Brook shared the following in her nomination: “Cassandra is hands down the most amazing assistant teacher!! For the three years that we have worked together, Cassandra has gone above and beyond in our classroom. She comes to work with an awesome attitude every day, truly cares about each individual student, and is always willing to help wherever it is needed! She works hard, always arrives on time, and is eager to learn and grow as a professional!”

Congratulations to Cassandra on this well-deserved recognition. Her passion and dedication are an inspiration to us all!

Kristin Monson, our P-3 Early Learning Professional Development Coordinator, shared the following in her nomination: “When I walked by the ECEAP staff meeting room, I was in awe of how warm and welcoming the space was. You could tell it was set up with care. There were beautiful flowers on each table, bookmarks for every person, and a breakfast that had anything you could ever want. They both thought of all the details. These two women have gone above and beyond to create a special place for the early childhood community in our region. I am sincerely so thankful that they are on our team.”

Congratulations to Amanda and Linda on this well-deserved recognition. May their care and commitment continue to inspire us all.

Among many positive things shared about Allyson, Mike Glenn (her NGZ colleague and nominator) says, “She is very thorough and truly cares for the youth that we serve in our community. Allyson never hesitates to get involved with projects and is quick to volunteer for committees. We are very lucky to have someone like her on staff!” 

Congratulations to Allyson on this well-deserved recognition. May we all be inspired by her commitment, enthusiasm, and outstanding contributions to those we serve.

Leticia is the visionary behind the GEMS program, short for Girls Empowered & Motivated for Success, through which she has facilitated invaluable links between young women and various programs to deliver encouragement and assistance. Her collaborations include work with the West Spokane Wellness Coalition, offering nutrition classes through WSU, and establishing connections with local organizations supporting vulnerable and underserved populations, including Triumph Community Services and The Jonah Project. 

“She drives all over to meet with young girls and provide them with the supports they need,” says SAC Teacher and nominator Elisa Vanhoff. “Beyond that, she contributes in the classroom with all students and is an incredible teammate. Leticia deserves to be honored for going above and beyond making ‘difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations’.”

Please join me in congratulating Leticia on this well-deserved recognition. Her passion, dedication, and exceptional service inspire us all and highlight the core values we hold dear at NEWESD 101.

“Most recently, Lauren partnered with our coalition to provide N-O-T on Tobacco programming to youth and also volunteered during Spokane's First Annual Kindness Day to deliver gift baskets to school crossing guards,” says McNew. 

Lauren's passion for her work and dedication to the well-being of youth in our region truly exemplify the values we cherish at NEWESD 101. 

Please join me in congratulating Lauren on this well-deserved recognition. Her passion, commitment, and extraordinary service are an inspiration to us all.

Therefore, it is my pleasure to present Aaron with an Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) Award for the month of September.  

In his award nomination, IT Director Andy Jones wrote, “in addition to his normal commitments and duties to the ESD and other assigned districts, Aaron worked long days, after hours and weekends to ensure all systems at Almira were operational for the opening of the new building and the start of the school year.” 

“There was also a huge effort in order to set up makeshift classrooms in community centers, churches and portables. While there were collaborative efforts by many parties, it was more often than not up to Aaron to coordinate these efforts and put the plans into motion,” Andy added. 

Excellent work, Aaron! Your commitment and exceptional service to schools in our region is truly inspiring! 

“Alyssa Wash, serving as a case manager, has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and compassion in her role,” says Open Doors Program Director Terrance Nixon. “She plays a crucial role in supporting students during challenging times, being a source of comfort and understanding. Her honesty, care, and dedication contribute significantly to building the necessary relationships that are vital for our youth.”

In tandem with Alyssa's efforts, we also celebrate Chris Brady, a remarkable contributor from the Community Colleges of Spokane. Terrance adds, “Chris has been an invaluable asset to our Open Doors team, making significant strides in the classroom to enhance RLA attendance and test-passing rates. His dedication extends beyond the scope of his work, as he actively engages in diversifying instruction around RLA and science, facilitates career exploration for students, and goes above and beyond during non-traditional hours to provide assistance.” 

Together, Chris and Alyssa epitomize the core values of our ESD community—dedication, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of supporting educational excellence. 

I encourage you to join me in expressing heartfelt appreciation for Alyssa and Chris. Their commitment to bringing their best selves to work daily and their intentional efforts to serve others are truly commendable.

This month’s ABC recipients are those on the “COVID crew” at NEWESD.  From the minute the pandemic started hitting our offices and schools, Julie Schultz and Alma McNamee were on top of the information and  both have been outstanding and expert resources.  As things changed and morphed, they have been there to figure out and adapt to the changes and necessary protocols.   

