Two Community Consolidated School District 89 employees earned the “89 Empowers Award” for their generous and extraordinary under-the-radar work that are a key part of what makes the district an outstanding place to learn. 
Arbor View extended resource teacher Deb Carroso was named the “89 Empowers” recipient for certified staff. Glen Crest cafeteria manager Connie Meier was the “89 Empowers” recipient for support staff.
Two staff members nominated Carroso. Carroso works with special education students who need additional support and accommodations to have full academic success. She gives that support inside classrooms, as well as pulling out small groups of students for focused work.
Both nominators praised Carroso’s ability to bring out the best in her students and her co-workers. One staff member called Carroso “a walking encyclopedia of research-based pedagogy who enjoys learning and sharing.”
Carroso is always looking for ways to tap into her students’ interests, even using her lunch hour to teach them about looming with wool and cotton.
“She learns about their interests and what excites them,” one co-worker wrote. “For example, a student with a talent in drawing showed her his ability to compare and contrast a topic with great detail, even though he could not write about it. She always focuses on the students’ strengths, reassuring parents that there is much good in their child.”
Glen Crest Cafeteria manager Connie Meier was also nominated by two staff CCSD 89 members. Both of her nominators pointed out that Meier is usually the first person at school each day, arriving before 5 a.m. to prepare food. They praised her attention to detail for selecting food students that is good for students, and food they will like.
“Connie embraces the adage that food brings people together,” wrote Glen Crest teacher Cindi Baker. “Quietly and without fanfare, Connie nourishes both staff and students in our building.”
Meier offered to help provide food for a before-school club that Baker started for students who needed extra reading help.
“When I approached her to see if she’d be interested in making breakfast twice a week - even though she’s already in the thick of getting ready for lunch – she didn’t hesitate in wanting to be part of this group,” Baker said. “She wants to make sure their bodies are well-nourished, just as the books we’re reading are nourishing our students’ minds.”
Meier has bought treats for staff out of her own pocket and even ensured that one staff member that was going through difficult circumstances had a place to stay and a way to get to work.
“Her generosity and kindness are incomparable,” one staff member wrote. “Glen Crest wouldn’t be the same without Connie Meier.”
The 89 Empowers Award was created by CCSD 89 Superintendent Dr. Emily K. Tammaru as an end-of-the-year recognition to honor those who embody the district’s mission to empower students, staff, and families to reach full potential. All district employees were eligible to be nominated and to nominate any co-worker. In total, 21 staff members were nominated for the award this year, including:
Glen Crest Middle School assistant principal John Batiste. A co-worker who nominated Batiste wrote: “He will honestly do whatever it takes to ensure that all 659 students in his school feel safe and comfortable and have a positive experience every day. The rapport he has with students is unbelievable. For someone in his role to be able to wear both hats - as a friend to the students but also as a disciplinarian - is really something to behold.”
Glen Crest Middle School reading specialist Cindi Baker: “Over the years, Cindi has shown compassion, drive, and commitment to her students. This current year, Cindi opened up SpartanMart. This provides clothes, toiletries, food, and school supplies to students who are in need.”
Glen Crest Middle School math teacher Danielle Bongiorno: “She puts 100 percent of her heart into each day with every single student, even if the student isn’t in one of her classes. Her door is always open to talk about anything on the student’s mind. She’s caring, nurturing, and is truly invested in the staff and students at Glen Crest.”
Glen Crest Middle School health teacher Sandy Brenner: “Her desire to meet the needs of the students is fierce and, while she is willing to give freely of her time, she has high expectations for her students. She can be seen spending many lunches, mornings, afternoons, and even weekends with her students as they work to reach their full potential.”
Park View Elementary teacher Andrea Callahan: “She brings out the best in all her students. She accepts them as they are, but gently and continually pushes them to gain more knowledge and skills than they probably thought they could. Her students trust her, recognize her high behavioral and academic expectations, and rise to them.”
Glen Crest Middle School student aide Vicki Cloutier: “Vicki brings a smile to each student and staff member she encounters. She understands each of the students’ needs and pursues any avenue available for a better learning environment.”
Westfield Elementary secretary Michele Cardona: “Michelle has been in District 89 for 30 years and has made an impression on every person who has walked through Westfield. She is the calm, quiet force that keeps our office running smoothly,” said a letter signed by 39 staff members. “There isn’t a question she can’t answer. No job is too big or too small for our Mrs. Cardona.”
Glen Crest Middle School literacy/French teacher Laura Guzman: “I have come to know Laura as one of the most kind and thoughtful individuals I have ever met. One example of Laura’s devotion to her students is shown by having an Iditarod musher come in every year, along with one of the dogs, to bring life to the non-fiction stories her students read in literacy.”
Park View Elementary ELL teacher Tonia Hardtke: “She helped me by calling parents who spoke only Spanish to let them know their students needed to be referred for vision and hearing. She then helped the students get the glasses that they needed to be able to see in class, so that they could be more successful in the classroom.”
Westfield Elementary teacher Heba Khourshid: “Heba has consistently and without hesitation shown great willingness and eagerness to make our building a brighter place. She always greets the kids with a fun and clever message that gets them excited to learn and helps them start the day with the right mindset.”
Park View Elementary Library Media Center Director Carolyn Kouwe: “She collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure that students have a variety of ways to present information utilizing technology while connecting her lessons to current classroom objectives. Her Makerspace lessons have required that students grow in the areas of problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.”
CCSD 89 District Nurse Sandy Lawinger: “She not only helps teachers and students, but also reaches out to parents to help; inform them about resources and strategies; and provide education information.”
Briar Glen and Arbor View Elementary music teacher Caitlin Leman: “She is always involved in the evening activities, volunteering and supporting her music program as well as other programs in the school. She has great ideas for improving lessons and connecting the classroom and the music program. She is a phenomenal educator.”
Park View principal Barb Peterson: “Mrs. Peterson’s generosity is contagious. She makes sure staff members have what they need for an optimal learning environment. Mrs. Peterson goes above and beyond to ensure that all students have school supplies, meals, and items, such as warm coats and glasses. Mrs. Peterson shines as an administrator in CCSD 89.”
Park View custodian Ricardo Rabadan: “Ricardo is hard working, dependable, and an all-around asset to District 89. Ricardo takes time out of his busy schedule to engage with the children, especially ones he can speak to in Spanish. The children are delighted when he talks to them.”
Glen Crest Middle School physical education teacher Corey Toppel: “Corey is the perfect combination of being fun and professional at the same time. You ask him to do anything for you, and he is there doing it. How lucky we are at Glen Crest to have him.”
Glen Crest social studies teacher Amy Switzer: “Amy blends various simulations, hands-on activities, rigorous teachings, video footage, Hamilton songs, and even a Civil War day to instruct her students. It is through her enthusiasm and determination that Amy empowers not only her students, but all those around her.”
Arbor View Elementary School teacher Susi Schleicher: “This year, Susi began a program with her students where they volunteered and played in the specialized academic preschool classroom. This program opened up the eyes of her fifth graders, and gave them a chance empathize and show leadership. It empowered them to be the leaders the school needs.’”
Glen Crest home arts teacher Kerry Waters: “Sewing banners for the school, repairing the stage curtain, and sewing costumes before school events are just some of the afterschool and weekend projects Kerry has done for the middle school. ‘Kids first’ is a motto that she has followed her whole career.”