For Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked students, families & staff to thank their favorite RPS 205 teacher and to tell us what makes them special. We’re sharing their responses on the 205 VIBE. Today, we're featuring our teachers at our Special Programs schools.
IB Candidate School at Conklin
Katie Barone (pictured)
"Mrs. Barone has been an amazing teacher for my daughter this school year! She has made tremendous growth not only in her test scores but her daily work as well. She has also been a safe place for both of my students when they need comfort or feel like something isn't right. They can go to Mrs. Barone and she will listen to them and help them get through whatever is bothering them. " -submitted by Martha Carlson
Rachel Gray
"Ms. Gray stepped into my son's classroom during a time of hurt and uncertainty after the tragic loss of their classroom teacher. She came in as a long term substitute teacher and she has gone above and beyond. While she could have just sat idly by and just made sure the kids were safe she didn't do that. Ms. Gray stayed late, made lessons plans, spoke with staff and her teaching partner to make sure she was giving the best learning experience possible. The classes test scores prove just that! She has also taken the time to get to know each of her 28 students and she is always there when they need her. We are sad for the reason that Ms. Gray came into our students lives but we are forever grateful for the impact she has made on them!" -submitted by Martha Carlson
Lindy Locsmondy
"Ms. Locsmondy is so friendly and patient with my daughter. My daughter feels very proud of having her as a teacher. My daughter feels comfortable, happy, and the communication we have has been a blessing. We love her and all that she brings to classroom. Best teacher for sure. I wish she could stay her teacher forever! " -submitted by Martha DeLuna
Michelle Luna
"Ms. Luna works hard to ensure that all of the students are getting the support they need to be their best selves. She supports students who are having social emotional difficulties and is constantly wanting to learn the newest support techniques. She is very passionate about and truly cares about her students. " -submitted by Catherine Andrews
Amy Velez
"Our daughter loves going to school and growing her brain. Ms. Velez motivates her to be the best learner she can be." -submitted by Pita Osuna
" You're more than just a teacher, you are a mentor & role model. I'll forever be grateful for your time, guidance, & dedication. I learned so much from you. THANK YOU! " -submitted by Brianna Barroso
Marshall Elementary
Sarah Grisanzio
"Thank you for being such an amazing teacher and a true inspiration! You've been so much more than a teacher for me.Thank you for all the support and guide. Thank you for everything you have done for me! You are always smiling, energetic, and ready to start a new day.Thank You so much!"-submitted by Aayansh Raj
Abir Hussameldin
"Thank you very much for being such a good teacher to my child. As a parent, I know perfect teachers are hard to find, but for me, you are amazing.Thank you for your love and care you are giving to my child each day. I truly appreciate that.Thank you so much!" -submitted by Aayansh Raj
Jeanmarie Johnson
"I'd like to express my gratitude to the teacher for fostering a positive learning environment and making the classroom a welcoming and engaging space where my son feels at ease asking questions and participating. She truly encourages growth, builds confidence in the children by encouraging their creative ideas and giving them the freedom to explore them. She's an incredible teacher, a wonderful person, and an all-around amazing individual." -submitted by Arlett Delgado
Molly Lilja
"Mrs. Lilija goes above and beyond to uplift her students, understand who they are and how to help them, and she does whatever it takes to make her students and their families feel understood and supported. She has made our first experience with RPS a wonderful experience, and my son will be forever grateful. " -submitted by Krista Heavin
Jill Neuses
"Thank you for being such a great teacher and helping me love reading even more than I already did. Being in your class for literature was the best part of my day and I wish that I could be in your class again. " -submitted by Lilly Constantinescu-Lungu
Tiffany Thomas
