Teacher and Staff Appreciations
This week, May 6-10, is Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. Mapleton’s Board of Education issued a proclamation encouraging everyone to observe the week by taking time to recognize and acknowledge the impact of educators and support staff on the lives of our students.
Help Mapleton staff know just how appreciated they are by sharing a message with us! Share a story about an extraordinary educator, the best bus driver, an awesome administrative assistant, a caring cafeteria employee, or any other outstanding Mapleton employee who has made a positive difference in your child’s life.
Please send pictures, videos, or notes of appreciation, which we will share on social media, on our website, and in our newsletters.
Pictures and videos may be emailed to communications@mapleton.us.
Maya Valdvia, Adventure Elementary
"My irreplaceable is my teammate at Adventure, Maya Valdivia. Maya is irreplaceable for so many reasons, chief among them her humor, her dedication to her students, and her willingness to jump in and support staff and teachers. She is consistently seeking to improve her craft through reflection and implementation of new ideas and learning. She has a big heart for her students and takes time to not only build relationships but continue to foster them over the year; and her students adore her! She is my sounding board, my buddy, and the person I can count on not only with professional questions or needs, but personally as well. She has stepped up for me countless times and for that and many more reasons she is irreplaceable."
Submitted by: Meagan Ackerman
Tiffany Dragoo, Global Leadership Academy
Submitted by: Anonymous
Ashley Phelps, Preschool on Poze
"Ms. Ashley Phelps was my grandson Emmit’s teacher from August 2021- May 2023 at Preschool on Poze. We were concerned when Emmit started preschool, just because he had never been with anyone but family, it was a big step to trust someone.
Seeing the way she cares for her kids, and the parents, was so helpful and made our hearts happy. She makes learning fun, and she goes above and beyond for her kids, supplying them with what they need to thrive.
She is the most spirited teacher I know. She always encourages her kids to reach for the stars and keeps parents and grandparents in the loop with pictures throughout the day, so we could see all the amazing things the kids were learning and the fun they were having. Emmit was always so excited to go to school, to see his friends and his teachers.
I truly believe that our teachers are big role models for our kids or grandkids. There is always that one that will always stick with you, and leave an amazing impression on you, I believe they set the precedence for their entire school career.
Ms. Ashley is that teacher for Emmit. She is such an influential teacher, that she will forever be a part of our family. Thank you for all you do for all the kids who are so lucky to have you as their teacher. Keep doing what you do 
We love you!!!"
Submitted by: Kimberly Ritchie
Dominik Martinez, Operatations
"I’d like to shout out Dominik Martinez in Operations. Thank you, Dominik, for your assistance with the electrical issues in the Administration Building. Showing up on short notice (with a smile) and addressing these challenges with professionalism and efficiency is truly appreciated. We're incredibly fortunate to have you in Mapleton."
Submitted by: Jennifer Meyn
Michelle Minard, Meadow Community School
We wanted to shout out and show appreciation to my son’s teacher, Michelle Minard. Mrs. Minard first became my son's teacher in preschool at Welby and my son's path has been brightened and directed in a better direction. My son is nonverbal and has global speech delay and this week I heard him read books for the first time. My heart is so full and proud to see my son accomplish things I didn’t know he could. This is my son's second year with Mrs. Minard. I’ve had the pleasure of working beside her as a para in her classroom and she gave me insight and hands-on experience as well as letters of recommendation that I never had before and is helping to mold my career as a teacher and meet my goals. I will be graduating on May 9th with my AA in Early Childhood Education. Jayvion has made so much progress this year and I can’t wait to see his future.
Submitted by: Ravynn Green
Jennifer Rivera, Paraprofessional
Also, a shout-out of appreciation to Jennifer Rivera, previously a bus para and now a preschool para/TA. Jenny really loves all her kids. She is always encouraging and very helpful. She is a passionate teacher and never stops teaching my children (her niece, and nephews) even at home. We love you Jenny!
Submitted by: Ravynn Green
Brittany Rivera, Preschool on Poze
Ms. Brittany Rivera is a Paraprofessional at Preschool on Poze, she was in Ms. Ashley's classroom when my grandson Emmit attended POP from August 2021--May 2023. She also helped us trust someone outside the family with our Emmit. She is an amazing teacher, she cares for her kids, does everything to help them learn, and makes it fun for them. It was such a joy to see how much Emmit thrived in his classroom, as well as all the other students because of their teachers. Emmit loved the fact that Ms. Brittany loved Scooby-Doo as much as he did, and they both even wore Scooby-Doo shirts together on the same day. This is one of many reasons that we think she is awesome! I could keep going, but she knows how special she is to this family!!