GREAT SCHOOLS, GREAT STAFF
Quality staff is one of the reasons why Tri-Creek schools are great. Please, participate in recognizing our staff!
NEW! Please submit a Staff Recognition Form to help us begin posts that will feature and highlight the wonderful work of our staff on this page throughout the 2022-2023 school year.
MICHELE HEAVILAND, Oak Hill Grade 2 Teacher — Recognized on 02-16-2023 by a parent whose daughter loves Mrs. Heaviland. Mrs. Heaviland makes learning fun and easy, and she communicates well with important dates to remember. She has privately messaged this parent to brag about how well her daughter is doing in school, which is important to this mother because she cannot be in school with her daughter. She said our teachers deserve so much credit as they are educating the future.
KATHY CLARK, Bus Driver — Recognized 02-16-2023 by a parent for greeting students when they get on the bus with a nice "good morning" or "hello" and for waving to this parent and her baby. This can make a huge difference because it is so welcoming. Mrs. Clark was the bus driver last year, too, and consistency is good. Bus drivers are so important as they get students safely to and from school each day!
MICHELLE NICHOLS, Lake Prairie Kindergarten Teacher — Recognized on 02-06-2023 for being a valuable asset to the education professions program at Lowell High School (LHS). Last year, Mrs. Nichols worked with an education professions senior who graduated in 2022 to begin her post-secondary studies in elementary education. This LHS graduate is beginning her career with a tremendous head start after being able to learn and grow from her time with Mrs. Nichols. This year, Mrs. Nichols has a junior education professions student in her classroom three mornings a week; this student has also been awarded the unique opportunity to watch a seasoned and compassionate teacher in her practice. When Lowell High school teacher Mrs. Lindsay O'Neill has been able to visit Mrs. Nichols' classroom to watch her education professions students in action, she is continually inspired to bring the many great examples of student-centered learning and differentiated instruction back to her own classroom at the high school. Mrs. Nichols really is the truest example of continually bringing your best self to work every day. Her job is undoubtedly stressful, but her students (and the education professions students) would never know it because she approaches each and every learner, task, and obstacle with grace. Thank you, Mrs. Nichols, for being an inspiration to both prospective educators and other teachers in the district.
NANCY ARNOLD, Oak Hill Title I Interventionist — Recognized on 02-15-2023 by a colleague, who is also a new teacher, for motivating her and reminding her of the good in any tough situation. She shared that when faced with a problem, Mrs. Arnold adapts easily and works hard to provide her students with valuable lessons that meet their learning needs. She is organized and concise, and has provided valuable advice from her many years of teaching. Her colleague knows that she can go to Mrs. Arnold with any questions about a lesson. She always has a smile on her face, and she is a passionate and caring teacher, whom she also considers a good friend.
BECKY BLACKMAN, Oak Hill Grade 1 Teacher — Recognized on 01-23-2023, for being an awesome teacher and colleague, who goes above and beyond to help her students and coworkers. She works on several committees and is a great problem-solver! She is always kind and positive. Oak Hill is extremely lucky to have her!
JENNIFER ROSE, Lake Prairie Grade 5 Teacher — Recognized on 12-19-2022 by a former student for being caring, kind, and the most amazing person. Her former student shared that Mrs. Rose "always understands when people are having a bad day, and she helps them. She helped me learn how to read. When I was in second grade, I was always struggling with reading, but she got through to me, and now I'm not struggling as much anymore thanks to her. I had Mrs. Rose again in fifth grade, and that was by far my favorite school year. There wasn't one day in her class that I didn't have a smile on my face. I always walked in with a smile and even a bigger smile walking out because of all the fun and happiness. She is my favorite teacher by far! Thanks to her, I'm where I am now."
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LINDA MILEY, Lake Prairie Nurse — Recognized on 12-09-2022 for being a fantastic nurse who is kind and compassionate. She is a true team player when it comes to looking at the entire corporation. She did not hesitate to cover the nurse's office at Lowell High School when they had no one, even though she realized it would add more to those working in the Lake Prairie office and to her upon her return. There are so many students who come through the LHS nurse's office each day, and without someone with a medical background, it is extremely difficult to cover. She is a smiling face every time she has been to LHS and is always willing to help out in a pinch!
