Cougar Kudos for September 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.

 

Caitlyn Bishop, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Mrs. Bishop is a safe space for many students. Whether they are her current students or past she goes out of her way to check on them and support them. It truly makes a difference in their lives.”

 

Kaitlyn Bouwens, Teaching Assistant, NRW High School

“Kaitlyn quietly does what is best for not only our students but the students she is welcoming in from other districts. She does such a great job while balancing classes and being a mom. Tutoring centers do not work unless you have the right people in them and Kaitlyn is definitely the right person!”

 

Robin Brooks, Bus Driver

“Robin goes out of her way to keep my kids safe on the way to and from school every day. She always has a great attitude and patience. She’s kind and supportive to the children on her bus all while keeping order. She’s very communicative and understanding to every situation. She will even go out of her way and make extra work for herself to ensure the safety of the children she transports. My kids and I love Robin as our bus driver. She’s the best!”

 

Jamie Bundy, Main Office Secretary, NRW Middle School

“She goes above and beyond to help my kids.”

 

Mickie Burns, Bus Driver

“The first Friday of school, my child left his airpod case on the school bus in the afternoon. I gave the transportation department a call just to let them know that if it was found, it was his. Well – a bit later, Mickie was at our house dropping it off to him! Not at all necessary, but so very very kind of her! She is a wonderful bus driver and so very loved by the kids on her bus!”

“She has been an amazing bus driver for my daughter and we can’t thank her enough.”

 

Sydney Coe, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“Mrs. Coe is such a great teacher. She’s the sweetest and most caring and patient person I know! My son adores her. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher.”

 

Kelly Cole, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“She is a great teacher. I enjoy my math class.”

 

Paige Dapolito, School Nurse, NRW Elementary

“She communicates when my son gets hurt and was nice enough to get him an ice pack when I forgot his for his lunch bag. She shows concern for his well-being while at school.”

 

Stacy Denisi, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She’s a good teacher.”

 

Ethan Durocher, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Ethan went the extra mile this summer helping out with summer league basketball games, tournaments and practices. He sacrificed a lot of time and effort to help the boys keep progressing and learning and getting better. It is noticed and appreciated, and I know it is motivating these young players to keep improving.”

 

Mason Fess, Maintenance Worker and Modified Boys Soccer Coach

“He truly cares about the kids as a coach. He loves that he gets to work with them and make a difference in their lives. He is always talking about the kids and wondering how to better their school experience. He is constantly thinking about how to make their environment better and wouldn’t be doing this job if he didn’t care deeply about it.”

 

Joy Fields, School Psychologist, NRW Elementary

“She is always there for my son anytime he needs it. She always thinks of the children before herself and does everything to make sure my son is safe.”

 

Kelly Granbois, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“We love having Mrs. Granbois as our kindergarten teacher this year! She has been warm and welcoming since the beginning. She’s done a great job listening and understanding my son and his needs, always keeping open communication with me as his parent and working together to make sure he has the best learning experience in her class.”

 

Michael Groth, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“He’s genuinely the best teacher I’ve had in years. He understands me and has helped me with both school problems and home problems.”

 

Ken Hill, Computer Services Assistant

“Ken has been working non-stop to get technology up and running for the school year. He is appreciated!”

 

Whitney Markwica, Teacher, NRW High School

“A fire teacher.”

 

Deb Miller, Bus Driver

“Miss Deb has been the bus driver for my granddaughters for the last five years. She treats every child with care and compassion. She absolutely always makes sure we are home at drop off so the girls are safe. The girls adore and respect her. She is the students’ first and last contact with NRWCSD every day and she makes it meaningful. The girls always want to ride the bus to see Miss Deb. We are so very lucky to have her in our district!”

“She makes an effort to make every child on her bus feel loved and safe.”

“Ms. Deb is an amazing bus driver! She cares deeply for all her kids on the bus and the kids feel the same way. She goes above and beyond to ensure our kids are safe. Thank you for all you do each and every day!”

“She has been the most amazing bus driver any parent could ask for. I couldn’t ask for a more caring and trustworthy person to transport my kids! Every holiday or special day she goes out of her way to give the kids all little goodie bags and such. She truly is a blessing to have in our community!”

“She has made it so easy and comfortable for my grandson to go to school.”

