Tracey Bellum, A.J. Rickoff

Ms. Bellum is the “Saving Grace” of A.J. Rickoff. A particular indication of her Responding with H.E.A.R.T. was when she entered a classroom where a student was shouting to the top of his lungs because he wanted something from another student. The student was swinging and kicking at the teacher—me. Once in the room, Ms. Bellum calmly asked me to continue teaching as she escorted the disgruntled student out of the room, and gradually, in a caring manner, brought him under control. The type of ease Ms. Bellum demonstrated in this isolated example is the kind of demeanor she exhibits throughout the building on a consistent basis.

Andrew Roman, Esq., Legal Department

On several occasions I’ve noticed the caring way Andrew interacts with the parents of students with disabilities. I know that he has spent countless hours working with parents of students with disabilities. Employing S.T.A.R.T. with Heart techniques, I’ve seen Andrew address parents with a warm greeting before Actively Listening to their needs and concerns. Typically he will end the encounter thanking the parents for sharing their concerns, and will provide a clear outline of the next steps.

Reneka Woods, IT

I nominated Ms. Woods as a Heart Champion in the way in which she helped me and several colleagues wade through a troubling series of technology issues. Employing excellent customer service, Ms. Woods went beyond our expectations in flawlessly giving us access to our accounts, and did so in a pleasant, professional manner.

Carly Kuznik, Special Education

Parma City Schools had been requesting several documents from the Special Education Department but they went unfulfilled because a fellow staff person was behind in meeting records requests. The Parma representative was growing more agitated with each request call. Learning of the issue, Carly went outside of her job title as a Solution Specialist, found and sent the 25 student records requested. Parma was so pleased that they sent Carly “thank you” cupcakes.

Eric Elder, Whitney Young

Since June, 2015 Whitney Young has shared a building with Citizens Academy Southeast, a Breakthrough School absorbing its 225 students—kindergarten through 3rd Grade. The two schools share a cafeteria, gymnasium, parking lots, and an auditorium. During this two-year accommodation, Ms. Elder has maintained both buildings in an excellent manner. If there were any physical structure concerns, Mr. Elder responded immediately displaying a courteous, professional demeanor. Despite occasional gruff demands from our neighboring administration, Mr. Elder kept his cool and responded to the requests with a smile. We’ve lost five sub-cleaners, and the head cleaner took a Leave of Absence adding to Mr. Elder’s load. None of this has stopped Mr. Elder from assuring that Whitney Young’s 33 classrooms, the 15 in the Academy plus ancillary offices and restrooms were cleaned and ready for instruction the next day. He takes outstanding care of our buildings, staff and scholars.

Carmen M. Torres, International Newcomers Academy (T.Jefferson)

I have witnessed Carmen go out of her way to assist colleagues at the Multi-Lingual Office and other District staff members. On this particular day, a snapshot of her responsiveness, Carmen encountered a couple in the Center frustrated by failed attempts to get obtain dual services—Multi-Lingual and Special Education for their child. Taking uninterrupted time to clearly listen to the parents’ concern and their need, Carmen, within 20 minutes contacted the appropriated CMSD staff member resulting in the requested dual placement, and additionally provided other relevant material and supplies needed to begin the new school year.