News : Vinton-Shellsburg Retirees Celebrated and other Leaders Honored

Stephanie Miller and Alexa Francois with Mindy McClintock

Amanda Hernandez

Sharla Wrage

Debb Kaiser

Theresa Werner

Michele Lash

Molly Noren and Superintendent Kyle Koeppn

Michele Lash

Dea Burroughs

Theresa Werne

Vinton-Shellsburg Retirees Molly Noren 15 years, Theresa Werner 22 years, Michele Lash 18 years, and Dea Burroughs 19 years

Vinton-Shellsburg Retirees and Award Winners were honored at a public open-house reception on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at the Central Office.

Mindy McClintock began the presentations by recognizing the 2021 VSEA Award Winners.

This year there were two Teachers of the Year recognized, Stephanie Miller and Alexa Francois. Mind McClintock, President of the Vinton-Shellsburg Education Association. McClintock shared from the nominations she received about the two.

It was noted in her nomination that Stephanie is a difference maker, going above and beyond for her students and any other student or adult that crosses her path. She lends a helping hand, no matter what her schedule or stress level may be. "Her passion inside and outside the classroom does not go unnoticed." She's "caring, kind, thinks quick on her feet and knows how to connect with students."

For Alexa, the nomination mentioned her qualities. For starters, the writer mentioned her dedication and the way that she champions her students, communicating with the parents every day sending out tips and tricks to help with difficult behaviors, helping to problem solve and remembering the "little things" that make big differences. 

The two teachers have both become trainers for non-violent crisis intervention (CPI) and train the staff on a yearly basis. They send out monthly tips and tricks out to the staff and reminders of best practices to maintain optimal learning in the classrooms. 

The Support Staff of the Year, Amanda Hernandez was recognized for her work. Her first year was interrupted by COVID, but she reached out to students helping them with their long-distance learning. She works with the children letting them know that their mental health matters. Many come to her when they need help with academics, peer issues or if they just need someone to talk to. She created a positive message bulletin board where students were encouraged to pull a message off to share with someone else. She has also worked to create positive message boards in and outside classrooms. She notices students who might be having a down day and will post a note on their locker to encourage them. She often assists student to get caught up in classes. She pushes the students to be their very best. She also fills in for teachers, works with the FFA and in other positions.

The Member of the Year recognition went to Sharla Wrage. She has been a member of the VSEA board for 30 of her 33 years in the district. Serving as Vice-President, secretary, and building representative. When she first began American Education week was not recognized, so she helped to implement it in the district and led the effort for 10 years, making sure every member of the district received a note and treat in their mailbox. She began the effort to recognize the Educator of the Year, Member of the Year and the Friend of Education.  She has been a strong supporter of education. 

Debb Kaiser was recognized as the Friend of Education. Debb began volunteering four years ago when her grandchildren began elementary school. First, she started out assisting on field trips. Then she began helping with reading and math facts for the students. She helped with schoolwork and classroom assignments.Her daughter began teaching at Tilford and Debb then became a permanent fixture as well. Students call her, "Grandma Debb" when they spot her at school or in the community. She spends a couple of hours each morning in Kindergarten, then 90 minutes in her grandson's 3rd grade class and often returns to Kindergarten in the afternoon. She is the reason students pass spelling tests, meet book reading goals and passes multiplication facts. She also runs errands, often picking up lunch for the Kindergarten teachers, still attends field trips and helps with craft projects, while giving students time they don't always get at home. She hands out positivity, hugs, pats on the back and smiles all while keeping students on task.

Vinton-Shellsburg Superintendent Kyle Koeppen recognized the retirees with a gift and certificate. Beginning with Molly Noren who has served 15 years in the district started off substitute teaching and moved to para educator and is now in a student services role. She has worked in the student needs program, the backpack program is one of those programs that she has worked with several organizations to meet needs, she's helped with the Coats for Kids, helped with school supplies for children and has set these programs up so that they will continue. 

Michele Lash has served 18 years at Vinton-Shellburg, after serving at both North Tama and Kirkwood. She has created a strong Spanish program which six students received Biliteracy Seals in the Spanish program this year.

Dea Burroughs has served 19 years at Tilford Elementary following 16 years in the county. She is the head cook at Tilford Elementary and recently has served more students than ever. She's increased serving at Tilford with breakfast and lunch and had to adjust the last two years with COVID restrictions. 

Theresa Werner has worked 22 years at Vinton-Shellsburg, working in Life Skills at Lincoln Elementary and most recently at Washington Middle School with a level three program. Koeppen said she has a passion for the students that she works with, working outside the school hours assisting kids and families with their needs. 

Not Present

Ann Diedrichsen - 38 years, longer than Vinton-Shellsburg existed. She started in art at the Shellsburg school district. She's worked over the years with students in the arts.

Kim Hambly - 15 years was the school nurse at Shellsburg Elementary