“If a student is hungry, she feeds them. If a student is exhausted, she allows them to rest. If a student needs attention, she provides positive interactions with them.” This is what a colleague says about the March Employee of the Month, Idalia Acosta-Pasten.

Ms. Acosta-Pasten is the Special Education Department Chair at Kirby Middle School. And while her colleagues have many wonderful things to say about what she does for them and for children, they also say that one of the things she does best is listen, listen and consider their thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Acosta-Pasten is all about coming up with creative solutions to complicated challenges and helping others do the same. She is actively engaged in learning alongside her team especially when it comes to new technologies that enhance student learning and improve students’ quality of life. 

She does all of this with a smile on her face. One that is as genuine, much like the one shared today as Interim Superintendent Dr. Rob Fields told her that she was the JISD March Employee of the Month!

Thank you for all you do for students and staff at JISD, Ms. Acosta-Pasten, your efforts do not go unnoticed. 

Thank you to Jordan Ford for sponsoring the JISD Employee of the Month. 

Click here to view the entire photo album.

The first thing the Coronado Village Elementary Principal Erica Garza said about Mrs. Topsy Thomas was, “she lights up a room when she walks in it.” She could not have been more spot-on!

Thomas is the February Employee of the Month and she was over the moon about it, giving everyone within reach gigantic hugs and lighting up the room as promised!

She is a relatively new addition to Coronado Village Elementary, joining them as the teacher in the Behavioral Academic Classroom. But, it didn’t take long for her to make an impact at CVE. 

“Rarely do you see an individual faced with such a diverse mix of personalities that makes up a new community, prosper, flow and help it grow in such a short amount of time,” CVE teacher Rachal Ramirez said.

In her new role, Thomas was not shy about jumping into any situation with a smile and an encouraging word. She is knowledgeable and shares those successful strategies with her colleagues. 

According to Ramirez, “there is nothing she won't do if it means success for someone who appears to be struggling.”

Thomas intentionally cultivates positive and productive relationships with her students and co-workers, sharing her effervescent attitude and contagious smile to bring joy to those around her. 

“Students, co-workers, and parents benefit by the good vibes she brings, and the respectful way she sets boundaries for herself, ensuring she and everyone else, get what they need out of every interaction they have with her,” Ramirez said.

Congratulations to Mrs. Thomas and thank you for making every moment brighter at Coronado Village for your students and colleagues alike!

Thank you to Jordan Ford for sponsoring the Judson ISD Employee of the Month.

When Interim Superintendent Dr. Rob Fields awarded the January Employee of the Month to Mr. Russell Baskin, the classroom full of students erupted into applause and cheers.

That’s when you know it was a perfect choice!

Baskin teaches Gateway to Technology at JSTEM Academy, but he does not limit his influence to just what happens in his classroom. He is also the sponsor of the JSTEM FTC Robotics Team.

“Mr. Baskin arrives early, stays late, works weekends and holidays helping his students improve their robotics skills,” said one of his JSTEM colleagues. 

His concern for his students extends beyond what they do at JSTEM. He takes an active role in making sure students know about the many opportunities they have in high school that can prepare them for their futures. He invites students from Judson High School, Judson Early College Academy, and Wagner High School to talk with 8th graders about high school courses and pathway options. He organizes a Pathway Day where teachers wear their letter jackets to encourage discussion and generate excitement among students about their futures.

Baskin is also an incredible team member. According to a colleague, he has a helper attitude. You can find him solving technology challenges all over JSTEM and JMS. He is always willing to volunteer for extra duties around campus. He happily shares solutions, strategies, and innovative ideas with his colleagues.

“When I see Mr. Baskin, I see a person who wants the best for everyone. He truly wants people to succeed,” the colleague said.

Thank you Mr. Baskin for doing the many things that contribute to the success of students and staff at JSTEM and congratulations on being named the JISD January Employee of the Month.

JISD greatly appreciates Jordan Ford for sponsoring the JISD Employee of the Month.

When you think of Rocket Pride, you think of Jay Trees, Judson High School Ag Teacher and the December Employee of the Month. 

You can see Trees at JHS almost every day from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., training Leadership Development teams or helping students build welding and construction projects for Livestock and Ag Mechanic shows. For 19 years, he has made it his mission to build relationships with his students and their parents to create a sense of community within the Judson FFA.

That sense of community continues beyond the walls of JHS. Trees is also the advisor of the Judson FFA Alumni group that meets each month.

