2020 Golden Apple Educators Awards by Eau Claire Community Foundation

2020

The Golden Apple is awarded by nomination from peers and distinguishes one outstanding educator in each of the Eau Claire Area School District schools. The Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation partners with generous area businesses to honor and recognize exceptional service in the schools.

Criteria for nomination: • Have a mission of what they want to accomplish each day in the building; possess a solid command of educational content; exhibit outstanding performance over the years in raising student achievement. • Have positive beliefs in their ability to work successfully with students and to make a difference in their lives; display a love for the age group with whom they work. • Hold students’ attention through subject mastery, skillful lesson design, and actions that demonstrate care. • Have developed problem-solving skills. • Possess skills to build positive relationships with students of all types; display an effective work style that elicits the best from students.

Business-sponsored grants: • Honorees are awarded with $500 grant funding to use in their classrooms or buildings in any way they choose. The only requirement is that the funds must be used to impact students. • Each school is also awarded a $500 grant to its Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation Fund For Today, which the principal can use for the school’s greatest needs

Sponsors

Many thanks to our generous sponsors for supporting the 2020 Golden Apple Awards!

Anonymous

Sponsors Additional thanks to C&M Home Builders for providing print services.

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Bob Gallaher

EMCEE

anchor, WEAU 13 News Bob Gallaher came to WEAU 13 News in 1994 and worked in sports for 10 years before moving to anchor. During that time, Bob had the opportunity to cover Super Bowls, Rose Bowls, NCAA Final Four, MLB All-star games and post-season and high school sports. Bob and his wife Colleen, a Locust Lane Elementary School teacher, reside in Eau Claire with their daughter, Mary Kate.

Michele Anne Marie Branco special education assistant

Michele realized she loves working with children when she spent three years managing the daycare for a hospital in Ketchikan, Alaska. She moved to Eau Claire and worked at Regis Child Development Center before her combination nursing and childcare background brought her to Montessori 3 ½ years ago to work with a specific child. As a mother of three, her active life also includes leading Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts for more than 10 years and spending time near ice when her kids participate in competitive hockey or figure skating. “Ms. Michele has a way of connecting with students, all students, not just the students she works with directly. She shows them how to be respectful and holds them accountable. She is amazing, and we are blessed to have her at Montessori!” Amy Daw, secretary “Ms. Michele has a special touch with the children she serves. She sincerely cares for the kids, and they respond to her firm but loving guidance. She’s part of the glue that holds Montessori together, and she also is a stitch who always makes me laugh out loud.” Melissa Kleven, Children’s House teacher 1

Chippewa Valley Montessori Charter School

Associate degree in early childhood education, University of Alaska Southeast; associate degree in nursing, St. Luke’s College, Sioux City, Iowa

Ben Albrecht

DeLong Middle School

math teacher and coach

Bachelor’s degree in secondary math education, UW-Eau Claire

With most of the past 11 years at DeLong, Ben, the seventh-grade Team M leader, teaches seventh-grade math and pre-algebra, as well as two summer math preparatory classes. Over the years, he also has coached a combination of volleyball, wrestling and softball at DeLong and North. He especially appreciates his colleagues who regularly share and listen to ideas. In his free time, he enjoys an occasional home project and spending time with his wife fishing, swimming, kayaking and relaxing at the lake. “Ben is a very dedicated and compassionate teacher, coach and colleague. His great communication skills, sense of humor and rapport with students, staff and families make him a great asset to our school!” Caryn Stanek, seventh-grade math teacher “Ben is the total package in a teacher. He cares, he’s knowledgeable, and he is able to communicate that to students, families and staff. He is an excellent teacher!” Tim O’Reilly, principal

