Kim Alowitz—Clive Learning Academy, Instructional Coach
Kim tirelessly supports the students and the teachers. I can tell that helping all of us is in her soul, and that’s something you just can’t fake. Her support has been one of the greatest advantages of working at CLA. I hope I have the honor of working with her for many years to come.

Anne Apland—Crossroads Park Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Apland has made an incredible impact in her kindergarten class with the students and parents alike. The students flourish under her guidance and teachings. Our student speaks to Mrs. Apland’s teaching styles of kindness, curiosity, and repetition of lessons. Mrs. Apland not only has a bond with the students but also a bond with the parents. She communicates with email and Seesaw almost weekly, keeps parents informed of school gatherings, connects parents for play dates and activities, and brings a calming presence to each interaction. We are so incredibly grateful that a teacher like Mrs. Apland is in our school district and has been teaching for as long as she has. She is molding the new, incoming minds in a class where positivity and manners shine every day.

Madison Bishop—Crossroads Park Elementary, Fourth Grade Teacher
Ms. Bishop has been an incredible spark to our son Oliver and how he views his role in the classroom. She focuses on a student’s potential and creates pathways for students to become leaders and for their abilities to shine. She is truly thoughtful, genuine, and intentional in all of her interactions.

Kathy Dawson—Crossroads Park Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Dawson helps my son and understands his motivation to be better.

Jill Kluesner—Crossroads Park Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Kluesner goes out of her way to empower her students by providing personalized instruction tailored to their individual needs, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed. She builds students’ confidence by celebrating small victories and encouraging a growth mindset, while fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued. Through setting high yet achievable expectations, she challenges students to reach their full potential. She is phenomenal at promoting independence and focusing on developing both academic and social-emotional skills, helping students build the tools they need to thrive.

Talia Koons—Crossroads Park Elementary, Kindergarten Assistant
Talia is a thoughtful, caring person who supports and encourages students and fellow staff members on a daily basis. She nurtures each student and does her best to assure each student feels welcome, included, and safe at school. She truly cares about their academic progress and wants to make a positive impact on their learning. We are so grateful to have her on our kindergarten team at Crossroads Park Elementary!

Ellee Miller—Crossroads Park Elementary, Second Grade Teacher
I wholeheartedly nominate Ms. Miller for her outstanding work in fostering a love of reading and creating meaningful connections with her students. I admire Ms. Miller’s ability to ignite a love of reading in her students. Rather than viewing reading as a task or obligation, she encourages her students to see it as an exciting adventure. She is carefully selecting materials that will resonate with her students’ diverse interests. Additionally Ms. Miller has transformed my son to be a reader this year. He has always had a love of books, but this year I’ve found him reading out loud to himself for the first time. His own narrative has shifted from, “I can’t read that book” to “I’m a good reader.” She is truly deserving of the PAWsitive Impact Award.

Sheryl Bastian—Fairmeadows Elementary, ESOL Teacher
My daughter went through a difficult period and was alone and behind. Mrs. Bastian helped my daughter that year, and until today, she’s like a mother to my child. She supported my daughter with education, love, and compassion. My daughter will never forget they were the reasons for her success. 

Nic Hoover—Fairmeadows Elementary, Fourth Grade Teacher
Nic comes to work every day with a positive attitude. He is constantly saying how much he truly loves his job and the people who surround him. I am new to his fourth grade team, and Nic has stepped up to support me as an educator and as a human. I see Nic interact with students ALL across the building with a smile. He would drop anything to help anyone in need. Nic loves every student who walks in his classroom, no matter what their past is. Nic is AMAZING!

Tonia Kautz—Fairmeadows Elementary, Reading Teacher
My daughter went through a difficult period and was alone and behind. Mrs. Kautz helped my daughter in reading, and until today, she’s like a mother to my child. She supported my daughter with education, love, and compassion. My daughter will never forget they were the reasons for her success. Till today, she loves them. Mrs. Bastian called my  daughter “my sunshine.” In that bad period, my daughter stopped smiling. She was always smiling and happy before, so Mrs. Bastian was working to get her smile back as well.

Jocelyn Westerhold—Fairmeadows Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Jocelyn works beyond contract hours in her classroom, at home, or collaborating with other educators to make things better for her students. She also, with no payment, coaches the Sparkle squad at Valley High School so students of all abilities get the opportunity to support their fellow students participating in athletics. She truly cares about her students and wants to make sure that they are able to go above and beyond expectations in their education and lives.

Lauren Friedrichs—Hillside Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Lauren goes above and beyond to meet the needs of each student at Hillside. During the first semester of this school year, she has served as both our behavior interventionist and a special education teacher. Even though she is in high-demand, she takes the time to create strong relationships with our students in both roles.

Allison Mertz—Hillside Elementary, Title I Teacher
Miss Mertz is a fan favorite. Every student at Hillside knows her and loves her. She gives up her planning time and before/after school to engage with students and do things for them. She makes all students feel welcome and loved. Students flock to her when she walks down the hallway. She truly has an amazing gift to connect with kids, and Hillside students are so lucky to have her.

