April 9, 2015
Anoka-Hennepin School District
Educational Service Center
Anoka, Minnesota
Sponsored by the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation
and the Anoka-Hennepin School District to honor
employees who go above and beyond.
Welcome
Marlene Colvin, past chair
Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation
Above & Beyond Awards Overview
Linda Rodgers, parent involvement coordinator
Presentation of Winners
Mary Olson, communication and public relations director
Linda Rodgers, parent involvement coordinator
Closing Remarks
David Law, superintendent
Music
Jackson Middle School Jazz Band
Carter Bartz ★ Katie Brewer ★ Daniel Duerr ★ Erik Fjellman
Ethan Goulson ★ Sydney Heitzman ★ Avery Johnson
Maddie Kajencki ★ Adam Kibitok ★ Tanner Luetjens
Alex Maierhofer ★ Kayla Markuson ★ Erica McCollor
Michael Osonowo ★ Emily Peterson ★ Jack Peterson
Kaitlyn Pottenger ★ Cameron Spinner ★ Zach Tverberg
Michael Park, director
Please join us for hors d’oeuvres following the ceremony.
“
Ultimately, I hope
students realize that
their passion, resilience,
“
It is extremely
important to me
effort and curiosity are
that our students
the cornerstones for not
feel and know that
only the future, but also for
they’re special.
their lives in the now.
”
Jodi Anderson-Wolhaupter
Eighth grade English teacher
Anoka Middle School for the Arts,
Fred Moore campus
“The motto that’s been on the front wall of my classroom ever since I started
teaching is ‘value your voice and your efforts.’ English language arts is not
just about reading and writing; it’s about encouraging students to find their
passions and use language to harness their ideas in empowering ways.”
Anoka Middle School for the Arts (AMSA) Principal Jerri McGonigal said
heroes come in all shapes and sizes. It just happens that one of hers —
eighth grade English teacher Jodi Anderson-Wolhaupter — stands a mere
five feet tall and happens to teach at her school. “I have never met anyone with more enthusiasm and dedication for student success both in the
classroom and out,” McGonigal said of Anderson-Wolhaupter. It’s just one
of the many reasons why she nominated Anderson-Wolhaupter for an
Above & Beyond Award.
In addition to her teaching duties, Anderson-Wolhaupter is a strong proponent of getting students’ work published, encouraging and advocating
them to submit content to magazines like TEEN Inc. and Scholastic Art.
She’s also co-editor of AMSA’s parent e-newsletter, and editor of the
Minnesota Council of Teachers of English newsletter. AndersonWolhaupter is an advisor to the AMSA Builders Club, which works with the
Anoka Area Kiwanis Club on various volunteer and service projects
throughout the year. “My goal is to help students realize and develop the
power of their own ideas and observations about the world around
them,” Anderson-Wolhaupter said.
”
Janet Arkelin
Elementary paraeducator
Lincoln Elementary School
for the Arts
“I care very deeply for the students at Lincoln. It is extremely important to
me that our students feel and know they are special. I want them to
believe that they can do anything in life. Encouragement and support can
change their future, even at age five. Sometimes all they need to hear is
‘I’m proud of you,’ or ‘you can do it.’”
While Janet Arkelin cares about all students at Lincoln Elementary School
for the Arts, it’s with her school’s kindergarteners that she excels in
developing relationships. Sarah Edmundson, the curriculum integration
coordinator at Lincoln, said Arkelin really speaks and connects with
students, smiling with them, joking with them and even celebrating with
them. “The whole kindergarten team adores her because she is so kind
and passionate about her job,” Edmundson said.
As a paraeducator with a degree in art, Arkelin says Lincoln is the perfect
school for her. She’s able to use her artistic skills, which led to her and the
school’s students painting a mural in Lincoln’s lunchroom. Edmundson
said Arkelin is also an impressive team player. She sets a positive
example by constantly using a non-verbal classroom management
technique, helping out when a classroom has an unfilled sub, and assists
in the cafeteria and during recess.
