Employees of the Month, Jun 09

Kathleen Wright

Kathleen joined the school district in September 1999.  She has the huge responsibility of being the Accounts Payable Manager.  She works extremely hard paying the school district’s bills in a timely manner and thus keeping our vendors happy.  Kathleen, along with Sally Cadigan, has provided nice stability in the district office over the past ten years.  She is an avid animal lover and enjoys “dog sitting” for her daughter even though it means very early morning walks.  The Sedona-Oak Creek School District is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and good natured lady as Kathleen serving the public.  - written by Superintendent Mike Aylstock

Jimmy Silva

Jimmy has been working for the Sedona-Oak School District since 2001.  He came to the District Office after a brief stint working at Red Rock High School, and we are so glad he did.  If there was ever a Jack of all Trades it is Jimmy.  He keeps the District Office clean, handles maintenance issues in the building, takes care of the distribution of mail throughout the district, and carries out all of his responsibilities with a big smile.  Jimmy takes great pride in his work, and his constant positive attitude is contagious to everyone around him.  - written by Superintendent Mike Aylstock

Employees of the Month, May 09

Pat Pfeifer
Certified Employee of the Month, May 2009

Pat Pfeifer has been teaching for over 40 years.  She has spent over 30 years teaching at West Sedona School.  She has taught whole families of kids and parents in Sedona. Two teachers at West Sedona were in Ms. Pfeifer’s class in fifth grade. Pat is fresh, exciting and innovative each and every day.  Her kids know where they stand, and they want to achieve.  She is the one of the most caring teachers that I know, and one of the most organized and focused on learning.  She walks her talk. Pat is surgical in finding out what works best for each of her students, and is a true partner with parents. Our school librarian asked her kids to write about Ms. Pfeifer, here is a composite.  “Ms. Pfeifer is an outstanding woman, I learn a lot from her, she is funny and reads us interesting books.  When I become a teacher I want to be just like her.”

Right now Pat is a finalist in the teacher of the year for the County.  She has nearly perfect attendance and believes she comes to school, not work! She knows each of her students well and cares about them deeply.  Ms. Pfeifer never misses her duty, and volunteers for extra duty because she is a strong believer in supervision.  This year the Brain Gym grant coordinator told me that Ms. Pfeifer kicks butt with her impeccable record keeping of all the kids and their pedometers.  She believes in health and nutrition and has spoken with all of her kids about how to stay healthy.

Pat also never misses an opportunity to give me insight and input and let me know that I am doing a good job!  I rely on her support and think of her as a model staff member.  - written by Dr. Lisa Hirsch, Principal West Sedona School

Marsha Beckwith
Classified Employee of the Month, May 2009

Marsha Beckwith is in her 11th year as West Sedona school’s secretary.  The kids love her so much they dedicated the yearbook to her last year! Marsha is best known for keeping everyone organized and on their toes.  She is early to work and late to go home.  I look at Marsha as my right hand woman.  I feel very fortunate to have a secretary who has all of the kids interest at heart.  She is also generous.  It is not uncommon for her to go out and buy a couple of hams at Christmas time and give them to families who she feels needs them.  She is also the major leader of our social committee.  She brings joy to the teachers and staff through decorative and decadent holiday lunches, usually loaded with chocolate desserts. She is always doing things to boost morale and to model team work.

Marsha has been key in our construction projects giving sensible input and being aware of safety of the students young and old.  Marsha belongs to the PTSA and she does not even have kids in the school.  she spent the year going to all of the meetings and participating in efforts to fund raise for West Sedona.  She rides a Harley and there is no messing with Marsha!  - written by Dr. Lisa Hirsch, Principal West Sedona School

Employees of the Month, April 09

Tana Williams
Certified Employee of the Month, April 2009

Tana has been working in Sedona schools for thirty years.  She started as a teacher at West Sedona School, then became a librarian there.  She has been the librarian at Big Park Community School since the school was founded in 1994.  She loves her job, loves the kids she works with, loves books and loves working with technology.

Richard Hutengs
Classified Employee of the Month, April 2009

“Mr. Richard” has been with Big Park Community School for 15 years, starting as a Special Education Aide, then becoming a custodian.  He is dearly loved by staff and students and is known for getting the job done as soon as it’s needed.

Employees of the Month, Mar 09

Karyl Goldsmith
Certified Employee of the Month, March 2009

Karyl & Mr. Lykins

Karyl has been a member of the SRRHS staff for 14.5 years.   She is part of the fabric that makes SRRHS what it is today, an excelling school!  Karyl’s ability to engage every student every day with a challenging and enriching curriculum makes her a master teacher.  Outside of her direct impact on student achievement, she impacts student lives by being a mentor and role model.  She also serves as a mentor to many staff members including myself.

Karyl’s passion for SRRHS allows her the time to be the National Honor Society sponsor which embraces student achievement and leadership.  She is also the sponsor for an award winning student literary magazine called “Petroglyphs”.  She is the Senior class sponsor along with serving on the school improvement team.  Karyl is a true “scorpion“.  - written by David Lykins, Principal SRRHS

K Busche
Classified Employee of the Month, March 2009

K & Mr. Lykins

K Busche has worked at SRRHS in excess of 12 years as the Administrative Secretary.  Prior to that she worked at Big Park School and at West Sedona School as a physical education teacher. K is an extremely organized and task oriented employee.  She does not quit until the job is done!  She also works diligently to support my efforts as Principal of SRRHS.

K is the ultimate team player which goes hand in hand with her success coaching our girls volleball team for the bulk of her time at SRRHS.  When I hear K Busche’s laugh, I know I am at Red Rock High School, which is also part of the fabric that envelops SRRHS with the “excelling” label.  - written by David Lykins, Principal SRRHS

Employees of the Month, Feb 09

Sedona-Oak Creek School District is happy to announce our new staff recognition program with our first Employees of the Month.  Congratulations to Mr. Aitken and Ms. Di!

Greg Aitken
Certified Employee of the Month, February 2009

Greg has worked in the District since 1992.  He began his career at Brewer Road School, and then moved to West Sedona for 11 years. At WS, Mr. Aitken worked with students with special needs. In addition he started a children’s singing group, established a weight room program for the PE department and started the mountain biking club for WS students after school.

In 2005, Mr. Aitken moved to BP school. He continues to work with students with learning challenges and incorporates singing and music into his program. Mr. Aitken also helps as a coach at BP with cross-country, girls basketball and track and field.  Additionally, Greg is quite renowned in this town, as a saxophone player, performing in restaurants like, ’The Fork in the Road’ and Shugrue’s.

Greg is a true asset to both the school district, the community, and to the students and the families he serves. Thank you, Mr. Aitken for both your service and dedication to students in Sedona School District.

Diana Morison
Classified Employee of the Month, February 2009

Diana started working for the school district with special needs children in 1998.  Ms. Di has worked at the Sedona preschool, and both West Sedona and Big Park schools. In addition to her classroom duties, she has been the Athletic Director at Big Park School for the last four years and, she is the current volleyball coach at BP.

Ms. Di is greatly loved by her students, with many of them returning from the high school to visit her and seek her advice. Ms. D is greatly appreciated and is a true asset to the Sedona School District.