Cheryl Lawrence fifth-grade teacher

With 31 years at Flynn and Boyd, Cheryl, a member of the school’s leadership team, is grateful her years of experience guide her to help students succeed. She is motivated and inspired by students who are excited to learn and especially likes it when they lead her instruction by asking in-depth questions. What she loves most about fifth graders are their independence, humor, unpredictability, capacity to learn, and energy. Cheryl’s own three children all are in college. She loves to bike and snowmobile and is a DIY home improvement enthusiast with many skills. “Cheryl’s passion for teaching shows in every subject she teaches. She has worked very hard to develop a deep understanding of her content, and, in equal measure, she has developed instructional strategies that connect her students to their learning at very high levels.” Adam Keeton, principal “Cheryl is a fantastic teacher! She expects excellence from her students and helps them reach the high expectations she sets. She is passionate about student engagement and uses various strategies to keep her fifth graders interested in learning.” Heidi Hebert, reading and math interventionist

Flynn Elementary School

Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, UW-Eau Claire

Erin Janke

Lakeshore Elementary School

art teacher

Bachelor’s degree in art education and master’s degree in education, UW-Stout

Erin loved growing up in Eau Claire so encouraged her husband to settle down here. In her fourth year of teaching, she believes her summers as a camp counselor helped prepare her for many of her current teaching challenges. She loves fostering creativity in her young students and seeing how they grow and learn during their time at Lakeshore. When not teaching, Erin, a member of the school’s Sunshine committee, enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, family and goldendoodle and will complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculptural ceramics this summer. “Erin Janke is a wonderful teacher who brings creativity and joy to her classroom. Her students adore her, and her positive spirit is infectious to us all.” Melinda Wright, physical education specialist “Erin masterly creates lessons that are engaging, allowing her students to express themselves creatively and to produce an artistic product. The students adore her kind, loving personality.” Corinne Gransee-Paral, music specialist

Wendy Arneson reading teacher

Wendy’s varied experience before coming to Eau Claire five years ago includes serving as a Greenland Ice Sheet Project research associate at State University of New York at Buffalo, teaching middle school science in Spring Valley, and performing various teaching reading roles in Spring Valley and Durand. She also is a member of the school’s building leadership, medical assist, and student assist teams. She loves making a daily difference in the lives of students by teaching reading strategies so they become independent learners and by building relationships to help students see their potential. She and her husband have two grown daughters, and she enjoys training her dog, hiking, biking, skiing, and, of course, reading. “Wendy is a kind, generous soul who makes connections with students and staff, which helps to make our school a better place. I’m so fortunate to work with such an outstanding person!” Sara Laube, first-grade teacher “Students light up when Wendy walks into a room. Her passion for reading is so clear, which makes it such a fun and positive experience that each and every one of them will remember forever.” Brandi Young, AGR/interventionist 5

Locust Lane Elementary School

Bachelor’s degrees in earth science and earth science education and master’s degree in reading, UW-River Falls

Denise Hoenisch

Longfellow Elementary School

playground supervisor

Denise has committed the past 20 years as Longfellow’s playground supervisor, a job she does after completing her full-time job at UPS. Over the years, she has served as the PTA president, led book groups, and volunteered at St. Francis Food Pantry, Feed My People, The Community Table, and others. She has coached basketball, volleyball, soccer, and softball travel teams. Denise also has two grown daughters and likes to knit. “Denise has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She is always willing to drop everything to help others and always wants to be in the background when it comes to being recognized. She is the heart of Longfellow.” Jane Abraham, general school assistant “Denise has taught me more than anyone else in the building on how to interact with students, how to be loving but firm, how to hold students accountable without making them feel shamed, how to have fun and still be a student’s mentor. Denise feels that what she does every day is ‘common, nothing amazing or spectacular. I’m just me.’ What she doesn’t realize is that her ‘me’ is what we all strive to be: kind, loving, over-achieving role models.” Holly Larson, partnership coordinator 6

Debbie Erickson instructional coach

After teaching elsewhere for six years, Debbie came to the district in 2000, teaching at Meadowview, a year at South, and the past three years at Manz. Her favorite aspect of her current job is collaborating with teachers to provide students with what they need for optimal learning. Beyond the classroom, Debbie is a district math recovery trainee and participates on the literacy within supportive learning environment committee and the school’s leadership and district’s math leadership teams. Outside of school, she and her family are very active in scouting. “Deb is an exceptional mentor who is passionate about the work she is doing. She has helped me grow as an educator by being a great leader and example to follow. Deb has truly inspired me to continue to seek out new information, keep the fun in education, and try new things.” Kelsey Maki, fifth-grade teacher “Deb’s passion for helping all students learn and reach their potential is evident every day through her interactions with others. She is not only dedicated to students but also to coaching and supporting her colleagues and is someone you can always count on.” Courtney Stowell, fourth-grade teacher 7