“Mr. Trees is an alum who continues to demonstrate Rocket Pride through the FFA Department. His impact and influence are seen throughout Judson High School and our community,” JHS Principal Richard Mendoza said.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Rob Fields presented the award to Trees and echoed those sentiments.

“Thank you for coming back to Judson. Thank you for what you put into the district and thank you for exemplifying Rocket Pride,” Fields said.

Congratulations Mr. Jay Trees and thank you for your commitment to making Judson a great place for students and families. 

Thank you to Jordan Ford for sponsoring the JISD Employee of the Month.

The JISD Jordan Ford Employee of the Month is Tara Taylor. Taylor is the campus secretary at Judson High School and manages her workload without ever letting anyone know how full her plate really is. 

“Never have I worked with an Admin Assistant juggling so much, yet, Ms. Taylor deals with each person as if what they are coming to her with is the only thing on her plate,” said Jennifer Heine, Taylor’s colleague.

No matter what surprises Taylor’s day holds, she manages them all with grace and a sense of calm. She accepts challenges without hesitation and is always ready to find a solution.

It is clear that Taylor is keeping the Rockets on course with her positive attitude, kind spirit and out-of-this-world organizational and communication skills. Congratulations, Tara Taylor, and thank you to Jordan Ford for sponsoring the JISD Employee of the Month!

A gym full of active and smiling students helped Dr. Ball celebrate the October Employee of the Month Coach Gabriel Sanchez! Coach Sanchez is the P.E. teacher at Park Village Elementary but according to his colleagues, teaching P.E. is only one of the contributions he makes to the students and staff of Park Village. 

As a matter of fact, even when he is not scheduled to serve his campus in some capacity, you can still find him making a difference. Whether it’s at an extra lunch duty, an after-school event, or just an extra five minutes he has in his day, he is there for his Bulldog Family. 

“Coach Sanchez truly embodies the type of employee people would want to work with

because he is a team player. He lends a hand because he wants the students and staff to feel supported,” Charles Ford, a fellow teacher at Park Village, said.

When you meet Coach Sanchez, it is apparent that he is not a seeker of attention. He is a true servant to his school and community. 

“He comes in every day with the mind to work hard, support the staff, students, and families of Park Village, and to do so with honor and integrity,” Ford said.

After the cheers, taking the photos and being given Employee of the Month goodies, Coach Sanchez looked at his students and said, “My strength does not come from my muscles, it comes from them.”

That's exactly why Gabriel Sanchez is such an incredible choice for October Employee of the Month. 

Congratulations to Coach Sanchez and thank you to Jordan Ford for helping us celebrate him!

The Hartman Elementary front office was filled with cheers and smiles as Dr. Ball announced Maribel Lerma the September Employee of the Month! Mrs. Lerma is the secretary at Hartman and is the backbone of all Knight-related operations. Her days are filled with tasks - processing purchase orders, arranging substitutes, answering phone calls and questions, helping campus visitors and the list goes on. Yet, she is still the first to volunteer and ask, “What do you need, and how can I help?” 

Her colleagues say that she is a true Hartman Knight and is a reflection of the campus’ core values: Humble, Accountable, Responsible, Trustworthy, Magnanimous, Authentic, and Noble. 

“Mrs. Lerma protects our children, campus, and teachers with all of her heart and is relentless in the pursuit of quality education for all Knights,” Hartman Principal Monica Rodriguez said.

We cannot think of a better reason to award her September Employee of the Month. Congratulations to Mirabel Lerma, and thank you to Jordan Ford for sponsoring this year’s JISD Employee of the Month recognition!

Family roots run deep at Wagner High School! Ms. Barbara Cardenas had been a volunteer at WHS for over 9 years with her mom, Ms. Tabbert.  Her sister also attends school there as a sophomore. It was just a matter of time before Ms. Barbie became an official member of the Thunderbird Family as the front office receptionist, where she says it was because of the relationships she created and the sense of community that she felt on campus that made it the perfect fit for her. Ms. Barbie started working at WHS in August 2021 and has already made a positive impact on the students and staff.  She is described as having a positive attitude and always willing to help others. You can find her afterschool helping many student organizations but dedicates most of her time assisting with Student Council.  After work Ms. Barbie taps into her creativity where she works as a makeup artist as well as in graphic design. She says that seeing others on campus giving 100% into their work and putting their entire heart into the school and district motivates her to do all that she can. It is because of her hard work and dedication that Ms. Barbie was named the JISD employee of the month for April.  Congratulations to Ms. Barbie at WHS!

