Honoring Classified Staff for Education Support Professionals Week

🌟 🙌 It’s day 4 of Education Support Professionals Week, and we’re back with another post to let our classified team members know how much we appreciate the vital work that they do all year long!

In recognition of these excellent members of our team across the district, we asked staff members if they would like to share their gratitude publicly via compliments or notes of thanks. And, we asked classified staff if they would like to share what they love most about their jobs. We received so many messages that we’re sharing them throughout this week. Today we’re including messages for staff who work at more than one building, staff in the Academy of Community Transition (ACT) and a few other messages. Monday, we shared notes for our preschool and elementary staff members; Tuesday, we shared messages for Transportation and Food Services; and Wednesday we shared notes for our middle and high school classified staff.

Want to join in the celebration? Send an email or handwritten note directly to the classified staff member you want to thank – and, if you also want to share your message publicly, send us a copy at isdcommunications@issaquah.wednet.edu!
Thank you, ISD classified staff members!

💫Staff who work at multiple locations

Family Partnership Specialist Lorna Gilmour shared:
⭐”Wenli Mithal, Liliana Medina and Lina Marin - Family Partnership Liaisons: Thank you for your continued dedication to supporting our families and students. The guidance and services you provide help families better support their children and strengthen the connection between home and school. Your direct support of high school students is especially impactful, playing a critical role in helping them stay engaged and succeed. We are truly grateful for the difference you make every day.”

Jennifer Soltis and Julie Schaar, Teachers of Blind and Low Vision Students, wrote:
⭐ “Laurel Bluhm, Neda Hosseini, Kim Osgood, and Gail Pearson, braillists, and Tamara White, braillist emeritus: The district's braillists are a true team, working together to transform ordinary, inaccessible classroom materials into Braille and other accessible formats for blind and low vision students. They provide critical access to education, insight into student needs, and a caring and collegial atmosphere. We love working with this team and would not be able to give our students quality support and access without them.”

🤩ACT Program
 

⭐Principal on Special Assignment LeAnn Tuupo shared: “The Classified Staff at ACT is an amazing group of people with a passion for supporting our adult learners as they become independent with their life skills, relationship skills and a contributing member of the workforce out in our community. Every day is unique, and the team approaches each day with flexibility, grace and ready to support each and every ACT student.”

⭐Speech Language Pathologist Dina Terry shared “ACT Team- we are so appreciative of everything you do to keep our program running. You bring positivity, preparedness, promptness, peer relationships, and perseverance! You get your ‘5Ps’ every day! Thank you for everything you do for the young adults of the ACT program.”

⭐ACT College and Career Specialist Adriana Serna shared what she loves most about her job: “I love watching our students leave HS and come to ACT, the growth that we get to see is amazing. It warms my heart as they complete their 3-4 years here and leave with a paid job or having the skill set it takes to obtain a job in the community. This year’s favorite moment was attending the Issaquah Rotary meeting with three of my students to do practice interviews with the Rotarians. They all knocked it out of the park. It was definitely a special highlight of my year.”

💙Cougar Mountain Middle School

CMMS Assistant Principal Jennifer Johnson shared:
“At CMMS, we could not make all the magic happen without our dedicated and amazing Educational Professionals! We love them so much, and they are a crucial part of our CMMS Team.
⭐Kim Putney, I call you the boss—you make this place run like a well-oiled machine.
⭐Sabrina Cua, Lori Hawk, Michelle Nonis, and Kala Duff—what an amazing office staff! You are all willing to jump in and help students, families, and staff whenever needed.
⭐Our Para and UNS Team—we might be biased, but we have the most caring, collaborative, and supportive Para and UNS team. You go above and beyond to support everyone in our school community.
⭐Custodial Staff—you do it all and keep our school spotless! Thank you for picking up all our pieces (literally and figuratively).
⭐Sally Lui—thank you for keeping us in tip-top shape with all things tech!
⭐Kitchen Staff—you are so kind and helpful to students, and the food you prepare has students raving every day!
⭐Lina Marin-Isaza—thank you for all you do to support families and students, and for your collaborative partnership with our CMMS team!
⭐Lloyd Wray—keeping us safe is your top priority, and you're also a great wrestling coach!
To all our Educational Professionals: Thank you for being the heart of CMMS!

🦈Clark Elementary

⭐Clark Elementary Office Professional and Registrar Ashley Dunn shared what she loves most about her job and a few favorite on-the-job moments: “I love being part of an effective and helpful team; our GREAT admin staff; and connecting with families, staff & students on a regular basis. Some favorite moments include greeting a student by name, and thereby creating a connection with his family by helping them feel valued and seen as members of our community! Also starting a new role as Registrar/Office Professional in January and feeling supported by other Registrars and all the staff at Clark!”

