Aledo ISD recently honored four well-deserving employees as the 2023-2024 Circle of Greatness overall winners.
The district expressed congratulations to:
● Professional Category: Erica Gantt, Coder Elementary School
● Paraprofessional Category: Anthony Lopez, McCall Elementary School
● Auxiliary Category: Jennifer Lehman, Transportation
● Campus Guest Teacher/Substitute Category: Bianca Martinez, Walsh Elementary School
Employees nominated for Circle of Greatness embody what it means to be #growinggreatness in the district, positively impacting our community, students and school district. The district accepts nominations for Circle of Greatness throughout the school year from parents, students, fellow employees, and community members, and there are no limitations to the number of nominations each month.
The top nominee from each category is recognized as a Circle of Greatness Special Honoree three times per year, then all of the Special Honorees are candidates for the overall Circle of Greatness winner. Winners are announced in August and awarded a new Apple iPad thanks to the district's Bearcat Backers and the Aledo Education Foundation.
During the 2023-2024 school year, nearly 477 nominations were made encompassing each campus and department and hundreds of employees. Here's what nominators had to say about the 2023-2024 overall winners:
"During bus duty, Erica noticed that students on a particular route were getting rowdy. She stepped on the bus and asked the driver if she could ride along. She proceeded to ride the bus for several days in order to monitor behavior so the driver could stay focused on the road. The driver was very appreciative and told Erica that no one has ever stepped up to help like that!"
"Anthony brings a sense of calm and humor to every situation to which he is called. He is skilled at what he does and I have not only enjoyed working with him, I have learned a lot from him as well!"
"Mr. Lopez exemplifies the spirit of Growing Greatness in several ways, making him a deserving candidate for the Circle of Greatness Award. His genuineness and humility are evident in his selfless service, as he never seeks reward or recognition. Instead, he goes above and beyond for the right reasons, driven by a sincere commitment to the well-being and education of students.
"Mr. Lopez's belief in the fundamental right of all students to fair treatment and an appropriate education underscores his dedication to inclusivity and equality. His extensive knowledge of various approaches and strategies, particularly in handling behavior-related challenges, showcases a commitment to providing the best possible support for students with diverse needs.
"A standout quality is Mr. Lopez's ability to offer an outsider's perspective and alternative solutions to challenges. This demonstrates his open-mindedness and creative problem-solving skills, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement within Aledo ISD.
"His hands-on approach and leadership by example contribute to building strong rapport with both teachers and students. By actively engaging with the community, Mr. Lopez fosters a positive environment that encourages collaboration and growth. He motivates students to think positive and courageously and gives them the tools that empowers them to become successful and independent in their actions all in a nurturing fashion that is welcomed by the students yet holds them accountable when needed. His willingness to embrace change reflects adaptability, a crucial attribute in promoting progress within any educational institution.
"In summary, Mr. Lopez's unwavering commitment to students at AHS PRIDE, his extensive knowledge and creative problem-solving, hands-on leadership, and adaptability make him a true embodiment of Growing Greatness. Recognizing his contributions with the Circle of Greatness Award would not only honor his individual efforts but also inspire others to follow his example in fostering a culture of excellence within Aledo ISD."
"Mr. Lopez is a Behavior Interventionist Aide in our district that is truly passionate about helping our behavior students and programs have success. He has an abundance of experience and knowledge in this field and has played a huge role in starting the Pride Programs at McAnally and Aledo High School. Mr. Lopez is always eager to help and support administrators, teachers, and students across the district when needed. He has been a huge advocate for our struggling students to get the support they desperately want and need. He is a great role model for demonstrating team work, leadership skills, and building healthy relationships with students and staff. We are lucky to have him in our district!"
"Ms. Jennifer is amazing! This year has been the first year my child has ridden the bus. She has been welcoming and so kind to the kids. My child got a little car/bus sick one morning, she wouldn’t allow my child to clean up the mess. My child was mortified, but Ms. Lehman jumped in to check on my child, told my child it was okay and that she was super worried about my child not feeling well. As a first time bus rider and middle school mom I really appreciate how kind she has been."
Bianca Martinez, Walsh Elementary Campus Guest Teacher/Substitute Category winner
"Bianca has been a pure example of joy, support, and flexibility. She voluntarily jumps into roles when she sees immediate needs, which are many times some of our most difficult to fill roles, which she continuously works to form incredible relationships with our students, teachers, and families. She is a fabulous addition to our campus, she supports many of our bilingual families with many of the challenging school processes. She did this most recently for the district serving at our Kinder Signing Day. She is truly a joy and embodies the type of substitutes we would all love to have serving our students and schools."
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here