You have already received an email (or four) asking for your Core Value Award nominations. Everyone across the organization lives the Core Values in their own unique ways, and the results of your dedication are what makes DSST a special place for our students and staff. The door is open for nominations through December 7th, and after much deliberation, the winner will be announced at the Holiday Party on December 20.
Hearing about the inspiring acts of our DSST community members is not just something that we all love to hear while gathered at the Holiday party. In January, Bill Kurtz kicks off the New Year by personally sharing each hard-earned nomination with its recipient. Giving staff the opportunity to read in detail how they inspire their colleagues shows them how deeply they are seen and appreciated.
We checked in with the winners from last year’s Core Value awards, and they shared what it meant to receive such an honor from their colleagues. Lela Wilson, Science Teacher at Stapleton High School, won the award for Integrity. She shared that “the people we work with are so good-hearted, tireless, and exceedingly competent that to be singled out among them is an incredibly humbling honor.”
Scott Franzblau, Dean of Students at Byers Middle School, won the award for Doing Your Best. He recounts that while he was stunned to receive the award, “once I’d had a chance to let it soak in and many colleagues shared love and hugs it became apparent that it was truly the highest professional recognition I’d ever received in 10 years of working in education.” He proudly shared a video of the award ceremony with his 96 year old grandfather, who watched it over 20 times. The award also inspired his friend Anne to apply to teach at DSST- good to know for those working to recruit their friends!
Curiosity winner Jenny Faase, Dean of Students at Conservatory Green Middle School, shared that “being recognized by my peers as an example of what Curiosity looks and feels like is a great honor. It reinforced for me that an essential part of my role in education is to model the Core Values in every situation so that others can live them as well. I believe in the power of communication, asking questions, and in an unrelenting effort to find opportunity in every challenge. I hope to inspire others to believe that as well!”
For Libby Brien, School Director at College View Middle School, winning the Core Value award for Courage was a “truly unforgettable experience. I was shocked and super proud to be honored for courage, the value that I have always believed was my personal weakest. It showed me that when you have a deep belief in our mission- you will surprise yourself with how courageous you can really be in effort to achieve it. Being able to celebrate and honor our colleagues for living the values is something that makes DSST an amazing place to work.”
Last year, a huge wave of gratitude was spread across the network with 551 nominations submitted. Let’s top that this year! Show your colleagues how much you appreciate them, and submit your Core Value Award nominations for those who go the extra mile and live the Core Values in extraordinary ways. We want to hear about it, and so do they!
Do you have stories and pictures of your colleagues living the Core Values? Send them to mac@scienceandtech.org
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