Morrow County School District

Rita Britt has been working with one special needs child for three years. Her contribution to this child has been enormous, and the bond they share is special and has touched many in Heppner Elementary School

Rita is in charge of Colt Reading groups, helps students in the Resource Room, and works after school to help correct and keep teacher's papers organized and corrected. When her student is sick or gone, she maintains contact with the family via phone calls and cards, just to let them know how much she cares for their child.

Lisa Connell started with the alternative education program as a long term substitute. She implemented a variety of extra learning activities to compliment the curriculum that helped the students understand basic content and how to use it.

Last year, Lisa spent many hours examining transcripts and setting goals with the seniors; so, they could finish their required credits in time. She examined the curriculum and extra activities to make sure they were in line with state standards. All of this work helped 40 seniors graduate.

At the end of the school year, Lisa was informed that she would not be coming back as the full time teacher.  She wasn't happy, but she dug in and made sure we had everything in place for the next school year.  Knowing she would not be here made her more determined to have things in order, so the students wouldn't suffer from so many changes in teaching staff.  Fortunately, the district was able to hire her full time as our teacher

Jennifer Leighton is an exceptional worker, and she bends over backward to help and assist every child at Windy River Elementary with learning and every teacher with teaching.

During instruction time, Jennifer carefully watches the teacher and studies how the lesson is presented, in order to carry on the same strategies that the teacher practiced, and, during practice time, she reinforces the standards and strategies taught by the ELL teacher.

She is constantly looking for new ideas and ways to help both the teacher and the students. Jennifer is well aware of what a child needs to make annual yearly progress and has educated herself on the policies and laws of No Child Left Behind.

Erin Stocker finds ways to help students who are struggling academically and emotionally. For instance, when children are not understanding a concept, she will find resources and activities that will help the students to achieve.

This year when we were trying to implement PLC's at A. C. Houghton, Erin went the extra step to help the staff become educated on PLC's and set-up a training for the staff to attend.