⭐Teacher Tiffany Holland wrote “Gigi Vazinkhoo is a TK super para! She goes above and beyond to support me, build relationships with kids, and make learning fun! Gigi shares her warmth and smile to all students and staff at Clark. I am grateful for her unwavering support!”

 

Day 3 of Education Support Professionals Week

🍎 🫶It’s day 3 of Education Support Professionals Week. We're working each day this week to let our classified team members know how much we appreciate the vital work that they do all year long!

In recognition of these dedicated members of our team across the district, we asked staff members if they would like to share their gratitude publicly via compliments or notes of thanks. And, we asked classified staff if they would like to share what they love most about their jobs. We received so many messages that we’re sharing them throughout this week. Today we’re including messages for our middle and high school staff members. Monday, we shared notes for our preschool and elementary staff members; Tuesday, we shared messages for Transportation and Food Services.

Want to join in the celebration? Send an email or handwritten note directly to the classified staff member you want to thank – and, if you also want to share your message publicly, send us a copy at isdcommunications@issaquah.wednet.edu!

Thank you, ISD classified staff members!

💚Maywood MS 💚

Principal Erin Armstrong and Assistant Principal John Gardiner shared these notes of thanks:
⭐Thank you to Joan, Jen, Mythili, Michelle, and Kris (Office Team) for being the welcoming faces of Maywood and supporting students, families, and staff each day—from helping with lockers and registration to keeping our school running smoothly behind the scenes.
⭐Thank you to Garrett (Tech Specialist) for supporting teaching and learning across campus by troubleshooting technology issues and ensuring students and staff have the tools they need.
⭐Thank you to Nina and Gretchen (Health Room Team) for the compassionate care you provide and for creating a calm space where students can receive support and attention when they need it.
⭐Thank you to Vern, Dale, Mike, and Anthony (Custodial Team) for taking such great pride in caring for our campus and keeping our school clean, organized, and ready for the many transitions throughout the day.
⭐Thank you to Sabrina, Angela, Nissi, Merrily, Cassidy, Hayley, Amanda, April, Naz, and Yu Ann (Paraprofessional Team) for supporting students throughout the day, building strong relationships, and partnering with teachers to help every student feel supported and included.
⭐Thank you to Kara, Helina, and Katharine (Substitute Paraprofessionals) for stepping in whenever needed to help ensure consistent support for students and staff.
⭐Thank you to Jill, Victoria, Mary, and Tony (Food Services Team) for keeping our students fueled for learning each day and creating a welcoming environment in the cafeteria.
⭐Thank you to our Bus Drivers for building positive relationships with students and ensuring they arrive safely and ready for the day.
⭐Thank you to Mike (School Safety Officer) for helping maintain a safe and supportive environment while connecting with students and assisting with supervision throughout the day.
⭐Thank you to Lina (Family Partnership Liaison) for helping strengthen the connection between school and home and supporting families as partners in their students’ success.

💛Echo Glen💛

⭐Marissa Corona, Echo Glen paraprofessional, shared: “My job at Echo Glen has been life-changing. Working with students here has shown me that education goes beyond teaching. It goes hand in hand with compassion, commitment, consistency, connection and love. Echo Glen staff works as a team. We have become family, and I always feel that care and connection.”

💙Liberty 💙

⭐Teacher Hailey Palm said “Thank you Marina MacVicar, Maricel Paulino and Neha Singh for all that you do for our LRC 2 program. Your hard work and dedication to our students is absolutely incredible, and I am so grateful to work with you all!!!”
⭐Assistant to the Principal Beth Hardy shared that she loves being part of a team that celebrates Spirit Days together! In the photo, Hardy and team are dressed up as “Where’s Waldo” for a Spirit Day.
 

💚Skyline 💚

⭐Assistant Principal Kevin Adamo wrote: “Gary Mogg has been a tremendous addition to the Skyline athletic program. His passion for athletics and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes is evident in everything he does. Gary consistently works to ensure that students are not only involved in athletics, but that they have a positive and rewarding experience while representing Skyline. The role of an Athletic Director requires a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. Gary handles it all with professionalism and dedication. In addition to the responsibilities that come with the position, he puts in countless extra hours each day to support our teams and student-athletes. Gary’s positive presence, strong work ethic, and commitment to students make him an outstanding representative of Skyline athletics. We are grateful for the leadership, care, and energy he brings to our program. Thank you, Mr. Mogg, for everything you do for our Skyline student-athletes. You are a tremendous asset and a great face for our athletic program.”