"Tiffany Thomas is amazingly patient, caring, and understanding with her students. She consistently advocates for her students' needs and is a great collaborator with other staff. Marshall Elementary is very lucky to have her!" -submitted by Taylor Gibson
Marshall Middle
Michelle Albersett
"I love Momma A because she is caring and makes me smile! " -submitted by Charlotte Versino
"She is always so nice to everybody." -submitted by Trey Simpson
"She is nice and understanding. She will change things and assignments if it's asked. She is also funny and a great person overall." - submitted by Ascher Passini
"She is an English teacher who supports every student's dreams and hopes. She ensures making learning fun, as why I thank her lots." -submitted by Emily Malavong
"Ms.Alberstett is an excellent teacher who helps bring out the inner creativity of her students through her teaching skills. All of my kids have the honor of being her students and I can't even find enough words to thank her for her kindness and compassion. She is a ray of sunshine every-time you see her. Thank you so much for that you do for students." -submitted by Sadaf Sameer
Kimberly Ball
"When I ask her about the things I don't understand, she says it in a different way,that way I could understand the subject." -submitted by Kennya Mendez
"She makes a subject that sometimes may not be that fun, really fun! She also has a great sense of humor. She is stern but not in a mean way, which I really like. " -submitted by Evelyn Schubert
Aubrey Barnett
"She is super kind and makes coming to class fun." -submitted by Charley Versino
"Mrs. Barnett is a phenomenal teacher, who is really dedicated to her job. She is my favorite 7th grade teacher and uses outstanding techniques to make us learn. She is very dedicated to making us learn and is committed to make us do well. My favorite things about Mrs. Barnett is that she gives everyone a chance to express themselves, and gives them life-changing opportunities that will help on any application. She is amazing in every aspect. Thank You Mrs. Barnett!" -submitted by Aarav Raj
"She is a fun teacher who trusts her students and uses fun ways to provide information to her students. Thank you to Mrs. Barnett!" -submitted by Vivaan Bawa
Christine Campbell
"Mrs. Campbell is an amazing teacher with lots to offer. I am so exuberant and happy to be in her class. I am grateful for her patience, guidance, and the positive learning environment she creates for all of us.Thank you Mrs. Campbell!". -submitted by Aarav Raj
George Espino
"He is a wonderful man! He definitely doesn't get credit for the work he does. My daughter has had him for a teacher the last 4 years now sometimes multiple classes. He knows when she is having an off day and checks on her. He makes the class fun and enjoyable. If she is struggling he will make sure she gets it right next time." -submitted by Bettina Frederick
Kimberly Foreman
"Mrs Foreman is an amazing teacher and a wonderful person. Her kind personality radiates in everyday interactions with her students. Her dedication and compassion is admirable. " -submitted by Sadaf Sameer
"She helped me every week after school to win the regional spelling bee!" -submitted by Julia Kurien
“She helps us when we feel stuck.” -submitted by Miguel Granados
“She is always very kind, helpful, and she is always patient.” -submitted by George Tannous
“She helps whenever I need help and when I don't want to ask for help she comes around the room and asks if anyone wants help.”-submitted by Vincezio Rodriguez
“Let’s us do stuff if we do good on something.” -submitted by Esteban Guzman
“She is a really good teacher and is so nice” -submitted by Kayn Woodard
“She’s really nice.” -submitted by Joey Schmid
“She help me write better.” -submitted by Will Csukor
“She kind and funny.” -submitted by Akshara Prasannakumar
“She is nice.” -submitted by Elias Wenger
“She is very kind and helps us with our writing.” -submitted by Tanay Mewada
“For being the best teacher at Marshall.” -submitted by Kamren Hayes
"She is very nice." -submitted by Thanushsri Vijjayanand
Rey Garza
"My kids like how Mr. Garza tells stories and gets people to learn in creative ways. I've observed my kids doing interesting assignments at home which are hands-on, like making a poster or a video. Thank you, Mr. Garza, for doing such a great job teaching Spanish!" -submitted by Maitreyi Lagunas
"He was a hardworking teacher, he understood my accommodations, helped me out when the going got tough and we had a big bond. " -submitted by Steve Rebollar Jr.
