The Amazing Amy Padlet Wall by Tracey Hartman

RESPECT

2017-10-03 19:23:46 UTC

Amy,
You made feel respected as a specialist for the first time in my career!

Amy gave me the opportunity to continue the next chapter of my teaching career as a public school educator. The value she sees in me gives me confidence.

2017-10-03 19:24:30 UTC

When people ask me how I feel about teaching, I get to tell them that I love it because I have a wonderful principal who believes in me and supports me. I am thankful to be in a school led by someone who cares for her staff and also takes time to know the students!

2017-10-03 19:29:51 UTC

Thank you for bringing joy back into my career as an educator. Every day as I leave Morris Grove I feel as though I have positively impacted the lives of children. You are a gift to Morris Grove and to field of education. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

2017-10-03 19:32:41 UTC

2017-10-03 19:42:24 UTC

Amy has shown me what support looks and feels like in the teaching profession-- something I did not have until I came to Morris Grove. I only wish that my other teaching friends could have someone in their school like Amy.

2017-10-03 19:44:29 UTC

Amy has shown me the amazing effect that good leadership has on everyone. She has created a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among staff. Thank you, Amy, for allowing me to be part of this wonderful school.

2017-10-03 19:45:58 UTC

Amy is the heart of Morris Grove! She makes me feel loved, and my hard work valued and appreciated. Every teacher should be so lucky to have that kind of support. Thank you, Amy, for keeping me inspired after many years of teaching!

2017-10-03 20:07:10 UTC

While not compatible with your impeccable fashion sense, you should have been born with multi-colored hair and a twisty horn in the middle of your forehead. YOU are the reason Morris Grove is all rainbows and unicorns! Seriously though, if you move to Nebraska, I’m coming with you because I am not teaching where you are not the principal. Your leadership has allowed me to be a happy educator.

2017-10-03 20:14:58 UTC

http://www.unicornsrule.com/rainbows-and-unicorns/ (always cite your source)

2017-10-03 20:24:45 UTC

When applying to schools as a beginning teacher at first my goal was just to get into a Chapel Hill school. After meeting Amy I knew I had to be at Morris Grove specifically. She is such a supportive, compassionate and strong leader.

2017-10-03 20:52:34 UTC

Amy is the glue that holds everything together. She is beyond respected and loved by everyone, and it is because of her irreplaceable leadership, grit, and compassion. I am so grateful to have a principle who pushes me to grow as an educator, has my back in times of classroom or parent conflict, and knows, REALLY KNOWS, Every Single Student that walks our halls.

sdawson12 — 2017-10-03 20:55:40 UTC

After student teaching, there was no doubt in my mind that I needed to stay at Morris Grove. That was because of the incredible community that we have here. We have a principal who supports us, cares for us and our students, and wants to see us grow and flourish as educators! That makes MGE such a special place that teachers, families, and students never want to leave. Amy, have a CLIMB Card for being such a wonderful, positive, supportive, growth-mindset-having advocate for your students, families, & staff. We <3 you!

I appreciate Amy for a number of reasons. One of the most impressive things that I notice about our principal is that she holds high expectations for each person at the school, especially herself, as she tirelessly looks out for MGE's staff and students in such a way that each student is positioned to receive the very best education possible while at Morris Grove Elementary School!

2017-10-03 21:02:36 UTC

*Amy, your work is appreciated and you are loved by all!

Amy is the cheerleader for every student and staff member at Morris Grove. She truly cares about each one of us. At the end of the day, people want to work and learn where they feel safe, appreciated, supported, challenged, and inspired. Amy gives us that in spades.

2017-10-03 21:19:47 UTC

2017-10-03 21:37:52 UTC

Before even starting teaching at Morris Grove, I knew I wanted to teach here over anywhere else in the district because of the Amazing Amy Rickard! I have never experienced working for a leader like Amy, who knows, understands, challenges, and encourages you both professionally and personally. Thanks for always making me feel loved, supported, valued, and pushing me to be the best teacher I can be (because a lot of times I don't believe it myself). You're irreplaceable in the words of Beyonce!!

2017-10-03 21:51:26 UTC

When I was looking for jobs in the area, countless people told me that I had to apply to Morris Grove "because Amy Rickard." You put your heart and soul into making this school an amazing place for students and staff. You even somehow find time to greet our kiddos warmly in the morning and say good-bye to them warmly each afternoon. You have believed in me even when I haven't always believed in myself, and for that I say THANK YOU!

