A bilingual (Spanish/English) student diagnosed with autism and previously enrolled at Luis Munoz Marin was having insurmountable difficulties in the regular education setting while possessing academic and adaptive skills that made this student ineligible for enrollment in an MD/Autism classroom. The limited verbal skills and inability to successfully participate in the regular education classroom led to emotional breakdowns, excessive unexcused absences, a very unhappy mother and concerned, frustrated teachers.  

This is where the incredible team from William Cullen Bryant comes in…

One week before winter break, our student was approved for transfer to an appropriate self-contained classroom at WCB.  In a tearful IEP review meeting the family was encouraged to start the student there on January 8.  

A couple emails later and just two days before break, the family was invited to come visit their new school and classroom to ease the transition.  Ms. Philibert your nominator – served in the role of bilingual SLP for this student and helped as a facilitator between our Spanish-speaking mother and the team at the new school.  

When the student and mother showed up with Ms. Philibert at WCB, she reports the office welcomed them as if they were royalty.  Amy Mobley the principal, Kate Collins, the new teacher, Anna Lucero the ESL teacher, the Family Support Specialist Gloria Wilson, Natalie Langner the building SLP and Elliot Koch all took unhurried time to welcome their new family.  Accompanied by Ms. Mobley, they traveled through the halls as a group.  Ms. Collins invested her entire planning period getting to know the new student and introducing her to the classroom. Ms. Lucero assured mom that she would be available to help interpret whenever needed.  Ms. Wilson explained the services she offers and equipped our student with a beautiful new winter coat.  Ms. Langner introduced herself and let the student know they’d be working together soon.  Mr.  Koch assisted and met with her and set up her school issued IPad and connected the family to applicable school accounts (Class Dojo, etc.).   

It was an unforgettable experience.  The student - somewhat uncharacteristically - emerged with an easy smile.  Mom expressed that she was very happy with the placement and was sure that her attendance would improve.

Ms. Philibert ends by saying – “I was and continue to be truly impressed with the staff’s clarion commitment to providing a warm, welcoming environment for their students and families. Beginning with the office staff, the team at William Cullen Bryant feels mission driven.  The school deserves serious recognition starting with a HEART award."

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART AT IT’S BEST – THE TEAM AT WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT EXEMPLIFYING A “SHARED HEART LANGUAGE AND A SHARED WAY OF BEHAVING” TO CREATE A STELLAR EXPERIENCE.

Your Nominator, Maureen Anderson, shared: "Rebecca Nester is our head cook in our kitchen. Every year, for as long as I can remember, Rebecca hosts a gift day at DMGLA, where every girl in the building gets to choose an item/gift that she has purchased or collected throughout the year. It is her special event that she does to let all the girls know how special they are. Rebecca is truly an asset to our school environment. She goes above and beyond in being a part of our school community. She is the costume designer for our Disney Musical in Schools (and does all the sewing) as well as helping out with many of our school-wide activities. Her interaction with the girls is that of mutual respect and caring. She is a special individual, and we are so lucky and grateful to have her at Douglas MacArthur."

Rebecca – the HEART committee says thank you for embodying the HEART philosophy that states - “the role of the Educator is greater than the task of his or her job.  You have truly shown us “greater” in all that you do at Douglas MacArthur!

Your Nominator, Carrie DeWitt, shared: "Ms. Elliot continues to communicate with HEART!  She has brought the entire school together through “Wake-Up Wednesdays.”  Every Wednesday of the school year, Ms. Elliot has a school-wide Zoom meeting that highlights all-star students and community members.  She formulates the school-wide meeting that brings the family aspect to Wilbur Wright.  If you don't believe Ms. Elliot is the HEART champion of the entire district, jump on our zoom meeting on a Wednesday morning and see for yourself."

Ms. Elliott – the Communicate with HEART committee agrees, and you have shown us that a little HEART goes a long way! Thank you exhibiting HEART through this weekly contribution towards a joyful and engaged learning environment while building rapport and relationship!

