Cougar Kudos for November 2025

Congratulations to the staff members who received Cougar Kudos this month for going above and beyond at North Rose-Wolcott! Kudos are presented in alphabetical order by last name.

All community members are invited to nominate any NRW staff member for Cougar Kudos! To submit your own shoutout for one of our staff members, please visit www.nrwcs.org/kudos to fill out a brief form. Recipients are posted every month to our website and social media channels.

 

Ryan Beer, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Mr. Beer has done a great job with building relationships with students. He continues to make class engaging.”

“Thank you for keeping math fun and positive!”

 

Bethany Bemis, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Thank you for making music fun! I love singing and I’m excited for the winter concert.”

 

Adam Bishop, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Mr. Bishop did a great job coaching the first ever Unified Bowling team at NRW. The students had an outstanding experience on the team.”

 

Joseph Canori, Assistant Principal, NRW Middle School

“Mr. Canori has been working hard at getting to know our building systems. Thanks for all of your hard work!”

“He has been a great addition to the NRW Middle School team and has been very helpful in communicating with staff and students.”

 

Laurinda Collins, Teaching Assistant, NRW Middle School

“You’re a great teacher!”

 

Dan Davis, Bus Driver

“Mr. Dan is a kind, friendly and amazing bus driver and I’m so grateful he’s my child’s bus driver. Great job!”

 

Stacy Denisi, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Thank you for buying my child a book at the book fair.”

 

Angelic Durham, Library Media Specialist, NRW Elementary

“Thank you for allowing my child to check out books from the library this year! We appreciate it!”

 

Fifth Grade Team, NRW Middle School

“I am very impressed with the 5th grade team! I can clearly see they care deeply for my child and want the best for her. They are supportive and seem passionate about teaching. Thank you!”

 

Annette Gilbert, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Thank you for helping my child enjoy school this year. Our mornings are much easier than they have been the past two years. He wants to come and do his best.”

 

Kelly Granbois, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She’s been an amazing teacher to my child.”

 

Christy Grimsley, Teacher Aide, NRW Elementary

“She is willing to go above and beyond to advocate for my child and make sure he gets the support he needs to be successful in school.”

“Thank you so much for going above and beyond. Your dedication, kindness, and attention to detail make such a difference, and we truly appreciate everything you do. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

 

Michael Groth, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Mr. Groth’s intellect to reach students (particularly my kid), recognize their ability and potential, and communicate with parents is not only a crucial component to being a great teacher, it’s a rare one. Thank you.”

 

Kathleen Gushue, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Thank you for buying my child a book at the book fair.”

 

David Hahn, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“My son says he is always very nice and loves to joke around. He makes learning easier and more fun. Thanks for having a positive impact on my child!”

 

Carrie Hoestermann, Social Worker, NRW Middle School

“There are social workers… and then there’s Mrs. Hoestermann, who somehow manages to be everywhere at once, holding space for every kid and every family who needs her. She makes the hard days softer, the heavy days lighter, and the overwhelming days feel possible. Thank you for showing up the way you do, consistently, compassionately, and with a kind of heart that can’t be taught. You make everyone feel seen, heard and valued. North Rose-Wolcott Middle School is better because you’re in it, and so are the people lucky enough to cross your path.”

 

Mikayla Horn, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“She has been an amazing help to her students. I’m very grateful for her hard work with the Special Education department.”

 

Patricia Jackson and Kurt Laird, Teachers, NRW Middle School

“Thank you for making gym fun and keeping us active!”

 

Stephanie Kerr, Teacher Aide, NRW Middle School

“As part of our CCR team, she provides students with a trustworthy person to speak to and helps them work through the situations that they come to CCR with. We are grateful for your support in CCR!”

 

Karen Landean, Teaching Assistant, NRW High School

“She’s very helpful and always there when students or staff need her. She always listens and helps with advice when it’s needed. I’m grateful to have someone I can go to when I need help with something or a second opinion.”

“Karen tirelessly strives to advocate for students and collaborates with teams to help kids reach their potential. She demonstrates patience and compassion and finds ways to make any and all school experiences a teachable moment for lifelong learning. Our students in the HS are lucky to have you!”

 

Cathy Luke, Business Office Secretary, District Office

“Cathy is always helpful in the District Office. She goes the extra mile to make things run smoothly. Cathy is kind and a great co-worker!”

 

Whitney Markwica, Teacher, NRW High School

“She has gone above and beyond to make sure students get a good grade on their assignments and helps students whenever they need it.”

 

Melissa Mason, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Ms. Mason was my daughter’s teacher last year and she was absolutely wonderful! She helped my daughter to become super excited about reading. This year, she connected my daughter’s 5th grade teacher with suggestions to help my daughter. I appreciate the collaboration, even between two different schools! She’s the best and NRW is blessed to have her!”

 

Ann Mathews, Teacher, NRW High School

“She is always ready to support all her students and staff. She has influenced and impacted a multitude of staff and students over the years, and her presence will be missed.”

 

Cary Merritt, Teacher, NRW High School

“Cary is doing an exceptional job in Cougar OPS. She is responsive to the many needs of NRW and regional students who are in need of home tutoring support. She is a consistent support for students, serving as an anchor connecting many students who would be otherwise disconnected from learning and future goals.”

 

Emily Merry, Registrar, District Office

“Emily is typically the first person new families interact with when they come to the district. She is always friendly, caring and professional, no matter what or who she is working with!”

 

Brenda Mitchell, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Just about everyday, my child comes home telling me how much he loves Mrs. Mitchell and how amazing she is. He tells us just about daily how he can’t wait to go back to school tomorrow. It’s not every day that children his age look forward to going to school day after day and have the bond that he has with his teacher. She truly is special to him.”

 

Sandy Motyka, Teaching Assistant, NRW High School

“Thank you for all your amazing work helping with the Cougar Cupboard program!”

 

Kate Nash, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Mrs. Nash is so passionate about her craft and cares so much for her students.”

 

Jaqueline Nelson, Speech Pathologist, NRW High School

“For doing a great job at sending cheer notes and keeping in touch with faculty and staff who have been homebound or have had other ongoing difficulties through the Sunshine Committee.”

“Mrs. Nelson brings sunshine and happiness to NRW students and staff daily. We are very grateful for her!”

 

Lisa Olmstead, Teacher, NRW High School

“Lisa is a true champion for all students at NRWHS. She creates engaging and relevant lessons every day while fostering a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who walks into her classroom. Her solution-focused approach and positive mindset shine through in every interaction. Thank you, Lisa, for the heart, energy, and excellence you bring to our NRWHS school community!”

 

Sarah Patterson, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She is always going above and beyond. My little one is in her class and has bloomed into such an amazing child. She has helped in so many ways.”

 

Amanda Paylor, Main Office Secretary, NRW High School

“She helps out everyone who comes in the office and always has a positive mood toward other students and staff members. She always is very kind, especially when it comes to helping students.”

 

Erik Pentycofe, Teacher, NRW High School

“Erik goes above and beyond each day to welcome students into his room. His high expectations are coupled with his genuine care and concern for his students. He truly is an asset to the NRW HS team.”

 

Chere Poole, Teacher Aide, NRW Middle School

“Thank you for helping in our classroom!”

 

Fred Prince, Director of Human Resources, District Office

“Fred brings joy to everyone he encounters. He has a wonderful way of interacting with new staff to make them comfortable, and he brings so much humor and fun to those around him.”

 

Hannah Reeg, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“She is always there for everyone and someone who is trustworthy and caring. She is also so fun and sweet and she is so incredibly important to everyone and she is an amazing teacher!”

“Thank you for being so artsy and crafty! It makes my day feel so special!”

 

Jill Ricci, Instructional Coach, NRW Middle School

“She is always so supportive of my child.”

 

Stephanie Rice, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Thank you for being an amazing teacher and being creative!”

 

Matthew Savino, Teacher, NRW High School

“Thank you for not giving up on my child.”

 

Eric Simpson, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“He took the time to send my son a postcard letting him know how proud he was of him. He’s always kind to my son, spends extra time teaching him things he needs help with, and was very kind during my parent teacher conference. Having a teacher take time to send a postcard was very special to us. We think he is a great teacher.”

 

Rachel Strickland, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“I just wanted to thank you for being such a supportive teammate. Your positivity, reliability, and willingness to help make such a meaningful difference in our classroom.”

 

Amy Wiktorowicz, Instructional Coach, NRW High School

“For going above and beyond each and every day. Thank you for all you do!”

 

Nick Wojieck, Teacher, NRW High School

“He is always caring and kind to other students and he tries to help them in any way he can.”

 

Sarah Woodland, Teaching Assistant, NRW Elementary

“Thank you for buying my child a book at the book fair.”

 

Crystal Yarnes, Principal, NRW Middle School

“She has never failed to put a smile on my face. She’s a very outgoing person and never stops trying!”