Along the way came Amy Lutz. When the agency decided to provide testing, we needed someone to get that up and running. Amy grabbed that bull by the horns and got testing off the ground with a calm, determined efficiency. She made sure we had all of the information, technology, and supplies we needed to provide this much-needed service to our staff and their families.

If testing was going to be provided, we obviously needed a person to administer the tests. When Steve Holmes was approached, he didn’t hesitate. From day one, Steve was reliable and willing to do a job that certainly wasn’t glamorous, and he did so with a calm and patient manner.

Getting tests and personal protective equipment to our region was no uncomplicated feat. Kassidy Probert dove in (with Amy’s partnership related to COVID test distribution, as well as that of Jim Probert) and worked many hours involving logistics and massive coordination to get necessary resources to our region.

Indeed, while thanks are owed to all of you, these five people have assuredly gone above and beyond.   Sincere congratulations to Julie Schultz, Alma McNamee, Amy Lutz, Steve Holmes, and Kassidy Probert for their much-deserved recognition as the ABC recipients for April.

Last week when the Regal facility lost power and it was eventually restored, he worked for several hours with WSIPC staff via phone to help them bring their training environment back to a functional state. From Jeff Simons at WSIPC: He checked systems, manually reset the power on servers and switches, and even connected a cable for us to be able to get one of our backup devices back online.

Then just this week, Steve delivered over 20 packages to the local UPS store when our UPS driver failed to arrive to the Regal facility by 4:15 PM.

These recent instances, along with the continual work he does in managing our PDEnroller courses, helping with data validations for our Qmlativ migrations, and being someone whom our whole department can on are why I am nominating Steve.

Our colleague Lisa TerKeurst, at the Next Generation Zone, nominated Mary and Juli with gratitude for their patience and perseverance while helping her create a custom Skyward report. “We achieved a report that will be a huge help to Next Generation Zone/Open Doors,” wrote Lisa. "I am very appreciative of the assistance they provided and could not have done it without them. A big ‘Thank You!’ to Mary and Juli!”

Kudos, indeed, to Mary and Juli for their exemplary commitment to service and support. We are fortunate to have both of you on our team!

All of us, in turn, have heavily relied on one person -- the same person --  to help us keep the work flowing while most have toiled from home.

That person is April Bylsma. April has not been working from home. She has been in the office, setting up multiple Zoom meetings per day, troubleshooting technical issues for districts and, last but not least, answering myriad phone calls and emails from our own staff, missing tech support at home. Calls to April typically begin in one of three ways: 

"I'm having trouble with ..."

"How do I ..."

"Can you fix ..."

No matter the nature or number of calls, April addresses them promptly and correctly. She is our technical, if not perhaps literal, life-saver.

April is no stranger to our Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) award. She has earned it on multiple occasions; mostly recently, last November. Dr. Mona Griffin sent an email this week, suggesting we present it to April again for her Herculean work during the Covid outbreak.

I cannot think of a more fitting recipient. And the timing is perfect: The April award to April.

When the individual's medical condition worsened, Eric and Ario assisted her to the floor; took action to protect her head; and placed her in the recovery position to ensure her airway remained unobstructed. Terry took the initiative to stand out at the parking lot entrance to flag down the emergency responders, who otherwise would been delayed by several minutes when they went to the wrong entrance of our facilities.

Their fast response was flawless and assured the best possible outcome for the individual experiencing the medial condition.

Earlier this month, two members of our JDC staff – Cheryl Barkdull-Smith and Lorie Mancinelli-Wilson – submitted separate nominations expressing gratitude and appreciation for the lengths April goes in meeting the IT needs of every employee at every location. “She is patient, dependable, knowledgeable and communicative, especially with some on us non-techie persons who try to fix things on our own often make a mess of things,” wrote Cheryl.

Lorie was equally effusive, praising April’s willingness to fix things large or small. “She always has a smile and is willing to help. I don’t know what we would do without her.”

Another 170 employees would likely say the same. April, we don’t know what we would do without you.

We can, however, express our appreciation – again – by making you our ABC award winner for November. President Kennedy once famously said, “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.”  Thank you, April, for making a difference.

Matt was nominated by his Technology colleague Andy Jones for his success and dedication in testing and installing a new software product recommended by OSPI. While the technology part is probably too complex for most of us to understand, this part is not ... Matt pulled off a near-impossible feat.

In Andy's words: "This is pretty amazing since this is a product that other ESDs and large schools typically hire a consultant to implement. He even took the implementation a huge step further than most by fully implementing support on the ESD network. Not long after, Matt sent me a text (late one evening) to give it a try."

