Waco ISD encourages parents, businesses and community members to praise a teacher, staff member or student for a job well done. You may also express appreciation for an educational program or delight in an event you enjoyed attending.
Use this form to send your kudos
Our Kudos List
Date: May 10, 2013
Teachers praised: Shannon Somers, Dollyn Tusa and Rebecca Maynard
Location: Alta Vista Elementary
Assignment: First-grade, Physical Education and Music Teachers
Accolade sent by: Wendy Shepherd, a Waco ISD parent.
"Shannon Somers was new to our school in a year when there have been a lot of changes at Alta Vista. She has made her classroom an exciting place for my son to learn and he loves school! Thank you for motivating my son to excel in all of his school studies."
"Coach Tusa has had a wonderful influence on my children. She has instilled in them good physical habits which will follow them throughout their lives. She has taught my children that physical education can be found in many of their daily activities and ultimately makes them healthier. Thank you for everything you do for our kids!"
"Mrs. Maynard has been a wonderful inspiration to my children. Her love of music and acting has encouraged them to be more outgoing and confident. She has been a positive person throughout their education at Alta Vista and we love her!"
Date: May 9, 2013
Teachers praised: Kathryn De La Pena and Samantha Walker
Location: Alta Vista Elementary
Assignment: Pre-kindergarten Teacher and Pre-kindergarten Teacher's Aide
Accolade sent by: Michele McNeil, a Waco ISD parent.
"I want to send my sincere thanks to Mrs. De La Pena and Ms. Sam for their hard work and sacrifices this school year. My daughter moved to Texas from Georgia during the start of the school year and her teachers were very patient and caring during her transition. She loves Alta Vista and all of her teachers, but she cannot stop talking about Mrs. De La Pena and Ms. Sam. She has developed tremendously this year and I believe the teachers have worked hard to ensure she is ready for kindergarten. Thank you so much because she comes home everyday sharing information that she has learned from her two favorite teachers."
Date: May 7, 2013
Employee praised: Michelle Lyon
Location: Tennyson Middle
Assignment: Security Guard
Accolade sent by: Lynn Bulmahn, a Waco ISD supporter.
"I am a substitute teacher this semester and was a practice teacher last fall. Comic books have Wonder Woman; Tennyson Middle School has Security Officer Michelle Lyon. She has earned the respect of all the students and makes sure the campus is a safe place to be. As a substitute teacher, I appreciate Officer Lyon's professionalism. Students may not want to talk to substitute teachers about what is going on, but they will tell Officer Lyon when a classmate is out of line. While she is a stern presence on campus and a strict disciplinarian, it is very evident that she cares very much about young people. That is why the students respond to her so well!"
Date: May 6, 2013
Teacher praised: Delicia LeBlanc
Location: West Avenue Elementary
Assignment: Special Education PPCD Teacher
Accolade sent by: Lindsey Packett, a Waco ISD parent.
"My son has attended West Avenue in the PPCD class for two years in a row. When he started in Mrs. LeBlanc's class, he was not very verbal and could only walk on his knees. Now he is running around the classroom on his own two feet, speaking in sentences, and learning to undress himself. He always has stories to tell me about shapes, colors, and even months of the year! He was born with a disability and has worked hard to overcome his setbacks, but I know he did not achieve these accomplishments on his own. Mrs. LeBlanc has been there every step of the way to teach, guide, and encourage him. My family is very grateful for her. It takes a special person to work with children with special needs and I am so glad that she has been a part of my son's life!"
Date: May 5, 2013
Teacher praised: Angela Chames
Location: Alta Vista Elementary
Assignment: First-grade ESL Teacher
Accolade sent by: Erica Castillo, a Waco ISD parent.
"Mrs. Chames is a great teacher and I love every method she uses for teaching. My son loves telling me what he learns in her classroom every day. I want to thank Mrs. Chames for everything she does for my child. Kudos for Mrs. Chames!"
Date: April 22, 2013
Teacher praised: Brandy Abel-Clark
Location: Various
Assignment: Special Education Transition Teacher (18-21)
Accolade sent by: Marti Turner, a Waco ISD parent.
"My son began his educational career at Hillcrest PDS and then transitioned to the Texas School for the Blind in the sixth-grade. I was very concerned when he returned to Waco ISD for his final two years of school. Ms. Abel-Clark has gone far beyond my expectations. She is truly helping Dylan become ready for a future beyond what most people ever thought possible. I am so excited to see the things he is accomplishing in spite of his disability. Brandy is an amazing advocate for my child and I am forever grateful."
