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Board honors Spirit Ridge Elementary staff for 'purposeful inclusion' with TEACH award

Bellevue School District board of directors · December 19, 2025
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Summary

The board recognized Spirit Ridge Elementary staff for a coordinated inclusion model and special-education practices; Director Jane Aris read a statement highlighting hub-based services and professional development that support students with IEPs.

The Bellevue School District recognized Spirit Ridge Elementary staff with the district's TEACH award for what leaders described as "purposeful inclusion" and a strong model for serving students with IEPs.

Superintendent Kelly Aramaki praised Spirit Ridge's coordinated approach, saying staff move services to the hub of the school, design schedules intentionally and collaborate across general and special education. Director Jane Aris read a statement that thanked the principal, Mae Paltow, special and general education teachers, speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, school psychologists and paraeducators for building an integrated system of supports.

"Tonight we celebrate Spirit Ridge Elementary for the way they have centered students with IEPs literally and figuratively," Aris read. The board presented certificates and pins and invited staff and school leaders to stand for a photograph.

The recognition was presented during a broader superintendent update that also previewed presentations about levy-funded programs and capital and technology investments.