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Superintendent and Whole Child director honor Tacoma School District 'Whole Child' champions
Summary
The superintendent and Laura Allen, director of Whole Child, recognized staff and community members nominated by students, families and colleagues at the Jan. 23, 2025 Tacoma School District board meeting, citing a record number of nominations and highlighting educators who foster belonging, equity, and student supports.
The superintendent moved and the board approved recognition of the district's Whole Child champions at the Tacoma School District board meeting on Jan. 23, 2025.
Laura Allen, director of Whole Child, told the board the district received a record number of nominations ' "hundreds of students, of staff, and of families" ' and read excerpts celebrating several honorees for work that supports students' health, safety, engagement and belonging.
"Micah embodies the heart and spirit of a whole child champion," Allen said as she read a nomination for Micah Arneberg, a CTE teacher who runs the Cab Cafe program that gives students receiving special education services career and life skills. Allen noted Arneberg also coaches Special Olympics, "uplift[ing] every athlete encouraging them to push beyond their limits while fostering inclusion and belonging."
Allen read a series of nominations describing Joseph Brooks, a teacher and coach at Wainwright Intermediate, as "a trusted adult" who "advocates for those who feel they have no voice." A student in the audience had come to support Brooks and was acknowledged during the presentation.
Other honorees Allen highlighted included Megan Clark (family support, Boerne Elementary), praised for leading a walking-school-bus and creating predictable routines; Myra Cortez (English and Ethnic Studies, Lincoln High School), recognized for advancing ethnic studies and equity in the curriculum; Jervonna Johnson (preschool, Fern Hill Elementary), credited with implementing a "take a break" space and routines that helped a child better regulate emotions; and Sammy Vancia, a restorative practices coach at Stewart Middle School, who was honored for reducing exclusionary discipline through restorative conversations and circles.
Allen also read nominations for Melissa Porter (school counselor), Jessica Stellar (instructional facilitator), Carrie Vaddix (culinary teacher, Stadium High School), Portia Williams (cheer coach), and Aaron Wilson (teacher, Bryant Montessori), each described by nominators as creating caring, inclusive school environments and providing direct supports to students and families.
The superintendent introduced the Whole Child team and invited all champions and staff to come onstage for a group photograph at the end of the presentation. Meeting leaders thanked nominators and the audience before closing the recognition segment.
Action: The superintendent moved to adopt the recognition; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote (board responded "Aye"). No formal roll-call tally was provided in the transcript.
