Moniteau County R-1 recently held its Employee Appreciation Luncheon at the California High School Commons. A luncheon was served to honor faculty, staff and board members. Dwight Sanders, Superintendent of Schools, recognized the 2014-2015 school board members.
Paul Bloch, Moniteau County R-1 school board member thanked the faculty and staff for their dedication to the students of Moniteau County.
The following employees were recognized for their service to the school district, five years - Crystal Ashley, Stacy Davis, Kendra Hall, Jamie Johnston, Jack Lake, Rebecca Leonard, Dwight Sanders, Heather Schoeneberg, Dixie Trester, 10 years - Patty Baquet, Gwendolyn Hendrickson, Jennifer Herndon, Kate Klein, Myra Lutz, Natasha Milligan, Stephanie Zimmerman, 15 years - Clarice Nelson, Julia Potter, Leslie Williams, 20 years - Teresa Dusenberg.
Employees leaving the district were also recognized during the employee appreciation dinner. The following employees received recognition - Marcia Burgher, Jennifer Cain, Debbie Dees, Rhiannon Kendrick, Ann Maxson, Amy Phillips, Tanya Willis. Dwight Sanders also honored eight retirees including Carol Carlson - 29 years at California R-1 and in education; Dwight Fitzwater - 21 years at California R-1 and 30 years in education; Cheryl Gosnell - 4 years at California R-1 and 32 years in education; Cathy Hight - 4 years at California R-1 and 26 years in education; Mike Hight - 4 years at California R-1 and 31 years in education; Angie Lehman-13 years at California R-1 and 19 years in public education and 30+ years including Montessori education; Letha Peck - 21 years at California R-1 and 26 years in education; and Angie Rowles - 27 years at California R-1 and 29 years in education.
Krista Davis, CTA President, presented the Employees of the Year awards.
Daniel Williams, California Elementary Principal received the Administrator of the Year Award. Nominations received stated, "Mr. Williams has done a great job of maintaining building morale when it was at a low. He works hard to do his best for our school including coming to work very early."
Tawnya Clause, California Elementary Counselor received the Teacher of the Year Award, her nomination said, "She always makes time for kids. She has developed groups for kids to work on social skills. She has lunch dates with kids and works very hard to develop and maintain relationships with kids. Tawnya has done wonders with my students. She is always so supportive and willing to help. We love having her here! Tawnya is such an awesome addition to CES! She is great with the students, but is also a very valuable resource to us as teachers. When asked, "Do you have time to talk?" She always responds with "I always have time to listen to you". She is a great friend and coworker."
The Support Staff Employee of the year was awarded to Debbie Pardoe, California Elementary Custodian. Debbie's nomination stated, "Debbie is a jack of all trades and doesn't get nearly enough recognition. She comes to school every day with a smile on her face and baked goods to keep the teachers and staff happy. In turn, she cleans up the cafeteria, bathrooms, and lots of bodily fluids all day! She is truly an asset to California Elementary".
The 2015 Moniteau County R-1 Employee Appreciation reception ended with Sanders thanking American Fidelity Assurance and Forrest T. Jones & Company for providing the meal.