Danielle Dvorak — Western Hills Elementary, Special Education Teacher
Danielle pours her heart and soul into the work she does with her students every single day. She is constantly changing what she does to help her students thrive. She is always so positive around both students and staff. She sends positive messages each and every day to her building, and her kindness has been infectious for her students. The connections students have with Danielle are amazing, and so many of them come to her when in need. Danielle is in her second year of teaching special education, and her students couldn’t be more lucky to have such a dedicated, loving, and fiercely passionate teacher helping to shape them into the amazing people they are!

Joy Evertsen — Valley High School, Kitchen Manager
Joy has been nothing but gracious and positive as we feed the cross country runners during the season. As parents, we use the Valley Kitchen for catering, and Joy has been so kind and accommodating as we order and pick up pasta and breadsticks. I know the community of runners, parents, and coaches are so thankful for Joy’s efforts in providing the food for the team that they enjoyed together. Thank you, Joy!

Gaby Gallentine — Western Hills Elementary, Third GradeTeacher
Gaby works hard to give her students an environment where they can flourish. She empowers students to own their learning both academically and socially. Gaby is not only teaching in our building, but she also has stepped up to support the school musical/play. Students know she will support their interests and encourage them along the way. Gaby, thanks for all the ways you connect our community. We are better because you are here rallying behind us all.

Jen Harris — Jordan Creek Elementary, School Secretary

It is a tremendous joy to nominate our school secretary, Jen Harris, for making a PAWSitive impact on our students, staff, and families daily at Jordan Creek. She embodies our school mission statement, “Lead with Compassion. Learn with a Purpose. Make a Difference,” not only with her words, but through her actions.

Jen is often the first friendly smile our students and families see when they walk through our doors. She helps set the tone for the kindness, calm, and caring demeanor of our school culture and community. She goes above and beyond to make every person feel welcomed, seen, valued, and supported. Whether she’s comforting an anxious student, sharing a comforting hug with a staff member having a hard day, assisting a teacher with a last-minute need, keeping office supplies ordered and stocked in a timely fashion, or helping a parent navigate a question, she does it all with grace, patience, unconditional love, and a genuine smile. 

Her ability to balance the many moving parts of our school with positivity and professionalism inspires everyone around her. She models respect, compassion, and joy to each of us daily, teaching by her example what it means to lead with her servant’s heart. She empowers others through her encouragement and resourcefulness, and she inspires our entire school community through her dedication and excellence. 

Jordan Creek Elementary is a better and brighter place because of Jen Harris. She truly makes a difference every single day by shining her light so bright, and her PAWSitive impact reaches far beyond the front office.

She empowers students by being a reliable, caring adult they can go to for support, and she inspires them through her calm, consistent approach and genuine belief in their potential. Her communication with staff is timely and collaborative, and she is always willing to jump in wherever needed. Her visibility and dedication create a safe, supportive environment where students feel seen, valued, and motivated to do their best.

Jen, alongside a small team of teachers, facilitates student leadership through our “Afternoon Show” student-led assemblies. She guides students through producing, writing scripts, running the show, and leading meaningful moments of celebration. Jen is thoughtful about continuing to adapt the assembly format and providing just-right support to allow students to shine. These assemblies have become a highlight of student leadership at JC and empower students to take pride in their contributions. 

In addition, Jen shares her expertise with colleagues by leading professional learning. When asked if she would be willing to facilitate a few professional learning sessions throughout the year, Jen agreed to lead a session at all four PD days. Her first session was engaging and responded to a need articulated by teachers. 

Jen’s dedication, innovation, and collaboration exemplify our district’s mission. We are so grateful she is a part of the Jordan Creek community!

Heather Nail — Valley High School, Vocal Music Director

Heather’s impact on Valley’s Vocal Music program is considerable. She spends countless hours working with students and ensembles. She is often the first to arrive to school and one of the last to leave, not only because of her classes, but the individual time she puts in to working with students on solos or ensembles on jazz pieces. 

She organizes the Iowa Jazz Summit and has consistently helped our students earn national recognition. She is an excellent teacher and a luminary, not only in West Des Moines Community Schools or the state of Iowa, but across the nation.

Joyce Payer — Valley HIgh School, Orchestra Director

Joyce shows up every day and encourages her students to go beyond the classroom. She makes sure all students have access to lessons at school. She provides information about honor orchestras, All-State orchestras, and more. Students trust her and feel respected and comfortable coming to her for help. 

Her dedication shows up through the students’ performances. Students are then choosing to share their music in performances outside of school. She is making a difference!

Rich Robbins — Jordan Creek Elementary, Head Custodian
I am honored to nominate our head custodian, Rich Robbins, for his outstanding dedication and PAWSitive impact he has on our entire school community. Rich does way more than maintain our building — he helps shape the positive and caring culture that defines our school. His pride in his work teaches each of us the value of responsibility, respect, and perseverance. Through his kindness and loving presence, he models what it means to serve others with humility and to bring joy to 
everyday tasks.

He empowers staff by always being willing to help, problem-solve, and go the extra mile. Whether it’s arriving early to ensure the building is ready for learning or staying late to make sure every space is cared for, or even coming in over breaks from school and on the weekends, he approaches every challenge with patience, professionalism, and a compassionate heart.

Rich inspires everyone around him. His positive attitude, genuine care, and friendly smile greets every single student and staff member daily. Our kids and staff all love Mr. Rich for the positive presence he shares with us daily. His kindness reminds each of us what is most important in life. He makes each of us better by the example he sets — showing that true leadership comes from serving others faithfully and joyfully.

Jordan Creek Elementary is a better and brighter place because of Rich Robbins! Our school simply wouldn’t be the same without him. He is a cornerstone of our school community, and his daily impact reaches every student, staff member, and family who walks through our doors.

Jillian Robbins — Westridge Elementary, Gifted & Talented Teacher
Mrs. Robbins shows up for her students in every way imaginable. She is an advocate for every student she comes across and works every day to build confidence, skills, and emotional intelligence in them. She is an above-and-beyond teacher who inspires my student to find meaning in his learning. The district is incredibly lucky to have her!

Cari Rothfus — Clive Learning Academy, Student Support and Family Engagement Teacher
Cari shows up each day to advocate for students and families at Clive. She is active on the school leadership team and attendance committee and manages our food pantry. She works with students individually and in groups to support various needs. She is working with students to video the morning announcements for the school each day. 

Cari is always willing to cover in a classroom, cover a duty, or step in to support challenging behaviors. Cari works hard each day to ensure our students at Clive feel valued, seen, and heard. You will always find Cari in the hallways with a smile and positive attitude. She is a valuable member of our Clive community! 

Thank you for all you do each and every day!

Karen vanOostenrijk — Learning Resource Center, Data Support Specialist
Her attitude and willingness to collaborate make her an excellent team player. Even though she has minimal student contact and serves from behind myriad computer screens, she truly does what’s best for students and families and has kids’ best interests at heart. She is definitely a servant leader. I appreciate her for her kindness and ability to consider other ways of doing things to make the enrollment process easier for families.