Andy went on to commend Matt for his dedication to the job- always researching new and better ways and always growing professionally.

Kudos to Matt and, indeed, all of our Technology Services staff, for keeping us all connected.

The short story goes like this ... a teenage girl at the Next Generation Zone was missing a state-issued identification card that would allow her to take her GED tests at the usual times and locations. Lacking the card, and passage of the tests, she would not be able to "graduate." The student was extremely bright, but suffered from depression. It appeared fate was about to deal her another losing hand.

Until ... Dr. Trina Clayeux, who runs the Next Gen, remembered that our Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) school is an approved test site. She called Larry Gardner, who leads the JDC, to see if the girl could be referred for testing there. Larry was willing, but noted that the JDC school would be closed on the proscribed test day. To the rescue came Jeff Higgins, an instructional paraprofessional at the JDC, who volunteered to come in on his day off.

The girl took four-yes, four - GED tests in one day. It took more than eight hours. Jeff was there the entire time, proctoring a test for just one student. The result? "She knocked it out the park," said Assistant Superintendent Mick Miller, who nominated Jeff for the award. She passed all four tests with flying colors.

A student suffering from depression and lack of confidence would not have hit those four home runs - indeed, not even had the opportunity to hit them - had one man not given up his day off. That is dedication. That is commitment. That is service above and beyond the call.

Our thanks go to Trina and Larry for their creativity and teamwork in serving a student. And to Jeff, we extend our heartfelt appreciation, and the August ABC Award, for positively changing a life.

In Mona's own words ... "After much reflection, I would like to nominate Brittany Campbell for the ABC Award for her work coordinating the counseling response. I reflected at length because there were so many of our employees involved in the response (direct services by Prevention staff, indirect services by Shelly keeping us all informed). Ultimately, I realized Brittany became the "face" of NEWESD 101 for many of the Freeman staff, students, and families. For days, she was the steady presence who organized, calmed, communicated and kept things going. She did an amazing job of transition away from direct support and she and I have already begun discussions about what and when our follow-up will look like. This is a well-deserved award for her!"

Well-deserved, indeed. Brittany, your performance was exemplary. It is an honor to count you as a colleague.

Jill is a prevention specialist (SAS) serving North Central High School. She is passionate about prevention work around Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD), but also passionate about suicide prevention.  In Mona’s words … “Jill’s work obligations for our agency ended on the last day of school for Spokane Public Schools, June 15.  She willingly said yes to my request that she go to Freeman High School on Saturday, June 17 to help their staff and students cope with the death of one of their students who died by suicide. 

“Jill’s expertise in this area was a great support to their school counselor, Laura Hamma, and to staff and students who came to the school to grieve and receive support.  Jill often goes above and beyond when doing her work, and this effort is a strong example of that!   She continues to be a strong asset to our prevention program and is a valued professional at North Central High School.”

Thank you, Jill. Your commitment to students is another exemplary example of everything that is right with public education.

Linda was nominated by Kimberly Runkel, who wrote, “Linda is always the first to offer help wherever and whenever it is needed, never asking or expecting anything in return.”

Linda takes tremendous pride in her work and is a huge asset to not only the Center for Early Childhood Services, but our entire agency. Case in point: NEWASA. Earlier this year, when the association needed a photographer for its annual community awards ceremony, Linda happily filled the void.

It is that kind of spirit and versatility that earns Linda consistent plaudits from her co-workers. All of us are fortunate indeed to work with such a dedicated and multi-dimensional performer. Congratulations, Linda.

While our districts know Mary for her work with the Northeast Washington Information Service Center, her co-workers know her as “the heart of the agency’s Wellness Committee.” That description, from Michelle Powers, effectively captures the essence of Mary, someone who does heavy lifting, but never accepts credit.

Michelle says it best … “There are other members of the committee and they all make wonderful contributions, but Mary truly leads the group with creativity, caring, generosity and efficiency. She gives her personal time and resources and she ensures the Wellness Committee events are well thought out, fun and in the very best interest of our staff.”

Mary, indeed, continually goes above and beyond the call. For that, we are all grateful. Congratulations, Mary, on a well-deserved honor.

Michelle's words say it best ... "It is my experience that Tammy is more than willing to contribute in whatever way is asked of her and she does so with a great sense of humility. She has organized our agency blood drives so we can all participate easily. But, more recently, she went above and beyond. She worked with Inland Northwest Blood Center to arrange a special blood drive in Deb Ramsay's honor. She helped create posters and took it upon herself to have bracelets made for all who donated. She worked hard to make Deb's family feel special and she didn't want any attention for doing so."