AMIE PATTERSON, Oak Hill Grade 2 Teacher — Recognized on 12-08-2022 for being quick to adapt to new requirements and new ideas in the teaching profession and for mentoring many new teachers, hosting student teachers, and leading the Girls on the Run Program. She is living proof that teaching is not a 180-days-a-year job. She keeps excellent data on student progress and has taught many others how to do the same. She has taught many students who needed a lot of individualized and extra attention. This year she has been learning a lot in her new role as team leader for second and third grades at Oak Hill and is very excited to master her new position.
HEATHER BAKKER, Lake Prairie Cafeteria Manager — Recognized on 12-02-2022 for helping teach her coworkers new things and making a pleasant work atmosphere.
BRANDIE MUHA, Oak Hill Principal — Recognized on 12-01-2022 for improving the culture and climate of Oak Hill since becoming principal. Staff in all capacities are empowered to do their very best each day to reach their true potential. She is responsive to their wonders or concerns with curriculum, instruction, and student supports. She is always available to brainstorm solutions and encourages her staff to always try something new.
KRISTEN HUGHES, Three Creeks Title I Teacher — Recognized on 12-01-2022 for having a tremendously positive impact on students in every grade level at Three Creeks. She plans purposeful, intentional reading and math intervention lessons for each grade level, and the effectiveness of her instruction shows up in the classroom. This is a daunting task, but she preforms her job with a big, warm smile and genuine willingness to support all learners! She also balances the responsibilities of being a team leader for MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support).
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ERIC TARNOWSKI, Lowell M.S. Social Studies Teacher — Recognized on 11-29-2022 for working to provide fun activities for LMS student council members and providing them with great opportunities for community service. He works over and above school hours to be there for the students and to provide them with unforgettable opportunities.
DIANE SCHOON, Lowell H.S. Building Secretary — Recognized on 11-28-2022 for being incredibly caring and helpful. She is the face of the school as she is one of the first people that community members see when they visit the school. She is equally as positive and supportive with community members and students as she is with staff. She is truly one of the most unsung heroes of this school. She make every day better.
RENEE ECKARD, Lowell M.S. English/Language Arts Teacher — Recognized on 11-18-2022 for having a great attitude everyday, being a pleasure to be around, and coming up with very creative and engaging lesson ideas that keep students on the edge of their seats.
STACEY HEAMS, Safety and Security Coordinator — Recognized on 11-10-2022 for her accomplishments this school year. She has been able to help us become a part of nationally recognized programs that are going to greatly improve the level of safety and security in the Tri-Creek school district. She inspires those around her to think outside the box and reach beyond their comfort zones.
RANDY BOGATHY, Lowell H.S. Law Enforcement Teacher — Recognized on 11-10-2022 for volunteering six hours of his time over the course of two evenings to train several teacher assistants from Three Creeks Elementary School in CPR. The assistants all shared with their principal, Jon Nannenga, how much they appreciated Randy and his willingness to volunteer his time for them.
RACHEL BONCELA, Lowell M.S. NISEC LD Teacher — Recognized on 11-10-2022 for spending absurd amounts of time with the kids who constantly struggle. She is willing to help her kids achieve success, and she finds opportunities for her kids to shine on a regular basis. She doesn't give up on kids, and she tries to show them the empathy that they need to move forward.
JILL GARRISON, Three Creeks Instructional Assistant — Recognized on 11-10-2022 for always willing to jump in and assist with whatever we need. She is always positive, always smiling, and is a great role model for our students. She is a true team player in every sense of the role and continues to be a bright spot at Three Creeks.
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SARA FOURNET, Lake Prairie Instructional Assistant — Recognized on 10-27-2022 for constantly taking initiative and helping students during any free opportunity--never stops helping a student. Sara is described as a huge team player, covering and filling in for others when needed and on short notice. The teacher and the students of her class are thankful for her work and feel lucky to have Mrs. Fournet as their instructional assistant.
