Important People Behind the Scenes

This quote is so true!! I am so thankful for our secretaries and what they bring to our team every day!  Our L4L secretaries not only support our team but also provide support to all GIPS campuses!  They are vital to achieving our district vision and mission. 

We do have some new names and faces on our team, so I thought this would be a great time to introduce and describe roles/responsibilities for your reference.   

Toni Santee is the first one you see when you come into our department and most likely the initial contact with any L4L questions.  She joined our team this past summer has quickly transitioned into the role of supporting professional learning, travel, communications, and so many other L4L responsibilities. Her attention to detail ensures sure we are responsive, accurate, and timely! If you are not sure who to contact in our department you can start with Toni!

This is Crystal Henson.  She manages and monitors our Resource Management System and ensures that you have the resources you need to support instruction.  She also processes purchase orders and works closely with vendors and our curriculum coordinators to make sure we are getting the best return on our investment with our orders.  Let's Talk is a great way to request resources-however, she is also available by phone or email with other questions.  Be sure to work through your building process prior to making a request.

Most of you are familiar in some way with Kim Amick.  She is a wiz at managing and supporting your needs with online resources and student assessment!  Kim has been a member of the L4L department for approximately 12 years so she knows the scoop! Let's Talk is also a great way to request support from Kim. She works diligently to problem solve any issues so teachers have what they need for teaching and student learning!

If you call the Special Education Department, you will most likely talk to Michelle Anderson. She can assist you with any questions related to special education transportation, special education para subs, resources, and/or connect you to the right person in the department to answer any of your questions.  Michelle is a team leader always willing to assist and support!

Pat Cummings is the first person you see when you enter the Federal Program Department door.  She is the connection and support to all things EL, Title I, Title III, Migrant, Immigrant, interpreters, and more!  She is always willing to assist with any requests or questions and/or connect you to the right person in the department!


All of our secretaries believe in great customer service and answering the phone with a smile!  We are fortunate to have them on our team, working behind the scenes for all our staff and students!  If you are in the Kneale Administration Building, please stop by and say hello!! 

Every Student, Every Day, a Success!

Thank You Veterans

Thank you to all of our GIPS Veterans for serving our country!  

My heart is filled with gratitude for your sacrifices!

My Students Lack Motivation, What do I do?

Student motivation is often expressed as a concern and a barrier to student engagement and academic achievement.  Recently, I came across this blog Motivation is a symptom, not a cause and I immediately made connections to our vision, "preparing all students to make positive contributions and thrive in an ever-changing world", and our professional learning designed to transform instruction from teacher-centered to student-centered with academic teaming.

Research referenced in the blog highlights the importance of "creating environments and experiences that allow students to feel that they belong in academic communities, that their ability and competence grow with their effort, that they can succeed, and that school has value for them".
I made a connection to this research when reading Michael Toth's book, "The Power of Student Teams".  In the book, the author presents the Academic Teaming Instruction model (left), look familiar?  I can now see how student motivation can change given the right teacher inputs and student processes.  Looking at what we are doing in Grand Island, we are on the right track!

Transformation is not easy and requires us all to be supportive and learners together.  The shift is evident already in so many classrooms and I hear stories about how student engagement is changing because of the implementation of the model above.  It does take time to master this work so we need to stay the course and maximize the opportunities to collaborate, reflect on impact, support, and grow.  Every Student, Every Day, A Success!