Congratulations, October MPS Shines winners!

Each month, staff have an opportunity to nominate their colleagues for MPS Shines. Winners are randomly chosen from the nominations and receive recognition across MPS newsletters and social media, a coffee mug and other prizes.

Help us congratulate October's MPS Shines winners:

Aaron Vizenor-Hammerly (White Earth Ojibwe), social studies teacher, Edison High School

“Aaron continues to reach above and beyond bringing Native American knowledge and wisdom to Edison. He started a Native American student affinity group at Edison and increased the curriculum of the Native Ethnic Studies class for our students. Many of our Native students view him as a leader and mentor. His presence as a Native American educator fills a hole in MPS that helps more students see themselves in the classroom and their schools.” - Amelia Marquez

Shayda Gounili, student support specialist, Sanford Middle School, Check and Connect

"Shayda started at Sanford last year as our Spanish speaking Check and Connect staff. She hit the ground running and worked hard building relationships with families, students and staff. There isn't a day that goes by that Shayda doesn't go above and beyond her job duties. Shayda is responsible for enrolling nearly all of our newcomer non-English speaking students into after school this year and last. She reached out to every parent and translated and walked them through the registration process. She made sure the kids knew which bus to get on and where to get off and stayed late to make sure they found their way to their clubs. The kids have found community in after-school and they are there thanks to her work and dedication.

She works tirelessly connecting families to resources, holding their hands through all of the processes. She enrolled her students in summer programming and is always looking out and keeping them updated on opportunities. Shadya makes sure her families have all of life's essentials and more by connecting them to grants and food resources. She has built solid, remarkable relationships with her students and families. 

That's not all though. She's also built remarkable relationships with all the students in the building. The kids all know her, love and respect her. She shows them care, love and interest in their lives. 

No one does the amount of work that Shadya does and no one compares to her care and energy. Sanford is better because Shadya is here, without question! MPS is so lucky to have her!” - Lissa Gordon

Katie Moen, High Five teacer, Nellie Stone Johnson

“Katie Moen's aptitude for establishing meaningful connections with her colleagues and her scholars is clearly evident. Her teaching approach, characterized by a harmonious blend of empathy and a commitment to excellence, is truly commendable. Katie's patient and empathetic demeanor, paired with an unwavering commitment to fostering each student's individual growth, distinguishes her as an exemplary educator. Nellie Stone Johnson is incredibly lucky to have her as one of our High Five Teachers.” - Emily Renner