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
Sincerely,
Pfeifer says teaching is a learning experience, not work
