Allen ISD honors staff throughout the school year who exemplify the three district goals of Culture of Excellence, Future Ready Skills, and Empowered Learning. For the month of December, these groups were honored for Empowered Learning:
- Chandler Elementary Assistant Principal Chelsea Abboud
- Curtis Middle School Instructional Coaches: Angela Barnes and Payton Austin
- Allen ISD Behavior Support Team: Jenna Capps, Jonathan Martinez, Lauren Cramer, Ashley Lawrence, Lauren Brown
- Anderson Early Childhood School Speech Teachers: Anja Bartke, Hannah Ayers, Roslyn Garner, Kim Goree
Champion of Empowered Learning, Mrs. Abboud, Inspires Success at Chandler Elementary
In the heart of the Chandler Elementary community, Assistant Principal Chelsea Abboud is a dedicated and invaluable champion of Empowered Learning.
She actively encourages students to take ownership of their learning experiences, creating a culture that prioritizes autonomy and responsibility. Collaborating closely with teachers, she strives to establish an inclusive and engaging learning environment where questions are encouraged, interests are explored, and critical thinking is paramount.
“Under Mrs. Abboud's leadership, Chandler Elementary has become a hub of academic success and lifelong learning,” said Principal Bobbie Allen. “Thanks to Mrs. Abboud’s leadership, students at Chandler Elementary are empowered to become not only academically successful but also lifelong learners who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Innovative Instructional Coaches Propel Empowered Learning at Curtis Middle School
In a concerted effort to champion empowered learning, the Curtis Middle School instructional coaches, Angela Barnes and Payton Austin, are providing steadfast support for both teachers and students.
Their mission is clear: To enhance teachers' skills in lesson design by incorporating best practices that, in turn, contribute to the overall development of students.
“Payton and Angela are quick to be in classrooms to co-teach, model or just lend an extra hand when teachers are trying something new,” said Principal Sonya Pitcock. “They are a great team and truly care about the growth of our staff to serve our kids.”
Empowering the Youngest Voices: Anderson Early Childhood School Speech Teachers Transform Lives Through Communication and Collaboration
The Anderson Early Childhood School Speech Teachers Anja Bartke, Hannah Ayers, Roslyn Garner, Kim Goree, exhibit a commitment to facilitating student empowerment through communication. They provide students with a platform not only to express their preferences and requirements but also to articulate their thoughts and feelings, bringing about transformative effects in their lives.
“Their dedication to the growth and development of our students is making a significant difference, not only in their lives but in the entire school community,” said Principal Lara Utecht. “Their passion for empowering our students through communication is truly inspiring.”
By enabling students to communicate effectively, they are unlocking doors to their education, social interactions, and overall well-being. Their efforts extend far beyond the classroom by equipping students with tools for life.
“This is the age when a child’s language is developing so fast,” said Kim Goree, speech language pathologist. “It's so great to be able to work with this age group because that's when you really make those breakthrough ‘aha’ moments for students and it's just so exciting to see.”
The approach adopted by the team is visibly focused on leveraging the strengths of the students, acknowledging their distinct capabilities, and customizing therapies to align with their individual requirements. This person-centered methodology extends beyond the mere resolution of speech-related concerns; it also fosters confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging among the students.
“One of the benefits of our team being here together is that we are able to be all through
the same campus this year,” said Principal Utecht. “Collaboration has been amazing with our speech team because they are here all in the same campus.”
Empowering Success: Allen ISD Behavior Support Team Honored for Transformative Impact on Students and Teachers
The Allen ISD Behavior Support Team, Jenna Capps, Jonathan Martinez, Lauren Cramer, Ashley Lawrence, Lauren Brown, was recently honored for their impactful contributions to Norton Elementary School and the broader district.
Operating through a systematic approach, the Behavior Support Team begins with observations, followed by the creation or adjustment of student intervention plans, with the added capability to formulate classroom consult plans. Subsequently, they engage in comprehensive discussions with relevant staff members to ensure effective implementation of the plans.
“We call, they come. They help support our students, they walk our families through transitions, and they support our teachers,” said Principal Aimee Cherry. “They do it all with care and they treat our students as the most important people in the world, which is why our students are successful.”
The skills imparted by the team are not just immediate solutions but lifelong tools for success. They focus on teaching self-regulation strategies, fostering intrinsic motivation, and helping students find pride in themselves.
“I am so proud and grateful of our Allen ISD behavior support team for the way that they empower our students and our teachers every single day to be the best that they can be to meet and exactly where they're at and help them achieve their goals,” said Principal Cherry.
