With the Probstfield Elementary gym packed full of students on a Thursday morning, Moorhead Area Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brandon Lunak called third grade teacher Kit Anderson and first grade teacher Carolina Aleman to join him at the front of the room. Little did they know that he was there to present them both with the Spud Spirit Award for the month of February.
When Dr. Lunak revealed that he was there to give them the award, the students erupted into loud cheers for the teachers.
Sra. Anderson was nominated for the award by a co-worker. Dr. Lunak said she “delivers joy and enthusiasm for her students at every moment of her class.” He added that Kit had been a significant inspiration to that colleague, providing guidance and counseling on challenges they encounter along the way.
Turning to Sra. Aleman, he shared that her nominator, the parent of a former student, said “the way she connects with her students, takes the time to be present and makes them feel important is unmatched. She stepped up in a time when my daughter needed a constant at school. She has continued to stay connected with my daughter and I am forever grateful for the care and compassion she showed us.”
Dr. Lunak also shared stories about how each teacher took the time to support individual students.He spoke of how Kit cleared hurdles for a former student, setting up financial assistance so that he would be able to play soccer. Then he told how Carolina was an emotional anchor for her nominator’s daughter during a family military deployment. Both stories drew emotional applause from the students and staff in the room.
The support and care that Señoras Anderson and Aleman have for their students and coworkers are fine examples of the district’s mission to develop the maximum potential of every student to thrive in a changing world.
The Spud Spirit Award is a recognition program that honors MAPS staff who live by the district mission to develop the maximum potential of every learner to thrive in a changing world and showcase our Spud Spirit statements:
Students, staff, parents, families, and the Moorhead community
Passionate, engaged, innovative, and growing in safe environments
Unique, worthy, respectful, and relationship-based
Diversity enriches our school and community
Stewards of the public’s trust in effective and efficient operations
Spud Spirit Award nominations are made by staff, student families and community members.