We announced our 2020-21 Local PTA Award Winners at our last PTA General Membership Meeting of 2020-21 on Tuesday, May 24th! However, because this was an online meeting, we surprised our winners prior to the meeting, to make it a fun and special moment! So fun!
Their dedication and care enrich and brighten our school community in so many ways!!!
A contribution is being made in each award winner's name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.
We also want to give a shout out to our Golden Acorn 2022 Honorable Mentions:
Deanna is on the right with her award.
This was presented at the last recess of the day, in front of the kindergarten classes & teachers!
Outstanding Educator Award: Recognizes an individual educator who goes beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial, and challenging for students.
Comments from Nominators/Presenters:
“Mrs. Roland is a great teacher. She teaches great stuff. And I love her so much. I love you for cheering us on every day. You make me feel happy and joyful. I love school and Mrs. Roland.”
“Mrs. Roland has gone above and beyond to welcome her kindergarten class today into the formal school setting. She has gotten to know each child on an individual level and utilizes each child’s interest to inform learning. She strategically worked to create a classroom environment in which respect for each other is at the foundation on all classroom procedures. Mrs. Roland supports her students in developing independence and while also demonstrating her constant support of them. I really appreciate the time Mrs. Roland takes in answering every question I have and being willing to offer her professional advice and her experience as a mother. I am so grateful that my son was able to have Mrs. Roland’s level of excellence as his introduction to Canyon Creek.”
“Besides being my teammate, Deanna has become a dear friend. I enjoy our conversations together. I admire the way she can successfully balance school, family and friends! I learn something of value each time I’m with her as well as laugh until my gut hurts! I am excited for her upcoming move, but sad that the conversations and laughs will be fewer and far between! I wish Deanna and her family all the best!”
“Deanna Roland is incredible! She’s determined to make sure her students are completely prepared for 1st Grade academically, socially, emotionally, and with confidence! Students lucky enough to have her as a teacher are ready for success for the next 12 years. Deanna’s influence will be forever felt here at Canyon Creek!”
“I can’t say enough about my delightful co-worker but I’ll try to summarize her amazing leadership and teaching skills… she is truly a professional, Deanna is knowledgeable, creative, attentive to every detail, and willing to stand firm for her beliefs in what is best for her kids. Like her character Mary Poppins, whom she dressed up as on Halloween, she too is practically perfect in every way!”
Maddy is on the right with her award.
This was presented at the last recess of the day, in front of the 2nd grade classes & teachers!
Outstanding Educator Award: Recognizes an individual educator who goes beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial, and challenging for students.
Comments from Nominators/Presenters:
“Ms. Rodgers is extremely patient, extremely caring and a truly devoted teacher that puts in her 100% and beyond to make her students excel in their academic journey. She has the potential to influence without showing authority and we feel blessed to have her as our kiddo’s teacher.”
“She always came up with new ideas to teach kids. Very patient and loving and replies to every questions asked. Informative and kind, it made it a very easy transition for her students to come back to school in person.”
“Maddy Roger's can always be found with the biggest smile, laughing and enjoying life. She is passionate about learning and teaching! Her students adore her and can't wait to get into class to start their day with one of their favorite people! Maddy brings such joy and passion to Canyon Creek, and we will miss her!”
“She is amazing with students that struggle and gives them a safe space to feel heard and often that is all that is needed to make a kids day.”
"Her last name is so spot on in regards to another teacher I feel she encompasses with her entire personality and that is Mr. Rogers. As Mr. Rogers would say 'Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero, and as human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.' You do this each and every day, with a smile, a friendly greeting, and a hugs. You will be truly missed by our Canyon Creek Community but your impact will live on forever. Good luck in your future endeavors and CONGRATULATIONS!"
Christy is in the middle with her award.
This was presented just after school with all the 3rd grade teachers!
Outstanding Advocate Award: Recognizes an individual for continued and dedicated service to all children and a demonstrated commitment to helping create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.
