Two Community Consolidated School District 89 employees earned the “89 Empowers Award” for their generous and extraordinary under-the-radar work that is a key part of what makes the district an outstanding place to learn.
Park View Elementary extended resource teacher Marissa Caputo was named the 89 Empowers recipient for certified staff. Jose Gomez, a member of the district’s technology team, was named the 89 Empowers recipient for non-certified staff.
Marissa Caputo, Park View
Marissa Caputo has been the extended resource teacher at Park View Elementary since 2020.
Marissa is known for her tireless pursuit of the right intervention and strategy that will help a student. She greets every student with exuberance and can be counted on by staff, students, and families to bring routine and creativity to the students that need it most.
A colleague wrote: "She is always interested: interested in you, how your day is going, and what she can do to help you do your job the best you can.
"She is wise beyond her years and she is kind beyond her years. We all have frustrating days but Marissa can temper your 'funk' with her empathy, enthusiasm, and sense of humor.
"When it comes to her students, she is loving, kind, and patient. They respond to her so well and she to them. I believe that's because Marissa strives to see all that is good in her students and makes herself available to the whole child. Marissa is District 89's gem."
Jose Gomez, technology
Jose Gomez is the instructional application and infrastructure engineer in the district's technology department. He joined the district in 2020.
Jose was nominated for his technical expertise and his commitment to solving any problem that is brought to him. Jose is known for his creative solutions that ensure students have what they need to learn.
A colleague wrote: "Jose has come to the rescue more times than I can count! There have been many 'emergencies' that have come up, and Jose has always come through quickly and effectively. That is what Jose does. He goes above and beyond. I am proud to work with him."
Another colleague shared: "Jose always has a smile on his face and is always willing to lend a helping hand. He truly embodies the District 89 Empowers award."
Other CCSD 89 nominees
Morgan Aiello, Arbor View: "Morgan is one of the most positive and supportive colleagues. Even though I don't work at the same school as Morgan, she has been welcoming and helpful since day one."
Carlene Baird, Arbor View: "She is a quiet, generous, caring, and thoughtful person. She goes above and beyond in all she does. She helps make Arbor View a very special place!"
Michelle Bolker, Glen Crest: "She takes the time to talk to all people and she spreads sunshine and happiness everywhere! She is enthusiastic and excited about her profession and models what excellence in teaching looks like."
Aimee Bostrand, Briar Glen: "She is willing to collaborate any time of day and any day of the week. She is open to sharing resources and ideas while also trying new things -- all while keeping the needs of the students in the forefront."
Rochelle Burnside, Park View: "I so admire her quiet devotion to her student and the program. Her job requires physical strength, yet she also brings her special brand of loving strength."
Nicole Cannizzo, Glen Crest: "Nicole is beyond dedicated to making Glen Crest an outstanding and special place to be! She radiates with positivity and is a shining light for all."
Tessa Carter, Westfield: "She gets to know every child, parent, and staff member on a personal level and makes everyone feel welcome the second they walk into the building. Tessa is always willing to lend a hand and goes far beyond her job duties to help our school run safely and efficiently."
Brittany Christie, Briar Glen: "She is knowledgeable, team-oriented, and passionate about the students she sees. She has a heart of gold and helps all students meet their educational and functional milestones."
Dana Dotson, Arbor View: "She is thoughtful, funny, kind, and cares deeply about her students and the people around her. She is an all-around outstanding person and the students and staff have been lucky to have her!"
Donald Duncan, Glen Crest: "He selflessly helps all students become successful and his passion for special education does not go unnoticed."
Tonia Hardtke, Park View: "She will always highlight strengths, and she pairs this with a student-centered and data-centered approach to problem-solving that leads to productive conversations and planning for students."
Marcia Johnson, Arbor View: "Students feel cared for and safe with Mrs. Johnson. She is always positive and solution-focused in the care of students."
Rana Khan, Glen Crest: "Mrs. Kahn does an extraordinary job of managing the needs of multiple students at multiple levels while still maintaining a positive and enthusiastic attitude. She truly cares for each student and only wants the best for them."
