Taylor Aiello — Valley High School, Social Studies Teacher

Taylor consistently empowers her students to be the best versions of themselves. She holds them to high standards and helps them develop into students who are continuous learners, effective communicators, and collaborative critical thinkers. She develops lasting relationships with her students and is always supportive. Students have shared how much they appreciate Mrs. Aiello and how genuine she is with them.

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Dana Allen — Learning Resource Center, Assistant Director

Dana is the most empowering co-worker! She has amazing skills and incredible patience. Always supportive in every aspect, she helps others become their best selves. The best assistant principal turned assistant director of special education!

Jessica Burke — Clive Learning Academy, Librarian

We are so lucky to have Jessica at Clive! She creates such engaging and fun lessons for her library classes, and the kids absolutely love her and going to the library! Jessica creates leadership opportunities for students to help in the library, which helps them thrive and feel a sense of pride in themselves. She is always willing to lend a helping hand with technology and has a wealth of knowledge when teachers need help with finding books to engage their students in the classroom. Jessica is such a hard worker and always shows up to work with a smile! Thank you so much for all you do for us at Clive!

Marron Cox — Clive Learning Academy, Special Education Associate

Marron is positive in any situation she faces. She’s a wonderful co-worker, and her knowledge and skills have greatly helped other associates.

Kristi Creighton — Western Hills Elementary, Special Education Associate

Kristi comes in every day ready for whatever the day will bring. She is always willing to do what is best for her students and empowers them through quiet guidance and supports. Kristi is a huge advocate for her students! She will make sure they hear how awesome they are every day. The students in the classroom she serves all feel her genuine care for them! Western Hills is so grateful she is very obviously here every day for the most important people in the district, our students. Thanks for all you do, Kristi!

Abby Cunningham — Learning Resource Center, Learning Management System Coordinator

Abby makes a PAWSitive impact every day as our district’s LMS coordinator, but the truth is, she has been making a positive impact in the lives of students and staff for years in many different roles. Abby has served as a math teacher, an instructional coach, an online learning coordinator, a long-term sub (when needed), a math teacher again, and the LMS coordinator. Abby’s current role reaches every family, student, and staff member in the district as she works to streamline the process and educate anyone who uses Canvas. She does so with creativity, humility, understanding, and good humor.

Even in times of stress and various “tech crises,” Abby remains calm and helps users work through issues adeptly. Abby is proactive in thinking through various challenges, always working ahead to support students and teachers. Abby shows the utmost grace through every single challenge, both personally and professionally! We are so lucky to have Abby Cunningham at West Des Moines Community Schools!

Alex Dvorak — Westridge Elementary, Fifth Grade Teacher

Alex is consistently seeking out opportunities for continuous learning in the realm of education. He is dedicated to learning how to best meet the needs of his students and create a welcoming environment in his classroom. He creates a learning environment where students feel empowered to be respectful, responsible, and safe while learning.

Debbie Erbes — Jordan Creek Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Erbes is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and nurturing kindergarten environment where students thrive. Her calm and supportive presence helps students build their confidence and develop a genuine love of learning. At the same time, Mrs. Erbes holds her students to high expectations and believes deeply in their ability to learn and grow. She works collaboratively with the special education team, specialists, and her associate to ensure each student is successful. We’re so grateful for the positive energy and warmth she brings to our school community every day!

Lydia Gomez — Rex Mathes (home school assistance), Custodiant

Lydia’s kindness, patience, big smile and impeccable work ethic, as well as the quality of her work, make her an important role model within Rex Mathes. She inspires respect and shows integrity. Lydia has no equals in her knowledge and skills.

La amabilidad, la paciencia, la gran sonrisa y la impecable ética laboral de Lydia, así como la calidad de su trabajo, la convierten en un modelo a seguir fundamental en Rex Mathes. Inspira respeto y demuestra integridad. Lydia no tiene rival en cuanto a conocimientos y habilidades.

Nic Hoover — Fairmeadows Elementary, Fourth Grade Teacher

Nic understood our concerns from the very FIRST moment we informed him of our child’s needs. It has been a year without any complaints, indicating that he does his job well and respects the rules and other’s concerns.