Manz Elementary School

Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and learning disabilities, UW-Eau Claire; master of education in professional development, UW-La Crosse

Mary Schlageter

McKinley Charter School

secretary

A graduate of Memorial High School, Mary is in her 22nd year at McKinley and previously was a secretary at a parochial school and a bookkeeper for a family-owned business. She appreciates the excitement the students bring when they enter the building and the school staff’s teamwork centered around helping those students succeed. She and her husband have a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren with whom she loves spending time. Gardening, boating, reading, golfing, and traveling are activities she cherishes. “Mary is so steady. She has so many things to do at the same time, and she does them calmly with respect for people and with others in mind.” Kevin Mahoney, counselor “Mary is a rock and unshakable. She is dependable and very committed to the core values of McKinley. Mary is the ‘glue’ holding everything together! She is there for every student and will often take them under her wing, listen to them, and share her wisdom and life experience with those who express an interest.” Cindy Waller, McKinley governance board member

Erin Peters special education teacher

After teaching at the Eau Claire Academy and Amery’s middle school, Erin joined Meadowview four years ago. Nationally board-certified in the area of exceptional needs specialist, she is on Meadowview’s lead team, the district math leadership committee, and is an NVCI district trainer. She says the best part of her job is seeing a student gain independence and confidence in academics or relationships. Among other things, Erin enjoys baking and doing art projects with her second-grade daughter, reading, crafting, and volunteering monthly at Sojourner House. “Erin is incredibly dedicated to our Meadowview Hawks, their families and our staff. She strives to help all students reach their fullest potential and achieve successes they never thought were possible.” Sarah Loback, first-grade teacher “Erin is an outstanding special educator who works to be a true advocate for her students, helping them grow both academically and socially each year. Her collaborative nature, ability to problem solve and think outside the box to meet her students’ needs makes her a valued and respected resource for both families and staff at Meadowview Elementary.” Elizabeth Bowe, literacy coach

Meadowview Elementary School

Comprehensive bachelor’s degree in special education, UW-Eau Claire

Tracy Moran

Memorial High School

special education emotional behavioral disability teacher

Bachelor’s degree in general education and special education learning disabilities and master’s degree in emotional behavior disabilities, UW-Eau Claire

Following time teaching at elementary or middle schools in Cornell, Osseo, and Eleva-Strum, as well as one year at South, Tracy joined the Memorial faculty 21 years ago. What guides her is making sure her students know they are the reason she is there every day. Tracy is a member of the PBIS committee and previously served as the school dance coordinator and the spirit squad coach. “Tracy extends her care and connection with her students, many with unique needs, well beyond the school day. She works to ensure her students have physical and social/emotional needs met so they can focus on learning. She is able to combine high expectations with a caring learning environment for some of our most fragile learners.” Dave Oldenberg, principal “Tracy is one of those teachers who is always an advocate for her students and goes to the end of the Earth to make sure their needs are met. She cares deeply about the students and their success at Memorial and beyond.” Laura Nicolet, assistant principal

Kevin Mesiar science teacher

After spending two years in New Auburn, Kevin has taught at his alma mater for five years. He finds relationships are key in his passion for “shaping scientifically literate citizens.” Besides serving as the student council adviser, he is a part of the secondary science leadership team, science scope and sequence committee, and the emergency medical response team. He works for Eau Claire Parks and Recreation as an outdoor recreation instructor during the summers, and during the school year he teaches ACT test preparation science classes through UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education. An ardent outdoorsman and conservationist, Kevin also previously worked for the DNR’s aquatic invasive species program. “Kevin’s commitment and energy to North’s continuous improvement is contagious. His passion for teaching and learning is evident in all that he does.” Cale Bushman, principal “Kevin leads by example and is a difference maker. His drive and his sincere belief in the students’ ability to achieve has a significant positive impact in the classroom, throughout the school, and in our community.” Joe Eisenhuth, former North assistant principal and athletic director 11

