Teacher Appreciation Tuesday in South Lake Tahoe

It is indisputable that kindness as human virtue is in too short supply and too little used these days. Sometimes we wonder how we can heal our seemingly insurmountable divides. Let me posit a single word: Kindness.

Over the past three weeks, you have demonstrated kindness to our teachers and staff at our school district by submitting over 100 shout-outs, donating over 70 bags of coffee, gifting t-shirts, sauna trips, baskets, and much more. Our educators have worked so hard this year and we took a moment to say thank you. These are the things that make Tahoe not just a wonderful place to live, but a wonderful place to call home. Sometimes all it takes is a random act of kindness to change the world, and you have done that!

A huge thank you to this week’s business sponsors: Alpen Sierra Coffee, Bliss Skin Care Studio, Elevate Wellness, and Acqua Hair Design. Alpen Sierra coffee has again generously donated a bag of its delicious coffee to every nominee! They have altogether donated over 70 bags of delicious coffee to this Teacher Appreciation effort. Thank you to our partners for your wonderful generosity. It means so much!

Let’s take a moment to honor this week’s nominees!

Stacy Hembree - 3rd Grade LTESMS
• Winner! Gift certificate to the Infrared Sauna at Elevate Wellness
• “Literacy is one of the most important skills for any student. They will need it for all subjects and to communicate effectively as they grow into adults and navigate their lives!”
• Nominated by: Andrea Drew “Life in the Distance-Learning lane has had it’s tough spots for many in the 3rd Grade class these past months. We were no different – but what made the difference was to have an engaged and caring teacher willing to reach out and make time for her students, to give them the pep-talk when needed, or the additional resources to keep pushing forward, to get them through a tough spot. Ms. Hembree is through and through, an amazing teacher, and we cannot say THANK YOU enough for all she has done for her class these past months. THANK YOU Stacy, for all you do!!!!”

Maestra Magallanes
• Winner! Gift bag donated by Bliss Skin Care Studio
• Nominated by: Maria Yanez “I would like to nominate Maestra Magallanes from bijou school. She goes beyond to make sure that each student don’t get behind. Great teacher!”

Robyn Rasmussen – STHS Counselor (H-O) (former STHS English teacher)
• Winner! Gift Basket donated by Acqua Hair Design
• “Literacy is success in life. If you are not literate, you have far fewer options in life. The ability to read can open you up to new worlds, ideas, people, dreams.”
• Nominated by Melissa Uppendahl, “I want to give a shout-out to Robyn Rasmussen who inspired this Teacher Appreciation series. She has been working tirelessly to support the mental health of teachers, staff, and students at the High School and her efforts are what inspired Teacher Appreciation Tuesday. Robyn possesses both strong leadership and true care for those around her and is such a role model in all areas of life. You are SO VERY appreciated!”

Mrs. Kull
• Winner! Gift Basket Donated by Acqua Hair Design
• Nominated by Jenelle Alessi, “I wanted to submit a teacher appreciation shout out for my daughter’s kindergarten teacher at Tahoe Valley, Mrs. Kull! She has made this first year of school the best so far! My daughter is excelling even more then I ever thought, and that’s because Mrs. Kull takes the time and helps each one individually with what they need to work on. She is truly a blessing and such a wonderful teacher! With all that we have been through the last year, we need our teachers even more than ever! Thank you Mrs. Kull!”

The Boys and Girls Club Staff
Although not teachers, the Program Leaders of the Boys and Girls Club have had to step into that role this year and have done an amazing job. They work hard to make sure everyone is on their zooms, completing assignments, staying engaged and understanding their work. They have shown up every day, sacrificing their own safety, to ensure that our members had a safe, fun and educational place to be while their parents were out at work. They have supported over 640 hours of online education and will continue to do so until our members are back in school full time. - Jude Wood and the BGCLT Board of Directors.