A typical Tuesday morning turned into a flood of emotions for JISD payroll specialist Lisa Larsen. “When your entire team is pulled into a meeting with the Superintendent and your Assistant Superintendent, you get a little nervous”. The meeting quickly turned from nerves to cheers as Lisa was presented with her gifts for being selected as the JISD employee of the month. “I was in complete shock; it's truly a team effort,” Lisa says. Lisa started working for Judson ISD in 2014 but has been a member of the community long before that. Two of her children graduated from JHS in 2015 and she is a proud mom of a Class of 2022 senior. Lisa is a military child but made Judson ISD her home in the early 90’s as an alumnus from Judson HS. Lisa says she loves the people she works with. Outside of work Lisa loves spending time with her family. We are proud to have Lisa as a part of our family at Judson ISD.  Congratulations for being selected as the Judson ISD May employee of the month!

Team members gathered behind Dr. Ball as she walked the ERC building carrying balloons and gifts looking for Kerry Armstead, Executive Director of Special Education. Ms. Armstead is known for her calm and nurturing demeanor. She leads the Special Education Department, finding resources for students to achieve success.  She is very passionate about the work she does and often refers to her staff and our teachers as “change agents”. Ms. Armstead has been with Judson ISD for 10 years and has served in the classroom, as a campus administrator, and in the Special Education Department.  Judson ISD is like a family to her; she says she is grateful for the opportunity to come to work every day to do something she loves. When Ms. Armstead is away from work she is the queen of Netflix and enjoys listening to audiobooks. We are honored to name Ms. Kerry Armstead as the JISD employee of the month of March!

When Ms. Hoberer is with her students, her lessons are jam-packed with excitement and her classroom is full of positivity! Ms. Hoberer was selected as Judson ISD’s Employee of the month because she is a tremendous asset to the district and her campus. Her PE and Algebra students know she will bring fun and energetic lessons to class, even if the concepts seem hard. Her colleagues describe her as someone who will always brighten your day with a passion for teaching that is admirable.

Congratulations to Shannon Hoberer, from Judson Early College Academy, for being selected as the Employee of the Month.

Advocate, compassionate, and understanding - These three words are often used to describe Ms. Kellie Shivitz. Her students rush in for a hug and high five as Superintendent Dr. Ball paid a surprise visit to Ms. Shivitz in her classroom on Friday afternoon. Ms Shivitz has been selected as the JISD employee of the month for December. Her colleagues describe her as her student’s biggest advocate as they thrive in her classroom. She is known as a team leader going above and beyond for her students. We are honored to have teachers like Ms. Shivitiz leading the classrooms. Congratulations again to Ms. Kelllie Shivitiz from Woodlake Elementary.

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Judson ISD recognized Ms. Jodell Bennett as the November employee of the month. She is a Life Skills teacher at Metzger Middle School. Loving and caring for all her students are effortless qualities that she shows on a daily basis. Her colleges describe her as always having a smile on her face and is willing to help any other staff member. Congratulations to Ms. Bennett for being selected as the November employee of the month.

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Walking towards Ms. Oubre’s Pre-Kindergarten class at Miller’s Point Elementary, you can hear the giggles and singing coming from her classroom. Her students sit together engaged and soaking in all the fun lessons Ms. Oubre has planned for the day. Ms. Oubre comes to school every day with a smile and a mission to teach each adorable little face with love and kindness. She provides her students with a listening ear, guidance, and encouragement on how to nurture their students both academically and emotionally at home. Ms. Oubre has a kind and humble heart. She not only teaches her students with grace and passion, but she teaches them as if they were her own. Her devotion can also be seen when her former students return, and they greet one another with a big smile and open arms. This quote was used to describe Ms. Oubre on her nomination form, “All educators should teach with a heartbeat or heart song like Ms. Oubre, for the world would be a much kinder place to be.” Congratulations to Ms. Maria Oubre for being selected as the Judson ISD employee of the month for June. Superintendent Dr. Ball and Miller’s Point Principal Ms. Smejkal surprised Ms. Oubre in her classroom with her award, followed by some fun songs by her students. We are honored to have educators like Ms. Oubre here at Judson ISD.

You can see the full album HERE 

It is a fitting month to celebrate this particular individual who has gone above and beyond to make sure the students at Judson ISD are receiving the highest quality of teaching. This week we celebrate all teachers but in particular we are celebrating 4th grade math teacher from Ed Franz Elementary School, Ms. Daryan Baros.