Comments from Nominators/Presenters:
“Christy is the yin that balances my yang. Her peaceful, collected, and soothing energy is very appealing as a colleague. When I am having a tough moment and seeking support, just being in her presence grounds me. She is knowledgeable, helpful, encouraging, and open. I know I can trust her with anything and I'm sure her students feel the same way. I admire her leadership and collaborative spirit.”
“Ms. Deer is extremely patient and attentive to the students and parents, creates a fun and challenging learning environment and teaches students to be responsible and have a sense of leadership. She worked with us to craft an education plan for our son that took into account our goals for him as well as her own goals for teaching the class. She also is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the classroom, such as when she invited us to teach about how we celebrate Vietnamese Lunar New Year. She sends detailed weekly communications about what the class is learning and is very organized. Most of all, she is a very kind teacher and students feel safe with her.”
“Ms. Deer is a really great teacher, and she doesn’t ask us to do stuff before we’ve actually learned it. She expects a lot from us, and that encourages us to work harder. And that means that we’re learning a lot!”
“She is a quiet leader--kind, organized, advocates for her students, fellow staff members, and our school as a whole. She has a HUGE heart!”
“I met Christy my first year teaching and I already know working with her then and now again is going to be one of the greatest treasures of my career. She is so thoughtful about everything she does, and really puts the effort in to consider different perspectives in any given situation. Being so organized and methodical she is an amazing asset to have on any project and team. She really cares about the person behind the job and is always making sure coworkers and students alike are heard by the right people, (which is one extremely important role as an advocate). She’s a wonderful sounding board and always there if you need a minute to collect yourself when the day gets tough either with work or life. Congratulations my friend you deserve this so much!”
“Christy Deer comes to Canyon Creek with passion, determination, and a love for teaching and learning. She's a trusted member of our staff and not only ensures students are challenged and making steady progress but also supports our staff in a variety of ways. We are so fortunate to have her in our learning community!”
"As Maya Angelo said 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' Christy, you have made such a wonderful and positive impact on our entire Canyon Creek Community this award is so well deserved, CONGRATULATIONS!"
Foram was surprised at a coffee shop, with a few PTA leaders.
Golden Acorn Award: Recognizes an individual volunteer who has given outstanding volunteer service to all children in the school community. This acknowledges service by an individual "above and beyond" a particular job description.
Comments from Nominators/Presenters:
"Foram stepped up this year to bring art to all students at Canyon Creek through the Art Docent program and Reflections. It was no small feat and she had many challenges with new Covid protocols and a much larger student population than we have ever had before. She rose to the challenge."
"She is outstanding volunteer at Canyon creek and an amazing chairperson of Art Docent."
"Thank you, Foram, for committing your talent, time, and excellent task management skills to the art docent program. Your efforts were all the more impressive because you overcame so many obstacles including two co-chairs resigning, this being your first year at Canyon Creek, and Covid. Your planning and leadership guaranteed an excellent art gala implemented in record time. Thank you for shepherding me through my first year as an art docent."
"You are always giving your all to help others. Your passion and drive is an inspiration. I’m so glad I have gotten to know you better this past year ,and I hope we can build on that in the future."
"I was fortunate enough to meet Foram last school year during our remote school year. She signed up to help and support our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. Foram was an integral part of this committee and I knew from the beginning that her true passion was helping others and our community. I also quickly realized her deep love for art. I knew she would be great as the art docent chair when she wanted to ensure that the art lessons for CC were inclusive and represented a broader image of the world. I loved that about her! I know this school year has been demanding and at time, laborious. Her effort, time and dedication to art and ensuring all students receiving enriching art has not gone unnoticed."
Nancy was surprised at her house, with a few PTA leaders and her family!
(Thanks to Megan Madsen's planning.)
Golden Acorn Award: Recognizes an individual volunteer who has given outstanding volunteer service to all children in the school community. This acknowledges service by an individual "above and beyond" a particular job description.
Comments from Nominators/Presenters:
"Nancy encompasses this award wholeheartedly. She never shys away from the opportunity to help, even when she may not know exactly how to do something. She is open to learning and giving whatever is needed. She is always thoughtful about how others perceive situations and everything she does is with intentional kindness and respect."
