Employees recognized for work supporting district pillar

Nineteen SCSD employees representing each campus and central office were recognized at the November 1, 2023 Board of Education Meeting with an award for demonstrated commitment and dedication working with families and the community. "Partnership with Families and Community" is one of four pillars of the district strategic plan. Shannon Tahoe, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Professional Learning introduced the principals and their nominees. She noted that the award is given to employees who highly value our families and the community. "Their communication is inclusive, accessible, goes two ways, and is always based on high expectations within a supportive environment," said Tahoe.

Congratulations to the following:

City As Our Campus: Tymesia Nabors- Social Worker:

Tymesia is a caring and forwarding thinking individual who always has students and their families in mind for support and communication. She considers the coordination with our student's families essential to their academic and social success. Tymesia has organized and implemented a number of highly impactful activities and events which have directly supported our students and their families including through Stewart's "Needy Family Fund" Campaign and a variety of other endeavors.

Hamilton Elementary: Jennifer Paley- AIS ELA Teacher

Jenn has been a member of the schenectady and Hamilton community for the majority of her career and she pours her heart and soul into this work. She is a co-lead for our PTO and is always looking for ways to make Hamilton and the surrounding area better. Her most recent contribution was to install our very own Hammy's Lending Library to share the message and love of books and reading. Additional she has spearhead a plan to install a bench in memory of a fellow colleague and staff member from the facilities department who made a lasting impression during his time at Hamilton. Jenn is always thinking of the bigger picture and how to best support our families and the greater community. She is a true Husky and we are honored and privileged to work with such a loving and caring human that makes our community better.

MLK Elementary: Christine Ewert- Parent Liaison

Miss. Christine brings compassion, hope, honesty, and joy to the children, families, and MLK faculty and staff. Miss. Christine speaks to our families from a place of understanding and zero judgement. There isn't a location she won't walk to or a parent she won't work with. Miss. Christine is all in, all the time. She knows that the little things can really mean a whole lot. For example, last year, she made sure every student at MLK received at least one, wrapped, holiday toy in December. She put together a fancy "Last Dance" for the fifth graders and their families to show how proud of them we are. She connects families to the mobile food pantry and has been known to walk with families to local food sites to assist in the process of getting the groceries and walking them back to their homes. Ms. Christine was one of two staff members to start the walking school bus. Parents are so grateful to have a trusted adult available to walk their child to school. She has music playing in the morning to make sure the energy is right of everyone entering our building. Ms. Christine never hesitates when asked to jump in and fill a void in fact she often says, "What do you need? I'll do whatever you need." Her laugh, energy, and all around goofiness makes it a pleasure to work with her each day.

Keane Elementary School: Linda Garrigan- 2nd Grade Teacher

Linda is a 2nd grade teacher at Keane that goes above and beyond with her outreach to students and families. Linda will do home visits, drop off treats for absent students, attend community events, take families to eye glass appointments, advocate for resources for her students, and seeks out resources that her children and families need. Linda understands and values the partnership between school and family and she serves as a true partner and resource! She works so hard for the relationships and ensures that families know that she might push but it's because she loves and cares for their children.

Lincoln Elementary: Tom Mueller- School Counselor

Tom has been an amazing addition to the Lincoln family. He routinely connects with families to support them and their children. His communication is very much two-way and he listens at least as much, if not more than ,how much he speaks. He knows our students very well, and this is clear with his sharing of experiences when speaking with families. He helps students bridge their experiences at home with what is required and expected in school. The students and families are crazy about him and they regularly seek him out. Tom also has many connections with community organizations and has brought his connections into the building to become Lincoln partners. These partnerships have benefited Lincoln students and families through resources, education, and experiences. We are very lucky to have Tom Mueller as a Lincoln Lion.

Schenectady High School: Lashanda Blanks- Parent Empowerment Center Facilitator

I am pleased to nominate Ms. Shanda for her outstanding dedication and proactive approach in fostering connections within our community. She has consistently taken the initiative and demonstrated a strong commitment to her role. Ms. Shanda exemplifies the qualities we seek in an individual who can effectively bridge the gap between our school and the community. Ms. Shanda's in-depth understanding of our families and community support programs has proven to be invaluable. Her efforts have not only strengthened the bond between the school and the community but have also contributed significantly to our collaborative initiatives. We are fortunate to have her as a part of our team.

