Teacher Appreciation Tuesday

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 post a single word: Kindness.

Over the past two months, you have demonstrated kindness to the teachers and staff of the two school districts that serve the South Shore by submitting shout-outs and donating little gifts to celebrate with. 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!

Books are being donated to school libraries in honor of the teachers and staff members.

This is the last week of our "Teacher Appreciation Tuesday." Let’s take a moment to honor this week’s shout outs and honorees:

Kellee Keoppen - South Tahoe Middle School - She wins an $80 pass to Sierra Express Car Wash and a special print from Tattoo BonBon. - "Kellee puts 110% into her students. Whether it be in math, leadership, school dances, or
8th-grade events Kellee puts the needs and wants of her students first. To add, Kellee’s dedication doesn’t just stop at the middle school..... You can see her ALWAYS decked out in blue and gold at all or almost all South Tahoe High's home sporting events. She leads by example. Thank You, Kellee for being a part of my kid's education and helping navigate them through middle school." - "KR"

Seth Martin - Bijou Elementary - He wins an $80 pass to Sierra Express Car Wash and a special print from Tattoo BonBon - "Mr. Martin cares so much about his students. While on distance learning he created fun and engaging lessons for the kids to complete on their own, and he had live lessons that were awesome! Now that they’re back in person he loves seeing the kids and doing activities with them working on their fitness. He’s the best PE teacher around!" - "KM"

Liz Nivens - South Tahoe High School - She wins an $80 pass to Sierra Express Car Wash and a special print from Tattoo BonBon - Liz Nivens is retiring this year. She has been running the high school's theatre program forever! - - Robyn Rasmussen

Larry Lambdin - South Tahoe Middle School - He wins a $50 gift certificate to Bert's Cafe and a special print from Tattoo BonBon - "Mr. Lambdin is the Club Live advisor and brings awareness to important things. He is very nice and treats everybody in the club respectfully and equally. He is also an amazing teacher and I hope I get to have him next year for one of my classes." - Maci Harden

Ms. Penaloza - Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School - She wins a $50 gift certificate to Bert's Cafe and a special print from Tattoo BonBon - "Ms. Penaloza is a dedicated, hard-working teacher. She has worked really hard at making online learning fun, interactive and has been flexible with the ever-changing schedules this year has brought. She is a reading guru, student advocate and always goes the extra mile with her time & creativity for her class. My son has grown so much as a student in her classroom this year." - Mindy Langevin

Kim Ilvento - Elevated - She wins a coffee mug and coffee gift card - "Kim is so patient and kind to the kids. She helps guide them with such ease! Kim has made a very big impact on my son and I appreciate her so much for that. Thank you Kim for being such a wonderful person! You and Jen have made a great team teaching the 6th graders!" - Lynda Bryan

Jayme Miller - South Tahoe High - She wins a Tahoe Arts Project t-shirt and water bottle - "Mrs. Miller is one of the high school Spanish teachers. She is resigning so she can spend time with her four children, two of which she and her husband adopted this past December." - Robyn Rasmussen

Shout Outs:

Ms. Ashmore - Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School - "We have enjoyed getting to know Ms. Ashmore as a teacher this year. My son describes her as 'kind, funny, helpful and understanding.' She has been so encouraging with her students during online learning this year, and always ready to troubleshoot tech problems at a moment's notice. Amazing job during an ever-changing year for all!" - Mindy Langevin

Edna Swartz - Sierra House Elementary - Edna Swartz has been running the staff daycare at Sierra House. She is so attentive, kind, and loving to all the students who attend. I have so much admiration and respect for her willingness to jump in and serve wherever the district needed her this year. My daughters adore her. Thank you, Mrs. Swartz!! - Jennifer Sunzeri

Thank you to all of the businesses and individuals that helped make this a fun recognition for our teachers and staff. This week, thank you to Berts Cafe, Tattoo BonBon, and Sierra Car Wash.