Employee Excellence Award A district recognition program honors employees for their commitment to the students and staff of Vancouver Public Schools. The Excellence Award is given to individual employees who have created a positive, caring and productive school/work environment through exceptional effort, dedication, or performance in their area of responsibility.
Five employees were selected for the October 2012 recognition. They were honored at the October 23 school board meeting. Pictured left to right are:
• Jeff Walker, Teacher, Storm Academy, Skyview High School
• Launa Schriock, Secretary, Curriculum and Instruction
• Maggie Booth, Teacher, Storm Academy, Skyview High School
• Gini Hoch, Attendance Clerk, Skyview High School
• Marianne Thompson, Chief, Elementary Education
The Excellence Award is given to two to four employees each month during the school year. Nominations are open to staff, students, parents, and community members. Nominees are selected for recognition by a committee of their peers.
Please nominate! Forms are available by clicking on the link on the right side of this page.
Learn more about the Excellence Award recipients for October . . .
Gini Hoch
Attendance Clerk, Skyview High School
Hired October 2003
Storm Academy, Part I: Gini Hoch is integral in the success of the Storm Academy at Skyview High School. The program helps students who are failing and in danger of slipping through the cracks. Gini is passionately committed to getting these kids back in school. She reconnects students to their education and the Skyview staff. She plays mom, detective, counselor, advocate—whatever it takes to find kids and get them back in school. Gini enlists employees to help identify the roadblocks to a student’s attendance. She makes phone calls to parents and visits students’ homes. Gini’s persistence shows students that someone cares about them. And her work is changing lives. Students who had given up, are coming back to school. And when they get there, they are greeted warmly. Gini’s dedication is instrumental in the success of the Storm Academy. She is leading these kids, who once wandered aimlessly, back to a path of graduation and success.
Maggie Booth and Jeff Walker
Teacher Team, Academy Program, Skyview High School
Hired September 2011
Storm Academy, Part II: Every student deserves a chance to be successful in school and to pursue the goal of graduation. That’s the driving force behind the Storm Academy at Skyview High School. Teachers Maggie Booth and Jeff Walker are making sure every student has the opportunity to experience that success. Students in the Storm Academy have a variety of reasons for falling behind in school. Maggie and Jeff make lasting connections with their students. They build relationships, offer encouragement, and give countless hours of support. Their innovative curriculum and interesting teaching strategies engage students. The culture of the Academy is respectful and nurturing, fostering an environment where students strive to achieve. Maggie and Jeff have high expectations, and their students are rising to meet them.
Launa Schriock
Secretary, Curriculum and Instruction
Hired February 1986
In the busy curriculum office, secretary Launa Schriock provides support to 10 employees and is on the front line to help those who call or visit the office. One could describe Launa as someone who does everything. She processes travel (no easy task), makes purchases, and coordinates professional development for our curriculum employees as well as those in our neighboring private schools. Launa is an outstanding guardian of the community’s investment in public schools. She helps the curriculum team “follow the rules,” ensuring their work is accurate and meets all compliance requirements. Launa’s work ethic is unparalleled. With humor, compassion and commitment, she does whatever it takes to complete any task and every project to the highest standards possible. Above all, Launa cares deeply about both the individuals in her work group, and the community we serve.
Marianne Thompson
Chief, Elementary Education
Hired August 1991
Marianne Thompson has been chief of elementary education for just over one year. During this time, many elementary schools have had newly assigned principals, curriculum has shifted to common core standards, and schools began ushering in a new evaluation system. In the midst of this, Marianne has proven to be approachable and accessible. She provides guidance and assistance to principals, responds to questions and concerns from parents, and serves as an information liaison between the administration office and the schools. Whether responding to a question or an emergency, Marianne’s approach is always calm and professional. She inspires confidence in her principals. She is respectful and helpful while maintaining both humor and humility. There is never a question too silly, an idea too out-of-the-box, or any problem too small. Marianne is a leader of leaders, modeling effective problem-solving and collaboration.