Erin Harner
"Ms. Harner is a very considerate and caring teacher. She always thinks of her students and buys little treats for us to have during WIN time and at the end of the day. I forgot to bring money for my pie for pi day and she overheard and bought me one. She also makes sure we are doing well mentally. She's a great teacher!!" -submitted by Vivian Hulsey
"She helped me like a subject I never did before!" -submitted by Julia Kurien
"Mrs. Harner does really creative activities to engage the children and make them excited about social studies. She sends an email each week about what they are learning and it's clear she is excited about what she is doing. I heard about the activities from my kids and they sound fun. Thanks, Ms. Harner for being a wonderful teacher!" -submitted by Maitreyi Lagunas
"She makes class interactive, interesting, fun and I have learned the most in her class by far. "-submitted by Bryson Oest
"Thank your for being a classroom that my student wants to be in! He loves the way you teach and the way you bring history to life in the classroom. He really feels like he learns the most from your class and just likes you as an overall person/teacher as well. Thanks for being a bright spot in his day! "-submitted by Ashley Oest
Yunghung Hsiao
"I would like to thank Mrs. Hsiao for teaching my son Mandarin. My son wanted to take her class because he said she was always so nice to him every time he saw her in the hallways. He loves learning Mandarin and plans on taking it all throughout middle and high school. Thank you Mrs. Hsiao for all that you do!" -submitted by Trisha Nhanesana
"Both my sons have had the Mandarin teacher and we would like to thank her for what a wonderful job she does. She is kind and enthusiastic. She works hard for the children. And, she cares a great deal. Whenever I have met her, I have been always felt welcome in her classroom. Also, whenever there is a quiz, she sends an email with what is on the quiz to the parents. This is SOO helpful. I asked my child which teacher to thank for being a great teacher, and he said that his mandarin teacher the teacher he'd like me to thank. " -submitted by Maitreyi Lagunas
Rita Laskonis
"She is a very nice and sometimes funny 6th grade math teacher." -submitted by Benjamin Erickson
Jillian Myers
"Amazing teacher who gives students opportunities to advance further into the art creativity." -submitted by Payal Patel
Jennifer Nowicki
"She actually taught me math." -submitted by Ben Ryan
"She is very nice and If we don't understand a topic she helps us with is and, also is not to strict." -submitted by Tanay Mewada
"She is a really good math teacher. I have good conversations with her and always have a good time in math class."-submitted by Olivia Griffin
"She is kind." -submitted by Sylas Jochims
Carrie Rollins
"I asked my kids who I should thank and they said, "Ms. Rollins because she is a nice teacher who helps students. She does in class study sessions and is just a good teacher." For my part, I've liked the activities I've seen assigned: reading interesting books and doing neat activities. Also, whenever I've met her, she's been kind and informative about what our kids were doing. You can tell she cares." -submitted by Maitreyi Lagunas
"She realized I was going through a hard time and reached out to me. She's super supportive and kind." -submitted by June Olson
"She is super funny, kind, and understanding and makes English class fun." -submitted by Hannah Snyder
Angela Schmidt
"She is a really good teacher and is fun. She lets us go outside when we are done with the students work." -submitted by William Neumann
Sarah Topham
"Mrs. Topham is an amazing math teacher with so many qualities.I have by far learned the most in her classes. Her teaching way and technique is just exceptional and brilliant. I love to go to her class because it is so amazing. I really want to thank Mrs. Topham for her amazing gift of patience as she helps students and guides them throughout the activity when needed. Thank you Mrs. Topham you are a no-doubt a great teacher." -submitted by Aarav Raj
Stacy Wallace
"I want to thank Mrs. Wallace for all the amazing ways she has helped me succeed at Marshall. I came to Marshall in first grade feeling different and weird, but everything changed when I got to middle school. I was finally able to focus on what I loved: STEM. I've always had a passion for STEM since I was little, building Legos, reading books, and watching movies. When I joined Mrs. Wallace's class, I was thrilled. Her positive attitude and funny jokes made it the best part of my school year.