Curtis Barr—Indian Hills Junior High, Orchestra Teacher
Mr. Barr goes above and beyond to care for and invest in his students. He is welcoming, supportive, flexible, and understanding. He affirms his students and goes the extra mile to guarantee their success. My son started orchestra three years after most students would begin, and Mr. Barr was eager to take him on, even though it would require more effort on his part to get him started and bring him up to speed. Mr. Barr met with my son weekly during this initial time of learning. He communicates well with parents and makes himself available for questions. It is evident Mr. Barr cares most about his students.  He affirms and encourages them, yet sets an expectation for excellence. We are thankful for Mr. Barr and the blessing he is to students at Indian Hills, specifically our violin playing son.  :)
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Mr. Barr positively impacts his students in many ways, but in particular, he has just announced a thoughtful change to the after-school orchestra program at Indian Hills. What used to require an audition and be an exclusive group is now accessible to any orchestra student at Indian Hills who is interested in improving. This thoughtful change aligns directly with the district’s student desired daily experience of having/increasing accessibility to extracurricular activities and removes barriers to participation. In his own words, “This group is intended to reach students that love playing, students that want something a little more challenging, and students that want to play music together with friends.” I love that Mr. Barr is thinking about how their programs impact and might exclude students and is making changes to better align with our district goals.

Shane Christensen—Indian Hills Junior High, Principal
Dr. Shane Christensen has been a positive fixture at Indian Hills for 24 years as a teacher, vice principal, and principal. He educates in the best way possible — through leadership and walking the walk. Indian Hills students continually return years after graduating to see him and update him on their lives. Shane’s positivity, guidance, adherence to his students and staff’s mental well being, and overall grit has served as a beacon for all of us.

Megan Girkin—Indian Hills Junior High, Language Arts Teacher
My son had Mrs. Girkin for Tiger Time and English last year at Indian Hills. Mrs. Girkin went above and beyond helping him with his English assignments. She stayed after school on numerous occasions to help him and worked one-on-one more times than I will ever know. I am so happy with his progress and his much improved confidence in his writing skills. He went on to earn an A this year in English for the first semester. I can’t begin to thank Mrs. Girkin enough for this. My son’s success this year is a direct result of all the time she spent helping him last year. We appreciate you! Thank you again!

Kristi Musser—Jordan Creek Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Kristi comes in every day ready to make a difference. She sees the best in all the students and celebrates all accomplishments – even the smallest ones. Her smile is infectious and inspires me to be a better person. Kristi goes above and beyond to make sure students have what they need to be successful. She works diligently with staff so everyone is working towards the same goal.

Brooke Tullis—Jordan Creek Elementary, Second Grade Teacher
I am thrilled to nominate Brooke for the PAWSitive Impact Award. Brooke makes a lasting impact by educating, empowering, and inspiring our students every day. Her classroom is a welcoming and affirming space where all students feel valued and supported. Brooke fosters a love of learning through creative methods such as songs, engaging routines, and positive communication. Her unwavering positivity and radiant smile uplift everyone around her, making her a true asset to our school community.

Natalie French—Learning Resource Center, Director of ESOL
Natalie is truly an exceptional leader. She fosters a culture of empowerment and inspiration, ensuring that everyone around her strives to be their best. Her commitment to reciprocal learning and reflection strengthens partnerships, making collaboration meaningful and impactful. By providing thoughtful feedback, she ensures that students and teachers benefit from her team's collective efforts. It’s clear she’s a remarkable asset to WDMCS!

Amanda Mahannah—Stilwell Junior High, PTO President
Amanda is taking classes full time and still providing Stilwell’s PTO with guidance as the current president. She has made an impact on communication to our Stilwell community.

Eric Traynor—Valley High School, Counselor
His kindness and willingness to provide support and assistance to ANYONE is wonderful to witness. He is one of the most positive educators I have had the pleasure with whom to serve students and families.

Xavier Quinn—Valley Southwoods, Orchestra Teacher and Access Lead
Xavier brings joy to everything he does! Xavier is a fun, dependable colleague and an amazing leader for belonging and inclusion work in our building. He empowers his students to grow their musical skills and life skills in a down-to-earth, approachable manner. He inspires our entire staff and his students to improve and grow on a daily basis.

Jen Jensen—Walnut Creek Campus, Secretary
Jen is not in the classroom, but she is the first person that students and families engage with. She welcomes all of our students with warmth and she is a very supportive and giving person. Jen would literally give anyone the shirt off her back, if they needed it. As the principal, I am witness to the impact that Jen makes on so many of our students. A cheerful hello, a song just for them, a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee to get the day going, and a listening ear when they need one. She was a special education associate in our district before she came to WCC. She is making a ig PAWSitive Impact on many here.

Emily Johnson—Western Hills Elementary, Art Teacher
I see Mrs. Johnson welcoming students at school drop off with open arms and a big smile. Students give her a big hug and whatever insecurities or apprehensions about starting the school day seem to melt away.

Beth Walker—Western Hills Elementary, Secretary
When I have been at the school, I have seen her with the kids, the parents, and with the other staff.  With my department, she most times is the main point of contact for us and she handles us and deals with us with the utmost respect and care. Beth goes out of her way to take care of everyone she is responsible for and takes all the extra measures to go above and beyond. Beth truly is a shining star for the West Des Moines Community Schools community, and she definitely is a bright spot for the staff and students she serves every day at Western Hills.

Jessica Wear—Western Hills Elementary, Counselor
Mrs. Wear is so thoughtful and kind. She knows everyone’s name, and I think having this connection with every child really makes them feel valued at school. During the school fun run, she announced every kid’s name as they were passing her or nearing the finish, and you could see them smile and quicken their pace by a step or two.