“
Teaching is a very
noble profession
“
Trust and rapport
allow an open
and I am honored to be
environment where
able to enjoy a career in
learning on many
”
levels can thrive.
this great field.
”
Jeanne Carney
Speech pathologist
Steve Czech
Monroe Elementary School
“My goal in meeting with students is to help them improve their
communication skills, enhance their classroom learning and encourage
their self expression and self esteem. When I’m working with children in
this capacity, I often think that there is nothing I would rather be doing.”
It’s people like Monroe Elementary School speech pathologist Jeanne
Carney who prove how important it is to remain focused on students, in
spite of the ever-growing challenges educators face, according to Nathan
Elliot, the instructional coach at the school. From developing strong
relationships with students, to motivating them to work hard, Carney
sets the bar high for her fellow educators. “Her work in our school
represents the epitome of selfless service to students and their families,”
Elliot said.
Elliot says students love working in Carney’s classroom, and parents love
her too. “She empowers families to be involved in their child’s learning in
meaningful ways,” he said. And when students master their goals and are
dismissed from her services, Carney hosts a graduation party for the
students. “It has been incredible to work with my students all of these
years. It has also been so rewarding to hear that I have been able to be a
support to families at difficult times,” Carney said.
Work experience coordinator
Pathways
“After 25 years of teaching, I’ve concluded my most essential skill has
been the ability to establish and nurture relationships. My work through
Anoka-Hennepin schools has provided opportunities to share and
implement ideas, collaborate with colleague and community partners,
and impact the lives of students. It has been meaningful and rewarding.”
When Pathways opened in 2011, it was in large part due to the work of
Steve Czech, who is now the work experience coordinator for the
program. According to Deb Olsen, who is also a work experience coordinator at Pathways, it was Czech who toured similar in-district work
programs around the state and submitted a proposal to the district’s
career and technical education, and special education departments for
approval. “He envisioned a place where students could learn applicable
work skills in a hands-on setting in preparation for their transition to gainful, competitive employment,” Olsen said. “He is an innovative visionary.”
In addition to helping the Pathways program get on its feet, Czech has
also been instrumental in the electronic recycling and manufacturing
areas of the program. He is active in his professional organization, the
Minnesota Association for Career and Technical Education Special Needs
Personnel, having been its president for the past two years, and has also
led the district’s Work Program Advisory Committee for 12 years.
“
My area of
education allows me
to work with an amazing
group of students on
a daily basis.
“
I have a very
strong belief in our
school’s mission.
”
Beau Dickey
Special Education teacher
”
Sara Ferber
Blaine High School
“The most important element that I strive to meet on a daily basis is
inclusion. I want to provide a learning environment where students have
an equal opportunity to be involved in every aspect of the school
community. Over the years I have been blessed to work with amazing
students, parents, teachers and administration.”
To understand the vital role Blaine High School (BHS) Special Education
teacher Beau Dickey plays, one needs to look no further than senior Brock
Shepard. Shepard, who has Down syndrome, has worked with Dickey for the
past four years, his mom, Deb Shepard said. And in those four years,
he’s become more independent, and his self-esteem has blossomed. It
culminated in Shepard being named the school’s homecoming king this past
fall. “We truly believe Beau had a big impact on encouraging Brock to be his
best,” Deb Shepard said. “He knows the power of working as a team.”
Dickey’s greatest strength is getting to know his students and developing
a strong relationship with them and their families. “I strive each year to
develop a lasting relationship with families and students that will go
beyond their days at Blaine High School,” Dickey said. And he is passing
the lessons on to others. Dickey has a group of teaching assistants —
mainstream students who help work with their special education classmates and include them within the school community. “BHS is truly a
special place with a student body and faculty that strives to create an
inclusive environment for everyone to learn within,” he said.
Social worker
Evergreen Park World Cultures Community School
“The Evergreen Park World Cultures Community School mission is ‘To
partner with staff, students, families and others to provide a safe and supportive environment that delivers high quality instruction while nurturing
the social, emotional and physical health of all students,’ I have a very
strong belief in our school’s mission and try to support that mission as the
social worker. I believe that we should help students become successful
learners.”