Thank you, Tammy. While nothing can replace the loss of Deb, you have simultaneously honored a beloved colleague and assisted in our own healing.

On September 15, Tracy Poindexter-Canton came to the aid of Sara Ballard, who suffered a choking incident in the lunchroom. Tracy, quite fortunately, was in the room and knew what to do – thanks, in part, to her NEWESD emergency/CPR training. “Without a second thought, she (Tracy) immediately performed the Heimlich on me,” wrote Sara in her nomination letter. “I am 100 percent convinced that if Tracy had not intervened and been so quick on her feet I probably would not be here today. She is truly a lifesaver.”

A second nomination of Tracy came from our Risk Manager Don Ebert, who similarly praised her fast action and calm demeanor in an emergency.

To Sara … we are thankful you made a full and fast recovery.

And to Tracy … words almost seem inadequate in a situation like this, as you have taken our ethic of service to a new level. Suffice it to say we thank you, commend you and are very grateful you are part of our team.

For 29 years, Dan has committed his life to serving youth. And, as Mark also wrote, “He doesn’t judge, demean or punish his students.” Rather, he inspires and motivates them.

“Dan the Man” as he is known to students, is their beacon of hope – the upbeat guy who continually preaches optimism and positive thinking (Dan’s good work will be further highlighted in the upcoming edition of our Focus newsletter).

Congratulations, Dan, on a well-deserved honor.

Trudie, an education advocate at the Structured Alternative Confinement School (part of juvenile detention services),  was nominated by colleague Elia Vanhoff who wrote, “Trudie has unfailingly gone out of her way to be in the classroom, meet with youth, attend meetings, etc., to keep our program healthy, energetic and focused on student success. She truly embodies ‘relationships, resilience, responsibility.’”

Indeed. Trudie, like all or our juvenile detention staff (see attached group photo; Trudie, first row, second from right), is a dedicated professional thoroughly committed to the best interests of kids.

Congratulations to Trudie on a well-deserved honor.

Stand up Donna Gehring. You are the April recipient our ABC honor following nominations submitted by staff from the Juvenile Detention Center and Next Generation Zone. Cheryl Barkdull-Smith submitted the JDC nomination; Trina Clayeux, the Next Gen recommendation.

What do the two nominations have in common? It’s a shared appreciation for a co-worker known for solving data and system errors, responding quickly whenever and wherever needed, and, of course, providing service with her characteristic smile. Donna, a student systems manager in our Northeast Washington Information Service Center, indeed, is well known as a go-to resource for any issue related to software, data collection and records management.

Congratulations, Donna. Better yet, with two nominations, we congratulate you twice.  

Today, it is appropriate that Abby herself now be recognized. I am pleased to announce her selection as our Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) award recipient for September. Abby was nominated by Erik Wolfrum, who wrote, “While many of us donated money for the cause, Abby took it above and beyond by organizing and leading the effort.”

John F. Kennedy famously said, “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.” Please join me in extending plaudits to Abby. She tried. She succeeded. She made a difference.

I am speaking of course, of Mark Altmar, our AmeriCorps  member development trainer. Mark was nominated by Lisa Adnett, not because of a single impressive act, but because of Mark’s daily acts – his unconditional commitment to his work, his co-workers and, of course, the students he mentors. “Mark always has a smile on his face and his passion for the work he does is evident in every task he takes on with gusto,” Lisa wrote. “I like to think of Mark as the NEWESD Santa.”

Mark, indeed, sets a shining example for all on what it means to be a friend, teammate, leader and positive role model for youth.  By word, deed, attitude and action,  Mark Altmar goes above and beyond the call every day.

Jeff was nominated by Principal Larry Gardner, who wrote: “Thanks to Jeff’s perseverance, the SAC School is now an official GED test site – the first day-reporting school in the state to hold that designation.”

The designation is important – providing not just a convenience, but an incentive to take the tests, which are most commonly administered at local community colleges. The positive outcomes Jeff anticipated were quickly realized. “At the writing of this nomination, we have had two students pass GED tests at the SAC School. Nice work, Jeff,” Larry wrote.”

Nice work, indeed – and an inspiring way to launch the new year. Congratulations, Jeff.

Andy was nominated by Deb Ramsay on behalf of the districts routinely lauding Andy’s work. Deb specifically cited an e-mail received this summer from Rob Roettger, superintendent at Lind-Ritzville. After a roof leak saturated a laptop computer, Rob texted Andy late one evening, seeking help. “Though he was not scheduled to be in Lind or Ritzville, Andy showed up first thing the next morning and pulled the hard drive from my water-soaked computer and put it in another MacBook Pro. Within 20 minutes, he had my issue resolved,” Roettger said. “He is willing to go above and beyond to make sure our districts are functioning correctly.”

