District Staff Honored by Illinois State Board

On Tuesday, Feb 18, The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced its Those Who Excel winners. Three District 401 individuals and one team received awards this year. 
 
District 401 is proud to congratulate the following staff for their commitment to the district and community: 

Award of Excellence (Classroom Teacher)
Roxanne Rickenbrode, 5th Grade Teacher (John Mills)

Award of Meritorious Service (Classroom Teacher)
Annina Meacham, Enrichment Teacher (Elmwood)

Award of Special Recognition (School Administrator)
Aaron Celmer, Director for Data, Assessment, & Innovation (District Office)

Award of Special Recognition (Team)
John Mills MTSS (Multi-Tier System of Support) Team: 

Megan Johnson, Math Interventionist 
Amanda Sage, Math Interventionist 
Karen Belluomini, Reading Specialist
Tracey Laskowski, Reading Specialist
Kelly Swindler, Board Certified Behavior Analyst & Special Education
Bernadine Edwards, Social Worker
Charlotte Strazis, Social Worker
Natalia Gomez, Assistant Principal and EL/Bilingual Director
Kari Collins, Assistant Principal 

ISBE sponsors Those Who Excel to honor educators who make significant contributions to Illinois public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Categories for those nominated include classroom teachers, educators in the first four years of their career, school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams. 

Candidates are nominated by any educator, administrator, or community member that they work with. ISBE staff and educational organization members then review nominations to determine winners. 

The Award of Special Recognition is for valued educators recognized by their school community for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their students. The prestigious Award of Excellence is reserved for educators who demonstrate a commitment to equity and success of all students, collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create positive school cultures, are lifelong learners who connect with their schools to the community at large, and who inspire other educational professionals within and beyond their schools.

All awardees will be honored at an annual Spring banquet in May. Congratulations to all of our Elmwood Park winners!