel is an exemplary model of kindness, respect and integrity. She eagerly helps classmates and her teachers. She is considerate and thoughtful. Ariel demonstrates respect daily through participating in class discussions and activities. She listens, follows directions and works diligently to be successful on assignments. Ariel is not only wonderful in class, she is a great friend on the playground and in the cafeteria. She cleans up after herself, she helps to make our campus beautiful, and she takes pride in herself as a Pickett Mustang. Ariel seeks out opportunities for leadership and demonstrates leadership skills by encouraging others and being a great example of kindness, respect and integrity, said Mrs. Jobe.
Kori Minor, Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary. Some kids have nervous apprehension when they first arrive for kindergarten, but what can I say about Kori other than she burst through the door smiling and has never looked back. Now in her second year, I'm not sure there is any student in the school that loves coming to school everyday more than Kori does. I never see her not happy or not smiling and whether it is in PE, around the hallways, in line or after school heading home, she is always waving to me brightening my day. Kori is a very dedicated friend to her classmates and is always willing to help them. If someone is crying she is the first one to check on them. She is so eager to learn and excited to be part of new things everyday at school. Every class could use a student like Kori in it, because she brings out the best in her classmates and her teachers just by being herself, which she may not realize is so unique, but the rest of us can see it in her actions and truly appreciate her as a friend and student, said Brian Webster.
Employees of the month for September are:
Sara Toombs, nominated by Desert Mountain Elementary. Miss Toombs is a resource teacher at DME.This is her fourth year in this position. Miss Toombs shows kindness by going above and beyond to engage with her students. She has them set goals, share their highs/lows and takes the time to listen to them. Miss Toombs sees roughly 40 students per day. She has clear expectations for her students and reinforces those throughout the class time. When you walk into Miss Toombs' classroom, there is evidence of mutual respect. She allows students to be frustrated and encourages them to articulate their feelings. Miss Toombs has had to have some difficult conversations with parents and teachers regarding what is best for students These conversations take integrity on the part of Miss Toombs. She supports conversations with data that aligns with what is best for students. She communicates often with families and has created a class website so all the families of students who are on her resource caseload can stay informed and have access to the resources needed to help their students. Miss Toombs has made a big impact in the short time she has been at DME. This impact is positive and is visible through student growth, achievement and the relationships she builds with her students.
Dena Strand, nominated by Desert Mountain Elementary. Mrs. Strand is an instructional assistant at DME. Her primary job is in the reading lab where she pulls small groups of students throughout the day under the guidance of the reading specialist. But that’s all Mrs. Stranddoes! She does playground duty and after-school crosswalk, helps support the office and will pitch in to help wherever she sees the need without being asked. Mrs. Strand always has a smile and engages positively with students and colleagues. Mrs. Strand makes a positive impact on the culture of DME by being a person we can depend on and who genuinely cares about the students and staff.
Brittany Chatterson, nominated by Desert Mountain Elementary. Mrs. Chatterson is the DME PTO president and so much more. She is always focused on what is best for students when considering fundraising ideas and community events. She communicates well with administration and teachers which gives everyone a voice in the PTO. Mrs. Chatters work with local businesses to build partnerships such as hosting spirit nights, volunteering time and donating items.
Kruze Mingus, nominated by Desert Mountain Elementary. Mr. Mingus is the district director of transportation. He has worked tirelessly to implement the bus tag system so that students can scan when they get on/off the bus. This helps support student safety. The bus routes are more timely this year. Many of the bus drivers are returning drivers from last year, which helps transportation run smoothly. Mr. Mingus partners with administration on bus discipline issues. He communicates quickly and deals with incidents efficiently.
Jennifer Waddington, nominated by Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary. Jennifer Waddington is an outstanding team player who embodies kindness, honesty and unparalleled support. She is the kind of person who always has a smile and a helping hand, making everyone feel like they belong and that their contributions matter. She was one of the first people to come to a new team member who was hired on at the last minute this school year. Jennifer rallied her team to help support new team members, ensuring that she had everything she needed to be successful. When it came to her students, Mrs. Waddington goes above and beyond to create an inclusive learning environment in which all students not only learn but thrive. Her commitment to our school team's success unwavering and her willingness to step in anywhere that is needed is invaluable.
Helen Little, nominated by Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary. Helen is a trusted resource, a guiding light, and a true friend to all who seek her help. Whether it’s assisting with projects, organizing celebrations for student success, or simply lending an empathetic ear, Helen’s generosity knows no bounds. What makes Helen’s commitment exceptional is her willingness to go the extra mile for anyone in need. She embodies the spirit of giving back, exemplifying the values of community, kindness and selflessness.
Cindy Walker, nominated by Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary. Cindy Walker is our beloved “Copy Grandma.” Even though her own children have long graduated from the school, she continues her unwavering commitment to supporting teachers. Her kindness knows no bounds, and her dedication to assisting in any way possible is truly exceptional. Cindy's heartwarming presence continues to make a significant impact on the school community. Her willingness to lend a hand, whether it’s making copies, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being a friendly face in the work room, reflects her genuine passion for helping educators succeed.
Drew Ramirez, nominated by Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary. Drew Ramirez’s kindness and willingness to help in any way exemplifies the essence of exceptional service. His swift responsiveness to the needs of the school community, paired with his dedication to go above and beyond, sets him apart as a true asset. Whether it’s addressing urgent maintenance issues or proactively identifying areas for improvement, his commitment to keeping our school environment safe and conducive to learning is remarkable.His consistent dedication and efforts make him a valued member of our team.
