Wednesday, March 28, 2018

HCSD Walk of Gratitude Spring 2018 - Darby, Heritage Station


In today's society we are all so busy. We constantly are pushing ourselves and each other to do more and to be more. In our quest to #BeELITE, we often forget to stop and reflect and simply say "thank you". To pause and take the time to tell those that make our lives better that we appreciate them for all the little things and big things they do to enhance our journey.




Within the Hilliard City Schools, we focus on instilling a passion for growth in ourselves, our staff and our students. We push ourselves to #TheEdge each day to be the best for our students, colleagues, district, parents and the community we serve. We expect to be at the top of our profession. We push to be innovative, to take risk, to demonstrate a growth mindset and to stay above the line. We strive to provide a world class experience for our students that prepares them to be ready for tomorrow. We believe we have created this environment within our district because of the amazing staff that we have in front of our students each day. Those staff members all are relentless in their pursuit to #BeELITE in their classroom for their students.

So today we pressed pause and took time to simply say "thank you". To show gratitude for all the little and big things these professionals do each day to create a first class experience for our students. To let them know that they are appreciated and that their hard work does not go unnoticed. These teachers demonstrate a passion for growth which has created a classroom culture that promotes risk taking and fosters student growth both academically and socially! They are preparing students to be Ready for Tomorrow! THANK YOU!

We hope you enjoy reading about the HCSD Walks of Gratitude! 

Hilliard Darby High School


Allyson DeMoss, Online Monitor
Allyson DeMoss does not have the easiest job in the world.  Throughout the day, she sees many students who struggle either academically, socially, or mentally in our online room.  Some of these students she has worked tirelessly for many years to build a relationship with.  Allyson gives each of these students a safe place for them to work on academics away from the distractions of everyday school.  She is consistent and fair to all students and helps them individually when they need help.  We have seen Allyson grow into a great mentor for a lot of our students here at Darby HS.  We are excited that Allyson is a Panther!

Brenda Ribble, Secretary
Brenda is vital to the operation of the main office at Darby High School.  She is knowledgeable, self-directed, organized and detail oriented. She takes great pride in her work and she is invested in making Darby HS a fantastic place to be.  Her friendly demeanor and helpful nature make everyone feel welcomed in her presence.  She is a creative problem solver and a valuable teammate at Darby.

John Riegel, Orchestra Teacher 
John Riegel has served as the Orhestra Director at Hilliard Darby High School since 2000 and has been the Performing Arts department facilitator since 2002.  The faculty and students at Darby High School take great pride in the performing arts and Mr. Riegel has been an integral part in the success of his department.  Mr. Riegel is an expert in his field and always puts his students first.  In 2017 Mr. Riegel was the Ohio Orchestra and String Teacher Association – Public School Teacher of the Year.  Our students and staff are blessed to have Mr. Riegel at Hilliard Darby High School.

Connie DelaCruz, Science Teacher 
Connie is one of the most loyal, hardworking teachers that Ive ever been around.  She has served as the Science department head at Darby Hs and while teaching a wide range of students in the classroom.  As a dept head, she has led with poise and grace.  Connie has a calming presence that has allowed her to effectively unify a diverse group of teachers.  In the classroom, Connie is always well prepared, utilizing activities that are data-based and always students centered.  She believes that differentiation and personalization are musts for students to truly succeed and she works to make this happen.  Connie is a key component to the Darby culture and climate; we are so very lucky to have her on our team!

Kathy Williams, Business Teacher 
Kathy has been a great role model for her students throughout her years of service here at Darby. Kathy has always been professional, kind, and willing to help others. We are going to miss Kathy as she prepares to move on to the next chapter of her life. Not only are we going to be losing a great teacher but more importantly we are going to be losing a great person. Thank you for all that you have done during your time here at Darby H.S. We wish you the best of luck in your retirement.


Hilliard Heritage Middle School



Kathleen Litt
Kathleen is a teacher who continues to push herself out of her comfort level.  She has always been a good team player, but her willingness to be a part of committees and pull out days, which is not her favorite, is something that is really appreciated. 

Alicia Tremayne
Alicia is part of a dynamic Duo at THE Heritage that works so closely together that they have definitely finished each others sentences before.  The continue to develop data driven, student centered classrooms and fun and meaningful experiences for their students.

Elaine Lindenbaum
Elaine is part of a dynamic Duo at THE Heritage that works so closely together that they have definitely finished each others sentences before.  The continue to develop data driven, student centered classrooms and fun and meaningful experiences for their students.

Angie Granchi  
Angie is an important member of THE Heritage.  Not only is she a tremendous teacher, but she also is a leader and go- to person on our staff.  She is one of the first teachers we take visitors to when they enter the building, because she represents what we want THE Heritage to be about…Caring about students, Supportive of everyone, and someone who is willing to step out of her comfort level to help.   
Hilliard Station Sixth Grade School


Kimberly McCann
Kim is nothing short of a rock star!!   She is what makes Station a well-oiled machine.  She is on top of every penny that is spent at Station and always gets us the best deal for parent teacher conference dinner!   Kim has a huge heart and cares deeply about our team at Station.   Kim will do and has done anything to help support our staff!

Lindsey Tackett
Lindsey is a phenomenal intervention specialist.  She gets to know her kids and designs her instruction on how to best meet their needs.  Multiple times this year we have asked her to help with students not on her caseload and she has always helped out.  Lindsey even went to another school to help out with testing.  We are so thankful to have Lindsey at Station!

Kristin Konopka
Kristin is a fantastic math teacher and is one of our student council advisors.  Kristin is constantly collaborating with her colleagues on best practices and ways to engage her students.  She has a passion for math and challenging her students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.  Station is a better place with Kristin on staff.  

Thank you to our ELITE administrators for the leadership and supporting a culture that values relationships! #CultureMatters

Hilliard Darby High School - Joyce Brickley, Matt Middleton, Chad Schulte, Adam Walton and Chris Ludban

Hilliard Heritage Middle School - Matt Trombitas and Nic Gaston

Hilliard Station Sixth Grade - Lauren Schmidt and Jake Grantier

With Gratitude,

Dawn Sayre, John Bandow and Jeremey Scally