That, Deb said, is just one example of Andy’s initiative. “He always has our districts’ well being in mind,” she wrote.

Congratulations, Andy.  Your example is inspiring.

Mary, the leader of our Wellness Committee, was the mastermind behind our recent pedometer challenge – one of the most popular and widely embraced fitness activities our ESD has ever seen. She was nominated for the award by Karin Maynard, who commended Mary’s creativity and enthusiasm in promoting wellness activities. “She does not just take on tasks,” Karin wrote. “She improves every project she work on … she excels in every way. To put it simply – Mary is amazing.”

Amazing, indeed. Everyone wearing a pedometer can count the ways. Thank you, and congratulations, Mary.

Laura was nominated by Sara Ballard, who cited Laura’s flexibility and willingness to always pitch in and help, wherever and whenever needed. A prime example came during the high school art show when a last-minute need emerged to retrieve late-arriving awards from an engraving shop across town. Laura calmly stepped in – and, in her usual quiet, unassuming way – saved the day, allowing the ceremony to proceed without a hitch. It was an example of teamwork at its best. Congratulations, Laura.

She was nominated for the award  by David Welch, a colleague who has worked closely with Heidi for nearly 10 years. Over time, David has seen firsthand the significant way Heidi has helped hundreds of students with speech/language difficulties.

He wrote: “One example has been recent impact she has had with two autistic students. They have gone from being close to non-verbal and avoiding interactions with others to being so excited to see and work with Heidi  you’d think it was Christmas morning. I’ve seen parents with tears in their eyes when they see how far their child has progressed with Heidi’s help.”

Heidi’s dedication is inspiring indeed – particularly in this season of giving. Thank you, David, for an outstanding nomination. And thank you, Heidi, for your commitment to students and their ongoing success. Your work is truly above and beyond the call.

While this is only the second time April has received the ABC Award (the first was in 2011), the reality is that she could be nominated virtually every month. For anyone who has experienced a tech emergency, you know that a call to April brings almost instant response. If she doesn’t know the answer, she will quickly find it. I think I speak for the whole staff in expressing appreciation for April’s ongoing assistance to all of us. When equipment fails, nothing is more reassuring than the approaching sound of fast-moving,  jingling keys. With that sound, we all know help is on the way. Thank you – and congratulations – April.

Deb was nominated by our Superintendent’s Cabinet in recognition of her ongoing dedication to NEWESD 101. Deb, as most of you know, recently returned to work following medical leave. Though she was not in our physical presence for much of the summer, she was very much present on the job – conducting business, troubleshooting problems and staying in constant contact by phone and e-mail. Just as always, her e-mail response times were often measured in seconds. She didn’t miss a beat.

Even on days she did not feel on top of her game, the irrepressible Deb could not be held down. Her determination and positive outlook were truly inspiring. This award is just a small way of saying thank you to Deb – for being a great leader, friend, teammate and an inspiring colleague we all admire. We are SO glad to have you back!

The nomination was made by Linda Lucas, who commended Tammy’s research and perseverance in solving recent problems we have experienced with mail delivery. Tammy made multiple trips to our local Post Office to sort out the reason certain mailing were being returned. “Through Tammy’s persistence, she was able to solve our issues,” Linda wrote, “and she was able to do so with a sense of humor and without going “postal.’”

Congratulations, Tammy – and thank you for solving a problem that has affected many in our ESD. It is a well-deserved honor.

Lisa Adnet’s nomination of Suzi pretty well says it all: “In my 30 years of professional work, I have never worked with a payroll officer who is more timely in her responses to questions. Suzi is always upbeat and a pleasure to work with at NEWESD 101.”

As someone whose job affects every person in our ESD, it is not enough to say that Suzi carries great responsibility. Rather, it would be more accurate to say she transforms great responsibility into even greater service and performance. All of us take great comfort in knowing our agency’s  important payroll responsibilities are in the capable hands of a consummate pro, Suzi Magney.

As someone whose schedule requires considerable work outside the office, I can personally vouch for the terrific job performed by Terry, Arlo and Richard.  No matter where I go in the state or region, I can say, without qualification, that no one anywhere does a better job staying on top of the weather. No matter the task or hour, Terry, Arlo and Richard quietly go about their work, making the grounds better and safer for all of us.

While our award winners perform at a high level 12 months a year, the winter season is an especially appropriate time to salute their work. Our entire staff extends its congratulations – and thanks – to Terry, Arlo and Richard.  