Sara Ferber, the school social worker at Evergreen Park World Cultures
Community School, cares for students. That was never more evident than
in her hard work of helping 21 Evergreen students, spanning nine
families, who were displaced by an apartment fire Nov. 3, said Tess
DeGeest, director of the Anoka-Hennepin Educational Foundation, and
the person who nominated Ferber. “Sara has truly gone above and
beyond in helping these students and families,” DeGeest said.
While Ferber is there to assist families and students through crisis, she’s
also working behind the scenes making sure they have support all year
long. Ferber runs the school’s food shelf, called “The Den,” and makes
sure it’s stocked with culturally and ethnically diverse foods. She also helps
organize the district’s annual back-to-school backpack event, and works
with local community partners every year to get snowpants and winter
boots for students who don’t have them.
“
“
My number one
concern as a teacher
is the well-being
of my students.
”
I have the opportunity
to brighten someone’s
day with a smile,
a greeting, or just
a listening ear.
”
Robert Gamache
Christine Godzala-Walytka
Fifth grade teacher
School secretary
Lincoln Elementary School
for the Arts
“Education is an ever changing and evolving process, and every year
there is a new initiative or new method, and most importantly, new
students. I strive to reflect the evolution of education in my classroom by
developing methods of instruction that engage and challenge my
students. I am grateful to have such a great team of dedicated educators
to work with every day.”
Simply put, Robert Gamache will go to the moon and back to help students
and staff, especially in the realm of technology at Lincoln Elementary School
for the Arts, where he’s a fifth grade science and social studies teacher.
According to Sarah Edmundson, the curriculum integration coordinator at
Lincoln, and person who nominated him, Gamache arrives early and
commits to a slew of after-school activities and projects. “Rob might joke
that running an extra mile is killer, but he travels that distance every day
when he teaches,” she said.
Gamache is active with Neighborhood Bridges, a theater and literacy
program at Lincoln for students below grade-level in reading, and he directs
the school’s daily news broadcast. In addition, he also produced a program
promoting Lincoln’s schoolwide behavior plan, dubbed Mission Pawsible,
a pun on the school’s lion mascot, and recently began work on a digital
yearbook. In addition to all of that extra work, Gamache is also a fantastic
teacher who connects with students. “My number one concern as a teacher
is the well-being of my students,” he said.
Anoka Middle School for the Arts,
Fred Moore Campus
“I will do anything for kids. That’s why one of the things I’m most proud of
this school year is our new food shelf. It breaks my heart to see families
struggle with their basic needs. On a daily basis, I bring students there to
help meet those needs, which allows them to focus on learning at school.”
Anoka Middle School for the Arts (AMSA) main office secretary Christine
Godzala-Walytka is the engine that allows the Fred Moore Campus to run
so smoothly. Not only does she try to learn the names and stories of every
student and family at the school, but she also beautifies the building
with displays showcasing both school spirit and student achievement,
according to AMSA school counselor Laura Klein, and school social
worker Lynn Schaefer, both of whom nominated Godzala-Walytka.
“She takes immense pride in our school,” they wrote.
And while Godzala-Walytka demonstrates a great deal of concern for all
students, she’s especially invested in the school’s population of students
experiencing homelessness or who are in need. She was instrumental in
organizing the school’s food shelf, “Aunt Amsa’s Attic,” which collects
everything from food and toiletries to winter boots and jackets. GodzalaWalytka has also coordinated food drives, Thanksgiving food basket
giveaways for those in need, and has helped organize AMSA’s parent
involvement night. “To me, I come to work every day thinking of how I can
help add to the great things happening at AMSA.”
“
I’m fortunate to
be able to make an
extra effort to support
our students and
families.
”
Levi Hansen
Technology paraprofessional
“
Children need
to know we care
about them, and are
here for them.
