District 205 honors staff for student support in monthly "Shine in 205" recognition

District 205 recognized multiple staff members at a school assembly for the district’s monthly "Shine in 205" recognition, highlighting direct support to students and collaboration with families.

One nominator described how Mrs. Thompson, a staff member at Lombard Middle School, intervened when the nominator’s daughter, Sofia, was too anxious to leave the car at morning drop-off. "She is always welcoming with a smile, eager to listen, and willing to work with every student who needs her," the nominator said. According to the account, Thompson spoke with the student, the nominator and the nominator’s mother, gently encouraged the student until she felt confident enough to enter the building, and later provided tools such as a fidget and access to the school office when the student felt overwhelmed.

The nomination for Kira Smith identified her as a life-skills teacher at Steele. A nominator wrote that Smith "has such a special gift for connecting with each student, carefully tailoring her approach to their sensory and emotional needs with genuine kindness and understanding." The nominator said Smith has maintained organization and classroom systems this year despite a larger class load, and keeps open communication with parents to support student progress.

Another recognition highlighted "Carrie," who was praised by Mrs. Blazer for consistently making time to help colleagues and co-teach effectively. "Carrie's door is always open," Blazer said, adding, "I have never had a better co-teacher." The meeting transcript records Blazer as the speaker who nominated Carrie and thanked her for being available to staff.

The awards were presented orally at the assembly; speakers read nominators’ written remarks and the assembly offered applause for each recipient. The meeting transcript shows the nominations were framed as examples of staff going "above and beyond the call of duty" and improving students’ daily school experiences.

No formal board action, vote, or policy change related to these recognitions was recorded in the transcript excerpt. The citations and descriptions used in this article come from nominators’ remarks read aloud at the assembly and from onstage presenters.