Jerome School District and Jiffy Lube/Burton Group announce the Excellence in Education recipients for May 2021: Horizon Elementary School Teacher Stephanie Anderson; Jerome Middle School Teacher Marc Hughes; and Jerome Middle School Custodian Joe Hawk

Guidelines for selection are:

• Recipients must be a current employee of the Jerome School District; for Certified Nominations: recipient must hold a valid Idaho teacher or pupil personnel certificate; for Classified Nominations: recipient must be employed in any non-certified position;
• Administrators are not eligible for this recognition;
• Students, parents, administrators, or fellow staff members may nominate the individual;
• The recognition is for those who go above and beyond in making difference in the life of an individual student or lives of a group of students.

The Excellence in Education Award recipients for May, 2021 are:
1. Elementary certified recipient: Stephanie Anderson.  With 4 years school teaching experience, Stephanie is a 3rd Grade Teacher at Horizon Elementary School. She was nominated by an elementary teacher who wrote the following: Stephanie is one of the most positive people that I have the pleasure of working with. She is thoughtful and checks in on coworkers, not just in a professional way but also in a personal way. She works with not only her students but wants to be of service to all of the students in our grade. If she sees a teacher struggling she asks how she can help and then she listens to their reply and does her best to do so. She is a believer in our students, not just my students. I love that she genuinely cares about others at a time when most of us are worried about ourselves (students and staff equally).

2. Secondary certified recipient: Marc Hughes. As a Jerome Middle School English Language Arts Teacher, Marc has taught for 3 years. He was nominated by a middle school teacher with these comments: Mr. Hughes puts in more time, thought, and energy for his students than it would be reasonable to ask of anyone. At 6 months into a highly complicated year, his online lessons are still thorough and engaging. His morning videos resemble a children’s show. Similarly, his in-person classes are both disciplined and entertaining. Students participate enthusiastically in learning activities Mr. Hughes has created, but when it’s time to work, they understand that no nonsense will be tolerated. Additionally, both his team and administration can always count on him to make sure the little things get done. He takes responsibility for making sure the student of the month is selected and posted, that garbage doesn’t stay in the hallway, that the classroom is sanitized frequently, and that student work is displayed imaginatively. His room at lunch is frequently populated by students who have been invited to make up missing work, or who just need a place to feel safe. Finally, Mr. Hughes is never afraid to put himself out there for a good cause. His class raised over $100 for pennies for patients because he offered the chance to let his advisory throw water balloons at him. The students had a wonderful time, and they made a great contribution. Mr. Hughes goes out of his way to make the seventh grade a stable, safe, and productive environment for all of us, and his students love the space he has created. He taken one day off in three years, and that was for a funeral. He was one of the handful of teachers who volunteered to take an online class when volunteers were requested.

3. Classified staff recipient: Joe Hawk. Joe has been with the district for 14 years as a Custodian for the Jerome Middle School. Joe was nominated by   fellow custodian and the nomination included this information: When I have taken any job I always look around to find a mentor who I can follow and learn the ropes from. Joe is just such a person. He is always here when you need him, he is as consistent as the sunrise. He is reliable, if Joe says he will do something you can count on him to get it done. He is a hard worker he has the herculean task of cleaning the gym after the games and he does that huge job with a smile and an excellent attitude. His many years here with the district have left the legacy of a man who is industrious and shows initiative with great integrity, he doesn't bring drama to situations; he is a cool head in a time of crisis Joe will be retiring in May, and we will miss him!

The Excellence in Education Award program began in 2016 and continues through the 2020-21 school year and has recognized the district’s outstanding teachers and classified staff each month, for a full list of award recipients contact the district office. The Jerome School District presents each recipient a plaque with a $50 gift card provided by Jiffy Lube/Burton Group at the monthly school board meetings.

Excellence in Education Award Nomination Form