Mrs. Wallace supported me through my struggles, always encouraging me and helping me reach my potential. Thanks to her, I gained the motivation and confidence I needed. Now, as an 8th grader preparing for high school, I'm going to pursue a medical career, something I might never have considered without her influence.
Mrs. Wallace, thank you for everything, your encouragement, positivity, and the belief you had in me. You helped me become who I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful." -submitted by Alec Schirmer
"Mrs. Wallace is an amazing teacher. She is so creative and her STEM lessons are so interesting. She taught me and my fellow peers the basics of engineering, which will really help me in the future. She taught me how to stay organized, and always guides me when I need help. Thank you Mrs. Wallace for your awesomeness and enthusiasm you bring to class every day." -submitted by Aarav Raj
Montessori at Marsh
Erin Andrews
"Mrs. Andrews has been our son's reading teacher for the past 3 years. Not only has our son's vocabulary, comprehension and literacy grown immensely... (more importantly) his love for research and reading has too! I can't even tell you how she does it or what about her methods is "working", but I am so overjoyed that my son will be entering 4th grade with no loss of enthusiasm as he had in Kindergarten for reading. Based on his excitement to show and explain his projects and all the novels he's chosen from the school library, I know that Mrs. Andrews has played a key role in this! His love for research and reading has served him well in his state assessments and also in his out of classroom interests... and I hope will continue with him forever. We will forever be grateful to Mrs. Andrews for setting the state for him in such a positive way." -submitted by Jesika Moffitt
"Ms. Andrews is an exemplary educator in every way. My son only gets to see her for an hour in reading group and he has grown in so many ways due to her ability to simultaneously hold her students to the highest standards and expectations while keeping learning engaging and fun. Where an assigned hour of reading time could be limited to task after task in Reading Horizons, Ms. Andrews has stretched their skills, knowledge and criticality learning about everything from the systems of the human body, to writing styles, to mythology. Her class has become the highlight of Adrian's day, and he insists on visiting the library weekly and brings home 10-20 books on a wide variety of topics and reads voraciously at home. Anyone can learn how to present content or follow a canned program, only the best teachers truly understand the complex art of crafting lessons day in and out that truly engage and inspire while also holding students to high learning expectations. " -submitted by Marianna Ruggerio
"From a teacher to a fellow teacher, I would like to thank Erin Andrews for being a great mentor and role model Montessori teacher. She has always supported me without judgement and with grace and courtesy. She is what every Montessori teacher should strive to be. She always puts her students' needs first, works as a team player, and helps when she's asked. I am fortunate to call her a colleague and friend." -submitted by Kymbre Callaway
Cindy Schwartz
"Miss Cindy conducts herself in a way that exudes confidence in her practice- she makes us feel safe and secure that our son is being cared for not only academically but also emotionally. When I have visited the classroom as a volunteer I have come to know that her classroom is known at Montessori for being a "calm classroom", and I have been impressed myself when I observe how she handles multiple kids' needs... always taking time to model important social and emotional norms for them, while also expecting respect for herself and others. She receives and gives feedback constructively and during parent teacher conferences always provides thoughtful insight on our son; nothing feels generic or procedural for her. She is responsive to messages and welcoming of ways for our son to include his life experiences outside of the classroom, in the classroom. She bought Girl Scout cookies from our daughter- she referenced knowing our daughter (a grade younger) before we even realized she had made that connection. Miss Cindy is a huge piece of why we feel seen as a whole family at Montessori, and we appreciate all the ways she's made that happen! " -submitted by Jesika Moffitt
Encarnita Somoso