Pleasant Valley Elementary School: Dina Allen- 4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Allen has led our participatory budgeting process working with families for the last several years. In addition, she works closely with staff to ensure all of our evening events are successful. From year to year, families of siblings that have had Mrs. Allen request younger siblings be placed in her class. Mrs. Allen is a true team player who embodies the qualities in the partnership with families and communities pillar.

Howe Elementary School: Keedra Kirby-STEM/Media Teacher

Keedra goes above and beyond when it comes to partnerships with families and community. Last year she headed up the Howe garden club which worked with Rebekkah Hendrikson and families to grow some great things in our garden. She helps to organize our PTO and is one of our most active and vocal members serving dual roles as a parent and teacher. Keedra sits on our Howe farm to school committee and is working now to have a pumpkin picking patch for our students and families during our Boo at the School Event. If that's not enough she also is the PBIS coach for the building.

Yates Elementary School: Des’Nae Felton- Security Monitor

As a security monitor, Des'nae works tirelessly to provide a welcoming environment for families at Yates. She welcomes each child and parent every morning with a smile and a hug. She helps families problem solve and helps to create an environment at school where the students feel safe and comfortable. In the community, Ms. Des is well known for her supportive nature and high expectations.

Woodlawn Elementary School: Debbie Borden- 2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs Borden has created strong partnerships between our school and our greater community through her leadership of the Woodlawn Student Council. Students volunteered with the City Mission food pantry and worked on projects around campus such as a clothing closet. Most recently she helped get clothing for our families impacted by a fire.

Zoller Elementary School: Tanekia Matthews- Parent Liaison/Security Monitor

It is my privilege to present the Partnership with Families & the Community pillar award to Tanekia Matthews, Zoller’s extraordinary full-time safety officer and part-time Parent Liaison.

As we all know, the success of a school is not just the result of the work done within its walls but is linked to the support, involvement, and collaboration with families and the community. In this regard, Tanekia plays an essential role at Zoller.

Her dedication and commitment to building strong and positive partnerships with families has been exceptional. She is the embodiment of the spirit of cooperation and the heart of our school. Spend a few moments in the morning watching Tanekia greet parents and students at Zoller’s front door and you will clearly see that positive family partnership in real time–warm greetings, quick check-ins, and lots of reassured parents. Zoller families know that they can always reach out to Tanekia with any question, concern, or need and she will help– which is why so many of them have her number on speed dial.

Walk with Tanekia through the halls of Zoller or spend some time with her as she MCs the cafeteria and you will see her genuine care and concern for every child in our school. She doesn't just see the students as part of her job; she sees them as an extension of her own family. Her tireless effort to ensure that every student feels loved, supported, and motivated to succeed is inspiring. This is the basis of Tanekia’s connection to Zoller families. When a person makes students feel this way, they tell their families. When a school makes students feel loved, supported, and motivated to succeed they also tell their families. This is the foundation of a family/school relationship and without that foundation we cannot build those partnerships.

So thank you Tanekia for helping Zoller build that foundation.

And thank you for keeping the PTO going, and organizing the amazing events to engage our families.

Thank you for everything you do for Zoller students and families. The list is long.

Oneida Middle School: Nicholas Ronca- Grade 6 Science Teacher

Mr. Ronca is a Sixth Grade Science Teacher at Oneida Middle School. He has been a Timberwolf since we reopened. He is a member of our Building Leadership Team and the Safety Team. He is also the Modified Wrestling Coach and the advisor for the Gardening Club. Mr. Ronca takes responsibility for establishing respectful, reciprocal relationships with and among families. He works in collaborative partnerships with families, seeking and maintaining regular, frequent communication with them and recognizing that the forms of communication may differ. Mr Ronca welcomes family members in the school setting and creates multiple opportunities for family participation. Mr. Ronca involves families as a source of information about the child to better inform his craft and connections. These are the reasons why I nominate him for this award.

