Journey to ELITE: Walk of Gratitude - Bradley HS, Memorial MS and ILC

We hope you enjoy reading about the "2nd Round" of the Walk of Gratitude Series. Today we feature Bradley HS, Memorial MS, and the Innovative Learning Center (ILC).

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!

Bradley High School

Zarah Forquer – during the holiday season, Zarah and our Bradley Youth Council raised a large amount of money for a family in need. This organization, with Zarah’s leadership is outstanding!

Denise Buergel - during the holiday season, Denise and our Bradley Youth Council raised a large amount of money for a family in need. This organization, with Denise’s leadership is outstanding!

Caryn Riggs – As a member of our Staff Fun Committee, Caryn organized holiday activities for our staff that brought everyone closer during a stressful time of the year

Mehgan Cline – Mehgan has taken on more responsibility this year in her department and has done an amazing job! She is also part of our Staff Fun Committee and helped a lot with holiday activities with our staff.

Cindy Moore – Cindy is a “one woman show” in her department. She has multiple preps during the day and still works hard to make each class innovative and engaging. She is wonderful!

Memorial Middle School

Drew Barton- Technology Integration Teacher

Drew has been instrumental in helping bring a Blended Learning approach and specific Blended Learning instructional strategies to our school. Drew helped introduce teaching staff members to teaching strategies that incorporated the iPad and helped in all facets of iPad distribution. He has assisted in designing all iPad procedures, development of our Genius Bar and the day to day maintenance of building technology. Drew is also a valuable resource to teachers, working with them on all facets of technology integration and helping them stretch and grow professionally. Drew’s calm demeanor and reassuring approach has helped all staff and students feel comfortable. He is also a valuable resource to his administrators. We would not be where we are with building technology without Drew.

Missy Brown- Language Arts

Missy is a veteran teacher who has fully embraced a Blended Learning approach in her classroom. She has developed a collaborative approach with her students that makes them feel comfortable and valued. Missy continues to stretch herself personally and professionally. Missy also assists our school by leading our spring Honors recognition evening. She works with other staff members to organize all facets of the recognition. Missy has also been a key member of our staff in the area of staff morale. She is a true team player who assists in organizing activities that bring staff members together on a personal basis. Missy recognizes the need to bring staff members together to create a positive school climate. She has helped make MMS a great place to work.

Kevin Feeney - Intervention Specialist

Kevin works daily with some of our school’s most challenging and at Risk students, doing so with the utmost levels of respect for each individual. He develops positive and supportive relationships with his students and works to integrate them to the classroom and all facets of our school. Kevin is a true team player who works with all MMS staff to create the best possible environment for his students. Kevin is a great communicator, building relationships with parents, school support staff and all others for the betterment of students. Kevin also is a valuable resource to school administrators and other teachers throughout the district. He teaches the district level CPI class to help other educators meet the needs of students also. we appreciate all Kevin does for his students and staff.

Terry Lord- Media Specialist

Terry is a vital resource to all MMS staff and students. She assists teachers with integrating reading strategies into their curriculum and helps students understand and develop research skills. She has assisted in incorporating technology into our school and helps with the organization, cataloging and distribution of all student iPads. Terry also has been instrumental in several other school activities. She is our National Junior Honor Society advisor, Co-yearbook coordinator, Battle of the Books coordinator and main organizer for our annual Holiday Festival. Terry assists in building school morale through helping organize staff activities in and out of school. Terry also assists our Athletic Department by being a gate worker and many after-school and evening athletic events. Terry is retiring at the end of this school year. She will be very missed at MMS.

Beth Petty-Intervention Specialist

Beth is a positive person who always has the best interest of her students in mind. She’s a great classroom teacher who embraces all students and works tirelessly to provide them with learning opportunities that best meet their needs. She works extremely well with classroom aides, regular ed classroom teachers and other intervention specialists in providing students with all necessary services. Beth also serves our Department Facilitator for our Special Education department. She works with the school administration, guidance counselors and district personnel to create overall classroom structures that best fit the needs of IEP students. She represents her department at building and district level meetings and then relays pertinent information back to her colleagues. Beth is a vital member of the MMS team and we appreciate the positive relationships she has built school wide of the betterment of students.

Innovative Learning Center