"I believe this is Ms. Somoso's first year at Montessori. In this year, my 2 lower-elementary kiddos have come home using more musical vocabulary than they had in the past 2 years. My son has started teaching himself to play the piano using YouTube, but then is able to understand and adapt what he sees based on what he has learned in class; he's explicitly shown me examples! My daughter has taken to attempting to write music, again, accessing what she's learned about notes, rests and rhythm. And most specially- my 7-year old daughter chose to audition for Starlight theater this year (her 2nd time auditioning), and when we told Ms. Somoso she took the time to try to arrange a brief vocal lesson and shared several useful tips for my daughter to sing her best. As a parent, this meant more to me than anything! Thank you Ms. Somoso for making music fun, accessible, and supportive for my kids!" -submitted by Jesika Moffitt
Damon Wurth
"We want to thank Mr. Wurth from the bottom of our hearts for being such a caring and generous teacher. My daughter ADORES HIM. She has always LOVED learning and LOVES going to school! Mr. Wurth makes learning great for all his students. Thank you again, Mr. Wurth, for making all this possible and for all you do! " -submitted by The Robertson Family
STEAM Academy at Haskell
Amy Pliml
"Mrs. Pliml has been an amazing teacher to our son. As first time Kindergarten parents, we were apprehensive to see how our active guy would adjust to school and new staff. Mrs. Pliml supported our son as he learned the routines, cheered him on as he's made growth this year, and has created a culture of respect and love in her classroom. Our son LOVES going to school to see his friends and Mrs. Pliml. We are so grateful for her patience and love of teaching. It's not an easy job, but WOW-we are so glad Mrs. Pliml is willing to take it on!" -submitted by Emily Rehfeldt
Emily Voigtlander
"She works hard, does her best, Is always there for you, is very supportive, and Is over all a great teacher." -submitted by Sophia Bugbee
Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour
Barbour Teachers
"The teachers and staff at Barbour are so special. I feel so fortunate to work with this group of educators who care about the success, well-being, development, and growth of each individual child in our building. The students come to school every day knowing there are adults here who will listen, teach, and guide them to grow into responsible adults. The staff pour their hearts and time into their students. We have AMAZING teachers at Barbour." -submitted by Emily Rehfeldt
Johana Castaneda
"She is dedicated! affectionate! and communicative with her parents." -submitted by Doris Mendoza
"THANK YOU!!! for always being kind to ALL students and making them feel important and cared for while they are learning. You are a dedicated teacher and I look forward to your continued growth. The Students are lucky to have you for a teacher. " -submitted by Barb Diaz
"She is very good at teaching us Spanish and constantly motivates us to be better; she tells us that we are brilliant." -submitted by Alaia Lamb
Erika Gonzalez
"Maestra Erika started strengthening our kindergarten team from the day of her interview for the position. In the last 2 years we have gotten 3 new curriculums-iReady Math, Caminos Conocimientos and Caminos Lectoescritura. Her close cooperation and willingness to collaborate has helped us put together and get a handle on these new resources. She also looks for additional resources to help our students continue to grow academically. In addition to being a passionate, positive, and professional teacher, she is a friend that our team can count on to help in any way she can. She is also willing to help tutor together so she can focus on helping our students who are most greatly in need of support with literacy while I focus on math. This way both our classes can work with students at their own levels of performance and achievement. Thank you, Maestra Erika!" -submitted by Miriam Ramirez
Theodore Kimberly
"She helped me on the first day of my elementary school and did fun stuff for us." -submitted by Say Reh
Lorena Moctezuma
"She is truly extraordinary, she motivates her students a lot to continue learning with enthusiasm, and she also motivates parents to get more involved in the education of our children. She is the best teacher that my daughter could have had in first grade, she is the type of teacher that any mother would want to have for her children." -submitted by Angela Lapez
"Schools need more of this type of teachers, who work hard to help their students achieve a good academic level. Thank you for being an exemplary teacher for my daughter." -submitted by Alfonso Rosales
Miriam Ramirez
"She is a excellent teacher. She loves her work. She love her students." -submitted by Erika Gonzalez