Mr. Vaughn
Mr. Vaughn, you have been amazing with your lessons and support. Thank you for your efforts with my son and his peers through distance learning and hybrid. You are so appreciated and respected. - Shandi Ashmore

Mrs. McDaniels
Mrs. McDaniels for being so kind, supportive, and patient. You've gone above and beyond to connect with my son. I'm so grateful for your high standards and gentle but firm guiding hand as you've supported him during distance and hybrid learning. - Shandi Ashmore

Mr. Goldberg
The Muskovitz family would like to give a shout out to Mr. Goldberg for being such an inspiring, knowledgeable, fun, caring, strength and conditioning coach! Teaching the kids one of the most important things in life as far as taking care of their bodies, staying mentality and physically strong and making sure they have good self-esteem! Teaching about life and keeping them on a great work out routine! Mr. Goldberg is fantastic!
Thank you for all you do for our kids!!
Wendy and Adam Muskovitz

Bus Drivers and Food Service Staff
To the amazing bus drivers and food service staff who provided lunches during distance learning. We are thankful for your hard work each day. Thank you for being a part of the essential workers who have supported our kids. – L.E

Maestro Bowles
Big appreciation and sincere Shout-Out to Maestro Bowles, 3rd Grade Teacher at Bijou Elementary. His true commitment and willingness has proven his ability to positively go above and beyond ensuring his entire class and students are keeping up, not falling behind, and have remained excited to learn and motivated to attend class each day, whether distant learning on-line, and especially returning to the classroom during this challenging year. Maestro Derek Bowles exemplifies the true heart of Bijou School and the Lake Tahoe Unified School District.
Thank You Maestro Bowles, the entire Bijou Elementary Staff, and LTUSD,

Sincerely...Sinceramente, Gran Trabajo, y muy apreciada
Proud Student, Castaleia "Cassie" Marion and Family.
Muchos Gracias :))

Ms. Frye
Ms. Frye is the nicest person and very sweet. One of the best teachers I have ever met. Thank you so much for teaching me this year. -Kimber

Cindy Gronwold
She is an amazing, caring and student centered teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. She works hard to make sure their needs are met, they have equity in the classroom and devotes extra time to support learners in need. I am amazed when I am in her classroom to see the community she has created. All students are engaged in learning and have the opportunity to be creative and supported. She is making sure students read and love books. I nominate her today as a professional who loves her job and makes a great impact on all her students every day whether in person or online in every capacity necessary. Thank you! -Theresa Suchanek

Senora Boeser - Bijou 1st grade
Many of the 1st grade students attending BGCLT are taught by Ms Boeser, including my own son, and she has been exceptionally kind, organized and communicative throughout the year. Learning online is challenging, learning in another language online is even harder, but Ms Boeser has worked hard to make sure that her students are meeting all their goals and we have appreciated her clear communication on changes to schedules, testing etc Thank you for your hard work. Jude, Jake and the BGC 1st grade staff. – Jude Wood

Maestra Magdalena Boeser
Maestra Magdalena Boeser. Bijou Community School, 1st grade. She’s been unshakable all year, day in and day out. A force of stability for her first grade class (and their parents). – Patricia Hickson

Leah Stockton
We'd like to give a huge virtual hug to Leah Stockton.
She was our twins' kindergarten teacher last year at the Magnet School, and we were fortunate to get her again for first grade. She has gone above and beyond during the pandemic...she offers to deliver work to students; she holds extra meetings for kids who need help; and she even dropped off a little birthday gift last year for the kiddos. She has such a positive attitude, and our kiddos love her. Thanks, Leah! - Michelle Sievers and Vic Lyon

Geoff Henderson
I'd like to say how much we appreciate Geoff Henderson (4th/5th grade.) He has done an amazing job keeping two different aged children focused, engaged and progressing. He makes sure to listen to his students and takes the time to address concerns that I, a parent, may have with regards to various challenges that distance learning has created. Thank you, Mr. Henderson for all that you've done to make this year better for the children and the parents this year. – Tiffany Fratres

Ms Ashmore
Ms. Ashmore has done an incredible job teaching Grade 4 online and in-person at the same with patience and grace. Ms. Ashmore calmly adapted to the ever changing teaching formats, always answers every child’s question no matter what it is, guides the class through new technology, and provides support when us parents need it too. In my eyes she is a superwomen and deserves recognition for going above and beyond during the pandemic.
My heartfelt thanks goes out to all teachers who have done so much for our children this year. - Suki Cheyne

