NSSEO Governing Board Brief
October 2024
We are honored to introduce Valerie as NSSEO’s Shining Star during the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. Val is an 8th grader at Miner School and uses an iPad with LAMP as her primary communication system. Val always starts every school day with a smile. The skillful navigation of her AAC device allows her to efficiently and effectively share her thoughts with others. She has excellent ownership of her device and independently carries it everywhere across her school day. Val will seek out preferred adults and utilize her AAC device to advocate for what she wants or needs. In small group sessions, Val is an active participant and will locate the core vocabulary word targeted on her AAC device without assistance or prompting. She frequently participates in class by volunteering to go up to the smart board during group meetings and engaging in the presented activities. In addition, Val uses the keyboard on her device during independent writing activities to express what she wants to write about or comment on the letter of the day. Learning to use her AAC device has allowed Val to understand the meaning and power of her words.
Congratulations Val, we are all so proud of you!
Michael Lespinasse
Michael has been a WONDERFUL addition to Miner School, jumping in immediately and being so kind to the staff and students. His calm demeanor while juggling first-week issues has been incredibly motivating for everyone around him! Thank you for everything! Michael has been a great asset to Miner in the first couple of weeks of school! He has been extremely helpful in making sure the equipment is ready and in working order. Michael completes help requests in a timely manner and with a positive attitude! Michael recently joined the Miner team and immediately dove in head first. He has streamlined processes and added much organization to our tech. He is a team player who jumps in to help staff with all of their tech needs. His warm, positive personality has made him an instant member of the Miner family.
Kat Papadopoulos
Kat is a teacher at Kirk. She has met this new school year with a new caseload of students with a different type of need than she had last school year. She continues to be present and believes in every student's potential to grow. She has already developed strong relationships with families and partnered with them to meet the unique needs of her students. She is early to arrive and late to leave as she is thoughtfully putting in place all she can for her learners. She also had a new move in student join her room and instantly made him and his family feel welcome. Her team members continue to strive as a result of her efforts.
Anna Ladzinski
NSSEO's Heartbeat of the Week is none other than Anna Ladzinski. Since she started this July, Anna has shown exemplary dedication in her role, seamlessly handling payroll backup and Medicaid support with precision and reliability. Her presence at the front desk has been a true asset, where she warmly welcomes everyone with her friendly and charming demeanor. Anna's contributions have already made a significant impact, embodying the qualities of a valued team member and more.
Kasey Gandenberger
In her third year of teaching, Kasey is already becoming a leader not only in the middle school at Timber Ridge, but in the whole school! She is incredibly thoughtful, caring and kind to staff and students. She is always there for the students and creative in her lesson plans and interventions for students. She is a great team member and open to new ideas. It has been amazing to watch her grow in her confidence and there are only more positives to come in her future!
