Cougar Kudos for September 2026

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.

 

Jaime Akerley, Speech Pathologist, NRW Elementary School

“She has a phenomenal personality and cares about more than just her job! She genuinely loves working with kids and you can tell by the way she can recite their likes and dislikes, what motivates them and even how to help soothe them in tough situations. My kids are always excited and happy to work with her, and I feel that in itself shows how wonderful of a person and teacher she is! She is consistent, reciprocal in communication with students and parents alike, and truly cares about the growth AND the path to growth for the students she works with. We are very grateful to her!”

 

Scott Baker, Teacher, NRW Elementary School

“Scott consistently encourages our UPK students to respond in complete sentences, reinforcing the language skills they are developing throughout the school day. His support in PE helps students practice and apply this skill in a different setting, building confidence and setting them up for future success.”

 

Caitlyn Bishop, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“She’s the best!”

 

Jordan Bradt, Teacher, NRW Elementary School

“She has been extraordinarily kind and helpful as I navigate curriculum, procedures, and more. She is willing to help.”

 

Jeremy Briggs, Director of Technology

“Jeremy is working so hard to make sure our students and staff have everything they need. Your hard work is not going unnoticed! You are doing a great job!”

 

Robin Brooks, Bus Driver

“Robin gave us a nice introduction and warm welcome on the first day of school. We are grateful for the rules and boundaries she has in place to ensure our child and all of the children on the bus are safe and comfortable. Thank you, Robin!”

 

Karen Burns, Librarian, NRW High School

“Karen goes above and beyond to help support teachers and students. This year, Karen kicked off our Freshman Seminar course by hosting all 9th grade students for library orientation and book sign out days. This was an effective way to welcome our freshman students to the high school and educate them on how the library and its resources can help students with their academic success. Students experienced the positive space the library offers so they can enjoy going there during study hall, lunch sessions, special class times for teacher-assigned research projects, and after-school activity period. Karen provides engaging monthly crafts and games for students to join as well. She is caring, dedicated, collaborative, and very knowledgeable. NRW is fortunate to have Karen Burns as our high school librarian.”

 

“Karen has worked with Ms. Olmstead’s Spanish classes on two research projects for Hispanic Heritage Month. With her help, students learned how to create colorful, interesting and fact-filled infographics about influential Hispanic people. Students expanded their cultural connections by researching the Spanish-speaking countries these people and their family heritage originated from. Students used Google Slides to demonstrate their learning and will be adding voice recordings to their slides to practice their speaking skills, Karen is a wonderful librarian who supports both students and teachers. Thank you for all you do at NRW!”

 

Dan Davis, Bus Driver

“Dan is an excellent bus driver and person. I’m grateful that you are my child’s bus driver.”

 

Stacy Denisi, Teacher, NRW Elementary School

“Mrs. Denisi has made the transition back to school so easy for my kid! He is excited to go to school and see his teacher. The classroom is a very calm space and my son has really enjoyed the start of the year. Thank you Mrs. Denisi!”

 

Becky Frank, Teacher Aide, NRW Elementary School

“Thank you for your patience, positivity, flexibility, and all the little ways you’ve helped our classroom run smoothly. We are so lucky to have you on our team!”

 

David Hahn, Teacher, NRW Middle School

“He takes teaching to a new level by making funny voices and including students in scenarios.”

 

High School Counselors and Mental Health Team

“Our high school counselors, Miranda Merton and Lori Purcell, along with our high school mental health team - Brenlys Lopez, Jen Searls, Rebecca Kandt, Sara Casini, and Karen Landean - took time to meet with all 9th grade students in the Freshman Seminar classes during the month of September. They helped students learn about the many programs and supports available at NRWHS. These informative presentations were a great way to start the school year!”

 

Rita Lopez, Food Service Director

“Breakfast and lunch are our kids’ favorite times of the day! Rita goes above and beyond to make sure our students always have something yummy to look forward to and makes sure the menu items meet every child’s needs!”