Your Nominator, Samira Farraj, shared: “Ms. Sealy is a true H.E.A.R.T. champion, she is one of the most exceptional teachers that I have met, since my 3 younger children have started attending school. Ms. Sealy provides tutoring after school, for students who need and/or want it. My son is one of her students, he doesn’t necessarily need the extra help, but asked if he could stay for extra support. Not only does she allow him but knowing that I’m a single mother of 3 students at Garfield, with no family or other support, allows my other son (not her student) stay as well. Not only does she allow him to stay but she actually offers tutoring and support to him as well. She communicates with kindness, she offers supports, is an excellent teacher, and is always professional. I hope CMSD is as grateful as I am for Ms. Sealy, she has a heart of gold, and truly is an H.E.A.R.T. champion, and certainly deserves recognition.

Ms. Sealy– the Communicate with HEART committee agrees, you have shown us that a little HEART goes a long way! Thank you for exhibiting HEART through this contribution to your scholars, your school and your families!

Your Nominator, Maggie Galascewski, shared: “As a younger teacher I have always been given guidance by veteran teachers. However, not just on this occasion but any occasion Ms. Zak gives help to whoever needs it whether it is a parent, fellow teacher, or

student. On this day, I was struggling with setting up for the new semester and quarter and she worked with me until I was able to find solutions to the problems I was having. She would not leave until everything was all set. Shortly after she went and helped another employee no questions asked. She truly cares about her fellow employees and is always ready and willing to help others. She helps run our Best Buddies program at Lincoln-West Global Studies where we advocate for those with disabilities by hosting inclusion events and communicating with the community about our vision for inclusion. In December she hosted a Winter Showcase where she had students demonstrate what they had learned in her class and after school as well because she dedicates her time to students even after the bell rings. I personally spoke with these students and that was the best day of their lives, as they said, and they were able to showcase their talents with Ms. Zak's help. There has never been a day that she has not checked in on me since I started working at Lincoln-West. There is not a day that a student does not mention how wonderful and better she makes their day. There are no words to describe what she means to the Lincoln-West community and has for so long. She is the perfect example of what a teacher should be.”

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART AT IT’S BEST – Thank you for exemplifying the “R” of Rapport and Relationship building, while creating and supporting joyful learning for your CMSD students.

Your Nominator, Patricia Gunvalsen, shared: “Kaylee has gone above and beyond in her role as a paraprofessional in the K-2 low incidence classroom at Ben Franklin.  While this specific instance was on January 3rd, Kaylee's name has come up a lot over the last year. Kaylee first became a bright spot on our horizon when we (The Special Ed Low Incidence Team) spoke with her at summer PD and she indicated the number of bus changes she had to do to get to Corporate College. She was not complaining, but so happy to be included in the PD opportunity and receiving information to improve upon her practice as a paraprofessional. The teacher in Kaylee's room resigned very early in the school year. There has not been a steady substitute, but coverage done by Kaylee's peers. Kaylee took it upon herself to reach out to obtain access to curricular materials that paras do not usually have access to so that her students would not fall behind. She has worked tirelessly with the support of our low incidence team to ensure student visual supports were present and continued, including making materials on her own for specific students. Over Winter Break, Kaylee gave up her own time to go to her building and work with the newly assigned substitute to revamp the classroom environment and set things up to ensure success for the return from break with a new classroom lead.  Kaylee's approach and attitude toward the situation she has found herself in has been wonderful.  She embodies the HEART initiative in that she is proactive in her approach and goes into things with a positive attitude and problem-solving mindset.”

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART AT IT’S BEST – Thank you for exemplifying the “R” of Rapport and Relationship building. The HEART model acknowledges we may find service barriers as we attempt to do our jobs, yet you strived to be show up, be present and create a joyful learning environment for your CMSD students!

Yuor Nominator, Ella Garrison, shared: While at my desk I wasn't feeling well, I told Tiffany what was bothering me and she said come in and said let me listen to your heart and I did, then she checked my blood pressure, and it was extremely high.  She told me I needed to call my doctor and get in to see him.  I did.  I was leaving to go to the doctor and she said you are not driving, and said she would drive me.  So, she finished her school meds and drove me to the Clinic and made sure I was in the office, and someone was examining me.” 

