The Ripple Effect - Staff Awards 2023-24 school year

NCS is celebrating the many great staff members who influence the lives of others and cause a "Ripple Effect" that will impact many more lives in the future. To nominate a staff member, please visit the following link: https://bit.ly/NCSRippleAward

This week's winners:
Week of Dec. 4 - 

Amy Cox, Dean of Students at Ben Franklin and Carson Elementary schools
Amy was nominated by a fellow staff member who said "she's always willing to help out and has a positive attitude and smile every day."

Cary Hock, Art Teacher at Ben Franklin and Carson Elementary schools
Cary was nominated by a staff member who said "Mr. Hock has been an amazing mentor and has shared a wealth of information about the district. He has gone above and beyond to help me in my first year in the district. He has helped guide me to be successful and have a great introduction to NCS."


Jayann Faller, Head Cook - NCS Food Service
Jayann was nominated by staff members for her work in organizing a fundraiser to benefit the families impacted by the Tuscarawas Valley bus accident, as well as her role in organizing food for the Citizen of the Month luncheon.

Week of Nov. 20 - 
Tyler King, Band Director at Liberty Middle School
Mr. King was nominated by multiple students who said he has impacted their love of music: "Mr. King has made my life brighter and full of fun;" "He is always there for mee...He has helped me through panic attacks, he is such a kind man."

Kathleen Gilligan, kindergarten teacher at Cherry Valley Elementary
Ms. Gilligan was nominated by parents who said she is an amazing teacher and has an incredible impact on her students.

Matt Phillips, Dean of Students at NCS Digital
Mr. Phillips was nominated by a colleague who said he "works diligently to make sure students get what they need to graduate and be successful. He is a constant source of support and inspiration for the staff at NCS Digital.


Week of Nov. 13 - 
Rachel Baughn, 2nd Grade Teacher at McGuffey Elementary
Rachel was nominated by a parent who said she had a huge impact on her son's feelings toward school. "She spoke to him in a way that made him want to listen. She held him accountable without making him feel like he was a bad kid. I am forever grateful for not only her teaching him, but the impact she had on his self-esteem."

Pat Carter, Food Service Employee
Pat was nominated by a colleague who said he is "selfless and always willing to do what is necessary even when not called upon. Pat is a staple in Newark and you can find him at nearly every sporting event in some capacity from youth to high school. He is always lending a hand and his time when it is not necessary."

Pam Vaughn, Preschool Classroom Aide
Pam was nominated by a colleague who said "she is always willing to help out and jump in during the school day. She is responsible for our crafts and she does a great job finding new crafts that the students love."

Week of Nov. 6 - 
Gemma Zimmerman, Community Outreach and Special Programs Coordinator
Gemma was nominated by a colleague who said that "she is always pleasant and always helps out others."

Samantha Smith, Intervention Specialist at John Clem Elementary
Samantha was nominated by a staff member and a community member who said she "is so amazing to work with. She has such a wealth of knowledge and is a great resource to have! Sammy is always willing to help and step outside of her comfort zone to goes above and beyond for fellow colleagues and students alike be it her own or not!" and "Samantha loves each student and plans according to each of their needs."

Jersie Walcott, Assistant Transportation Supervisor
Jersie was nominated by a staff member who appreciated when she recently helped to cover a middle school bus route and get students home safely and on time. Jersie is cheerful, cares about students and wants to help all students get to and from school safely.

Week of Oct. 30 - 
Renee French, Reading Recovery/Title 1 Reading at Ben Franklin Elementary 
Renee was nominated by a parent who said, "Mrs. French always goes above and beyond to make each student feel special in their own way. Every morning she waits at the door at Ben Franklin and greets everyone with a smile no matter how they approach her. Even the toughest kids she gives her best effort to make sure they get the support they need. Mrs. French is also known to attend after school activities of kids who ask. Mrs. French has been a huge influence in my children’s lives."

Ashley Savage, Student Advocate at Heritage Middle School
Ashley was nominated by a colleague who said, "Ashley cares very much about "her kids" and is always looking out for them and strengthening relationships with them. When she sees a student struggling emotionally or with basic needs, she does everything she can to take care of them. She also empowers them to take care of themselves. Whether it is making sure they have shoes or food, working out a problem with a friend, or making sure they have a haircut, Ashley always goes above and beyond!"

John-Paul Kemmenoe, 5th Grade Teacher at John Clem Elementary
John-Paul was nominated by students who wrote that he was fun to have as a teacher, "brought joy to everyone, (and) his science projects were SUPER fun" and "he is a great baker."

Week of Oct. 23 - 
Brianna Stewart: preschool teacher - Brianna was nominated by a parent who said, "she has made a huge positive impact on my child's education and always goes above and beyond for him."

Patti Mackintosh: social worker at Carson Elementary - Patti was nominated by a staff member who said, "Patti is always willing to help, whether it’s to help a student or another staff member. She is always putting others first, without a second thought. Patti deserves to be recognized for all she does!"

Sarah Elliott: intervention specialist at McGuffey Elementary - Sarah was nominated by a parent and a staff member, who said she "She is by far on of the best teachers a parent could ask for. ... she has helped my son grown mature and excel so much" and she "goes above and beyond for her students."

Week of Oct. 16 - 
Bill Franks: NHS PE teacher and football coach - Bill was nominated by a staff member for his relentless positive attitude and the example he sets for students and players in the classroom, on the field and in the community.

Betsy Salyer - Cherry Valley 4th grade teacher - Betsy was nominated by a parent and a staff member for the way she cares for students and takes the time to listen.

Janelle Gordon - Liberty Middle School Intervention Specialist - Janelle was nominated by a fellow staff member because "she always gives her students and responsibilities her very best effort, and has helped out the 7th grade team immensely. Janelle is a phenomenal intervention specialist."

Week of Oct. 9 - 
Sarah Doyle - Legend Elementary teacher who was nominated by a parent who said she really cares for her students.

Sarah Annett - Wilson Middle School teacher who was nominated by a parent who said she takes the time to work with students and doesn't leave anyone behind. She creates a calm and welcoming environment for the students.

Troy Skeese - Maintenance employee who was nominated by a fellow staff member, stating that Troy is a true leader, a caring person and a staff member who goes the extra mile.

Week of Oct. 2 - 
Anna Traini - NHS Spanish Teacher who was nominated by a student who said that she "gets every student involved in class, and you can tell that she really does care about every one of her students. ... I have always seen her as a role model and a great person to look up to."

Marcy Wamer - District Curriculum Coach who was nominated by fellow staff members who said she is "constantly researching all subject areas," is "devoted to raising the scores in the district" and has a great ability to analyze and provide data to her teachers."

Elizabeth Leonard - NCS Digital teacher who was nominated by a parent who said Mrs. Leonard helped her struggling 9-year-old student love to read. "Mrs. Leonard loves what she does and genuinely cares about the kids, and her impact on me and my son will definitely last a lifetime."

Each staff member who receives the Ripple Effect Award is receiving a hydro dipped rock as well.
The rocks were dipped by students, with the help of Superintendent David Lewis and led by Ben Franklin and Carson Elementary art teacher Cary Hock:
Hydro dipped rocks

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