Month: October 2023

Congratulations to these Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award winners, Brenda Rushin (Night Custodian at Beacon) and Tim Dellapina (Personal Success Network Coach at Darby).

“When I read the words “exceptional contribution” and “pursuing excellence” in this award description, I immediately thought of Beacon Elementary’s night custodian, Brenda Rushin. Brenda has been recognized locally for her amazing gardening efforts, and she used her own resources, time, and energy to bring that excellence straight to Beacon Elementary’s doorstep- quite literally!”

“Mr. Dell has a special relationship with every person who comes into his classroom. He invites special care students into his classroom with open arms and a huge smile. He understands the struggles of being a teenager and often deals with teens that other adults would view as “less desirable” students. Often these students are in active addiction and/or have mental health issues. Mr. Dell understands these issues and partners with Darby’s social workers to help these children. Overall, he is an amazing teacher who is kind to every student in his classroom.”

These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of the Hilliard Way and truly make a difference in our district. If you know a staff member that goes above and beyond their way to make a difference, you can nominate them for next month’s award by clicking HERE!

Over the last year, Hilliard Schools and members of the community came together to determine the skills and mindsets our students need for success in this rapidly changing and complex world. The result is our all-new Portrait of a Learner. One of the five competencies outlined in this Portrait of a Learner is Purposeful Communicator. Here, Kelli Barnes, a pharmacist and parent, shares why being a good communicator is so important professionally and personally. 

Alumni Spotlight – Samantha Kelley

Samantha Kelley’s story has come full circle. While in high school at Davidson, she participated in the Career Mentorship Program where she shadowed Emily Demaree in her Special Education Life Skills classroom at Hoffman Trails Elementary. Today, she teaches alongside Emily at Hoffman, where she is also a special education teacher.

She said, “It was amazing to gain my first teaching experience through Hilliard’s program with Emily, and now I am not only teaching in my childhood district but am at the same school with a teacher who was once my field placement teacher!”

In recent weeks, we’ve been sharing about our all-new Portrait of a Learner, our guide to helping our students be Ready For Tomorrow. Here, a local retirement advisor and parent shares why being an Empathetic Citizen is critical for our student’s long-term success and for building a stronger community.