Misty Stein praises Rotary partnership after Spirit of Tomorrow nomination

Misty Stein, assistant principal at North Star Elementary, said the Anchorage International Rotary Club was nominated for the Spirit of Tomorrow Award and that the club’s partnership with the school has supported students and staff this year.

Stein told meeting attendees that the Rotary is the school’s business partner for the year and that its work has been "small steps" that add up to measurable improvements. "Small steps make for big growth," she said.

She described programs the Rotary helped support, citing student events such as a school carnival and a cooking club and incentives like pizza parties to encourage attendance. "Each one has a different personality and learns a little bit different," Stein said, describing how varied activities reach different students.

Stein also highlighted staff appreciation efforts arranged with the Rotary, including a week of massages, facials and pedicures. She said those efforts helped staff "feel like they belong" and be more valued.

On outcomes, Stein said the combined supports have raised attendance and improved staff morale. "We see our attendance ... continuing to climb and get better," she said, urging that collaboration with community partners be maintained. "Without partners, without a team, without collaboration ... I don't think we could go as far or as high without working together."

The remarks were part of a recognition segment during the meeting in which Stein announced the Rotary’s nomination for the Spirit of Tomorrow Award and described the partnership’s activities and impacts.