Ms. Mayhugh – you did not leave your colleague – you followed up with a call from her car in the parking lot to make sure she was being examined and then you went back to your school.  It is that concern that Ms.  Garrison shared as a factor that set you apart – you were genuinely VERY concerned for the well-being of your fellow CMSD Educator.  For this Ms. Garrison stated she is, “thankful we have a great nurse and she is loved by the students so much.”

Ms. Mayhugh– the Communicate with HEART committee agrees, you have shown us that a little HEART goes a long way! Thank you for exhibiting HEART through this contribution to your colleague and your school community!

Your Nominator, Jennifer Lujan, shared: “Hands down, Ms. Castillo should be a/the district winner for S.T.A.R.T with HEART!

Her impact can't be summed up in just one experience, she S.T.A.R.T's with HEART every day.  Ms. Castillo is a bilingual instructional aide at Halle.  Her instruction takes place in the second-floor hallway, one of the inquiry areas at our building. She always greets everyone with not just a smile, but daily inspirational quotes on the Clevertouch to inspire students and fellow educators.  Her instruction is intriguing for both students and staff.  She goes above and beyond in every area: Active Listening, Rapport and Relationship Building for students, staff, and parents alike.”

An example shared by your nominator – “She communicates for parents to the teachers and keeps us updated on students.  She has amazing birthday celebrations or academic celebrations for her students, and when you comment on a quote, or about her instruction she always says thank you and have a great day.  Bottom line, Anna Castillo makes bilingual education fun, interesting, and accepted!  She shares her story about her growing up bilingual and the love that she has for bilingual education shines through every school day! 

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART AT IT’S BEST – Thank you for exemplifying the “R” of Rapport and Relationship building, while creating and supporting engaged and joyful learning experiences for your CMSD students.

Your Nominator, Caitlin Franc, shared: “Ms. Velazquez consistently goes above and beyond to work with all students in our classroom, whether they are English Language Learners or not. She has built such warm relationships with the students, who have come to trust and respect her in a really remarkable way. I really saw Ms. Velazquez shine when she attended a meeting with me as a translator for a general education student. This student's mother only speaks Spanish and was wary of coming in to meet with me. Ms. Velazquez was extremely empathetic as she welcomed the parent and immediately got her smiling and even laughing a little! However, it was the way she was able to communicate the harder information, about the students struggles, that she really impressed me. She was able to discuss the behavioral and academic struggles with her without coming off as judgmental or unkind. She did not, though, shy away from the difficult issues. Without her presence in the meeting, I don't think it would have been nearly as successful. I really appreciate Ms. Velazquez every day, but I was truly grateful for her help in reaching this mother and building a bridge between me and the family."

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART SERVICE RECOVERY AT IT’S BEST – Thank you for exemplifying the “E and R” in HEART of extending Empathy, Rapport and Relationship building. Your approach has helped to be a bridge to scholars and families at Clark elementary.

Your Nominator, Bonie Sonich, shared: “Betty is one of the unsung heroes of the Accounts Payable Dept. who quietly, but very efficiently, works behind the scenes to ensure our scholars and staff have the goods and services available to them when they need it by processing payments in a very timely manner. On a personal note, and on more than one occasion, I have submitted a payment request minutes before the deadline and Betty always gets the payment included.  I have seen Betty interact with other staff members and she always treats them with courtesy and respect even during a difficult or unsettling situation.” 

Ms. Kucinski - the HEART Committee agrees,  it is evident that you come through, holding true to the HEART Philosophy to “increase the awareness of the impact of every scholar, visitor, and Educator interaction EVERY DAY EVERY TIME!” 

Your nominator sealed this by stating: “Betty is the epitome of Communicating with HEART and while she may not have the most visible position in the district, she is certainly vital to its daily operations and certainly deserves to be recognized for her 40+ years of service to CMSD scholars and staff.”