 

Jennifer Marriott, Teacher, NRW Elementary School

“Mrs. Marriott has gone above and beyond trying to make my child feel comfortable in the classroom. He has had a hard time leaving me to go to school and she has made him feel supported when he’s upset.”

 

Melissa Mason, Teacher, NRW Elementary School

“Ms. Mason checked on my son when he was having an emotional morning, upset and missing me. She went out of her way to make sure he was okay and gave him a hug and support to settle him down so he could rejoin his class. Thanks Ms. Mason for making our kids at NRW feel loved!”

 

Miranda Merton, School Counselor, NRW High School

“I’m grateful for how much she helps my child in school and helps adjust her schedule to fit her needs. We appreciate her!”

 

Debbie Miller, Bus Driver

“Debbie has been such a wonderful bus driver! She has made my son’s transition to kindergarten easier. She has been so helpful and kind!”

 

Sandy Motyka, Teaching Assistant, Cougar OPS

“For all the work she does with kids as well as assisting the entire community every day. I’m not sure what we would do without her!”

 

“She welcomes every student with a positive attitude and always makes me feel better about myself.”

 

Colin Nash, Teaching Assistant, NRW Elementary School

“Mr. Nash welcomed my 3-year-old on the first day and whole first week ensuring he knew where to go to get to his new classroom. He also brought him out for pickup and let me know how his day went. He has a great positive attitude and caring personality.”

 

“Thank you for being a warm, welcoming, consistent and familiar face at parent drop-off! Knowing there will be a smiling face to greet my kids has made it easier on both them and myself leaving them in the morning. Thank you Mr. Nash!”

 

Cindy O’Dell, Substitute Teacher, NRW High School

“She is kind and quick to lend a helping hand whenever needed.”

 

Amanda Paylor, Secretary, NRW High School

“She has a very positive attitude when it comes to helping people. She always helps teachers who need coverage and always helps kids in need.”

 

Amanda Paylor and Jessica Whitcomb, Secretaries, NRW High School

“They are always friendly, professional, and quick to lend a helping hand. Their ability to multitask is quite impressive as they consistently maintain a welcoming environment to support staff, students, families, and other visitors who enter the main office. Amanda and Jessica make a wonderful team and deserve to be recognized for all they do year-round for our school. Thank you ladies, we appreciate you!”

 

Amy Plowe, Teacher, Cougar OPS

“For her unwavering commitment to the kids who struggle every day at school and at home.”

 

Heather Pollock, Food Service Helper, NRW High School

“She is always so welcoming to the students and enjoys what she does.”

 

Dayna Starks, Wayne Behavioral Health Network Counselor

“Dayna is an amazing asset to our district. I’m so grateful for her and the support she gives my child.”

 

Megan Stockwell, Monitor, NRW Middle School

“Megan has joined the middle school team effortlessly! She supports our students and staff daily and is always willing to help out wherever and whenever she is needed.”

 

Transportation Department

“Thank you for such a smooth, well thought out and organized back-to-school process for the bus! Getting things done for an entire district of kiddos riding the bus is not an easy job. The transportation department has done an excellent job. Thank you for transporting all of our kids safely!”

 

Victoria VanSteen, Cleaner, NRW High School

“Vicki is such a busybody. She works hard day in and day out, keeping the high school clean. She is always so positive about her work and shows up every day for our kids! We love her!”

 

Lisa Visalli, Assistant Principal, NRW High School

“I’m so grateful for the support and understanding that she has shown my child and me. Thank you so much! You made the start of the school year better because of your actions.”

 

Amy Wiktorowicz, Assistant Principal Intern, NRW Elementary School

“Amy has stepped in as our NRWE Assistant Principal Intern and has been adjusting so well to the building very quickly. She has done her best to learn everyone’s names and positions along with accomplishing the responsibilities of her new job. You’re a great new addition to our building, keep up the good work!”

 

Brittany Wright, Teacher, NRW High School

“She makes me feel seen as a person without judging me and overall she’s the best!”

 

Emma Yusko, Librarian, NRW Middle School

“She always makes me feel included. She is the G.O.A.T.”