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 school year.
KENNETH ROACH, Lowell H. S. CTE Welding Teacher — Recognized on 06-02-2023 by a parent for opening the Red Devil Trades building (at the beginning of spring break) so students could weld a memorial cross for an LHS student who tragically died in an automobile accident. The memorial cross was placed at the accident site.
KERRI COAPSTICK, DAWN JOHANNSEN, JEN ROSE, ALISHA BERRONES, AND AMY MAZYLEWSKI, Lake Prairie E. S. Fifth-Grade Team — Recognized on 09-11-2023 by a colleague/parent who shared the following statement: "For the 2022-23 school year, this exceptional fifth-grade team of teachers and assistants moved to Lowell Middle School from Lake Prairie Elementary School due to maximum capacity. They all jumped into the unknown and unfamiliar territory from a place they had once called 'home.' They created a learning environment for their students that brought comfort and familiarity. Lake Prairie's home away from home. They are dedicated, resilient, and the strongest team I have ever had the privilege to know. Both students and the fantastic 5 shared joys, tears, and connections on this incredible journey together. My daughter's class of 2030 will never forget the impact this team made on their educational growth and their hearts. Let's show this team love and support as they embark on this same journey this school year!"
KAREN WYLIE, Lowell H. S. Mathematics Teacher — Recognized on 06-02-2023 by a colleague for quietly going above and beyond every single day. Mrs. Wylie meets with students nearly every day before school and many times after school. She strives to create a confidence in math where kids many times do not feel confident. She works tirelessly in this building, and it often goes unnoticed. Not only is she a phenomenal teacher, but she is also a supportive colleague and friend. She does not always tell you what you want to hear, but she is always honest, rational, and realistic.
JENN WATHEN, Lowell H. S. Nurse — Recognized on 06-02-2023 by a parent for always going above and beyond with her children. Her daughter was having heart issues at the beginning of this year, and Mrs. Wathen always made sure she was comfortable and recommended to the parent that she take her daughter to a cardiologist where she was diagnosed with POTS syndrome. Any child who this parent has ever seen in Mrs. Wathen's office has always received her best attention!
KAREN BALFANZ, Lowell M. S. NISEC Paraprofessional — Recognized on 04-24-2023 by two Lowell Middle School students for helping them and other students through hard times and helping them improve their grades. They shared that Mrs. Balfanz always has a smile on her face, and she is one of the kindest people at Lowell Middle School. They said she has a great personality and is an absolutely amazing person to talk to about anything, and they are fortunate to have Mrs. Balfanz at Lowell Middle School. They wish her the very best!
JENNIFER LUSINSKI, Lake Prairie E. S. Art Teacher — Recognized on 05-18-2023 by a parent whose children have loved art class with Mrs. Lusinski over the years. The parent shared that her children have always said the same thing about Mrs. Lusinski...she's awesome! This year, she did an outstanding job with the Lake Prairie art show. It was glow-in-the-dark themed, and the displays were impressive. You can tell she loves what she does!
WENDY ANDERSON, Oak Hill Teacher Assistant — Recognized on 04-17-2023 for always being willing to help anywhere she can, implementing the expectations that are set, and going above and beyond each and every day. Ms. Heaviland shares that she always feels at ease when she has to have an afternoon substitute knowing that Mrs. Anderson is there to keep everything in line. Mrs. Anderson always jumps right in without ever being asked or told to do anything, and she connects with the students in ways that Ms. Heaviland has never seen adults connect with them. Students feel incredibly comfortable asking her for help and advice. To say that Mrs. Anderson gives 100% is an understatement. She is an absolute asset to Oak Hill.
REBEKKA ANDERSON, Oak Hill Grades 2 and 5 Teacher Assistant — Recognized on 03-20-2023 for being an outstanding assistant. She is highly organized and keeps track of student data. She is always able to quickly identify students in need academically or emotionally and problem-solve in the moment without disrupting lessons or other students. Many students have reported that Mrs. Anderson has helped them improve their math skills, showed sympathy, taught them coping skills during stressful situations, and even helped them communicate effectively with friends. She has proposed changes to our school schedules when conflicts occur and makes great suggestions to improve reading group schedules within our classroom. Her classroom teacher, Mrs. Plonczynski, rests easy when she is out of the classroom knowing that her students are in good hands. Her classroom runs smoothly with the help and support of Mrs. Anderson.
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."
.jpg?mask=1)
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).
.jpg?mask=1)
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.
.png?mask=1)
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.
