Hannah Boese — Learning Resource Center, Curriculum Lead

Hannah does a remarkable job as a curriculum lead that supports math and parts of our CTE programming. She is dedicated, thorough, highly organized, focused on best practices, and has high standards for herself. I have learned a great deal from her historical knowledge and expertise at WDMCS. She follows through consistently, exceeds expectations, and collaborates with others to break down silos effectively. I’m grateful for her leadership.
 

Lauren Brueckner — Clive Learning Academy, Second Grade Teacher

Lauren was born to be an educator. She fosters creativity, compassion, and safety in her classroom. She challenges students to grow in their academic and emotional skills and builds strong relationships with others so they feel safe making mistakes. Her focus is always on what is best for the kids! There are few teachers out there like her. I’m inspired by her every day.
 

Mike Cunningham — Indian Hills Junior High, GT Teacher and Leadership Academy Facilitator

Mr. Cunningham has made an impact inside and outside the school. This is evident in his work with leadership development in the district. Mr. Cunningham currently facilitates the Student Leadership Academy, where he works with students from Crestview, Stilwell, and Indian Hills. His work with student leadership has left an impact on so many students, many of whom are now leaders in their communities. His work is truly an inspiration!
 

Christie Engelbert — Crossroads Park Elementary, Art Teacher

I’d like to nominate Mrs. Christie Engelbert for recognition because she is truly a standout art teacher at Crossroads. She has a gift for connecting with her students and making every lesson feel special, accessible, and exciting.

This year, the class created their own stamps, and Mrs. Engelbert carved each one herself. The kids felt like real artists because she treats their ideas that way.

Mrs. Engelbert finds ways to reach every student, no matter their skill level or confidence. Her projects spark creativity, curiosity, and joy.

We are so lucky to have her at Crossroads, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this nomination.
 

Natalie French — Learning Resource Center, Director of Multilingual Programming

Natalie has been making a PAWSitive impact on the staff and students in our district since she started here (which was not that long ago because we are not that old). She has worked tirelessly to educate staff on best practices to teach and assess world languages at all levels and empowered so many students (who do not even know it) to connect with their language and culture in an educational setting. She has inspired students by encouraging them to participate in the Seal of Biliteracy and by presenting the ever-growing, amazing opportunities our district has to offer to our non-native English speakers.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far,” in regard to his foreign policy. It is no wonder that our World Language Department has gone as far as we have! Natalie has led our department by speaking softly and by carrying the big stick of knowledge, experience, and best-practice. Each PLC+ is planned with precision and care, keeping all stakeholders in mind. She deftly works to help us all grow to be better no matter what we believe about education or where we are in our journey as educators. It is a delicate balancing act that few could manage, but Natalie has the kindness, the vision, and the passion to empower us to grow.

Not only does she empower our department to grow, but she has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for non-native speakers of English (specifically Spanish-speaking students) to connect with their language and culture and be served to the best of our ability. There was a time when native Spanish speakers did not have a class where they could get reinforcement of their native language. Those students would be tossed into a level 1 or level 2 Spanish class that was primarily designed for non-native Spanish speakers, and we would hope for the best. Not only did Natalie support the Heritage Language program that we have, but she helped to write the curriculum, and spent countless hours looking through Infinite Campus to make sure students were getting placed correctly. She also contacted students and families to set up and proctor tests to help students determine the best level of Spanish for them. So many students will have no idea the amazing impact her work has had on their success, but we know she is an inspiration!

Recently, Natalie came to an Al Exito meeting at Valley Southwoods and presented the many opportunities our district offers that support non-native speakers of English. It was so awesome to sit back and hear her describe the Seal of Biliteracy, Al Exito at Valley, Honors Programs, and Latinos in Action to our students. Anyone in the room could see the positive energy with which she gave her presentation was reflected in the eyes of the students. So many of them buzzed with the excitement of the new opportunities that lay ahead. Most of those opportunities are due to the hard work of Natalie!

Working in education is not often easy. We like to hope that our efforts will eventually make a difference even if we do not get to actually see the outcome or get recognition for our efforts. Natalie has not only made a difference, but she has built a legacy with a group of our students that most needed support! She has walked the talk, as they say. She found a group of students who could use some tools to be successful, and she created multiple opportunities to help them find success. In her quiet, kind, stealthy, like a ninja way, she has done WAY MORE than educate, empower, and inspire! She has built the legacy of a pathway to success for hundreds, if not thousands, of Spanish-speaking students in West Des Moines Community Schools.