Michelle was nominated by Karin Maynard, who wrote, “For many years, Michelle has taken on many of the Wellness Committee activities on her own initiative. She is often searching for local activities to get others involved, healthy recipes to share or simple activities that we can fit in our current routine. More importantly, she keeps the Wellness Committee on my list of priorities and ensures that it is not neglected … because she does all the work.”

Congratulations, Michelle. Your initiative is not just noticed – but deeply  appreciated across our entire ESD. Kudos to you, and the entire Wellness Committee, for your commitment to the health and fitness of our entire staff.

Another example arrived this week in a message I received from Barbara Thompson, a teacher at the Martin Hall Detention Center. Barbara wrote to express her appreciation for a training offered by Dianna Harrington (Center for Teaching and Learning), via Zoom, on the subject of childhood trauma. Barbara further recommended Dianna for an Above and Beyond the Call (ABC) Award. Here is the story in Barbara’s own words:

“Dianna has gone above and beyond with the trauma class. Word of mouth after her first powerful session caused her to be sought after and she has risen to the occasion by re-offering additional sessions and is even going further by arranging training for the staff at Martin Hall; what a great endeavor and step forward to get us all on the same page in offering the best and most knowledgeable care for our unique population of students.”

Our staff, indeed, has again risen to the occasion. Thank you for an outstanding job, Dianna. You are a very deserving recipient of our ABC Award.

Cris was nominated by Michelle Norwood, Regional Literacy & Multilingual Coordinator, for his outstanding professionalism, initiative, and unwavering support behind the scenes of countless events and trainings.

Michelle shared: “Cris is the person I can always count on when presenting. From being the smiling, reassuring face I need right before an event, to helping set up or take down LETRS posters, he is always ready to step in and lend a hand. His willingness to troubleshoot technology issues, often on the spot, ensures that events run smoothly and participants have the best possible experience.”

Whether it’s adjusting tech, anticipating room needs, or simply bringing positive energy into every space, Cris makes it possible for others to focus on learning and connection. His reliability and creative problem-solving continue to make a lasting impact at NEWESD 101.

Congratulations to Cris on this well-earned recognition! We’re grateful for his care, commitment, and contributions across the agency.

In his nomination, School Psychologist Dave Welch wrote, “On my first day of school this year, I was unable to log in to my computer, which created a great deal of stress. Chandler immediately responded to my message, offered remote support, and within minutes had me back up and running. He was cheerful, reassuring, and made what felt overwhelming into a quick and simple fix.”

Dave also noted another example of Chandler’s dedication, sharing, “I witnessed him assisting a Speech Language Pathologist in acquiring costly equipment at a much more affordable price. His willingness to step outside his normal duties ultimately saved the district money and supported a student’s needs. He did this simply because he cares.”

These are just two examples of Chandler’s consistent efforts to go above and beyond in service to schools, students, and colleagues across our region. His technical expertise, responsiveness, and compassion truly exemplify the spirit of the ABC Award.

Congratulations, Chandler! Your work makes a meaningful difference every day.

When SAC School began the process of onboarding with Monday.com, Michael immediately stepped forward to lead the transition. He not only developed an efficient, user-friendly system for the team but also took the time to train staff and ensure everyone felt confident using the new platform.

Michael’s strong understanding of technology, combined with his patient and proactive approach, has made a tremendous impact, helping the SAC team streamline workflows and improve communication. As one colleague shared, “Without Michael, our learning curve would have been much slower. His knowledge and willingness to go out of his way make us a stronger team every day.”

Congratulations, Michael! Your leadership, expertise, and collaborative spirit truly exemplify what it means to go Above and Beyond the Call.

Jared was nominated by colleague Melissa Claxton, Open Doors Instructional Case Manager at the Next Generation Zone, for going far beyond his usual responsibilities during her medical leave this year. While Melissa recovered from back surgery, followed by an additional unexpected procedure, Jared stepped in to ensure continuity of service for students in Deer Park, Riverside, and Colville, all while managing his own caseload in Spokane.

From running orientations and proctoring tests to finalizing enrollments and coaching students through challenging math requirements, Jared handled it all with care and precision. He drove long distances, set up organized workspaces in each classroom, and even anticipated supply needs to keep instruction running smoothly.

His willingness to step up, solve problems on the fly, and support both students and colleagues is a true reflection of what the ABC Award represents.

Congratulations, Jared, and thank you for your exceptional leadership and heart.

It is my pleasure to announce that Nora Vralsted-Thomas has been selected as our newest ABC Award recipient.

Nora was nominated by Facilities Director Cheryl Harper, who shared how Nora immediately stepped in when our event center coordinator went on leave. Without hesitation, Nora learned the ins and outs of the event center’s technology and agreed to support setup for scheduled events. She balanced this work while maintaining her own full workload in the Center for Special Education Services, offering her time and talent with a positive spirit.

