This year, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible team at Siloam Springs School District. Each week, we’ll 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 “SILOAM SPOTLIGHT” feature — it’s going to be an amazing year, and you’ll soon see why!
"Joyce has worked for Siloam Schools for many years and in multiple roles from helping in classrooms, administrative assistant to Principals, and currently administrative assistant to ESOL, Gifted and Talented, and Nursing departments. Joyce is always up for a challenge and has innovative ideas to help with any student or staff need. She is an expert in her administrative duties in our district and we are so fortunate to have her can-do attitude. Joyce makes people comfortable and better and I am so glad to celebrate her work today. Thank you, Joyce!" - Lori Tugwell, Director of Nursing
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Joyce my entire career at SSHS. From the time she handed me my intern badge when she was an admin assistant at the high school, to working with her in accounts payable, to seeing her smiling face at CO. She is a dedicated Panther through and through. She works hard, has a gigantic heart, and does her absolute best all the time. She is one of the greatest people you will ever meet and I still miss seeing her in this building every day. Without Joyce, there are a plethora of things over the years that would not have gotten done!" - Luke Shoemaker, HS Assistant Principal
"Joyce's dedication and willingness to go above and beyond never goes unnoticed. Whether it's tackling new or difficult tasks or offering support to colleagues, she always gets things done with professionalism and kindness. She is passionate about her work at SSSD and has been an integral team member for many years. She is a joy to work with daily!" - Krystal Wheat, SMS & District Testing Coordinator
"I am grateful to have Joyce Cifuentes as a key part of our Siloam Springs District Team. Joyce collaborates with numerous departments, bringing dedication and expertise that strengthens our entire district. Her efforts are instrumental in supporting our goals and fostering connections across various teams. Gracias Joyce! I am thankful to have you as a coworker and friend!" - Jimena M Fernandez-Harp, ESOL Communications Specialist
"Elizabeth Budder is an expert in her area of Speech-Language Pathology. She is a difference maker with the students she serves and she is a team player with colleagues at Allen Elementary as well as with the SLP team across the district. Elizabeth doesn't hesitate to jump in to help in whatever situation comes her way and she never tells me no when I reach out to ask for her assistance above and beyond her duties. We are blessed to have Elizabeth in our district."
"Mrs. Budder is a speech pathologist at Allen. But, she does so much more than speech therapy! Elizabeth makes a point to know our kids and their needs. She is always there to jump in and support, whether the need is a dysregulated child or a teacher or just needs an extra set of hands for a moment. In addition to her many roles inside the building, she also keeps our car line moving. She is a master at recognizing cars and getting kids out quickly to their cars. One time she even pushed a stalled car to the side to keep the line rolling! There isn't much she won't do. We are lucky to have Mrs. Budder on our team!" - Natalie Hutto, AE Principal
"Elizabeth Budder is the ultimate team player. She is always positive, kind, and ready to help wherever she can. In the classroom and beyond, Elizabeth looks for ways to support her colleagues and serve her students. Her friendly attitude and willingness to pitch in make her an invaluable part of any team, and she truly makes the school a better place for everyone. " - Dennis Yocham, AE Assistant Principal
"Harry Thomsen—Harry is our delivery driver for catered meals, baker, and cashier. He is very good at communicating with the students, always with a smile. He is Mr. Happy, ready to make anyone smile and help them start their day out on a good note."- Kristie Green, HS Kitchen Manager
"Harry is a hard-working member of our food service department and is an amazing teammate who never hesitates to offer a smile daily to our students." - Michael Robertson, HS Assistant Principal
"Harry is the most helpful coworker. He is always there to lend a hand when needed. The students love his smile and canter when they come through his line checking out." - Rebecca Eggert, HS Child Nutrition Manager in Training
"Charity is an amazing friend, mentor, and teacher. She is always there with a listening ear and sound advice, and she will go above and beyond to help anyone and is such a light to those around her. Her students and Northside Family love her and are so, so lucky to know her!" - Krista Robertson, NS Kindergarten Teacher
"Charity is a teacher I look up to every single day. She teaches her students with love and respect. She cares deeply for her students and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure success for each kid." - Kendra Stokes, NS Kindergarten Teacher
"Charity is an amazing teacher! She is always so calm and patient with her students. You can tell her students want to be learning in her classroom because she makes learning fun!" - Jill Howard, NS SpEd Teacher
"Charity is a kind, patient, caring and thoughtful teacher. Not only does she truly care and put her everything into her students she also shows these traits toward coworkers!" - Anna Viramontes, NS Storybook Lab paraprofessional
"Charity's kindness and patience create a warm and welcoming environment where her students feel safe to learn and grow. She is a great teammate who is willing to collaborate and share ideas with those around her! "- Marissa Anderson, NS Kindergarten Teacher
"Ms. Miller has a heart for her students and goes above and beyond to help them be successful. Her knowledge in education is a great asset for our students and teachers. We are truly blessed to have her at Northside Elementary School." - Janis Folker, NS Admin Assistant