”
Shelly Hedstrom
Compass at Bell Center
Special Education teacher
Champlin-Brooklyn Park Academy
“I love what I do in technology and I am getting quite good at it, but the
big picture really matters to me most of all — the kids. It feels deeply
satisfying to be a positive role model — even temporarily — for these
kids. I get an awesome opportunity to help them.”
“I feel that I have the best job in the world because I work with children.
My goal is to include all children in the mainstream classroom so we can
work together to build a community that learns to care for all, and works
to truly support each other.”
Levi Hansen, or Mr. Levi, as his Compass Program students call him, has a
way with kids, according to the teacher who nominated him, Peter
Engebretson. “He loves to talk to students about music or pop culture,”
Engebretson said. “He goes out of his way to connect with kids.” But as a
technology paraeducator, Hansen is also the person who keeps Compass
moving, fixing computer issues, soliciting donations for new equipment,
and helping teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms.
Shelly Hedstrom, a special education teacher at Champlin-Brooklyn Park
Academy (CBPA), is the kind of teacher who easily develops a rapport
with the students and families she works with. “The student is always the
most important topic,” said CBPA teacher Kelly Oldenburg, who nominated Hedstrom. “She brings out the best in all students and highlights
each student’s strengths.”
What’s more, Hansen is a Jack-of-all-trades — he supervises lunch, does bus
duty and all the while prioritizes students, Engebretson said. “He sees
himself as a caregiver who happens to be a “tech guy,” he said. For Hansen,
the kids are what matters. “I am very proud of the success our school has
had in restoring students to their regular schools and providing a safe place
for them. It feels deeply satisfying to be a positive role model — even
temporarily — for these kids. I get an awesome opportunity to help them.”
Hedtstrom’s care for students extends beyond school, too. She’s attended
games and dance lessons of her students, and helped families in need
work with community programs to secure basic needs. “I care deeply for
all students in the school that I work with,” Hedstrom said. “I try to show
that by genuinely getting to know the students that attend CBPA and
making a connection with them.”
“
“
I try to be
a positive role model
for students.
”
The most important
element of my
teaching is making
connections.
Terry Letendre
Custodian
”
Amy Neuswanger
River Trail Learning Center
“It is my responsibility to provide a clean, safe and healthy working environment for students to learn in. I also develop a positive relationship
with students, and those I have worked with often come back to visit after
they’ve completed the program or have graduated.”
Hard work, fixing a broken light or leaky faucet, or cleaning up a spill is common for custodians like Terry Letendre, who works at the River Trail Learning
Center. But Nanette Jerome, a special education teacher at the school, says
Letendre’s work goes far beyond that. When he’s finished with his regular
duties, he helps the Child Nutrition Program stock their inventory, works
past his normal duty hours, and has even come in on weekends to help out.
“Terry deserves much more than just recognition,” she said.
Letendre also develops positive relationships with the special needs students at River Trail, mentoring them and offering them experience working
in the building, which helps them find jobs when they leave school. “I try to
be a positive role model for students and I encourage students to complete
their education and point out the value of obtaining their diploma,” he said.
First grade teacher
Madison Elementary School
“The first connection I make is to every student at the beginning of each
year. I get to know them and their interests and what will motivate them
to be the best they can be. They know I care about them and they are
the center of everything that happens in the classroom. The academic
connections come next.”
When not in the classroom, Amy Neuswanger’s Madison Elementary
School first grade students and families may see her drop by their baseball or softball games, according to parent Terri Terry. “Students know she
cares about them because of the special relationships she builds,” she
said. And that special relationship helps student achievement, Terry said.
“She molds young children into students and prepares them for their
future learning,” she said.
For Neuswanger, developing relationships is very personal. “I look back
at my school experience, and the teachers who I remember are the ones
who took an interest in what motivated and interested me,” she said.
Understanding that behavior is connected to emotion, Neuswanger says
she spends the first two weeks of the school year getting to know those
things. She also volunteers at school events, like Turkey Bingo, the
Halloween Dance, and others, and supports the school’s parent-teacher
organization. “My Madison family is near and dear to my heart,” she said.