Cheryl noted that Nora’s willingness to help ensured events remained seamless and well-supported. Her adaptability and collaborative mindset made a significant difference during a busy stretch for the department.

Thank you, Nora, for your readiness to serve and the care you bring to every task. We are truly fortunate to have you on the NEWESD 101 team.

Congratulations, Nora! Your commitment and positive impact are deeply appreciated.

In her nomination, Behavioral Health Coordinator Keara Peltram highlighted Sarah’s steady, servant leadership and the meaningful impact of her work across Spokane County. Keara shared that Sarah consistently brings intention, skill, and care to every aspect of her role, leading with humility while representing the agency with integrity, often behind the scenes and without recognition.

Sarah, alongside a dedicated advisory team, played a pivotal role in advancing efforts to prohibit the local use of kratom in Spokane County. Through her leadership, collaboration, and strong relationships with community partners, meaningful progress was made that may not have been possible without her guidance. This work is one example of how Sarah turns trust and partnership into lasting change for the communities we serve.

Sarah’s commitment to public health, her thoughtful approach to coalition work, and her dedication to the mission of NEWESD 101 exemplify the spirit of the ABC Award.

Congratulations, Sarah! Your leadership, integrity, and determination make a lasting difference, and we are fortunate to have you on Team NEWESD 101.

In her nomination, Nora Vralsted shared that Kelsey brings a strong sense of responsibility and genuine enthusiasm to her work, qualities that reflect her hardworking and earnest nature. Those who work near Kelsey regularly see the care she brings to conversations with colleagues and supervisors, listening closely, asking clarifying questions, and ensuring each task is completed accurately and in a way that meets the needs of the people she serves.

This same approach has extended to the support Kelsey has provided to the Special Education department, where her assistance helped work move smoothly and efficiently. Kelsey’s consistency, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others exemplify the spirit of the ABC Award and the heart of NEWESD 101.

Congratulations, Kelsey! Your dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit truly represent what it means to go Above and Beyond the Call.

On a January evening at the Spokane Tribe Casino, Jessica, her husband, and other bystanders responded immediately when a man experienced cardiac arrest. Because of their quick action, he survived.

Both Jessica and her husband are trained EMT-Bs and volunteer with their local fire department, and they did not hesitate to use their skills when every second counted. Jessica’s response is a powerful reflection of NEWESD 101’s core values and an inspiring example of service in action.

In her nomination, fellow Community Coalition Coordinator Sarah McNew shared that Jessica is also the kind of coworker who consistently shows up for others in all the best ways. She brings a smile, a sense of humor, unwavering support, and sometimes snacks, which never hurt. When you think about what makes NEWESD 101 special, it is people like Jessica.

Congratulations, Jessica! Your compassion, courage, and commitment to others exemplify what this award is all about.

During a recent Future Ready Focus Time at East Valley High School, Jackty visited to speak with students interested in YouthBuild. From the moment he arrived, he created a welcoming and supportive space, engaging students with kindness and authenticity. By sharing his own lived experience, Jackty built genuine connections that resonated deeply, especially with students who already knew him from the community and were eager to reconnect.

In the nomination, it was shared that Jackty has a unique ability to make students feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence draws students in and reminds them that they matter. This kind of impact goes far beyond a single presentation and reflects the heart of his work every day.

Jackty’s compassion, relatability, and commitment to uplifting young people embody the spirit of the ABC Award and the mission of NEWESD 101.

Congratulations, Jackty! The way you show up for students and build meaningful connections across our community makes a difference that truly lasts.

In her nomination, AmeriCorps Coordinator Allyson Fritz shared that since stepping into a new role with the Spokane Service Team, she quickly came to understand that Julie is central to keeping both AmeriCorps and YouthBuild running smoothly. Supporting multiple programs at once, Julie manages countless moving parts each day, often without recognition, yet in ways that make everyone else’s work possible.

Julie approaches her work with a clear focus on people. She ensures AmeriCorps members receive their living allowances and stipends on time, understanding how critical that consistency is. She also advocates for their needs and works to ensure systems serve the individuals at the heart of the programs.

Even while balancing complex responsibilities across multiple systems, Julie remains open to new ideas and improvements. Whether exploring new workflows in Monday.com or helping transition to the America Learns platform, she brings curiosity and a willingness to adapt that strengthens the entire team.

As the first person many see when entering the Spokane Service Team office, Julie creates a welcoming environment through her kindness and authenticity. Students regularly stop by her desk, not out of necessity, but because they feel comfortable and valued in her presence. Her impact is felt not only in what she accomplishes, but in how she makes others feel.

