No Challenge Stops Ethan

Ethan has had a terrific first half of his ninth-grade year here at CSD. The team decided he earned the spotlight this month. Between navigating his way around the building to taking on the workload of being in high school, no challenge has seemed to put a stop to his drive. I asked Ethan “what he was proud of most after his first two semesters of high school?” He simply stated “everything”. Ethan has been on time everyday most of the second semester and has risen to the ranks of being on the blue level in the classroom. Completing all [...]

No Challenge Stops Ethan2022-01-18T00:34:53-05:00

Ms. Whitehead Goes Above And Beyond

Ms. Whitehead has gone above and beyond her duties and made sure that students were academically tested for annual review meetings. She has consistently been caught engaged in hands-on projects with her classes. Ms. Whitehead upholds the duties and responsibilities of her job title. Ms. Whitehead has demonstrated teamwork qualities. She has consistently provided the model of academic rotations and engagement during the academic tasks with her students. She takes on leadership tasks in the school such as but not limited to Senior Advisor and Coordinator. She helps run the “Snack Market” and provides oversight to the “In school transition [...]

Ms. Whitehead Goes Above And Beyond2022-01-18T00:34:53-05:00

Julia Does Not Give Up

Over the past month, Julia has demonstrated an optimistic approach to everything she does. She is kind, helpful and respectful towards staff and peers. Julia does not give up and works hard towards her goals. The teaching team stated that Julia is a phenomenal, respectful, young lady. Julia is a great student who is friendly towards her peers and volunteers to help others. When Julia comes to class, she is ready to start her assignments and work hard to accomplish good grades. Thus far this school year, Julia has said she is proud of her academic growth and participation in [...]

Julia Does Not Give Up2022-01-18T00:34:54-05:00

Adam’s Smile Lights Up A Room

Adam had many sensory challenges when he joined BEST Academy. Over time, he has accessed coping mechanisms to assist with visual and auditory stimulation. His favorite activities are washing dishes, finding the water soothing, and taking walks. For his comfort, we have purchased He has taken these skills and been able to transition to a new classroom recently, readily accepting new peers, new sounds and sights. Adam has taught us a great deal. He let us into his unique world and allowed us to share our world with him. He has a smile that will light up a room! This [...]

Adam’s Smile Lights Up A Room2022-01-18T00:34:55-05:00

Amanda Is Invaluable

Amanda is always happy to assist with any need at any time, exuding confidence and kindness. She never seems hurried or concerned, making each student feel special and important. These traits were increasingly evident this month as she was more active throughout the school building as she filled in for Nurse Mike’s absence. This Fall, she accepted an additional responsibility as one of our three Qualified Professionals. This role supports our campus RN by addressing basic first aid needs, assisting with medication regimes and generally being a constant voice of calm and positivity. In the past month, Amanda has been [...]

Amanda Is Invaluable2022-01-18T00:34:55-05:00

Andrew’s Positive Attitude

Andrew Martin Dean is a Teacher’s Assistant at Aurora Day School in the SHINE High School room. He recently received his Bachelor’s Degree and his Substitute Teaching Certificate. He has a passion for working with kids and is currently assisting in our Jr. High Classroom as a Substitute Teacher. With his unwavering devotion and dependability, he provides consistency and stability for our program. Andrew is always willing to help wherever needed. He consistently has a positive attitude and a fantastic sense of humor. He often stays late to ensure that he is ready for the next day. He is always [...]

Andrew’s Positive Attitude2022-01-18T00:34:55-05:00

Jacki’s Dedication

Jackie Maidon is an assistant teacher in our Middle School 1 classroom. Jacki is dedicated to the students and illustrates compassion daily. She goes out of her way to create and implement fun and creative lessons and activities. Jacki demonstrates a willingness to pitch in where help is needed. She puts time and effort into building rapport with the students and it is evident by the approach the students have with her. Jackie was selected as student of the month because she has shown initiative by assisting in multiple classrooms when staff are out. Jackie also does well with helping [...]

Jacki’s Dedication2022-01-18T00:34:56-05:00

Dustin’s Amazing Progress

Dustin has shown amazing progress in the classroom in all areas. He displays excellent gold level behaviors throughout the entire school day. Dustin is a great leader in the classroom and very sociable towards his peers. Dustin gets along well with others and enjoys coming to school. From the teacher and the two aides in the classroom the words that best describe Dustin are respectful and kind. Dustin has a great attitude and shows great effort with attempting new tasks in the classroom even when they are challenging. Dustin is a people person as he is very kind to all [...]

Dustin’s Amazing Progress2022-01-18T00:34:57-05:00

We Are Incredibly Proud of Norris

Norris has worked hard to reach his goal of graduation this semester by making great choices in the classroom. His teacher Ms.Gray says, “He’s grown in understanding how to use his coping skills and has also become more social.” Norris has been an example to the rest of our elementary students through his enthusiastic commitment to graduating from Sierra School at Barrett. Norris has made an impression on our Sierra School at Barrett team. Ms.Gray says, “Norris is very independent. He’s a talented artist. And he has a huge imagination.” Our principal Ms.Harris says, “Norris is very intelligent and has [...]

We Are Incredibly Proud of Norris2022-01-18T00:35:03-05:00

Tiffani Is Invaluable

Tiffani was chosen as staff of the month, for her willingness to help everyone on campus, her great attitude no matter what the day brings, and her incredible flexibility. She has been an asset to the team. She has built a wonderful rapport with the students in the classroom, she is an assistant for Mark Williams. Tiffani is always willing to help, and we have had her support multiple classrooms, sometimes in the same day! She always has a smile on her face, which rubs off on the staff and students. “Tiffani is invaluable with her knowledge and her [...]

Tiffani Is Invaluable2022-01-18T00:35:04-05:00