Mont Pleasant Middle School: Anna Robinson- Parent Liaison

A middle school parent liaison is a vital bridge between the school and parents/guardians of our students Mont Pleasant Middle School. For many years Mrs. Robinson has been a pillar of stability and primary point of contact, facilitating effective communication and collaboration between the school administration, teachers, and families within our Mont Pleasant Community. Her primary focus has always been to enhance parent involvement and engagement in their child's education. Over the years she has organized hundreds of events, workshops, and meetings to provide parents with information about school policies, communication systems, and resources available to support their child's academic success. Additionally, Mrs. Robinson assists parents in navigating the school system, addressing concerns, and connecting them with relevant school personnel or community resources. In closing Mrs. Robinson continues to play a crucial role in fostering a positive and supportive school environment that recognizes the importance of strong home-school partnerships. Her warm smile, youthful enthusiasm, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to the families, students, and staff within our Mont Pleasant Community is why she set the bar that all other parent liaisons hope to achieve when building genuine and meaningful relationships that are not just supportive but generational.

Paige Elementary School: Nicole Marriner- STEM/MEDIA Teacher

Nicole goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our families, students and staff. She organizes our after-school, recess and enrichment programs, such as clean energy. She communicates with families and help them rest assure that their children will learn, be great and be safe. She cultivates love and genius, not only for students, but for families and the community. She makes the impossible, possible.

Van Corlaer Elementary School: Jamie Gentile- Student Engagement & Attendance Specialist

Jamie has recently taken on the role of Attendance specialist for the district working at multiple buildings. Jamie has assisted families with transportation needs, concerns around issues within the community and has made herself readily available to our families. In her new role, Jamie is dedicated and passionate about family and school connection, as well as determined to develop community partnerships that ensure student success.

Central Park Middle School: Marcus McNeil- Security Monitor

I am nominating Mr. McNeil because he is the first person our students and families see when they enter the building. Mr. McNeil has a great relationship with our students and parents. He is very welcoming when our parents enter CPMS and helps parents navigate the building. He is the one person that many of our students seek out when they are frustrated, having a bad day or have issues. Mr. McNeil is kind person and treats our students and families with utmost respect. He is a positive role model and many of students look up to him. He is one person that our students will listen to when they are having a bad day. I appreciate him.

Steinmetz Career & Leadership Academy: Michelle Thornhill, School Psychologist

Ms. Thornhill is an entrusted staff of Steinmetz Career & Leadership Academy who is very knowledgeable of all our students and their families. She provides support to families via clear and receptive communication that is directed to improve student's overall growth and family supportive environment. Our students seek her out for counseling, respite moments, and at times just to say "hi". Michelle is a great team member who extends her team to student., family, and the Schenectady community.

Washington Irving Elementary School: Leann Dawley, School Social Worker

Mrs. Dawley is a social worker at Washington Irving working with our high school students in our SELF and OASIS programs. Mrs. Dawley spends countless hours working with our students, teachers, and their families all year. Mrs Dawley’s dedication and close connections have been a leading reason for the success of her programs and the development her students have shown. Mrs Dawley and her teachers meet with families year-round making the school family part of the home family. Mrs Dawley shows us every day how a therapeutic relationship with a student can truly support educational success.

Central Office: Alex Torres- Senior Parent Liaison

Alex Torres is a true pillar in our community. He is a strong advocate who fights for the rights of our families. Alex always goes above and beyond to meet the needs of not only the students, but their families as well. He wears many hats in his daily job, an interpreter, counselor, shopper, just to name a few, but he never complains about anything he is asked to do. Alex works hard to ensure that the families are taken care of, in all aspects of their lives. He supports the parent liaisons in strengthening the relationships between our families and schools. Alex also plays a key role in welcoming our families into the district and making them feel comfortable and connected with their child’s school. Alex’s impact is not only felt within the school district, but it’s also felt with his music. Alex is a multi-talented individual who influences many people. I am proud to have him as a member of my team and proud to honor him with this award for family community and engagement.