Mercy Marty
Shout-out to Mercy Marty (Mt. Tallac Secretary) for being a great role model for students as they enter school and treating anyone who walks through our door with support and acceptance! We are fortunate to have you as a leader of our team! - Mt. Tallac Staff

Mr. Simons
Mr. Simons, thank you. You have been wonderful to both my boys throughout their Middle Schools years. I appreciate you and have felt confident that they were in good hands under your leadership.

Mrs. Tan
Mrs. Tan, I thank you for your attention to performance, giving constant feedback, and making connections with your students. You have been a positive and consistent advocate for my son during his middle school years. Thank you for having high expectations, consistency, and a caring heart. - Shandi Ashmor

Ms. Peñaloza
We cannot give Ms. Peñaloza enough praise for all she has done for her Grade 1 class these past months. She has continued to provide her class with stimulating work packages, and ensured a healthy balance between paper-based and computer-based work. She has also gone the extra distance to provide parents with additional resources to keep the children’s opportunities to learn, moving forward, esp in light of the shortened class schedules during the pandemic. I also, from a parents point of view, want to say THANK YOU for the thoughtful way in which Ms. Peñaloza went about setting up the daily “work assignment” slides. On a quick glance of these slides, we have without issue, being able to support our son in navigating his daily work needs. Finding ways to streamline a day when you are juggling work and two other younger children’s activities, has been a BIG bonus these past months and so our gratitude for what Ms. Peñaloza brings to the table, is immeasurable. Ms. Peñaloza – THANK YOU so much for all you have done these past months. You are an amazing teacher! – Andrea Drew

James Seider- teacher- Helped with my tech issues. - Kim Stephenson

Sarah Bartow- teacher- Was always a support when I needed. - Kim Stephenson

Monica Candelario- Secretary. Mission control - always there to help. - Kim Stephenson

Nurse Karen Tucker- Guiding us through safely and working extra hard! - Kim Stephenson

Leah Stockton
Leah Stockton is an amazing teacher and human being. She has taught my daughter how to read and be confident in everything she does. She listens, gives great lessons, is very appreciative, caring and loving. We had her in kindergarten and now in first grade. She has done phenomenal things for our family and is part of our family for life! We all love you Leah Stockton! Keep up the awesome work!! Thank you for being you, always! - The Miranda Family

Ms.Ginger, Mr. McCauley, Ms.Kelly
Ms.Ginger (speech therapist), Ms.Kelly (occupational therapist), and Mr. McCauley (P.E.). From LTESMS. Thank you for all the support and dedication for the special education class! We appreciate you.
Sincerely,
The Munguia Family

Edna and Emily, Sierra House Aides
A heartfelt thank you to Edna and Emily, Sierra House aides! Through the fire, followed by the pandemic, these wonderful women carried the pressure and stress of teachers and parents. Their flexibility, tenacity and spirit kept us moving forward. I am truly grateful for them, their kind words, and encouragement through these difficult times. Their value is underestimated. So thank you Edna and Emily, your hard work does not go unnoticed!! Jessika Roberts

Marlene Moyer, Laura Chappel, Lisa McDaniel, Amanda McDonald, Rainie Bullock, Carrie Sills,
Julie Molesworth, Heather Hart – The STMS Teachers Team – I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to this incredible group of educators who are working tirelessly to ignite the love of reading in every STMS student. They have been at this important work for many years, and I am inspired by their passion. After just one transformative conversation with Marlene, Laura, and Lisa I felt called to start Lift Literature, and for this I am truly grateful. Your work really matters. Thank you for doing all that you do. You are my inspiration! - Melissa Uppendahl

This concludes our Teacher Appreciation Tuesday series, for now! We hope to continue it as the months and years go on. If you have ideas on how we can support teachers and students during this time or if you’d like to support the efforts of Lift Literature, please visit www.liftliterature.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.