2017-10-03 22:21:42 UTC

Amy has been so wonderful to me. I recently moved here from Virginia and before the move I was searching and searching for a job. After a couple of interviews I received an email from Amy asking if I could come in for an interview. During the interview, she was so down to earth and just genuinely nice! I didn't even feel nervous during the interview. I mentioned to her that I was in the process of moving and that I was really excited and interested in the job. About three hours after the interview I received another email from Amy offering me the position! She took the time out of her busy schedule to contact me about the position. Normally HR will contact a candidate but Amy was so personable and did it herself. I want to thank you Amy for everything you have done for me! I really do appreciate you!

2017-10-03 22:34:11 UTC

I feel so grateful and blessed to have Amy as our principal and fearless leader! She is the epitome of what every principal should be. I know that I work harder and challenge myself because Amy has inspired me to do so. I know what it is like to work in a place with leaders who do not support their staff or value their ideas. Amy has made Morris Grove the amazingly supportive, wonderful place that I wake up each morning excited to be a part of.

Thanks for inviting me to join this amazing faculty ten years ago and for supporting me through some most difficult life experiences!

2017-10-04 00:32:15 UTC

Thanks for your dedication to the Grove. I celebrate you knowing each student by name and more and nurturing this place to be the "happy" school. Thanks for your support and the amazing opportunity

2017-10-04 00:45:11 UTC

2017-10-04 00:48:00 UTC

Before my student teaching at Morris Grove, I told myself and others that I didn't want to teach in Chapel Hill. I wanted to go back to my hometown, back to my comfort zone, and teach there. Little did I know, Amy Rickard would come along and completely change my mind. Her warm leadership made me fall in love with Morris Grove and I knew this was the place I wanted to be. She advocated for me and helped me join this incredible family of Geckos, and for that I am truly grateful. I am continually inspired by her and strive to make her proud every single day! Ms. Rickard, you are the reason I love to teach and the reason our students love to learn. Thank you for making the Grove the best place on earth!

May we each care about our school, our students, and each other as Amy does. Amy's high expectations for each of us as staff members challenges us to be the best at what we do. Morris Grove is more than a job, it's a work family - on the good days and the tough days - thanks to Amy!

2017-10-04 01:48:17 UTC

This was my first job thanks to Amy! You are one amazing leader who sets the example of greatness! You've made me a better educator because of the way you challenge and inspire, not only me but, everyone around you- staff and students! I think when staff depart and say "once a gecko always a gecko" it is because of the environment you envisioned and brought to life for everyone who walks through the doors of the Grove! THANK YOU doesn't begin to cover it (but it's a start)!

2017-10-04 02:33:19 UTC

Yay for Amy!

gwestman — 2017-10-04 11:02:01 UTC

We all make jokes about being in the Promised Land and our "Morris Grove bubble" but it's the truth! I feel blessed every day that I get to come to work here and it's because Amy has done such a terrific job of community building. She will tell you it's because we have such a great staff. Guess who hired that great staff? Amy Rickard! Her passion and drive, her love of our students and our families, her respect for all of us as professionals are the things that help us all do our best, all day and every day. Amy Rickard, YOU are the best! Thanks for letting me work for you! Hearty McHeartHeart to you!

Best. Principal. EVER!!!

2017-10-04 11:45:04 UTC

But for reals. I've been around the block a couple of times and I've had some pretty poop principals, and you are not one of them. You aren't even just okay; as Tony the tiger would say, "you're GREAT!" Thanks for making all of your students and staff heard. Thanks for doing a really hard job (that I would never want) well. I appreciate you times a million. Since this is anonymous, you know we're not brown nosing, so that makes everything on here 100% true and from the heart! You da best!

BEST. PRINCIPAL. EVER.

khsmith17 — 2017-10-04 12:51:43 UTC

I have worked with many different principals over the years as both a teacher and a coach. Amy, you are by far the best principal I have ever worked with. You are organized, you communicate with us and keep us in the loop, you have established systems for doing things that need to get done, you exude positivity and love for your staff and your students, you problem solve with us, you treat everyone with respect, no matter what. We are well aware that we very lucky to have you. I appreciate you as my principal but also as my friend.