Ms. Baros is known for finding interactive and engaging work for her students to practice their knowledge and understanding. She is described as a person who always has a smile on her face and is willing to go the extra mile for any student, parent, or coworker. Ms. Baros is known for her hard work and dedication to her craft. She was caught off guard when Principal Lofton called her to the front office, only to be surprised by Superintendent Dr. Ball with her award. We are honored to have her as a teacher for Judson ISD and appreciate all she does for the students at JISD and specifically at Franz ES. Congratulations, Ms. Baros.

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For Ms. Treanor from Veterans Memorial HS her students are her first priority. She cares about the success of each one of them even if it takes afternoon phone calls and weekly check-ins with parents. She is a golf coach and English honors teacher who recently really made an impact on one student.  A 10^th grade virtual student struggled with her dyslexia – reading and specifically English class does not come easy to her. Ms. Treanor provides the students parents with upcoming titles and novels so they can get a head start at home. Ms. Treanor goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed.  Her dedication to her student really makes her a big asset to our Judson ISD family and she is well deserving of the recognition of Judson ISD employee of the month.

See all Photos of her recognition

Tom Walker is a Judson HS alum and started working for the district two weeks after graduation in 1991.  Judson pride runs through Tom Walker's veins.  He is the maintenance supervisor for Judson ISD and is known for his willingness to lend a helping hand with a smile.  After work, he loves spending time with his wife Paula and their boys at church, coaching or watching football as a family.  Teamwork is something fundamental in the maintenance department.  Mr. Walker likes to share a story from 1997 when he and his team arrived to work one morning when Judson HS was hosting the first baseball playoff game with East Central.  They soon became aware that someone had broken into the complex, put a water hose on the pitcher’s mound, and turned it on.  Because of this, the sand for the mound and third base side of the infield was gone.  Coaches and athletics crew were determined not to let the vandalism hinder the game.  They all worked together to rebuild the entire field, and the game was a go.  Working as a team in the heat and mud just proved to Mr. Walker and all who were involved that they could do anything that is needed to do for the district to overcome any adversity.  Mr. Walker uses this story to continue that same solidarity and motivation to do whatever it takes to this day.  We are proud to have a lifelong employee like Mr. Walker in the district and are honored to name him JISD employee of the month for March.

View all the photos.

As a mother and grandmother, Ms. Virginia Lee, the receptionist at Metzger MS, knows how important it is to be involved and be an advocate for the students at Judson ISD. Ms. Lee has been an employee at Judson ISD for 11 years. Throughout her career, she has created relationships with the parents that walk into her school knowing that there is always some way to relate to them. She is known as a person with a big heart that lives to help others.  Her friendliness is never-ending as well as her smile and laugh. She loves her Metzger community and likes to give back which is why she has sponsored the angel tree every year, working with the social workers to identify students that are in need to sponsor a Christmas gift.  We would like to congratulate Ms. Lee as the Judson ISD employee of the month. Her positive attitude and commitment to the students at JISD is outstanding.

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Becoming the Judson ISD employee of the month was a recognition Dr. Medone from Judson HS was shocked to receive. Her team thought otherwise – JHS Principal Hernandez and his team led the way with drums and cheers as superintendent Dr. Ball delivered the surprise. Dr. Medone is known for working tirelessly to make sure her students and teachers are supported and was a perfect nominee for the award. 

Dr. Medone has worked for JISD for 14 years, starting as a 7^th grade teacher at Kirby Middle School then eventually becoming an ESL teacher for the Rockets at Judson HS.  Students are what make her days feel accomplished, seeing their growth and being able to see them transform is her greatest experience. She feels a strong sense of support working at Judson HS – “It’s a strong community between the students and teachers”. Her favorite part of the school year is graduation because it is an accomplishment she gets to experience alongside her students. On her free time, she likes to be in nature – bike rides and swimming are peaceful activities she enjoys.  Alongside her passion for her students she enjoys research in education. Dr. Medone says she is honored to be recognized as the Judson ISD January employee of the month.

View all the photos.