Elise Kopmann, Briar Glen: "She took on the huge task of helping to create, implement, and train the team on assistive technology plans. Elise worked directly with students, teachers, and families to ensure that students had the tools needed to express themselves in ways they hadn't accessed before."
Jessica Langman, district: "She has a quest for continuous learning and a love of sharing her wealth of knowledge with others to enhance the capacity of the D89 community. Jessica is a true leader in the field of education and a mentor to all."
Courtney Magliano, district office: "Courtney is beyond professional and has an empathy that cannot be matched. Courtney is one of those mind+heart souls you run into but once or twice in your working lifetime."
Kristin Malmstedt, Glen Crest: "Students frequently go to Kristin for support, and they always receive the help they need. Kristin is an incredibly supportive co-worker both professionally and personally."
Paige Martino, Westfield: "She always communicates with staff and families about situations that arise, problem-solves, and creates next steps that are simple to put in place. She has many great ideas to help navigate different challenges."
Karl Mennecke, Westfield: "He was referred to as 'Club Karl' for being involved in almost all of our clubs this year. He was up to any challenge and always willing to lend a hand!"
Bill Milnamow, Westfield: "It is great to have Bill in your corner. He is patient, kind, and holds the students of Westfield to high standards. Bill is a mentor to many."
Maggie Moran, Glen Crest: "You can always count on Maggie to see her cup as half full and have a smile on her face. This attitude is infectious to both staff and students."
Rose O'Connell, Glen Crest: "Not only is she an extraordinary library director who puts so much effort and passion into her work in the library, she constantly supports teachers and support staff whenever they may need it."
Linda Papanikolla, Glen Crest: "She uses her skills and expertise to support students while holding them accountable. Linda is willing to jump in and support any student (or for that matter, staff member) who may need help. She is flexible, dependable, and generous with her time."
Kim Price, Glen Crest: "She makes people comfortable and is willing to listen to all stakeholders to make sure she makes the best decisions possible. She encourages teachers to take risks in order to grow."
Jackie Sabani, Glen Crest: "She sends me materials before I even realize I need them. When I need suggestions about how to handle situations, she is always a font of knowledge."
Maddy Sawyer, Westfield: "Maddy has been a positive change agent in all of the CCSD 89 schools, especially Westfield where she spearheaded a BeKind campaign which resulted in staff wearing matching shirts one day a week."
Daenon Scobee, Glen Crest: "Daenon anticipates what is needed, often well before it is needed. She has come in on weekends or stayed late to meet parents who need something. She is a huge asset to the whole Glen Crest community."
Christine Sowl, Arbor View: "She is constantly putting out potential fires, reteaching expectations, and taking the time to help each wayward child understand how they can be better playground classmates. She simply does more than expected."
SPAC aides Jessica Arellano, Megan Jakobsze, Rudina Salca, Colleen Zak; Arbor View: "I have learned so much from watching their patience, persistence, and passion come through in their work. They all come to work each and every day with huge smiles on their faces and are truly making a difference day in and day out."
Jaime Stavros, Park View: "Jaime is a positive ray of sunshine for students, parents, and staff members at Park View. She is always creating fun and new ideas to keep the building atmosphere alive through SEL gatherings and exciting activities for all."
Ashley Sterba, Glen Crest: "She does so much behind the scenes -- planning spirit days, staff celebrations, and special events. In and out of the classroom, Ashley works to boost morale and spirit, resulting in a positive environment for all."
Jessica Suzuki, Westfield: "Miss Suzuki consistently maintains a positive, can-do attitude and this carries over to her students. On a daily basis, Miss Suzuki works closely with six different classroom teachers to help make her students' time in the gen-ed classroom a productive learning experience."
Kristin Tauchen, Briar Glen: "She finds the positive in stressful situations and she encourages other team members with her upbeat personality. Kristin never throws in the towel after a challenging day."
Tess Valente, Park View: "Tess is the type of colleague that is always professional, kind, and collaborative. We’ve faced some challenges together, yet Tess always maintained a positive attitude, respectful nature, and was focused on student-centered solutions."
Adam Wolf, Glen Crest: "Adam is the very best about meeting people where they are to move them forward. Adam is flexible and willing to work to make units/lessons/classrooms successful!"