Allyson also shared her personal appreciation for Julie’s patience and support, noting how generously Julie shares her knowledge and guidance, even while managing constant interruptions. Her willingness to help others succeed reflects a deep commitment to teamwork and service.

Julie’s contributions are both visible and unseen, woven into the daily success of the programs and the people she supports.

Congratulations, Julie! Your care, reliability, and dedication help create an environment where both students and colleagues can thrive.

In an anonymous nomination, Allyson was recognized for her exceptional ability to lift up the people around her. While she is known for her kind and collaborative nature, what stands out most is her commitment to ensuring others feel seen, valued, and recognized for their contributions.

The nomination highlighted Allyson's consistent efforts to celebrate the successes of colleagues and shine a light on accomplishments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether through formal recognition opportunities or everyday words of encouragement, she helps create a culture where people feel appreciated and supported.

As AmeriCorps Coordinator, Allyson brings enthusiasm, positivity, and genuine care to her work. She has a gift for recognizing the strengths in others and the courage to share those observations in meaningful ways. Her advocacy for colleagues is not driven by a desire for recognition, but by a sincere belief in the value of the people around her.

The impact of Allyson's contributions extends well beyond her job responsibilities. Through her encouragement, generosity, and unwavering support, she helps foster stronger teams, deeper connections, and a workplace where people can do their best work.

Congratulations, Allyson! Thank you for the countless ways you champion others and for helping create a culture of appreciation, belonging, and service throughout NEWESD 101.

In his nomination, School Psychologist Dave Welch reflected on the many years he has worked alongside Dr. Kliewer and the professionalism she brings to even the most challenging situations. He shared that her calm presence and thoughtful approach help create productive conversations, particularly during meetings where emotions may be running high. Through careful listening and a deep understanding of special education law, Dr. Kliewer helps ensure that families, educators, and students feel heard, respected, and supported.

Dave also highlighted Dr. Kliewer's extraordinary commitment to service. In addition to overseeing special services across 59 school districts, she has stepped in to fill critical staffing gaps, at times serving as a school psychologist for extended periods while districts searched for qualified candidates. Her willingness to do whatever is needed to support students and schools speaks volumes about her dedication to the mission of NEWESD 101.

Those who work with Dr. Kliewer know her as a steady and positive presence, someone who approaches every challenge with professionalism, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Her leadership strengthens not only the Special Services department but also the many schools and communities that rely on her expertise.

As Dave noted in his nomination, Dr. Kliewer's contributions consistently go far beyond what is expected.

Congratulations, Dr. Kliewer! Thank you for the countless ways you support students, families, educators, and colleagues across our region. Your leadership and commitment to service exemplify what it means to go Above and Beyond the Call.

The group was nominated for the care and intentionality they brought to every aspect of Staff Appreciation Week. From thoughtful activities and opportunities for connection to meaningful moments of gratitude, they created an experience that helped employees feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated.

The nomination highlighted the team's ability to bring people together in creative and engaging ways. Throughout the week, staff members were encouraged to connect with colleagues, share appreciation, and take time to recognize the contributions of those around them. The result was a positive and uplifting atmosphere that strengthened relationships across the agency.

What made the effort especially meaningful was the attention given to ensuring everyone felt included. Behind each activity was a great deal of planning, coordination, and teamwork, all carried out with the goal of creating a memorable experience for others.

The success of Staff Appreciation Week was a direct reflection of this team's dedication and commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and appreciation at NEWESD 101.

Congratulations, Joie, Kirsten, Keara, Jenifer, Mary, and Tracy! Thank you for the energy, creativity, and care you invested in celebrating your colleagues and making NEWESD 101 an even stronger community.

In her nomination, Alyssa was celebrated for the mentorship, guidance, and support she provided as a member of the Next Generation Zone team, as well as the immediate impact she has made since transitioning to YouthBuild. In just a few short weeks, she has already found ways to strengthen the program while continuing to support and develop those around her.

What makes Alyssa’s contributions especially noteworthy is her ability to balance the demands of learning a new role with the time and care required to train and mentor others. She approaches both with patience, clear communication, and a genuine willingness to listen, learn, and help others succeed.

Her nomination also speaks to the value she brings to every team she joins. Alyssa’s adaptability, collaborative spirit, and commitment to continuous growth create a positive ripple effect, strengthening not only the work itself but also the people carrying it forward.

Congratulations, Alyssa! Your willingness to learn, lead, and invest in others is already making a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for all you bring to the NEWESD 101 team.