Your Nominator, David Spanos, shared: ”One of Ms. Seena’s vitally important roles is to attend students in prekindergarten and take them to the school nurse whenever sick or injured. What I appreciate about her the most is her warm way of staying by each student’s side for EVERY nursing assessment and parent phone call. No matter how detailed my assessment, there is nothing more comforting to the family as a whole than talking to the educator who spends the whole school day with their child. As a nurse, I’ve administered a lot of medication, but the simple act of placing Mom or Dad on speaker phone dries tears, reduces heart rates, respiration rates, and untold pain. If I could bottle Ms. Seena’s Way of doing things into a medication, I’d be a millionaire. But it can’t be bought or sold. She’s an expert extension of every child’s family. And I’m so indebted to her and the entire Tremont Staff for making my transfer from a high school to an elementary school a successful one.”

The Communicate with HEART committee agrees, you have shown us that a little HEART goes a long way! Thank you for exhibiting HEART through this contribution to your colleague and your school community! It is evident that you come through, holding true to the HEART Philosophy to “increase the awareness of the impact of every scholar, visitor, and Educator interaction EVERY DAY EVERY TIME!”

Your Nominator, Michelle Rodriguez Martinez, shared: “The Bus driver (Bus #501) Ms. Kelly Eucker is very kind and receives the students with a greeting and a smile. She drives my son Misael Negron Rodriguez (5th grade) to and from the Almira PreK-8 Academy.  My son expressed that Ms. Kelly is very nice with him and other children. He likes to help/assist in the bus. Before winter break, Ms. Kelly appreciated his assistance in the bus with a treat bag, a Wendy's gift card a special note that said "thank you for all your help with the little guys on our bus #501. Merry Christmas, Ms. Kelly. As a parent and an educator, I am grateful to Ms. Kelly who has a good heart to treat children with respect, kindness, and made my son feel so happy and special."

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART AT IT’S BEST – Ms. Kelly, thank you for exemplifying the “R” of Rapport and Relationship building, while creating and supporting joyful and meaningful experiences for students in your care going to and from their school locations.

Ms. Page – your nominater, Jennifer Caldwell, shared of your effort as a first grade teacher to bring cheer your school community around the holidays. This includes going “above and beyond to make the holidays brighter for students, parents and staff at Andrew J. Rickoff School.”

You are found guilty of spreading HEART in the special touches that you bring – and most recently not only did you “transform the hallway into a warm, welcoming and festive environment – you made reach to a donor and before the winter break on Thursday, December 21, 2023. “all of the Kindergarten and First Grade students each received a brand new pair of pajamas as a Christmas gift.”

Ms. Caldwell ending by stating that YOU Tricia Page are- “very deserving of a Communicate with Heart award” and the HEART Committee agrees – you have shown us that a little HEART goes a long way! Thank you for exhibiting HEART through this contribution to your students and your school community!

Your Nominator, Renee Lancaster, shared:

“Sherrell Germany-Clark ALWAYS communicates with HEART. She treats all staff, students, families, and community partners with kindness and respect. I have worked with her for 10 years, and I have never seen her act in an unprofessional manner. Sherrell treats her students as if they were her own children. She helps staff members and families in a positive, caring way. She always returns phone calls politely and follows through. When teachers or parents are upset or frustrated, Sherrell responds empathetically and shows that she truly cares. She never has a negative attitude or a bad word to say about anyone. It is hard to pick one incident to write about because Sherrell communicates with HEART every day. This nomination went on to share a very specific and sensitive scenario where Ms. Germany-Clark went above and beyond in service delivery and recovery!

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART AT IT’S BEST - thank you for exemplifying the “R” of Rapport and Relationship building, while creating and supporting joyful and meaningful experiences for students and staff in your school community.

Nominator's reflection is withheld due to the sensitive nature of the information.

THE COMMUNICATE WITH HEART COMMITTEE BELIEVES THIS IS HEART SERVICE RECOVERY AT IT’S BEST – Thank you for stepping in to assist and exemplify the “E and R” in HEART of extending Empathy, Rapport and Relationship building. Your approach helped to be a bridge to this scholar and your fellow Educator.