2023 WLCSD Staff Recognition

Here we are, wrapping another great school year at West Liberty Community School District!  We couldn't have done it with out all of our staff members and we are so thankful that we have such fabulous people working for us, touching the lives of students each and every day.  Following our staff breakfast at the end of each school year we hold a presentation to recognize years of service in the district and announce West Liberty Community School District Foundation grant recipients! 

Years of Service Recognition 

1st Year of Service

Amber Adams, Abigail Alpen, Keylan Alvarado, Lesley Alvarado, Kennedy Amos, Mya Anderson, Anthony Arias, Aimee Arias-Vazquez, Cynthia Becker, Ana Blanes, Nicol Bramlett, Jose Cano, Elise Charles, Tana Deahr, Asminda Diaz, Maria Diaz, Aracely Fernandez, Timothy Foley, Maria Galvan, Andrew Genz, Natalie Green, Dana Hollenbeck, Marsha Jacobs, Dawn Kruse, Kelsi Lynch, Emily Millage, Stephanie Nixt, Sarah Nott, Jonas Otto, Dorriane Rees, Megan Rex, Saida Rodriguez, Amanda Ruiz, Kirk Ryan, Andrea Shultice, Jack Simpson, Rebecca Swanson, and Thomas Theiling.  (Those not in attendance at this morning's presentation are not pictured)

5 Years of Service

Beth Bryce, Sonya Cuba De Plum, Hilda Hernandez, Chelsea Hicks, Hannah Ingram, Timothy Kuenzel, Jesse Miller, Kayla Morrison, Abigail Osorio, Richard Reimers, and Dan Ruess.  (not pictured) Abigail Osorio, Richard Reimers, and Dan Ruess)

10 Years of Service

Luann Bjork, Elizabeth Hood, Mark Plum, and Ashley Smith

15 Years of Service

Carol Cline, Kelsey Garcia, Melia Larson, Jessica Madsen, and Amy Putney.  (Not Pictured Tyler Gross).

20 Years of Service

Lillian Ortiz.

25 Years of Service

Michele Knowles. (Not pictured Terry Struck)

35 Years of Service

Lori Hudson

We thank all of you for your dedication to West Liberty Community School District!  Your work touches the lives of many students and families, and we appreciate all that you do!  

2023 Grants Awarded

Fund for Educational Excellence (FEE) - These mini grants are supported by earnings from the Alberta Metcalf Kelly Estate each year.  Up to 5 grants at a maximum total of $600 per grant can be awarded each year or a max total of $3,000.  These grants enhance instructional methods, encourage creativity in the classroom,  involve parents and other volunteers, and foster imaginative teaching.  Annually, teachers have the opportunity to apply for funding to support innovative projects that will enhance classroom learning.  Five grants were submitted and approved for the 2023-24 school year!

Recipients are: 

  • High School Counseling Department - College Visit for Sophomores
  • Kari Zuniga - Literacy Games/Word Tiles
  • Kari Zuniga - Book Bags
  • Kari Zuniga - Classroom Library
  • Kari Zuniga - Math Materials

Ryan Grants - The Ryan Memorial Trust supports programs in the West Liberty Community School District and will be awarded based on the general areas identified: educational, musical, medical, artistic, historic, and civic improvements.  The Foundation will select applicant requests consistent with these guidelines and being mindful of how the funding impacts student achievement and funding that can have the greatest impact on the most children.  Nine grants were submitted and approved for the 2023-24 school year!

Recipients are: 

  • Rebecca Swanson - Performers, Composers, Piano Rockstars
  • Morgan Forbes - Digital Drawing & Graphic Design
  • Janet Smith - Replacing outdated nonfiction library materials
  • Emily Reed - Dramatic Play Learning
  • Sheila Polman - Guided Reading Group Books
  • Elementary Teachers - Reading Week with Dr. Seuss
  • Gabby Bugenhagen and Sheila Polman - Books for the Book Vending Machine
  • Sandra Molina - Lending Classroom Library for Dual Language Students
  • Thomas Theiling - Growing a Program: Repairing/Restoring for Current Future Musicians

Nancy Hayes Gardner Scholarship - This year the recipient of the $500 teacher scholarship that was set up by former principal Nancy Hayes Gardner, goes to: 

  • Ashley Smith

The Foundation would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit grants!