Amy, you have been a steady guiding influence on my career at Morris Grove. You hired me and have been there to provide reliable, consistent counsel on my career path and decisions ever since. We are all lucky to have such a professional leader who cares about each and every one of us! Thank you for all that you are and all that you do!

2017-10-04 13:15:40 UTC

Amy-

2017-10-04 13:28:40 UTC

Thanks for making MGES a special place to work. I am happy to come to work each morning, because I know you (and all of the staff you have hired) have a shared vision of working together for student success. You not only know each staff member and student, but you also know how to facilitate growth and engagement in all of us. This is a difficult task that you, seemingly effortlessly, take on daily. Thanks for making MGES and all GECKOS feel special and for treating us like professionals. That is a rare combination for educators in today's world. YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE GECKO!

Thank you, Amy!

2017-10-04 13:37:01 UTC

I’ve been in education for many years, and you are far and away the most gifted leader I’ve ever known. Your passion, wisdom, thoughtfulness, thoroughness, care, laughter, friendship, and commitment to excellence make Morris Grove an extraordinary place to learn and grow together. We know you work incredibly hard on behalf of our entire school community every day, and we are so grateful. You are a gift!

Amy you always make me feel appreciated and valued. The care and support you show me and all your staff, along with your dedicated and gifted leadership makes MGE a happy place to come to work each day. You have created a school community full of heart and greatness!! Thanks for being you!!

2017-10-04 13:45:56 UTC

2017-10-04 14:08:39 UTC

Morris Grove is truly
a special place. I feel so lucky to work with such a caring, dedicated and passionate group of educators. Your leadership is what inspires us to do what we do everyday. Thank you for creating such a wonderful work environment where staff members feel valued and part of a team. Your amazing leadership and passion make Morris Grove a wonderful place for students and staff to learn and grow. Thank you, Amy!

TY!

2017-10-04 14:36:02 UTC

Thank you for leading by example. Here are 5 examples of how you affected my educational lens.
1. You place students first.
2. You work your fingers to the bone to create a community of learners at MGE - Students, Staff, and Parents.
3. You are committed to MGE like no other Gecko.
4. Just to name a few descriptors: empathetic, compassionate, and encouraging.
5. Your daily shoe choices are amazing (that has deeply affected my career).

Cheers to You!

Amy,

rspringer1 — 2017-10-04 14:38:56 UTC

You are my 9th principal in 29 years of teaching, and far and above...the BEST! Thank you for always being supportive of your staff and knowing each child and their needs. When other teachers in my district PLC are complaining about their administrators, I just sit there and smile. They look at me and say"Oh, that's right, you don't have this problem. You have Amy Rickard!" We are blessed beyond belief by having you here. It is because of you and the people you choose to hire that Morris Grove runs like a well-oiled machine. I've never worked in a school with so much support from the administration as well as staff. Thanks for making Morris Grove THE place to teach :)

2017-10-04 14:51:46 UTC

Thank you for creating a school culture of passion, fun, care, commitment, high expectations, and excellence. Morris Grove really is "the promised land!"

Thank you, Amy!

2017-10-04 14:53:03 UTC

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the "utopia" that you have created! You have a way of making everyone feel valued and appreciated. You make me want to work harder! Basically you are the best! Thanks!

You Rock!

2017-10-04 14:55:32 UTC

Amy, with 20 years in education, I’ve yet to meet a principal of your caliber.

I am honored to serve alongside you, and to be a part of the Morris Grove family. You have a remarkable way of being intimately aware of every moving part in this building while not micromanaging.

I’ve always been taught that you can not receive from what or whom you do not honor. You have a beautiful way of giving honor to all of us as professionals, but also to every child and parent you interact with, even if you have a differing opinion. We can share such beautiful words of honor for you today because honor is the place from which you live and serve.

You lead by example - in integrity, empathy, excellence, and in modeling the expectation of high standards for not just all students, but all staff. Thank you for not allowing room for -isms here at Morris Grove. We are a community, and we own all students because that is the heart of the culture you have established here. You’re amazing and I'm glad I get to do life with you!

Awesome Amy!

2017-10-04 15:01:34 UTC

Having worked for many administrators, I can say that you are truly a rock star. I have never worked with so one who was so caring, had such respect for the teachers/staff and maintained high expectations for all.