Natalie, those students may not know you are the amazing person behind it all, but I do — and I’m 100% sure I am not the only one! I appreciate you and all you have done for me and our students! It is truly a joy to work with you! I have NO IDEA how you do it all with so much kindness and grace, but I am so glad that you do! Muchas gracias! Lisa
 

Penny Grande — Valley High School, AP US History and Sociology Teacher

Mrs. Grande is dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences for her students in both sociology and AP United States History. She collaborates with her colleagues regularly to ensure there is horizontal alignment in her courses, and she is definitely a content expert. Penny is creative in her approaches to ensure students understand the content in her classes. In sociology, she encourages critical thinking and collaboration as her students debate and discuss modern issues. In AP US History, Penny ensures that the course is appropriately rigorous while providing scaffolds to support her students. She is truly an amazing educator and deserves recognition for her commitment to engaging, empowering, and inspiring lifelong learners.
 

Raven Lane — Clive Learning Academy, Special Education Associate

Raven is an amazing associate! She comes in every day with a smile, often with something funny to say, and always finds a way to brighten the day.
When she is in the classroom, she quickly builds strong relationships with the teacher and every student. She’s so dependable and connected that students see her as a teacher, and they notice right away if she’s running late or has been asked to help in another classroom.

Raven works with many students throughout the day, but most recently has been assigned to support one student in particular. This change was new for both her and the student. The student is now truly thriving under her care and support.
She meets students on their level and on their terms, which makes her an incredible support to both students and staff in our system.
 

Stephanie Nelson — Valley Southwoods, Art Teacher

Stephanie goes above and beyond to support students in all of their outside of the day events. She sees who they are as people and shows up to games, concerts, Student Council activities, and events. Students have returned after graduating and commented that she made them felt seen and valued when they were struggling.

In my 16 years with the school, I can’t recall a concert or event I was involved in that she didn’t attend. She is an example of a student champion, and the district is lucky to have her.
 

Dianna Odonnell —Crossroads Park Elementary, Kitchen Manager

Dianna leads our school kitchen with remarkable efficiency and a calm, steady presence. She keeps everything running smoothly, maintaining a spotless workspace and consistently delivering high-quality meals. Her warm smile and friendly conversations with students brighten their day, making the cafeteria feel welcoming and cared for.
 

Colleen Rasavong-Roberts — Clive Learning Academy, Special Education Associate

Colleen joined the Clive Special Education associate team this year, coming to us with more hidden talent than we knew. Colleen is a very humble and genuine team player. She steps up to the plate with a smile and grace when given a new challenge. She takes the time to get to know all students and their unique needs, and she works beyond school hours to provide learning opportunities for students each and every day.

I see Colleen stepping in wherever she is needed without even being asked. She cares deeply for all students at Clive. Colleen is a leader, a collaborator, and an amazing asset to Clive. We are so lucky to have Colleen at Clive with all of the knowledge and skills she provides to our school. Keep being AMAZING!
 

Matt Ross — Indian Hills Junior High, Eighth Grade Language Arts Teacher

Mr. Ross goes above and beyond to support students and staff at Indian Hills. He doesn’t do it for the recognition but because he wants to make Indian Hills a better place. For example, the clocks in our building have all been off by a minute or two. Mr. Ross took it upon himself to set every single clock in our building. This is just one example of how Mr. Ross goes out of his way to make Indian Hills a better place.
 

Laurel Steig — Western Hills Elementary, Special Education Associate

Laurel shows up every single day with a smile on her face. She is warm and inviting to any student she is around. She works so hard to provide the students with what they need, whether that’s a zillion laps around the building in a wagon or encouragement while they are completing tasks. Western Hills is a better place because she is here supporting our students and staff. Thanks for all you do!
 

Abigail Steill — Crossroads Park Elementary, Special Education

Miss Steill is so amazing at what she does that my daughter is actually up and ready to go see her every day, then comes home and misses her the moment school is over! Our daughter wouldn’t have succeeded in school if it wasn’t for Miss Steill. She is such a huge blessing to our lives, and we want to make sure she knows how big of an impact she has made in our family’s life. We love you Miss Steill! Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do!
 

Mark Thomsen — Valley High School, Math Teacher

Mark makes a PAWSitive impact on his students and colleagues every day. He continually tries new instructional strategies and shares his ideas with his PLC. Mark intentionally works to make learning accessible for all students, supporting them as they grow and pushing them to achieve at higher levels. Mark gets involved in schoolwide events to support student causes, works to make custodians’ jobs easier, and overall, spreads kindness and humor in the halls of Valley High School!