October 2026 Excellence in Education Awards
Jerome Jt. School District No. 261
830 10th Ave E Jerome, Idaho 83338
Telephone (208) 324-2392 • FAX (208) 324-7609
Mr. Brent Johnson, Superintendent of Schools
The Jerome School District and Jiffy Lube/Burton Group announce the Excellence in Education recipients for October, 2026: Summit Elementary Teacher, Kayla Handyside; Jerome High School Counselor, Kim Green; & Jefferson Elementary Secretary, Guillermina Pascual.
The Excellence in Education Award recipients for October, 2026 are:
Elementary Certified Recipient: Kayla Handyside
Elementary certified recipient: Kayla Handyside, was nominated by her colleague: “I am honored to nominate Kayla Handyside for the Excellence in Education recognition. Kayla is a dedicated, caring, and hardworking educator who consistently goes above and beyond to support her students and create a positive learning environment. Kayla makes every student feel welcomed, valued, and capable of success. She demonstrates patience and compassion while recognizing that every child has different academic, social, and emotional needs. She works hard to build meaningful relationships with her students and creates a classroom where children feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow.
Kayla is also an incredible colleague. She is supportive, dependable, and always willing to share ideas, resources, or encouragement with others. Her positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team make a meaningful difference within our school community. What makes Kayla especially deserving of this recognition is the genuine care she puts into her work every day. Teaching is more than a job to her—she truly wants her students to succeed and feel loved and supported at school. Her dedication to her students, families, colleagues, and school community is an excellent example of what the Excellence in Education recognition represents.”
Secondary Certified Recipient: Kim Green
Secondary certified recipient: Kim Green, was nominated by her colleague: “Kim Green deserves the Excellence in Education recognition because she consistently goes above and beyond for her students, coworkers, and school community. Kim is always willing to step in, help solve a problem, answer a question, or support someone who needs it. Even when she has a full plate of her own, she makes time for others and never makes you feel like you are an inconvenience. She approaches difficult situations with patience, compassion, and a level of grace that not many people have. Kim genuinely cares about students and wants to see them succeed. She brings that same care to her coworkers, always offering guidance, encouragement, and support without expecting recognition in return. I have personally seen her take extra time out of an already busy day to help someone simply because she knew they needed it. Her kindness is genuine. She leads with compassion, patience, and grace, even during stressful or difficult situations. She is the kind of person who makes those around her want to be better, and our school is a better place because she is part of it.”
Classified Staff Recipient: Guillermina Pascual
Classified staff recipient: Guillermina Pascual, was nominated by a community member with these statements: “I would like to nominate Guillermina Pascual for the Excellence in Education Award in the Classified Employee category. Guillermina has dedicated 11 years to the Jerome School District and consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities to support students, families, and staff.
As a school secretary, Guillermina is often one of the first people students and families interact with when they enter the school. She works hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students know they can come to the office when they need help, reassurance, or simply a caring adult.
Her impact reaches far beyond the front office. She helps coordinate school events, family activities, fundraisers, and programs that create opportunities and memorable experiences for students. She also works closely with teachers, administrators, families, and community members to make sure students have the resources and support they need.
Guillermina is especially committed to making families feel included and informed. Her ability to communicate with families in both English and Spanish helps strengthen the connection between home and school and ensures that more families can fully participate in their children's education.
What stands out most is her willingness to help wherever she is needed. Whether she is comforting a student, assisting a parent, supporting a teacher, organizing an event, or taking care of something behind the scenes, she approaches her work with care and a focus on what is best for students.
After 11 years of service to the Jerome School District, Guillermina continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Her dedication, compassion, and willingness to go above and beyond make her deserving of recognition through the Excellence in Education Award.”
The Excellence in Education Award program began in 2016 and continues through the 2026-2027 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.
The community is highly encouraged to nominate any staff member from the Jerome School District. To do so, please visit: https://www.jeromeschools.org/excellence-in-education.
