2023-24 Service Excellence Awards
The UCDSB Service Excellence Awards are a peer-to-peer employee recognition program that was created in the 2015-16 school year. These awards were created to recognize exceptional service to our students, their families and our co-workers.
A selection committee determines the top nominees following a detailed review of how the nominees demonstrated the UCDSB’s Six Qualities of Service Excellence, showed leadership in the area of service excellence and made an impact within our system.
Recipients of the 2023-2024 Service Excellence Awards are as follows:
Shelly
Blanchard - Educational Assistant, Brockville Collegiate Institute
Shelly
is an individual award for winner her efforts in enhancing communication among
staff, managing the Nutrition for Kids table, and handling shopping and
packaging outside school hours. She brings joy to students and staff with her humour
and her lasting impact is evident in the enduring relationships she maintains
with students long after they leave BCI. Known as the 'go-to person' and 'student
champion,' Shelly makes each student feel special with her morning greetings,
notes of encouragement, and check-ins.
Elizabeth
Fortier - Teacher, Wellington Elementary School
Beth is an individual award winner for her dedication to her students and for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone. She understands her students' diverse needs and encourages them to achieve their best. Beth excels in organizing sporting events and extracurricular activities, ensuring all students can participate. Her dedication and strong personality are inspiring and enhance the capabilities of the staff as educators and leaders.
Sabrina
Kiskis – Teacher, Russell Public School
Sabrina is an individual award winner for her exemplary dedication to fostering a culture of care and inclusivity in her classroom. She integrates community engagement with activities like weekly nature walks and civic services. She tailors instruction to meet each student's unique needs, utilizing formative assessments and occupational therapy principles. Committed to professional growth, she applies new methods and resources to enhance her teaching. Her innovative initiatives and her leadership significantly benefit the entire kindergarten team and the school daycare.
Lesley
Walker - Educational Assistant/Registered Early Childhood Educator,
Commonwealth Public School
Lesley
is an individual award winner for her personalized approach to supporting and
uplifting her colleagues, including posting motivational quotes, and offering regular
encouragement. She deeply understands her students' needs, creating learning
environments that cater to their interests. Her teamwork in the Power Up
classroom and coordination with outside agencies ensure the best care for her
students. Lesley's profound impact, genuine goodness, and fierce advocacy for
her students makes her an invaluable asset to the school.
Danielle
Weiss - Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Student Services West
Danielle is an individual award winner her exceptional dedication as a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst. She celebrates personal milestones and consistently encourages her colleagues and students. Danielle provides reliable support during difficult times, creating a comfortable environment for sharing concerns. Her tailored guidance meets individual needs, positively impacting personal growth. She actively collaborates on projects, contributing to their success through practical assessments and skills-based treatment.
Crystal
Phifer & Lindsey Stuart - Kinder “Yellow” Team at Iroquois Public School
Teacher and Early Childhood Educator duo Crystal and Lindsay won the group award for their exceptional dedication and innovative approach to education. They create a caring, student-centered learning environment that highlights students' work and interests. They also serve as leaders by taking on roles such as Principal Designate, coordinating hot lunch programs, and spearheading fundraising efforts. Their commitment extends to securing grants for outdoor learning and mentoring new teachers.