 

Sandy Motyka, Teaching Assistant, NRW High School

“Sandy puts in so much work that no one sees to make sure families have the food they need. I appreciate her work with the Cougar Cupboard and the care she shows to all the kids who show up at her door.”

 

Colin Nash, Teaching Assistant, NRW Elementary

“Mr. Nash made sure each morning our daughter in 3PK made her way safely to her classroom. The first couple weeks of school were met with some tears at drop-off, and Mr. Nash was always there as a positive, consistent face for her. He went out of his way to message me to let me know that she had a smile on her face and was ready for the day on her first day coming off of the bus. We are so thankful for you, Mr. Nash!”

 

Todd Peters, YAP Counselor

“Todd goes above and beyond to support our students every day, but specifically he helped me to come up with some solutions for a family in need.”

 

Olivia Pixley, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She is great with my child. She is amazing.”

 

Katherine Pringle, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She has gone above and beyond helping my son feel comfortable with his transition to public school. She’s always on call to answer all of my questions.”

 

Lindsey Roberts, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She goes above and beyond and she’s always positive! She’s a perfect teammate when it comes to communicating with parents. She will always be important in my child’s life because of the impact Miss Roberts has on her.”

 

Tracy Richards, Community Schools Assistant

“Tracy is the first person to see our early arrivers and the last to say goodnight to them during the after-school program. She works so hard to give them a positive, safe experience and she deserves to know that it is noticed and appreciated!”

 

Nicole Sinclair, Principal, NRW High School

“I have watched Ms. Sinclair go above and beyond on numerous occasions to try to provide positive change in our district. She always maintains a positive attitude no matter what situation she is in. She is a relationship-first administrator who balances that relationship with holding people accountable for their choices and with high expectations. She is present and visible. She knows our students and they know her. We are lucky to have her here at NRW.”

 

Dayna Starks, Wayne Behavioral Health Counselor

“She’s been a fantastic counselor. We are grateful for her attention and skills for helping my child to adjust and cope.”

 

Melissa Stevens, Teacher Aide, NRW High School

“Mrs. Stevens brings joy and light into our school! She has a terrific sense of humor that makes learning fun and exciting. We are lucky to have Mrs. Stevens in our classroom and in our school!”

 

Benjamin Stopka, Assistant Principal, NRW Elementary

“Mr. Stopka is always understanding and has helped my child during times when their emotions got big.”\

“Mr. Stopka is honest, optimistic, and kind. He is always doing his best working as an assistant principal but as a father as well. He sees potential in the children of the school. He is always looking on the brighter side of things and tries his best to find the most positive solution to fit the needs of his students. Mr. Stopka has contacted me right away in regards to my child whether it be to discuss a situation or to give praise. Mr. Stopka is a true leader and I am truly grateful to have his support in my child’s school.”

 

Pete Treasure, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Mr. Treasure made my child’s first week back to school fun. He is approachable and made her feel at ease. Thank you!”

 

Tony Tubolino, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“Mr. Tubolino was extremely influential to me last year as a student. He understood me. He helped me understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I don’t need to worry about things far in the future. When I had problems at home not only did he support me and be understanding but he offered a listening ear and gave insight. Tony Tubolino is a shining light in the middle school! He is the best teacher I’ve ever had, ever. But he is more than a teacher. He is someone who has genuine care and compassion for students. He put his personal time and effort into helping us grow academically and personally. He listens and he cares.”

“Tony has always gone above and beyond for each one of his students. He is dedicated to always putting their feelings first.”

 

Kristin Winslow, Teacher, NRW Elementary

“She is an amazing teacher and always helping to brighten my child’s days.”

 

Nick Wojieck, Teacher, NRW High School

“Mr. Wojieck is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He goes out of his way for this district and community. He cares about teaching his students not only earth science but life lessons and how to treat people. I have learned so much from him.”

“He is down to earth and connects with kids on their level with no judgment. He is very caring and was/still is my favorite teacher from when I was in school and great with both of my children.”

“He is an amazing inspiration, a hard worker and is super dedicated.”
 

Sarah Woodland, Teaching Assistant, NRW Elementary

“My daughter had been nervous since starting UPK, but she has come home every day stating that Ms. Woodland is so kind to her! For a mother who wasn’t sure if she was ready to send her child to school, it is absolutely reassuring that my daughter has made a strong connection with her!”