Ms. Elisa Husek couldn’t hold back the tears when she was surprised as the December employee of the month. Ms. Husek has been an employee at Judson ISD for 23 years, she is known for being loyal, dependable and a hard worker. She started her journey at Judson ISD as a single mom with 3 kids enrolled in the district - which made her decision to work at Judson ISD a perfect combination. Ms. Husek has been with the Curriculum and Instruction Department since she started 23 years ago. She is currently the secretary to the Assistant Superintendent. When she isn’t at work, she loves to craft, spend time in her garden, but especially spend time with her two grandchildren. She has always felt a sense of home and family here at Judson ISD. Ms. Husek loves that she gets to meet so many people and every day is a new exciting day.

Ms. Husek will be retiring at the end of December - we wish her the best of luck on her next journey as she will be missed.

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Coronado Village teacher Ms. Donna Gutierrez has been involved with Judson ISD since her own children were students. She became a substitute teacher then and Instructional assistant with an A. P. P. L . E. classroom while earning her degree and certification.  She is known for being a teacher with grace and love for her students, always going the extra mile for them. Ms. Gutierrez has been a teacher for 7 years and was in complete shock when she saw JISD superintendent Dr. Ball walk into her classroom, “I felt she may be lost and in need of direction” said Ms. Gutierrez. As her students cheered for her award Ms. Gutierrez spoke on how her students are what inspire her to keep teaching. She is the founder of the Toro running club which provides students the opportunity to be active and healthy. Students can run, jog, and walk, to improve physical fitness and have fun with friends.  Health and fitness are a big part of Ms. Gutierrez’s daily life, afterschool you can find Ms. Gutierrez hiking and biking with her family and spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Congratulations to Ms. Donna Gutierrez from Coronado Village Elementary School for being selected as the Judson ISD November employee of the month.

View all the photos.

Ms. Henson from Elolf Elementary was in complete shock when she saw her principal and the superintendent of Judson ISD walk into her classroom on Thursday afternoon. 

Ms. Henson is known as a genuine person always willing to go out of her way to help other teachers and staff members at her campus. 

When not at school she is focused on her own four children at home which is community and family based. 

 

“My teacher heart is now full again” Ms. Henson says. We are so honored to have educators like Ms. Henson here at Judson ISD.

 

Congratulations to the October employee of the month Ms. Jennifer Henson 

 

 

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Wagner HS college counselor Alissa Perez was surprised to see Dr. Ball and principal Duhart-Toppen walk into her office to award her the JISD employee of the month. Ms. Perez has been an employee of Judson ISD and specifically at Wagner HS for 3 years.

She is a UTSA roadrunner who found her passion for college advising while working at NE Lakeview helping incoming freshman register for classes. She knew she wanted to work with Judson ISD students and give them the opportunity they deserve for higher education. Her colleagues say Ms. Perez is a leader on campus, building relationships with the students. She is known for being kind, patient, hard working and dependable. You can always find Ms. Perez at a Wagner sporting event cheering on her students going above and beyond her daily duties.

We are blessed at Judson ISD to have educators like Ms. Perez and are honored to award her the September 2020 employee of the month. View all the photos

The February JISD Employee of the Month is someone who helps set the tone and atmosphere among students, staff, and parents. She is Copperfield Elementary School Office Support Aide Yolanda Walker, she couldn't believe this award was for her. Ms Walker was beyond surprised to see she was chosen as the JISD employee of the month.  Ms. Walker is energetic and positive to everyone she sees and has such a giving spirit about her. Her co-workers have explained how she keeps special snacks for some of the students that don’t get much of that at home. She has also been known to bring clothes and shoes to other students. Much of this is out of her own money because she cares and, as she puts it, “I just can’t tell them no.”

But most of all, Ms. Walker is one of those personalities that is a magnet to people who just need a little hug and encouragement…especially the children. They will run up to her when they see her at lunch. She knows their names and she can sense what they need. If you ask her for assistance with something, especially if it has to do with the students, she is always willing to help and many times will know more about how to assist the child or family than anyone else. For Ms. Walker, this is more than just a job, it’s a way of touching the lives of students and staff, and making a difference in their families. We congratulate Copperfield Elementary School’s Yolanda Walker the JISD Employee of the Month for February. 

Ms. Walker with Dr. Ball and Copperfield Principal Sherri Wrather

Metzger Health Teacher and Tennis Coach Sheila Gibson was totally floored when Dr. Ball walked in with the Employee of the Month award for her. For years, Ms. Gibson has been not only teaching the important basics of staying healthy and listening to their bodies, but she is so good at helping all students feel valued and a part of the group. This was made crystal clear by a parent who communicated to Dr. Ball about how Ms. Gibson works students of all levels of abilities into the classroom process and makes them comfortable enough to participate and be themselves. Knowing how to keep students of all backgrounds and capabilities engaged in what's being taught is a real gift. Her Principal is Ms. Loretta Davidson. We thank Ms. Gibson for sharing that with our Metzger Students. She is our Employee of the Month for January 2020!

