North Cook News

Four Evanston/Skokie School District 65 staff members were recognized by their peers and members of the school board for their hard work and dedication to the district.

Anne Fowler, Randy Heite, Jennifer Roland, and Michelle Vela were all honored during the March 27 school board meeting. 

"We're recognizing the February and March High Five Celebrating Excellence and 65 award recipients," Superintendent Devon Horton said during the meeting. "Now in its sixth year, we receive hundreds of nominations and have honored nearly 100 licensed and support staff members for their tremendous work. I would like to thank Byline Bank for its continued support and sponsorship of the program over the course of the school year. This evening's recipients will receive a $100 gift card and a framed recognition certificate."

Michelle Vela was named the recipient of February's support staff. She started working at Park School in the fall and is a paraprofessional and signing aid. Vela was nominated by two of her coworkers for her dedication and energy in helping students and their families. Her principal says she has a never-ending positive attitude and 100% effort, jumping in with students, creating routines and programs, helping teach them sign language and communication, and working to perfect and model new communication equipment and technology. 

Randy Heite was honored as February's certified instructor. For nearly three decades, Heite has worked as a Kindergarten teacher at Kingsley Elementary School. He was nominated by a parent in the district, who shared how he never tires of his new students, gets to know them each day, and incorporates new techniques and cultures whenever possible. The parent noted his enthusiasm is that of a first-year teacher, not three decades into teaching. 

Jennifer Roland was the support staff chosen for March. Roland has served as the secretary at Nichols Middle School for 20 years. She was nominated by two staff members who appreciated her continued commitment to families and visitors since she is the first face they see. They said she's always ready with information for their questions and is skilled in getting efficient and complete answers from other staff. Roland is also known to bring treats to sweeten up everybody’s work day.

Finally, the certified instructor for the month of March was Anne Fowler, a second-grade teacher at Willard Elementary School. Fowler has worked there for six years and was nominated by a family member of the district. They chose to remain anonymous but shared that they greatly appreciated how Fowler made everybody she came into contact with feel special and heard. She is warm and welcoming to all family members and knows each student individually, remembering their needs, struggles, and any changes that arise.