“
I believe all children
can and should
experience success
in a positive learning
environment.
”
• Goes the extra mile or exceeds expectations
in job duties.
• Makes an extra effort to support students’ learning
and well-being.
• Develops positive relationships with students,
families, and/or community.
Rob Scott
First grade teacher
Criteria for Above & Beyond Awards
Andover Elementary School
• Demonstrates care and concern for students.
“I think the key is making students and parents a priority. For this reason,
I spend and lot of time on parent communication sheets, which keeps
families informed and allows me to give tips to parents on how they can
help their children with math and reading. I also think it’s important to
greet students with a smile, take an interest in their life, sing silly songs,
and provide a positive and encouraging environment.”
Rob Scott is not your average elementary school teacher, according to
parents Marvin and Alison Sims. From his weeklong “Super Summer Fun
Learning Camp,” which fills up every year and offers supplemental summer
reading and math lessons, to dressing up from time to time to keep
students engaged, Scott manages to relate and connect with students in
unique ways. “He is the kind of teacher who goes the extra mile for his
students,” the Sims said.
Scott also teaches his first graders valuable life-lessons with a “How to Live
Well,” bulletin board and worksheets that the Sims say their son still recites,
now as a second grader. Scott also supplements his students’ reading by
sending home books every night. The books, though, which he purchased
using a grant, vary in reading-level, so all of his students can develop the
habit of reading. “My mission is to develop in kids a love for learning and
empower them to be proactive and independent learners,” he said.
• Develops new ideas to enhance learning,
solve problems and/or meet district needs.
• Brings together ideas and/or resources and/or
people to overcome difficulties or challenges.
• Inspires others to do and be their best.
• Collaborates with outside resources.
• Works effectively with people of different races,
religions, values, attitudes and customs.
Past Above & Beyond Winners
2014
Dana Berg
Charles LaRue
Julie Bowman
Alysia Nahring
Neil Eerdmans
Lenny Smith, Jr.
Linda Groebner
Linda Trebby
Laura Hendricks
Sue Weidell
Labor Relations and
Benefits Department:
Colleen Sewall
Jackie Nelson
Sheila Peterson
Niki Eisenbraun
Chris Sundeen
Selected photos from 2014. More at https://anokahennepin.shutterfly.com/share/1283.
2013
Juanita MercedesMartinez-Pabon
John Lero
Kelly Weeks
Nicole Hedlund
John Horton
Mischelle Squire
Karrie Schaaf
Nicki Magaard
Muggy Pierfelice
Pam Baker
2012
Patrice Brown
Amy Harnack
Kristin Schommer
Denise Conroy Shablow
Kris Simcoe
Tim Simonson
Mark Sipola
Joyce Spehar
Amy Sundem
Sharon Zulkosky
Past Teacher Outstanding
Performance (TOP) Award Winners
TOP was the forerunner of Above and Beyond
2011
Kelly Andersen
Paul Darda
Shanan Edelheit
Diane Gronewold
Chuck Levine
Jonathan Loo
Terry McEowen
Michael O'Neil
Patty Schoff
Molly Sherer
Julia Stock
Dave Tombers
LaNee Victorsen-Willey
Alison Ward
2010
Ben Dwyer
Jefferson J. Fietek
Ann Hanson-Hobot
John Keran
Bryce Lastine
Sabrina Olson
Leanne Trandem
Diane M. Cleveland
Roger J. Dahl
John H. Edberg
Pat Griffith
Patricia A. Halsey
Beth Heimerl
Laura Kaiser
Carolyn Larsen
Diane M. Lemke
Jeremy Manternach
VanSanten
Kim Wiczek
Wendell Martin
Georgina Schaffer
Julie Schmidt
Mary Shidell
Teri Sutterer
Donald B. Timm
Stephanie Tutt
Jodene A. Vanjoske
Shelly Welker
Emily Widen
2005
Jane Bunio
Sonja Chamberlain
John A. Chasteen
Brett Chesness
Sherilyn Hanson
Renée L. Jaroscak
Heidi M. Johnson
Dr. Linda M. Klohs
Lisa Lawrence
Ann Lindquist
Alysia Nahring
Tracey Wahlquist
2009
Karen Gfroerer
Jonathan Kell
Dominic Krebsbach
2006
Connie Lorange
Erika Nathe
Lori Olson-Ellena
Rick Peterson
Teresa M. Ponessa
Shawnee Rasmussen
Karen Roo
Paul A. Schremp
Adam Thronson
Susan Zemlin
2004
Marc Angell
Debra Baarsch
William Bauer
Scott Birklid
Renee Blue
Debra Cordes
Deb Day
Nancy DuBois
Angela Folch
Jessica Grams
Sandra Gutzwiller
Richard L. Johnson
Paul Kelley
Constance J.
LaTendresse
Susan Nordby
Joseph P. Scheller
Roxanne Stone
Steven Tucker
Amy Vatne Bintliff
Leslie Witucki
2008
Doug Bakkum
Sally Critchley
Lexie Hilmoe
Tara Hoffman
Helen Grant Kernik
Jon David Kohnen
Rita M. Lanners
Shane M. Long
Thomas McKeon
Julie Nave
Elizabeth Nordin
Bruce Olson
Abbey Payeur
Muggy Pierfelice
Julie Rentner
Michael Riha
Scott Schaefer
Barbara Schaust
Carla-Rae Smith
Tina Tamura
2003
Cynthia Abdulla
Roberta Johnson
Marcia Nelson
Karen Stong
Randy Bauer
DesCombaz
Jill Peacock
Kathleen White
Patricia A. Boernke
Jennifer Gramith
Angel A. Salathe
Margaret E. Williams
JeanMarie Z.
Burtness
Stephanie Harrington
Edward Schaefle
Lea Yager
Todd M. Little
Jody Schwab
Sara J. Chartier
Rebecca M. Maxey
Ned Schoephoester
2007
Berry Arrowsmith
Colleen Benton
DaNette Dempsey
Walter T. Filson
Paulette Fleming
Todd Hunter
Nicole A. Huttner
Debbie Johnson
Melissa Kaiser Crist
Todd G. Miller
Tom Mulroy
Jon J. Olson
Abbey Paulson
Mike Reeder
2002
Kelly Timonen
Christopher Vanjoske
William M. Vitt
Karen Williams
Pamela Zimba
Sara Zimowicz
Paul D. Brown
Susan Germanson
Kathleen Cox Pimlott
Lisa M. Silmser
Marcia
Brucciani-Clark
Sandy Hannah
Thomas Powers, Jr.
Maureen Skramstad
Brent Ronald Hatch
Karen Lips
Jeffery Patrick
Ridlehoover
Maribeth Suter
Diane M. Dietz
Tricia Dutton
Gerhardt Mahling
Charles Sader
Kay Froemming
Ruth Morgan
Jo Scott
David Zosel
Above & Beyond Awards
Steering Committee
Cheryl Dugan, staff development secretary
Mary Olson, communication and public relations director
Kay Villella, communication and public relations assistant director
Linda Rodgers, parent involvement coordinator
Twanika Sawyer, communication and public relations secretary
Above & Beyond Award
Selection Committee
Tess DeGeest, AHEF ★ Pat Stearns, AHEF
Cathy Gendreau, parent ★ Twanika Sawyer, parent
Isaac Smieja, assistant principal ★ Tim Sukalski, assistant principal
Jason Paske, assistant principal ★ Kay Villella, community member
Anoka-Hennepin School District
School Board
Tom Heidemann, chair
Marci Anderson, vice chair
Jeff Simon, clerk
Bill Harvey, treasurer
William Fields, director
Nicole Hayes, director
Superintendent of Schools
David Law
Special thanks to:
Elaine Guse, graphic designer
Derrick Williams, communication specialist
Anoka-Hennepin Print Shop
Wells Catering