Date: April 18, 2013
Teacher praised: Shannon Carpenter
Location: Lake Air Montessori
Assignment: Sixth-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Teresa Lozano, a Waco ISD parent.
"Mrs. Carpenter has been a very positive role model for my child. Sixth-grade can be an awkward transition and she has made it as smooth as possible. Her enthusiasm for her students' learning is wonderful. She is able to relate to her class, listen to them and encourage them to do their best. Mrs. Carpenter is a perfect fit for her profession as well as the Lake Air Montessori community."
Date: April 13, 2013
Teacher and students praised: Leonard Montelongo and JROTC students
Location: University High School
Accolade sent by: Elaine Botello, a Waco ISD staff member.
"On Saturday, April 6, 2013, Waco ISD hosted a teacher job fair at University High School. Several students from 1SG Montelongo's JROTC program volunteered to help principals and directors set up their booths, greet prospective teachers as they entered the gym, hand out goodie bags, tear down and clean up afterwards, and continuously offer their assistance. The students were polite, cheerful, and definitely exhibited characteristics of future leaders. 1SG Montelongo has done an outstanding job with these students. Kudos to the University High JROTC students and 1SG Montelongo who are truly Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow!"
Date: April 12, 2013
Teachers praised: Lenard Dossey and Alice Sauer
Assignment: Multi-age teachers
Location: Lake Air Montessori Magnet
Accolade sent by: Heather Smith, a Waco ISD teacher.
"Lenard and Alice are two very important people to the multi-age grade level team at Lake Air Montessori. They have worked hard to make our environment as Montessori as possible, build a team that is strong and supportive, and create a place and team of which I am honored to be a member. Thanks, Guys!"
Date: April 5, 2013
Students praised: Multiple
Location: University High School
Accolade sent by: Angela Ceccato, a Waco ISD supporter.
"When I arrived at University High School recently to visit the Communities In Schools office, I encountered several students who were incredibly gracious, polite and helpful. Two gentlemen opened doors for me and all students greet me with smiles."
Date: March 29, 2013
Employee praised: Sigrid Whitford
Work location: Hillcrest Professional Development School
Assignment: Fourth-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Celinda Abney, a Waco ISD parent.
"My son is in Ms. Whitford's class. He comes home each day and tells me the things that she has taught him. I believe she does a wonderful job at teaching children."
Date: March 28, 2013
Employee praised: K'Lynn Childress
Work location: Waco High School
Assignment: Theater Teacher
Accolade sent by: Angela Tekell, a Waco ISD parent.
"I am so impressed with Ms. Childress' dedication to Waco High's fine arts programs! After scrambling on short notice, she helped produce an outstanding fall musical, and now, has overseen the production of Waco High's One Act Play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This play is very challenging in every aspect and Ms. Childress has brought the best out of every member of the cast. First, they advanced out of Zone with a Best Actor and All-Star Cast honors, and then, out of District with a Best Actress and All-Star Cast honors! Thank you, Ms. Childress!"
Date: March 20, 2013
Employee praised: Tiffany Jones
Work location: ATLAS Academy at Tennyson Middle School
Assignment: Math Teacher
Accolade sent by: Mandi DuPuy, a Waco ISD parent and supporter.
"Praise to Tiffany Jones who reviewed Circles and Circumference with her eighth-grade geometry students! The review involved waffles. My husband, Cary, and I appreciate teachers who create fun ways for students to learn!"
Date: March 19, 2013
Employee praised: Christine Moody
Work location: Hillcrest Professional Development School
Assignment: Second-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Michelle Schlappe, a Waco ISD parent.
"I am so thankful for Mrs. Moody and the time she takes to differentiate for the needs of the students in her class. I know this takes a lot of extra time and she goes above and beyond to make sure her students are challenged and working to the best of their abilities. Thank you, Mrs. Moody, for making learning engaging for my child."
Date: February 22, 2013
Employee praised: Wendy Singletary
Work location: Hillcrest Professional Development School
Assignment: First-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Tiffany Hogue, a Waco ISD parent.
"Ms. Singletary is my daughter's first-grade teacher. My daughter comes home each day raving about what she learned in school and how much fun she had during the learning process. Because of Ms. Singletary, my daughter is now an avid reader, lover of math and science, and modern history buff. We are so grateful for this wonderful school and especially for Ms. Singletary !"
