This year, weāre excited to celebrate the incredible team at Siloam Springs School District. Each week, weāll shine a spotlight on a member of our staff, showcasing what makes them an essential part of our mission to serve our students. Look out for our weekly āSILOAM SPOTLIGHTā feature ā itās going to be an amazing year, and youāll soon see why!
"Crystal works so hard to keep our building clean and safe. She has a great relationship with the students and the staff and cares deeply about everyone here at Southside." - Carson Cleveland, Assistant Principal
"She's amazing! Crystal takes an interest in all areas of the school. She makes great connections with students through art and is able to make awesome book recommendations to students as well." -Krissi Beeks, Librarian
"She cares deeply about students. She helped decorate areas of the school at the beginning of the year and even makes the students coloring pages that they can pick up by the door of her office. She helps in any way she can throughout the school and goes over and above her duties every single day." -Desi Moose, Counselor
"I would like to nominate Amy Brankle for her excellence in school nursing for 23 years in SSSD! Ms. Brankle is a trusted and valued member of our nursing team. For 21 years, Amy positively impacted students' health and learning as the Southside Elementary Nurse. For the last 2 years, Amy has used her vast experience of school nursing to help in other buildings as our District Float Nurse. I often enjoy watching Amy interact with students in our secondary schools that recall her calm nursing care from their elementary school years. Amy has excellent nursing judgment and she is always ready to go the extra mile. Thank you for your dedication to the health of our students and staff, Amy!" - Lori Tugwell, Director of Nursing
"Amy is always available to come from any other building to support our students at MSA. She is kind and compassionate and is always looking for solutions to support our students' unique situations. We always feel very well cared for when she arrives." - Yvonne Markovich, Principal of MSA
"Nurse Amy Brankle was a staple of Southside, always showing compassion and comfort for the students and staff alike. Her dedication to her role of school nurse went beyond simply tending to scrapes and bruises; as she created a nurturing environment that promotes both physical and emotional well-being. Amy excelled at turning moments of discomfort into opportunities for care and support. I loved our conversations about her granddaughter and my daughter, who have grown up together, and the silly and fun moments that exist when those two are together. It was a tough day when Amy let me know of her change in roles, which I began to ābooā her every time I saw her, but the ābooā was meant in love as she is an amazing person and great at what she does." - Josh Killian, Director of Academics and ESOL
"Ms. Mavis is an amazing presence in our building. Her peaceful demeanor and calm responses help keep us all in a good place from the moment we walk in the building. She takes the time to say good morning to each person as they come in the door, and she knows the name of each student. She does an excellent job of keeping up with attendance for the students and keeping us informed of the ones that are excused or for school business . She keeps our supplies stocked and well organized. Students have told me how much they appreciate that she is not judgmental and always wishes them well if they have to leave ." -Marilyn Hoyt, MSA Teacher
"Mavis makes my day better here at Main Street Academy. She is the first person I see when I arrive, and she always greets me as though she had been waiting just for me. The same can be said for our students. Mavis is the first person they see when they arrive, and she always greets them as though she had been waiting just for them. On the rare occasion Mavis is not at school, her absence is felt throughout the building. She keeps us all moving like a well-oiled train. If not for Mavis, we would all be off track and clambering to get back on the rails." - Apryl Johnson, MSA Teacher
āWelcome Homeā-those are the first words staff and students hear when they enter MSA. Mavis has created a space where all are seen, valued, and loved. She remembers the little things that make a personās day-a favorite treat, song, activity; every birthday is celebrated and every challenging moment is met with compassion and hope. She is a living reminder of our āwhyā and that is to do what is best for kids, as well as the adults who support those kids. We are so grateful that she is a part of MSA and so proud that she is a part of SSSD." - Yvonne Markovich, Principal of MSA
"Cassie is without any doubt the heartbeat to our Medical CTE department. Her professionalism and desire to inspire our students to pursue their dreams is a direct reflection of her kindness and expertise. She has been a key part in fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration that enhances the overall educational experience for each of us who teach alongside her. I have no doubt that our students would agree that we are blessed to have her working here at SSHS. " - Michael Smith, Med Teacher
"Cassie is one of the hardest working people I've ever met. She really cares for her students through her actions. Even when she might not know some of the "trained teacher" things, she is always ready to figure it out and approaches every situation ready to learn. She is also an amazing mom and role model." - Brooke DeGaish, Med Teacher
"Ms. Keen is a positive educator in the classroom. She's always willing to help and make sure we are understanding concepts. Her personality is so bright, and she's always connecting with her students. Ms. Keen inspires me every day to continue into the medical field and has motivated me to pursue a career in nursing! " - Angel Figueroa, Student
"She goes above and beyond every day in the classroom making instruction relevant and applicable to real life, in HOSA club getting students involved outside of the classroom, and beyond, paying attention to the things going on in the building and helping willingly and selflessly." - Karin Miller, Principal