"Nancy has been a strong advocate and voice for Canyon Creek for many years. She has served for many years as the Northshore Schools Foundation Ambassador, staff appreciation chair, membership chair, popcorn chair and always fills in when needed for whatever needs to be done for PTA and Canyon Creek."
"Nancy has been dedicated and commitment since the day she arrived. She truly cares about all kids and is willing to do more than her job description to help in any way she can."
"I love working with Nancy on anything! She is passionate, helpful, excited and thoughtful about everything she does. I have had the privilege of working with Nancy with Canyon Creek PTA, Skyview PTSA, and sports too! She is an amazing volunteer who cares SO MUCH about our students."
Bruce was surprised during an ALL STAFF zoom meeting!!
(Thanks Tina Vaughan for your sneaky planning!)
Lifetime Membership Award: The purpose of the Honorary Lifetime Membership award is to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to a PTA at the local unit, council, or state level. This award can be given by a PTA unit, council, or region.
Comments from the Award Presentation:
From a few students:
“I was really afraid of being myself when coming back from virtual learning and Mr. Denton met with me and made sure I was supported and I can never thank him enough”.
“Having bad days, lots of people don’t just stop to ask or listen and he always does this for me, I felt heard and that makes me want to go to school.”
“He doesn’t care that I’m different he cares that I’m happy and he makes me laugh.”
“He’s funny and did you know he was a teacher once too, like if he had to he could be a substitute.”
From parents & PTA leaders:
“Mr. Denton has been a longtime supporter of PTA. Over the years, he has collaborated with PTA in helping them meet their mission and goals and making Canyon Creek a better school for students. He has always made time to meet with us and help us to find ways to bring programs to our school community. We have appreciated him being accessible and transparent.”
“You were such a ray of light for us at CC the 4 years we were there. You were welcoming, a partner in all things PTA and a solid experience for the kids. You brought laughter, humility and friendship. We are so thankful you were our first Northshore principal we got to work with after we moved here- you set the bar high and you’ve been a class act.”
“For the last six years I have been lucky to be a part of our PTA but even more so to have Mr. Denton as a supporter and collaborator on projects, whether its bringing parent education nights to fruition or joining our BINGO and McTeacher’s nights, he makes sure he shows up and is present in his support”.
“I have always appreciated your willingness to work with me and CC PTA. From the very beginning, I knew that I could rely on your support, advice, advocacy and presence with anything and everything that I wanted to do in PTA. You have continually strived for making CC elementary better but specifically more equitable and inclusive as possible. My favorite times with you will always be in your office sitting at your table, figuring out how to make things happen- your wittiness and sarcasm always made me smile and laugh- I appreciated that! You now leave CC better than when you came and I am sure you will plant new footprints on the school you will be in charge of! You will be missed dearly!”
From Canyon Creek staff:
“I’m gonna miss his snarky attitude, his sense of humor, his kindness, and his friendship!”
“I love that he actually likes those chalky heart candies, and whenever it seems like a hard day, we can bond over candy and a laugh.”
“His humor definitely lightened the difficult moments, his ability for humility is the most genuine and contagious!”
“No one has a bigger heart for a student in need, he makes space for them when others won’t, and advocates for them year after year.”
“He is the BEST boss I’ve EVER had in my life! He always knows how to make each situation feel like it’s achievable due to his snarky, laid back, witty, and hilarious comments, gestures, eye rolls, and dead pan delivery of information and commentary. We love you, Bruce, and we will miss you more than you know.”
“He has a great way of being able to relate to his staff as people with lives outside of school. He’s adamant that we take care of ourselves so that we can show up for our kids. Relatability is such an important part of being a compassionate leader and he’s got it.”
We are so thankful for these fantastic volunteers and educators - you are all an inspiration to us! And thank you to EVERYONE involved to help educate, enrich and take care of every child at Canyon Creek Elementary.