Date: February 21, 2013
Employee praised: Rhiannon Boyd
Work location: University High School
Assignment: Registered Nurse
Accolade sent by: Julie Coston, a Waco ISD teacher.
"Ms. Boyd almost single-handedly pulled together the annual 5K event to raise scholarship funds A.J. Moore students. She spent tireless hours making phone calls, soliciting donations, signing up participants and volunteers, setting up the course and ensuring that everyone not only felt good about the cause, but also had a wonderful day. From a silent auction to raffle tickets to entry fees, Ms. Boyd exhausted every avenue of fundraising for our students. It was such a success on so many levels. Thank you, Ms. Boyd !"
Date: February 19, 2013
Employee praised: Diana Ziliox
Work location: Lake Air Montessori Magnet School
Assignment: Kindergarten Teacher
Accolade sent by: Esme Hernandez, a Waco ISD parent and staff member.
"Diana Ziliox has been an amazing teacher to my 5-year-old daughter. She has impacted her life in such a positive way. I am in awe and amazed every single day by how much she has learned. Mrs. Ziliox encourages her and challenges her to learn more and more. Mrs. Ziliox is truly a gem at Waco ISD. Keep up the magnificent work Mrs. Ziliox, I'm sure every parent of every child in your class appreciates you!"
Date: February 15, 2013
Employee praised: Melanie Sparks and Lorraine Randazzo
Work location: Alta Vista Elementary
Assignment: Teacher and Principal
Accolade sent by: Leslie King, a Waco ISD Adopt-A-School partner.
"Melanie and Lorraine have been helping keep Adopt-A-School partners active in the lives of Alta Vista Elementary children. Throughout this first year working with them, I have experienced responsiveness and incremental improvements to the program. Alta Vista is full of wonderful children. Thanks, Melanie and Lorraine, for all you do to allow the community to know them better!"
Date: February 14, 2013
Employee praised: Lyn Bacy
Work location: J.H. Hines Elementary
Assignment: Third-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Ryn Farmer, a Waco ISD supporter.
"Ms. Bacy does an excellent job engaging the parents at the school. She makes phone calls and sometimes visits her students and parents at their homes. Recently, J.H. Hines held parent-teacher one-on-one meetings for third, fourth and fifth grade students and Ms. Bacy met with more than half her students' parents. She brings years of knowledge and expertise to the classroom and I truly appreciate everything Ms. Bacy does at J.H. Hines Elementary."
Date: February 14, 2013
Employee praised: Nina LeBlanc
Work location: J.H. Hines Elementary
Assignment: Principal
Accolade sent by: Ryn Farmer, a Waco ISD supporter.
"Ms. LeBlanc works tirelessly to create a wonderful learning environment for students at J.H. Hines. She has put measures in place to ensure there is structure at the school that allows students opportunitities for growth. I am honored to know and work with Ms. LeBlanc. It is my true pleasure to watch her lead the school with such humble authority, great perseverance and true grace."
Date: February 14, 2013
Employee praised: Mentha Burns
Work location: J.H. Hines Elementary
Assignment: Third-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Ryn Farmer, a Waco ISD supporter.
"Recently, J.H. Hines held parent-teacher one-on-one meetings for third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students. Ms. Burns met with more than half of her students' parents. She has been teaching for many years but is still dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her students and urging parents to participate in their children's education. It is a pleasure working with Ms. Burns!"
Date: February 14, 2013
Employee praised: Leeann Allen
Work location: Brook Avenue Elementary
Assignment: Counselor
Accolade sent by: Alexis Christensen, a Waco ISD supporter and Adopt-A-School partner.
"Mrs. Allen is a tremendous asset to Brook Avenue. Though this is only her first year to be teaching at the school, she has dove head first into her work. She tenderly cares for the students, faculty and staff. Her energy is infectious and she makes you want to do more for the school. She has been a great coordinator for Adopt-A-School and is passionate about the students and their families. Great job Mrs. Allen!"
Date: February 14, 2013
Employee praised: Jamie Brimhall
Work location: J.H. Hines Elementary
Assignment: Fourth-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Ryn Farmer, a Waco ISD supporter.
"Recently, J.H. Hines held parent-teacher one-on-one meetings for third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students. The meetings went well, but I want to specifically commend Ms. Brimhall for being able to meet with more than half of her students' parents. She is new at the school this year but is doing wonderful things with the students. She is truly making a difference in their lives and for the school as a whole. Great work Ms. Brimhall!"