Michael Larsen — Western Hills Elementary, Special Education Teacher

Michael shows up every day ready to support students, his team, and Western Hills as a whole. He is willing to jump in whenever and wherever needed to make a difference for students. Michael builds genuine relationships with students and families to impact the overall growth of the whole child. Michael is an amazing asset to the Western Hills team and community!

Roberta Malloy — Walnut Creek Campus, Nurse

Roberta goes above and beyond every single day, every single month, year after year. Kids adore her, and she is such a wonderful role model for them and for all of us. She is kind- hearted, loving, caring, and sees the best in every human. Kids want to be around her all the time because of the love she gives. She is the definition of a servant heart. Roberta is more than a school nurse — she’s become family to so many students. We’re all so lucky to have her!

Samantha Melz — Valley High School, Drama Assistant Director and Large Group
Speech Director

Sam, called to help out the community, came up with the Drama Department’s food drive and fundraiser during the run of the fall play. She coordinated the effort, creating all marketing material and spreading the word, to raise over $1,000 for the local food banks and food items to stock Valley’s own pantry. She inspired students and their families to give back to their community if able, and helped normalize students asking for help if needed.

Rebekah Norgaard — Valley Southwoods, Welding Teacher

Rebekah is wonderful! She is patient with her students and is willing to answer all of their questions to ensure they understand. There is a student in my home so excited to go to school and is finding great joy in exploring the possibilities of your field! I simply can NOT thank you enough for how you are helping him, as well as the other students in your welding class, find an avenue that could become a passion.

Last night, I spent at least an hour printing off pictures and written content related to an activity he has begun to dream about because of the curriculum you are providing at Southwoods. Dreaming big dreams is part of the teenage experience, and Rebekah, you are helping to develop fodder for those dreams!

I am also extremely pleased that a young Latino male is learning content from a woman whose profession is typically dominated by men. This is a HUGE secondary consequence which is vitally important.

I simply don’t know how to demonstrate my enthusiasm and deep gratitude more.

Again, thank you, Rebekah, for everything, and I am so excited to witness such great things in your class!

Denise Ruggieri — Clive Learning Academy, Special Education Associate

Denise is always caring toward her students and consistently
positive. It’s a delight to work with her.
 

Joan Severe — Crestview School of Inquiry, ESOL Teacher

I am honored to nominate Joan Severe for the PAWSitive Impact Award.

Joan is a positive, equity-focused, and dedicated team player who consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, especially our English learners. She works tirelessly to ensure they are successful in all aspects of their school day, both inside and outside the classroom. Her commitment to student growth and well-being is evident in everything she does.

Joan shows up every day ready to work hard and serve our school community. She is flexible, dependable, and always willing to step in when needed. She regularly volunteers to take on additional roles and responsibilities, demonstrating her strong commitment to our district and her colleagues.

Most importantly, Joan is a true advocate for students. She ensures their voices are heard, their needs are met, and they feel supported and valued. Her dedication, compassion, and professionalism make a lasting impact on our school and the families we serve.

For these reasons, I strongly believe Joan Severe is deserving of the PAWSitive Impact Award. Our district is fortunate to have her, and her work continues to make a meaningful difference every day.

Sheryl Bastian —Fairmeadows Elementary, ESOL Teacher

Sheryl helped my daughter in her academic developmen, even providing her with positive emotional support. She is the reason my daughter loved school.

John Weathers — Operations, Warehouse Manager

John Weathers consistently goes above and beyond to help staff get the supplies they need to be the best educators possible.

He recently got his Ergonomics Certificate and has been spending time helping staff get their desks/chairs adjusted to make them the most comfortable as possible while working.

No matter the task, John is there to help in any way he can.

Jana Yokel — Clive Learning Academy, Special Education Teacher

Jana Yokel is an exceptional teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students, colleagues, and the overall support systems within the building. As a person, Jana is truly outstanding, one of the kindest and most caring individuals you will ever meet. She greets everyone with a genuine smile and regularly takes the time to ask how they are doing. Jana invests significant energy into getting to know others and understanding the support they need in order to be successful.