North High School

Bachelor’s degree in biology, UW-Eau Claire; master’s degree in science education, University of Southern California

Tim Camlek

Northstar Middle School

sixth-grade teacher

Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in education, UW-Eau Claire

Following five years at South, Tim has spent the last 22 years at Northstar. Since 1992, he also has coached various middle school cross country, basketball, track, tennis and football teams. The notion that guides him is “If you think your teaching day is ever tough, try living in the conditions that many of our students live in every single day.” In the beginning of his career, Tim substitute taught and worked as an Eau Claire Parks and Recreation playground supervisor. Family time with his wife, also a teacher, and their three children includes a lot of laughter. “Tim Camlek’s mission as an educator has always been to do what’s best for kids; every discussion with him circles back to how what we’re doing or deciding today will help our students in their future.” Michelle Peplinski, sixth-grade teacher “Tim’s greatest asset is his gift for guiding students to feel they are a valued part of the Northstar culture. He realizes there is a story behind the story and is committed to helping a student feel good so authentic learning occurs and a sense of belonging is felt.” Andrew Holle, sixth-grade teacher

Karen Holman general school assistant

Karen, who loves talking with students and building a personal connection with them that goes beyond academics, has been in her Northwoods job for 17 years. Before that, she ran an in-home daycare while raising her four children. She is also a Girl Scout troop leader and a member of her church council board and enjoys walking almost daily, cooking, and spending time with her two grandsons. “Karen is an asset to our school. She greets children by name and with a cheerful smile each morning during recess, as well as at the end of the day as they are leaving to board the buses. Karen goes above and beyond while working in my classroom each day by teaching students foundational and spelling skills in small groups and is also very efficient with her duties in the work room and office.” Sarah Gilbert, first-grade teacher “Karen is truly an amazing mentor, friend and shining star here at Northwoods! We are so fortunate to see her beautiful smile brighten up our Northwoods family!” Laura Svoma, secretary

Northwoods Elementary School

Associate degree in accounting, Indianhead Technical College

Mariah Halling

Prairie Ridge Early Learning Center

4K/Head Start teacher

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and early childhood special education, UW-Stout; master’s degree in curriculum, assessment and instruction, Walden University

After teaching kindergarten for a year in Cottage Grove, Mariah, who is nationally board-certified as a generalist, began at Prairie Ridge five years ago. She strives to ensure all students feel safe and connected in her classroom and believes, through self-regulation strategies and positive relationships, students can solve problems and instill a foundation for future social and academic learning. Mariah is a member of her school’s PBIS/CDAT group and the district’s kindergarten planning team. A mother of two children, including a newborn, Mariah and her husband enjoy being outdoors, exercising, and spending time with family and friends at their cabin. “Mariah takes the time to create special connections with her students and builds a strong sense of community in her classroom. She is compassionate, enthusiastic and has high expectations for all students.” Nicole Flackey, early childhood special education teacher “Mariah provides a caring and positive environment for all our children every day. She is dedicated to teaching the children and building the foundation of learning they’ll need to be successful.” Wendy Champion, teacher assistant 14

Elissa Knight literacy coach

Elissa was born and raised in Eau Claire and returned to be near her evergrowing, large family. She has had a varied education career, teaching middle school Spanish in Baltimore and high school English and Spanish in Chicago, as well as serving as the Chicago school’s literacy coach and master teacher, all before coming to Putnam Heights six years ago. Elissa, a founding member of the school’s equity committee and co-leader of the multicultural club, believes “teaching is a job, a craft and a tremendous responsibility, but mostly it is a humbling privilege.” “Elissa’s attitude, dedication and demeanor are evidence she is living out her calling. She goes above and beyond to bring out the very best in the teachers and students she works with.” Nate Haeny, third-grade teacher “Elissa works incredibly hard, and her expertise is a tremendous resource for everyone in the Putnam Heights community. She believes all students can succeed and excel and advocates for them and their families.” Rob Modjeski, third-grade teacher

Putnam Heights Elementary School

Bachelor’s degree in English, anthropology and Spanish and master’s degree in teaching, Johns Hopkins University; master’s degree in literacy, St. Xavier University, Chicago, Ill.

