Columbia Hero! Mr. Williams

This past year has brought about innumerable changes.  Columbia School District teachers have worked collaboratively to develop innovative programs, learned to teach on new educational platforms and worked to help their students fulfill their academic potential.  Some of our teachers retooled their skills to work with our virtual learners.  One of our virtual teachers, Mr. Williams, was nominated as a Columbia Hero!

As a Columbia teacher, he has put his heart and soul into reaching out to his students in new and different ways.  He has embraced the opportunity to use the virtual platform to assist his students, and support them to attain academic success.  His creativity and ingenuity has allowed our Columbia Upper Elementary virtual pupils to continue to learn and grow to their maximum potential.

Mr. Williams was nominated as a Columbia Hero by the Schoeff’s.  They nominated Mr. Williams via email and said, “Being a virtual teacher certainly has more challenges than normal, but Mr. Williams is always ready with a smile, joke, or fun way to interact with the students on their zoom meetings.”  When Mr. Williams heard that he had been nominated as a Columbia Hero, he said, “Awesome, thank you so much!”

Mr. Williams continued by commenting, “I love working at Columbia with our staff and students because it feels like family.  I love seeing the smiles on students’ faces when a difficult problem finally makes sense.  I love the curiosity and wonder that each student brings to class.  I love the excitement in a child when I relate to something they are passionate about.”Mr. Williams talked about the relationships he has been able to build with his virtual students.  He has been impressed with the tenacity and work ethic of many of his students.  As he talked about his students, he mentioned, “Most importantly, I love that when a student is in my class that they can feel safe and supported in a world that has so much uncertainty in it right now. Even though every day is a new challenge, the students always bring a smile to my face.”

Wrapping up their email to nominate Mr. Williams as a Columbia Hero, Kelly, Olivia & Sophia Schoeff said that, “He definitely makes it fun for us! Thank you Mr. Williams for being our ‘superhero’ of virtual school:-)”  If you see Mr. Williams, tell him congratulations and “Thank You!’ for all he does for our students at Columbia Upper Elementary!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, call me at 5175926641 or email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org .

Columbia Hero: Mrs. Van Wagnen!

Over this past year there have been many changes for Columbia administrators, teachers and staff members.  Our community of learners and staff members have collaborated to create additional points of pride and excellence.  Our administrators and teachers have worked together to create new ingenious programs, learned to teach on new educational platforms and through intense cooperation, have benefited their students.  Our Columbia Heroes have put their heart and soul into reaching out to students in new and different ways.  The creativity and ingenuity exhibited by these special staff members have allowed our Columbia pupils to continue to learn and grow.

One of the nominated Heroes is Columbia Upper Elementary principal, Mrs. Van Wagnen.  Mrs. V as her students call her, was nominated as a Columbia Hero by Tina and Larry Caryl.  They wrote that they “are grateful for Mrs. Van Wagnen and all of the teachers and staff.”  They continued by commenting that, “We have such an amazing staff.”

As the leader of Columbia Upper Elementary School, Mrs. V has made an impact on our students and their teachers.  When Jennifer Van Wagnen heard that she had been nominated as a Columbia Hero, she was so humble and thankful.  She immediately gave the credit to her staff and fellow administrators.  Jennifer said that her staff members are hard workers and passionate for the education of their students. 

The Caryl’s mentioned that they appreciated all Mrs. Van Wagnen has done for students over this difficult year.  They said, “Again my words can't come close to expressing our appreciation. These are the hardest times and I know the teachers are doing everything they can to think of each and every student, not just academically but their emotional as well.”  They continued by commenting, “We are grateful!”

When notified that she was nominated as a Columbia Hero, Mrs. V said, “Thank you so much for the nomination!”  Mrs. V’s positive attitude and spirit of encouragement benefits Columbia Upper Elementary School students and those around her each and every day. Mrs. Van Wagnen continued by saying, "My pleasure! I haven’t worked a day in my life since becoming a Golden Eagle. I love the students, the staff and the members of our community, and I feel blessed to live and work in such a great place. We come together during times of adversity and lift each other up. We work together to achieve greatness and I could not be more proud. Every day is a GREAT day to be a Golden Eagle!"

Congratulations to Columbia Upper Elementary School Hero Mrs. Van Wagnen!  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. Van  Wagnen, 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 .

Congratulations Columbia Hero Mrs. Denney!

Columbia School District has many terrific teachers.  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.  Tina and Larry Caryl nominated Columbia fifth grade teacher Mrs. Denney as a Hero for her work with her students.  Tina and Larry wrote that, Mrs. Denney “has been amazing with the kids!”

They talked about how “Mrs. Denney is constantly thinking about how her lessons impact her students.”  The Caryl’s son commented that Mrs. Denney is his favorite teacher.  Mrs. Denney’s positive attitude and spirit of encouragement benefits her students and those around her each and every day.  The Caryl’s said, that “Mrs. Denney always addresses any concerns and is quick at returning emails.”  They wrote that they “appreciate Mrs. Denney’s care, concern and the hard work she puts into caring for their kids.”

Mr. Moore, Columbia technology teacher, also nominated Mrs. Denney as a Columbia Hero.  He noted that he and Mrs. Denney “always have uplifting conversations.”  He mentioned that he “sees the way she works with all levels of kids” and commented that “Mrs. Denney is very sympathetic to students who are at risk.” 

When notified that she was nominated as a Columbia Hero, Ms. Denney said, “Well, thank you!  This was an uplifting email to receive!”  She continued by saying, “I love working at Columbia because it is home, and every year my classroom feels like a family.  We work hard together and learn so much from each other!  I especially love teaching fifth graders.  They are growing and changing so quickly, and they are becoming individuals with different interests.  They are developing the ability to think more deeply about what they are studying and what is happening around them.  They are eager to help and to support each other.  The students in my class become ‘my kids.’  I love hearing about their adventures and their successes, even long after they leave the fifth grade!”

Congratulations to Columbia Upper Elementary School Hero Meredith Denney!  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. Denney, 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 .