🔗 To catch up on the prior days’ notes of thanks: bit.ly/ISDclassifiedWeek2026

 

Day 2 of Education Support Professionals Week

🍎Food Service 🍎

Brian Lisser, Amie Garcia, Teri Langdon and Brian Olson wrote:

“Happy Classified Employee Week to the amazing kitchen staff across the Issaquah School District!

Since school started this past August, our teams served almost 40,000 breakfasts and an incredible 364,000 lunches to students across the district. That’s nearly 400,000 meals fueling learning, sports, music, math tests, recess energy, and the occasional middle-school growth spurt — and we still have 4 more months to go!

Those numbers are impressive, but what they really represent is the daily commitment, care, and teamwork that each kitchen brings to our schools.

Behind every tray served is an early morning, careful preparation, problem-solving on the fly, and the pride they take in making sure students are fed and ready to learn.

Our kitchen staff do far more than prepare meals. They are often the first friendly face a student sees in the morning in the breakfast line, or the person who greets them in the middle of a busy school day. They help create a place where students feel welcomed, cared for, and supported.

They also perform daily miracles like:

• Turning a delivery truck full of boxes into hundreds of delicious meals.
• Feeding an entire lunch period in about the time it takes most people to microwave leftovers.

But jokes aside, the work they do truly matters. For many students, the meals served in our cafeterias are an important and dependable part of their day. The consistency, care, and professionalism they bring ensures that students across our district are supported not just academically, but in their basic well-being.

We know the work is fast-paced, often hectic, and mostly behind the scenes. But it makes a real difference in our schools every single day. Their effort, teamwork, and dedication are deeply appreciated.

So, this Classified Employee Week, we want to say thank you for everything they do — their hard work, their humor, their teamwork, and the heart they bring to our schools every day.

Also, for anyone wondering:
Yes, serving 400,000 meals officially qualifies as a lot of work.

We appreciate them more than words (or meal counts) can capture. Thank you for feeding our students, our hearts, and our school community.”

 

🚌Transportation 🚌

Routing Coordinator Robin Dawson wrote:

“School Bus Drivers, Mechanics, & Office,

Our team works together to transport nearly 14,000 students to school and home every day!

School bus drivers are the best because:

• We combine skill, heart, and responsibility in a way few jobs require.
• We safely transport what matters most — children — in all weather and traffic conditions.
• We manage a moving vehicle and a bus full of students at the same time.
• We build real relationships and often become trusted adults in students’ lives.
• We stay calm under pressure and handle situations with patience and professionalism.
• We show up consistently — early mornings, dark winter afternoons, tough days.
• We are the first and last school representative students see each day.
• Without us, school doesn’t start.

It’s not just a driving job — it’s leadership on wheels.

Transportation Mechanics are the nuts and bolts of our operation:

• Safety first: You keep our buses safe and road-ready for every student and driver.
• Problem solvers: You diagnose and fix issues quickly so routes stay on schedule.
• Behind-the-scenes heroes: Your work may be out of sight, but it keeps the entire transportation system moving.
• Always dependable: Early mornings, late afternoons — you’re there whenever the fleet needs you.
• Masters of your craft: Your knowledge and skill keep hundreds of students riding safely every day.
• True team players: Drivers, dispatch, and families rely on the work you do every single day.

The office hub: You keep drivers, schools, and families connected and informed.

• Masters of the details: Routes, schedules, and student information stay organized because of your careful work.
• Keeping the wheels turning: When challenges pop up, you find solutions that keep buses moving.
• Early mornings & busy afternoons: You manage the busiest times of the day with patience and professionalism.
• Support for everyone: Drivers, mechanics, and families all rely on your knowledge and guidance.

The heart of the operation: Your dedication behind the scenes makes safe, reliable transportation possible every day.

Happy Educational Support Professional Appreciation Week — you keep our team POPPIN'!”

 

 

Day 2 of Education Support Professionals Week

💚Cascade Ridge💚

Teacher Kristen Page shared these shout-outs:
⭐“Shanna Collins is a paraeducator who adds joy and peace to our school community! Shanna works tirelessly with individual students, on the playground, and in our Cafe. My son is a 4th grader at our school, and here is how he describes Ms. Shanna: ‘Ms. Shanna is the kind of person you want to have around. You can talk to her about anything. You can trust her.’ Cascade Ridge is a better place because Shanna is here.”

⭐“Georgia Teodosiadis is an excellent paraeducator at Cascade Ridge! Her patience is endless, and her kindness is inspiring. When students are reluctant or defiant, Georgia reminds them that she is there to help them. Georgia is consistent and steadfast. Our school community is stronger with her in it.”