Kelly Custer

Robbins Elementary School

special education teacher

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, UW-River Falls; master’s degree in special education, UW-Superior

Since 1998, Kelly has taught special education in several school districts and spent the past four years at Robbins. She appreciates that each day of teaching brings news challenges and rewards and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Kelly is part of the school’s Tier 2/3 RTI, MLSS, and healthy living committees. Her full house includes two dogs, three cats, and a bearded dragon, and in her free time, Kelly likes to watch her two daughters’ sporting events, teach fitness classes, and travel. “Kelly’s classroom is fueled by love and laughter, which creates an environment of unconditional acceptance for students who crave that connection with a caring adult.” Tanya Boudreaux, special education teacher “Ms. Custer inspires greatness in everyone she encounters!” Karen Ystebo, special education assistant

Brittany Ferrell first-grade teacher

Besides teaching at Roosevelt since 2009, Brittany also acts as a PBIS internal coach, serves on the literacy within supportive learning environments committee, and works with student teacher candidates. She also has taught summer school and for Roosevelt’s after-school math club. The endless hugs, toothless smiles, and dynamic growth her developing students are capable of are her favorite parts of being a first-grade teacher. When free, she likes to spend time with her two young sons, read, travel, scrapbook, camp, and do yoga. “Brittany Ferrell is the true definition of an inspiring educator. Genuine, compassionate and optimistic are just a few of her best traits, and there are many! She works hard every day to ensure all of her students feel safe, loved and ready to learn.” Angie Berg, first-grade teacher “Brittany is not only a great teacher for her students but also a great colleague to work with. She is highly reflective and always looking for ways to improve her craft. Brittany is an outstanding instructional leader who welcomes other teachers into her classroom to critique, learn from, and share ideas for constructive feedback.” Ben Dallman, principal

Roosevelt Elementary School

Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, UW-Eau Claire

Jean Derfus

Sam Davey Elementary School

secretary

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, UW-Stout

Before joining Sam Davey three years ago, Jean spent nine years working as a special education assistant at Northwoods Elementary. She has acted as the Camp Invention director, a Club Invention instructor, Girls on the Run coach, the school’s drama club coach, and as a district NVCI trainer. In addition, she provides some respite care for students with special needs. She believes it takes one person to make a child’s day better and loves that she has many opportunities to do that. She and her husband have two daughters in college. “Jean Derfus understands people and their behavioral needs. Her kind, compassionate approach instills confidence and comfort to those in need. Jean is a competent school secretary, highly deserving of the Golden Apple Award!” William Giese, district administrator “What struck me when I first met Jean was how friendly, natural and easygoing she is, and now, after working with her for two years, I see how hardworking and diligent she is, competent and VERY organized, all while maintaining her smile and natural warmth even in the most stressful situations.” Nancy Brenner, partnership coordinator 18

Janessa Derleth kindergarten teacher

In her fifth year of teaching kindergarten, Janessa relishes establishing deep connections with students and families and watching her students change and grow over the course of their first year of school. She is a part of the district’s literacy within supportive learning environments team, as well as Sherman’s technology leaders and literacy leaders teams. When not working, Janessa and her husband enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing sand volleyball, going snowboarding, and learning about the work of being homeowners. “Janessa Derleth is devoted to the education and well-being of every student in her classroom. She is a caring and compassionate teacher and a team player that staff and volunteers look forward to working with.” Sarah Peleschak, general school assistant “Janessa is a born teacher and a true leader. Her students love her! Just take a look at her classroom, and you can see how she goes the extra mile to make learning fun for her students. She is incredibly organized and a great planner.” Dawn Marcott, kindergarten teacher

Sherman Elementary School

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood-middle childhood education, UW-La Crosse; master’s degree in education, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona

Jacque Strayer

South Middle School

eighth-grade Spanish teacher and sixth-grade ELA teacher

Bachelor’s degree in elementary/middle education 1-8 and Spanish 1-9, UW-Eau Claire