The November/December Employee of the Month was surprised recently at Judson High School. He is Mr. Michael Dominguez. He is versatile teacher who is an instructor in Social Studies, Personal Finance Literacy, and Mexican American Studies. He was basically floored by the presentation that was made by Dr. Ball in the administrative conference room on campus. Mr. Dominguez has been with JISD for five years and what makes this nomination special is that it came from one of his students. The nomination explained that he sets the bar high for his students and the majority of them meet the goals. Students feel comfortable talking to him about their goals and plans after graduation and he is always willing to help with college or military choices, and scholarship essays. Congratulations to Mr. Michael Dominguez, the JISD Employee of the Month.

Crestview Elementary Teacher Maria Bryan

The October Judson ISD Employee of the Month is Maria Bryan who is a Pre-K Bilingual Aide at Crestview Elementary School. Along with teaching some of our very youngest students, she is an accomplished artist and she uses that whenever she can to relate learning to her students. She also truly has such compassion for students. She created an almost life-sized painting of a tree in the school's front hall in memory of a first-grader lost to cancer. Ms. Bryan doesn't seek the limelight, but she is always willing to cheerfully do what's need like conducting language tests or writing out difficult translations. She is an all-star at not just Crestview, but in Judson ISD. Congratulations!

The month of September is a time to recognize one of Judson ISD's wonderful employees. She is Karen Robb. Ms. Robb has been an integral part of the Business Services Department at the district office for 42 years. She is a real team player with a caring heart and is always baking delightful sweets for the office. She was surprised by Dr. Ball with flowers, candy, and a recognition certificate. We thank her for her longstanding service to the district. She'll retire at the end of this calendar year.

The Judson ISD Employee of the Month for the month of June is Catherine Tuttle who works in the Transportation Department. She was surprised recently during a department meeting by Dr. Ball and members of senior staff to recognized her commitment to her work. Ms. Tuttle has been described as a person who rarely is absent and always has the happiest attitude in helping others.

Ms. Tuttle does a lot for the JISD Transportation Department. She has worked with the district for more than 12 years. As the Judson Transportation Field Trip Coordinator for all campuses and specialty staff trips she has, to date, coordinated 2,177 Field Trips which required more than 3,000 vehicles. In addition, Ms. Tuttle assigns each driver their route, works with the Dispatch Office to assign buses, calculates the trip cost for each school, and many times drives a bus route herself. When transportation has a high number of field trips at night or weekends, she is always willing to be the on-call person to make sure everything runs right.

Congratulations to her for being an example to all of us!

Ms. Wilisha Hardeway was surprised by Dr. Ball and Principal Tracey Valree who presented her with the honor.

Wilisha Hardeway, who is part of the counseling staff at Metzger Middle School, was blown away when she found Dr. Ball at her office to present her with the Employee of the Month award. Ms. Hardeway works as an 8th-grade counselor and is a huge advocate, confidant, and tremendous coworker at Metzger.  She was nominated by Donna Tucker who describes her as having a great attitude with her students each day.  Another description shows how she works with anyone who comes to her office.

"She is her student's number one advocate...she has built a relationship with her students since she first acquired them in 6th grade. She is an AMAZING and caring woman who loves children and being able to help them reach their potential. No one cheers louder for her 8th graders...she is right there encouraging them and letting her 8th graders know that they are more than capable."

Mr. John Lambert with Dr. Ball, Kirby MS Principal Jerome Johnson

Mr. John Lambert, who teaches history at Kirby Middle School was nominated and named the Judson ISD Employee of the Month.  He was one of 30 nominations this past month. Mr. Lambert was surprised by Dr. Ball this first day of April with the award, but it was not an April Fool's joke...it was the real thing.  Mr. Lambert was nominated by Melody Manescu also a Kirby Middle School teacher.  Mr. Lambert shows a great attitude on a daily basis and his classroom is a place that is decorated to pull students into history and the importance of it.  One way he does this is dressing the part of his lesson. When he began a lesson recently on The West, he dressed up as a cowboy and acted the part all day long. Congratulations Mr. John Lambert...our JISD Employee of the Month for April.