You bring a joy to your work that stands out. You have created such a special place to work where everyone is truly part of a team aiming to provide the best environment for students possible. Your leadership is the bedrock upon which all the amazing things at MGES happens. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to be a part of this staff and to work with you. I am (please :-) looking forward to many more.

Nothing could be finer....

alaffaye — 2017-10-04 15:05:44 UTC

Than to be at Morris Grove with our principal, Amy Rickard. You are what makes this school great. I know we all contribute, but you are the one that brought us all together. You create an atmosphere of love (for students and each other) and respect. I've never worked at any other school and I can't imagine that I ever will. Thank you for all that you do day in and day out, year after year!

What a fearless leader you are! Bold, yet graceful. Direct, yet tactful. Collaborative, yet decisive. And...always wrapped within a package of commitment and excellence & tied off with a bow of caring and compassion. Such a great example for the rest of us to follow! How very lucky I am to call Morris Grove my home and you my principal...as well as my friend. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for creating a place where both children and staff feel a sense of belonging and can thrive as they grow and learn!!

2017-10-04 15:15:01 UTC

Gold Star Principal!

2017-10-04 15:24:09 UTC

Amy
Makes
Yougin' centered decisions.

With a student focused mentality and leading by example Amy has created a school climate that is focused on students first. Whatever directives comes her way, Amy remains steady with a "what's best for students compass" leading and navigating ways to meaningfully implement change. I am thankful to work at a school where the leadership puts students first. End of story.

Magic Maker!

2017-10-04 15:29:10 UTC

Amy, thank you for your incredible leadership. You have created a magical place for learning and teaching.

I am grateful to say I trust and admire my principal. Your values are clear in every thoughtful decision you make & every idea you ask us to consider -- students first. You inspire me to grow as a teacher because I feel valued, useful, and protected here. All the amazing qualities I see in you make me have higher expectations for myself.

I know you work so hard for all of us (and all the little geckos). There's nobody I'd rather have steering our ship.

Amy Rickard. Changing Lives. Making Magic. Drop the Mic.

No words

2017-10-04 15:38:29 UTC

There are no words to describe how Amy has impacted me personally as an educator, as well as our amazing community. With students at the center of every decision, Amy's presence gives this school it's heart. Her leadership has created a magical place that in times of adversity, her voice rings clear- advocating for her students, staff, and families in education. Amy's compassion and commitment is present in every communication, action, and decision she makes. Thank you for your grace, vulnerability, empathy, and passion. You have cultivated an amazing place. <3

No words

2017-10-04 15:38:32 UTC

There are no words to describe how Amy has impacted me personally as an educator, as well as and our amazing community.

No words

2017-10-04 15:38:33 UTC

There are no words to describe how Amy has impacted me personally as an educator, and

You have created such enthusiasm among students, staff, and parents. Your dedication is obvious.

2017-10-04 15:40:26 UTC

Thanks for putting courage in, Amy! You're the reason I am a teacher today. <3

2017-10-04 15:46:49 UTC

Thank you for all you do for all the students, families and staff at Morris Grove. You are the epitome of dedication and service. Morris Grove and CHCCS are lucky to have you!!! I am thankful everyday that I have met you and get to work with you on improving the lives of our students. Thank you for letting me be a part of this magical school.

edepinto — 2017-10-04 15:50:49 UTC

Before coming to Morris Grove having administration come into my room made me nervous. Thank you for always coming in with a smile and encouraging us to be our best. The kids, families and staff could not ask for a better leader to guide our school. Thank you for all the long hours and hard work that you pour out to make our lives better.

2017-10-04 15:56:13 UTC

Thank You

2017-10-04 16:24:52 UTC

Thank you for all you do! You are an amazing principal. I am truly lucky to have the opportunity to work with and learn from you! Raise a drink, you deserve it!

Amazing!

2017-10-04 17:37:47 UTC

I could stop with that single word! Not a school year goes by where I do not express gratitude for the opportunity to work with such an incredible staff, of which I have no doubt, is the direct result of the leadership provided by Amy! You have truly built a school community that is inclusive, safe, and caring. I have always admired the love and concern you show for each individual. You have always valued me as a teacher and helped me feel inspired to improve and grow! Thank you!

2026-02-17 19:45:29 UTC

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