After teaching fourth grade for two years at St. Peter Lutheran School in Reedsburg, Jacque began teaching at South in 2013 and also serves on the PBIS and AVID committees. She finds great professional gratification in guiding students who are struggling and seeing them experience that “aha” moment. Staying busy as a mother of three, she loves spending time outdoors with her family, volunteering at church, and doing projects around her house. Jacque also has found joy in coaching various boys’ and girls’ basketball, soccer and softball teams. “Jacqueline Strayer has the ability to motivate her students while at the same time holding them to a high standard. She is a nurturer who has her students’ backs and makes class fun.” Scott Faris, eighth-grade science teacher “Jacque Strayer is a selfless teacher who puts the needs of her students first. Her kind heart and the respect she shows to her students are a great example for all.” Cindi Syverson, AVID elective teacher

Dani Claesges homeless program, homebound program, and ECASD closet coordinator

In 2004, Dani began teaching at what is now the district’s Off Campus School and has continued to teach two nights a week. She started her role with the homeless program in 2006. Her favorite part of her job is working with families. She says she is energized by their resilience and dedication to their children, especially at a time when they are dealing with a multitude of stressors and challenges. Dani is also very involved in the Eau Claire Housing Coalition, a group working toward ending homelessness in the community. She and her partner, Ryan, share six daughters and one son whom, she says, remind her that positive human connections and support are what truly matter. “Dani, at her core, is the most authentic and compassionate person I’ve ever met. She loves truly, cares deeply, and doesn’t judge. I’m so honored to call her my coworker and my friend.” Audra Connell, enrollment specialist “Helping others is a work of heart for Dani. It’s her passion, her purpose, and her strength.” Kaying Xiong, director of student services

District Support

Bachelor’s degree in general education and master’s degree in teaching as a reading specialist, UW-Eau Claire

Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation

Established in 2011, the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit, independent organization that connects the community and the Eau Claire public schools to inspire and enhance the educational experience of our students. Through charitable donations gifted from community members and businesses, the ECPSF is able to provide schools with funding for their greatest needs, support educator creativity, and grow endowment funds to enable future giving.

Our Mission Dedicated to promoting education by: fostering supportive relationships with Eau Claire Area School District and the community; raising funds to provide learning opportunities for students, teachers and staff; and awarding grants for value-added projects.

Our Vision Ensuring the Future.

2019â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2020 Board of Trustees Dr. Blenda Yun, Chair Physician, Mayo Clinic Health System Dustin Wiesner, Treasurer Senior Manager, Wipfli Grant Beardsley Corporate Counsel, Royak Credit Union Ned Donnellan Owner/Broker, Donnellan Real Estate Mike Emberson Co-Owner, Zacho Sports Center Jenny Postlewaite Fesenmaier Engineer, Pablo Group Kimberly Hill Phelps Educator Dr. Jeff Jones CVTC Instructor, DDS Oral Surgeon Heather Market-Sullivan Educator, Community Volunteer Jennifer McHugh VP Community Engagement, Royal Credit Union David Morley Retired Educator & Administrator Rebecca Noland Retired Finance Director of City of Eau Claire Flo Sheridan Retired Administrative Coordinator Wayne Wille Vice President, Portfolio Manager U.S. Bank Wealth Management

Past Chairs: Charles Grossklaus (2015-2017) Dan Market (2011-2015)

Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation

Jim McDougall, Vice Chair CEO & Founder, UpStream

Thank you for supporting and celebrating the 2020 Golden Apple Award honorees! Many thanks to the 2020 Golden Apple Awards planning committee. This event could not have happened without your dedication! Julia Diggins, community volunteer Patti Iverson, community volunteer Heather Market-Sullivan, ECPSF trustee and community volunteer Jennifer McHugh, ECPSF trustee Flo Sheridan, ECPSF trustee, Founding Partner, and community volunteer Becky Wood, Founding Partner and community volunteer

For more information about the Golden Apple Awards and the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation, or to make a gift, please contact Sarah French, executive director, at sarahfrench@ecpsfound.org or (715) 852-3015.

Save the date:

April 15, 2021