⭐“Laura Gaffney is a wonderful paraeducator at Cascade Ridge! Laura joined our staff this year, and I am so grateful that she did! She is kind and patient - especially working with students one on one. Laura is good at connecting with kids.”

 

💙Clark Elementary💙

Teacher Devin Maccio said:
⭐"Amy Kamm and Ashley Dunn (Office Professionals): These ladies are absolutely incredible! They not only warmly greet families and students each day, but they support students who need a break, support staff with questions or needs, and most of all, bring so much joy each and every day to the building and are such an asset for all of us!"

🐾Cougar Ridge🐾

Dean of Students Kaeleigh Wilson shared:
⭐“We are proud to celebrate our incredible classified staff at Cougar Ridge. From our office team to custodians, kitchen staff, LRC1 and LRC2 teams, and general education paraeducators: you are the heart of our school. You go above and beyond every day because you care deeply about our students and their success. You build relationships, create safe and welcoming spaces, and support students academically, socially, and emotionally in countless ways. You truly live our mission: At Cougar Ridge, every child is our child. Belonging comes first. Thank you for the compassion, dedication, and joy you bring to Cougar Ridge. We are so grateful to work alongside you and could not do this work without you.”

🩶Discovery Elementary🩶

Teacher Isabella Perkin wrote:
⭐“Ms. Gisela (Varela Ruiz), our Transitional Kindergarten paraprofessional, is an incredible support to our students each and every day. She works closely with them in small groups, stays by their side during recess and lunch, and creates a safe, nurturing space where strong connections can grow. Her warmth, patience, and positivity bring so much joy to our days, and our students truly thrive because of her care and dedication.”
 

💛Endeavour Elementary💛

Anhthu Ngo shared these notes of thanks:
⭐“Ivy Rasquinha, Kim Bair, Caroline Burton-Moore, Michele Brady, Hannah Snyder, Ginny Gray, Rachael Levine, and Tara Azari: our amazing paraprofessional team that support our students and teachers. You help solve a million problems a day for all the students and we would not be able to run this school without you. Thank you for showing up and being wonderful.”

⭐“Tom Evans, Michelle Evans, and Abraham Hernandez: THANK YOU for doing all the behind-the-scenes work (set up for assemblies and concerts, staying late to help with after school events, cleaning up less-desirable spills, etc.) You are such an amazing team and we are so lucky to have cohesive and responsive (and hilarious) colleagues like you!”

💚Grand Ridge Elementary💚

Leena, Bonnie and Sedi wrote:
⭐“Pooja, Alex, Charlotte, Heather, Kelly, Candice and Alicia, our Grand Ridge LRC paraprofessionals: Thank you for being the kind of team every school dreams of having. Your kindness sets the tone for our students’ days, your thoughtfulness lifts up those around you, and your genuine care creates a space where every child feels seen and supported. You work relentlessly — often behind the scenes, often without recognition — and yet you show up every day with curiosity, empathy, and an eagerness to learn that inspires everyone around you. Your flexibility is unmatched. You step in, step up, and step alongside one another without hesitation. You take things into your own hands, fill in for each other seamlessly, and model what true teamwork looks like. Because of you, our students thrive. Because of you, our classrooms run with heart. Because of you, we are a stronger, more connected community. You are the perfect team, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do.”
 

🖍Holly Street ELC🖍

Yunjoo, Mollie and Val, teachers at Holly Street, shared this shoutout:
⭐“Holly Street ECE paras! We could NOT do this job without our amazing paraprofessionals in the classroom and health room!! They help with classroom management, setting up activities, supporting students' needs, and jumping into any situation with a positive attitude! Thank you, Corinne, Tiffany, Layne, Cinthia, Flor, Uma, Prithivi, Randi, Carol, Lisa and Teresa!”
 

💚Issaquah Valley Elementary💚

Cedar Trails teacher Allison King said:
⭐“Bree Leon (IVE) is an incredible para. She brightens everyone's day with a smile and infectious enthusiasm. Students feel seen, valued and cherished, and know that school is a safe place because of Ms. Bree. Whether she is helping at the crosswalk, on the playground, in the classroom, in the library or supporting friends, she embodies the kindness and generosity that ISD staff are known for. Thanks to Bree for being such a ray of sunshine at IVE!”
 

💙Sunny Hills💙

Assistant Principal Julia Dorn and Cami Przybylski wrote:
⭐“Our Para Team at Sunny Hills is top notch! These amazing staff members are responsive, creative in problem solving, ready to step up, caring, and great teammates. We are thankful for all they do for us each and every day!”