Date: February 14, 2013
Employee praised: Quandriene Boggess
Work location: Brook Avenue Elementary
Assignment: Instructional Specialist
Accolade sent by: Alexis Christensen, a Waco ISD supporter and Adopt-A-School partner.
"Mrs. Boggess is a hard-working lady! She is not only the instructional specialist, she is superwoman! She helps effectively engages the teachers and students and is a positive force within Brook Avenue Elementary. I am thankful to work with her to see Brook Avenue become all it can be."
Date: February 13, 2013
Employee praised: Kay Murphy
Work location: Waco High School
Assignment: AVID Teacher and Coach
Accolade sent by: Stacy Norwood, a Waco ISD parent.
"Coach Murphy works hard for all of the students at Waco High, preparing them for college in her AVID class, helping athletes with recruiting and college information, or just being there for the kids when they need someone. I feel that she goes above and beyond for our kids, and I appreciate everything she does!"
Date: February 10, 2013
Employee praised: Christine Moody
Work location: Hillcrest Professional Development School
Assignment: Second-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Steve Donaldson, a Waco ISD parent.
"Mrs. Moody encourages our son in many ways. She has a dynamic approach to teaching."
Date: February 10, 2013
Employee praised: Renee Clay
Work location: Parkdale Elementary
Assignment: Second-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Natasha Christian, a Waco ISD parent and teacher.
"Mrs. Clay works tirelessly to find new and innovative methods to work with my child with autism. She is the epitome of patience and professionalism even on those tough days. I appreciate all that she does to make education meaningful for my child."
Date: February 8, 2013
Employee praised: Coleen Scurlock
Work location: Dean Highland Elementary
Assignment: Kindergarten ESL Teacher
Accolade sent by: Melva Scott, a Waco ISD parent.
"Mrs. Scurlock is my 5-year-old daughter's teacher. I appreciate her enthusiasm, attitude, and effective instructional methods! My child's mind has truly been enriched. I have seen a noticeable improvement in academics and her attitude toward school. Thank you! Dean Highland has a lot of awesome teachers and we are privileged to be have this school in our neighborhood!"
Date: February 8, 2013
Employee praised: Billie Phillips
Work location: Crestview Elementary
Assignment: Fourth-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Bonita Branch, a Waco ISD parent and supporter.
"I appreciate that Ms. Phillips goes beyond just teaching my child. It is a welcome sight to see that my child is excited about learning and I thank Ms. Phillips for that!"
Date: February 6, 2013
Employee praised: Tammy Johnston
Work location: Hillcrest Professional Development School
Assignment: First-grade Teacher
Accolade sent by: Marisela Camargo, a Waco ISD parent and staff member.
"I would like to praise Mrs. Johnston, my daughter's 1st-grade teacher. My daughter has learned so much in her first year at Hillcrest PDS. I am so amazed at the books and homework she receives and brings home. This year I haven't had any doubts that my child was learning what she was suppose to at her grade level. Hillcrest is an AMAZING school and Mrs. Johnston is an AMAZING teacher! So KUDOS to you! Thank you for everything you do and for making a difference in our children's lives."
Date: February 5, 2013
Employee praised: Rick Lowe
Work location: Waco High School
Assignment: Mock Trial Coach
Accolade sent by: Angela Tekell, a Waco ISD parent and supporter.
"Rick Lowe is dedicating an extraordinary amount of time in the evenings and weekends to this year's WHS Mock Trial Team. Rick is committed to our students and does all he can to make sure these kids are working at their highest and best selves. Thank you, Mr. Lowe for your dedication to our students."
Date: February 5, 2013
Employee praised: Alisha Owner
Work location: Tennyson Middle School
Assignment: Orchestra Teacher
Accolade sent by: Mandi DuPuy, a Waco ISD parent, supporter and business owner.
"Dr. Owner is working magic to revive a long neglected Orchestra Program. She is thinking out of the box to develop musicians and create wonderful experiences for them."
Date: February 5, 2013
Employee praised: Jessica Hicks
Work location: ATLAS Academy
Assignment: Dean
Accolade sent by: Angela Tekell, a Waco ISD parent and supporter.
"Ms. Hicks is going above and beyond to ensure that the ATLAS Academy's first out of state trip to DC is a success by working with parents to see that all the funds necessary to pay for the trip are raised. The ATLAS Academy students and staff are working through a variety of avenues to raise the funds needed--this shows great creativity, flexibility and confidence in our kids. Thank you, Ms. Hicks!"