Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Columbia Hero! Congratulations Ms. Kimble!

Innumerable changes have happened this year for Columbia teachers and staff members.  Our teachers have worked together to create new ingenious programs, learned to teach on new educational platforms and through collaboration with their peers, have benefited their students.  Our Columbia Heroes have put their heart and soul into reaching out to their students in new and different ways.  The creativity and ingenuity exhibited by these special teachers have allowed our Columbia pupils to continue to learn and grow.

One of the nominated Heroes is Columbia Central Senior High School resource room teacher, Lauren Kimble.  Ms. Kimble was nominated as a Columbia Hero by Karen Catallo.  Ms. Catallo wrote that, “Lauren has been a rock for us during this school year.”  Ms. Kimble has worked diligently with her students to ensure that they have academic support and the best opportunity to succeed in their classes.  In addition to supporting the students, Ms. Kimble co-teaches and provides support for other teachers to benefit their pupils.

Ms. Catallo continued by saying, “No matter what we need she has been there for us at all times, she maintains a positive attitude and her patience is amazing.”  Ms. Kimble not only works with her students and their families, but she assists in positive activities for all students through the Student Senate.  She works with other teachers and sponsors dances for high school pupils, Homecoming activities and special events for Columbia students.  Additionally, she focuses on improving the educational environment for students by being a class advisor.

When talking about Ms. Kimble, Ms. Catallo wrote, “I have leaned on her a lot and as a very frustrated parent, she has shown me nothing but support and compassion, never making us feel like a burden.  Columbia is very lucky to have her on their team.  She is our hero!!!”

When notified that she was nominated as a Columbia Hero, Ms. Kimble said, “Thank you so much for the nomination!”  She continued by saying, “Each year brings a new group of students and challenges.  I enjoy working with my students and getting to know them personally.  Helping them find ways to be successful and grow as individuals is the most rewarding thing of teaching.”  Ms. Kimble’s positive attitude and spirit of encouragement benefits her students and those around her each and every day. 

Congratulations to Columbia Central High School Hero Lauren Kimble!  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of our students and give them an opportunity to grow and mature, has made a positive impact on hundreds of children.  If you see Ms. Kimble, please tell her “Thank You” for all she does each and every day for our students!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, please contact me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Ms. Weidenbach is a Columbia Hero!


Columbia School District has fabulous teachers.  During this critical time, our teachers have stepped up their focus, developed new programs and worked to help their students fulfill their academic potential.  Earlier this winter, I asked community members, parents, teachers, staff members and students to nominate one of our teachers or staff members as a Columbia Hero! These Columbia Heroes have put their heart and soul into reaching out to their students in new and different ways.  The creativity and ingenuity exhibited by these special teachers have allowed our Columbia pupils to continue to learn and grow.

Nicole Knapp nominated Ms. Weidenbach as a Columbia Hero!  Ms. Weidenbach is a third grade teacher at Columbia Upper Elementary.  Nicole wrote that she, “would like to thank and recognize Ms. Weidenbach. My son is in her class and during this challenging and unpredictable year she has continued to put the students’ needs first.”  Mrs. Weidenbach is energetic and cares about all of her students.  She focuses on teaching the whole child.  One of the fun activities in her classroom is Brain Breaks.  During this time her students have an opportunity to get up and exercise a bit and get reenergized!  This activity helps students refocus and improve on their academic achievement.

Ms. Weidenbach goes above and beyond as she works with her students.  She always has a bright smile and shows that she truly enjoys working with her students.  Ms. Knapp mentioned that, “Her demeanor towards the students is great and her communication with the parents is wonderful. It is very obvious through her actions and teaching that she truly enjoys being a teacher and making a difference in the students’ lives.”

When hearing that she was nominated for the Columbia Hero Award, Ms. Weidenbach said, “I love working at Columbia because of all of the extraordinary teachers I get to work with. These teachers are kind, supportive and helpful; their mentorship has allowed me to become a better teacher each and every year.” Ms. Weidenbach continued by saying, “I love working at Columbia because of our families. Our Columbia families treat teachers with respect and caring. They work together with our staff for the success of our students.”

Ms. Weidenbach believes that her students very caring.  Her attitude is one of positivity and a belief that all children can succeed in school and in life. She mentioned that, “Most of all I love working at Columbia School District because of the kids. These kids are the best around! They are smart, kind, and creative. They are welcoming and inclusive. The kids here make school feel like family.”

Congratulations to our Columbia School District Hero Lisa Weidenbach!  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of our students and give them an opportunity to grow and mature, has made a positive impact on hundreds of children.  If you see Ms. Weidenbach, please tell her “Thank You” for all she does each and every day for our students!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, please contact me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Columbia Elementary Hero: Mrs. Aguilera!

Columbia School District has many fabulous teachers.  Beginning with our youngest children at Columbia Elementary School, our students experience amazing educational opportunities.  Columbia has teachers that are Heroes!  Our community members and parents nominated many of our teachers and staff members for the Columbia Hero Award.  Krista Tripp and Liz Sirola nominated Columbia kindergarten teacher Mrs. Aguilera as a Hero for her work with her students.  Ms. Tripp noted that, Mrs. Aguilera “has been patient, caring and kept learning fun during virtual and in person learning!”

Liz Sirola wrote, “Mrs. Aguilera is simply incredible.  She cares relentlessly for the academic, social and personal well-being of her students, past and present.”  At Columbia our teachers pay special attention to their pupils and focus the educational activities to help promote successful academic development. When Mrs. Aguilera was notified that she had been nominated as a Hero, she exclaimed, “Wow, what an honor! I am truly blessed to work in this district. I love teaching Kindergarten! I have a job that is so much fun!”

Krista Tripp mentioned how please she is with Mrs. Aguilera.  She continued by saying, “I am so thankful for her and so is my daughter! She’s awesome and we love her.”  In her email, Ms. Sirola said about Mrs. Aguilera, “Through unwavering positivity she builds skills and self-confidence. Mrs. Aguilera tirelessly searches for new resources to help everyone reach their potential. Mrs. Aguilera broadens horizons while making the world a smaller place with bi-lingual wordage and cultural awareness, embracing and celebrating our differences.”

Ms. Sirola elaborated in her email and wrote, “Mrs. Aguilera has been an absolute God send to our family and I couldn’t imagine my sons having a better introduction into their Columbia school careers.”  Mrs. Aguilera said that she loves teaching and it is easy to see that in her classroom.  She beams when she is teaching her students.  She said that, “One of my favorite things about Kindergarten is that I begin the year off teaching letters and sounds and I’m part of the journey of students becoming confident readers and writers. I love to see what makes them excited to learn. I enjoy our discussions as we learn about topics that relate to Kindergartners.”  Mrs. Aguilera talked about her love of teaching her students.  She mentioned that, “Working with families and teaching siblings is one of the highlights of this position as well. Teaching is my jam and I am proud to be at Columbia doing what I love!”

Congratulations to our Columbia School District Hero Amanda Aguilera!  Her determination to make a difference in the lives of our students and give them an opportunity to grow and mature, has made a positive impact on hundreds of children.  If you see Mrs. Aguilera, please tell her “Thank You” for all she does each and every day for our students!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, please contact me at 5175926641 or email Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .