February's Outstanding Employees Announced

This month's honorees include a Student Assistance Team liaison, cafeteria manager, attendance clerk/family liaison and assistant principal.

Congratulations to this month's honorees:

• Heather Dadey, Student Assistance Team Liaison for Curriculum and Instruction
• Sonia Luna, Cafeteria Manager at Sunset View Elementary School 
• Anita Montano, Attendance Clerk/Family Liaison at Freedom High School
• Amanda Reyes, Assistant Principal at Valle Vista Elementary School

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town, had an opportunity to lunch with Superintendent Reedy, and will be recognized by the APS Board of Education, receiving a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn More about February's Nominees

Heather Dadey, Student Assistance Team Liaison for Curriculum and Instruction

Heather Dadey is one of those employees who quietly goes about her work and never has a negative thing to say about anyone. She is a wealth of knowledge about interventions for struggling students and the laws and statutes surrounding Student Assistance Team processes. She is a workhorse when it comes to training teachers and others in our schools. In three months, Heather held 49 SAT training sessions for nearly 500 teachers and administrators. 

"Heather is a terrific co-worker, encourager, and support to others. We could not do this important work without her and all of the wonderful things she brings to our department and our work," said Jami Jacobson, Senior Director for APS Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary.

Sonia Luna, Cafeteria Manager at Sunset View Elementary School

Sonia is a dedicated employee who provides students with exceptional meals. She works with the school nurse when students have special diet requirements to make sure that students are receiving the nutrition they need. She is personable and kind to each student. 

"Sonia goes above and beyond to provide nutritious meals for the students at Sunset View Elementary. Each day she does her best to make sure the students are having a healthy breakfast and lunch," said School Nurse Joyce Denoyer.

Anita Montano, Attendance Clerk/Family Liaison at Freedom High School

Anita Montano is Freedom High School's version of the EverReady Bunny. While her job description is Attendance Clerk/Family Liaison, she is so much more to this school. Anita is the go-to person for keeping the school running, whether it is making copies for teachers, helping office staff prepare for meetings, supporting parents as they enroll students, supporting the counselor and principal as they prepare for meetings by running reports or supporting students in planning for extracurricular activities.

"Anita is always ready with a smile and 'How can I help you,'" said Freedom Principal Esther Keeton. "Anita's effervescent attitude is infectious. We can't help but smile when she is around." 

Amanda Reyes, Assistant Principal at Valle Vista Elementary School

Amanda is an amazing administrator. She is very supportive of her staff (not just the teaching staff, but cafeteria and custodial as well), and she cares for the students. 

"Amanda is a passionate advocate for students," said Special Education teacher Mary Zukowski. "She is one of the best administrators I have ever had the pleasure to work with, and this is my 22nd year in education."

How to Nominate an Employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee (i.e., no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

 Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.