March 23, 2000 - The Renton School District is proud to announce its Outstanding Employees for 1999-2000. They are:

Outstanding Elementary Teachers, Barbara Davidoff, Kennydale and Jane Hendrickson, Bryn Mawr

Outstanding Secondary Teacher, Maggie Morrison, Black River

Outstanding Building Support, Mary Galbraith, Renton High

Outstanding District Support, Patricia Auten, Department of Instruction.

The recipients were honored by the school board on March 22 at the Kohlwes Education Center.

Discovery Teacher Barbara Davidoff began her teaching career with the Renton School District on August 22, 1994 as a Gifted 5/6 teacher at Kennydale. In her first two years of teaching, her class put on the play, H.M.S. Pinafore and a 50's musical version of Midsummer's Night Dream. She didn't stop there - within the next two years she wrote, directed and produced two all-school plays incorporating every single child in to the production. One of the plays explained the new state EALR's and was presented to the State PTA Convention and the State Superintendent's State of Education Address. Though Barb has done work across the district on curriculum, technology, levy support, and report cards, she is a stickler for detail. As Second Grade teacher Ann Shilling notes. "Barb arrives at Kennydale before seven each day with a cup of coffee for Bob, our

custodian."

Since September of 1974, Bryn Mawr's Jane Hendrickson has given her students a sense of "family," as she gently, but firmly guides them through each day teaching curriculum, social skills, and anything that will help them feel confident and successful. Jane helped revive the outdoor camping experience for 5th graders and assumed the responsibility of raising the necessary funds. She was also instrumental in getting the Salmon program at school, serves on school committees such as the Lead Team, Facilities and Health. Mrs. Hendrickson has also helped organize the Volunteer Tea Committee and 5th grade graduation breakfast and provides colorful art backdrops and projects for school plays and displays. Some of her students filled out nomination forms, and perhaps, best summed up Jane. One said, "She's very helpful, she explains things clearly." Another

commented on her sense of humor and not being shy. But when a student was asked what are your favorite things about Mrs. Hendrickson, she replied, "Just her being her!"

Maybe Maggie Morrison has always rooted for the underdog? No&endash;rather, she's been able to see the potential in all of the students that have crossed her classroom doorstep since 1970. Maggie was hired that year to teach an alternative program specifically designed for at risk students, though she did teach Title 1, 7th and 8th grade Language Arts and Social Studies before joining the Black River faculty in 1989. Her creativity, teaching skill, and flexibility are reflected in her teaching line consisting of World History, government and contemporary issues. Maggie also integrates art into the Black River community, serves as social studies "department head" and is active in the Renton Education Association. As the Black River staff sums it up, "Alternative education requires teachers who are intellectual and personal role models for at risk students who may not have solid role models in their lives. Maggie is parent, teacher and accepting adult all at once."

Mary Galbraith was hired as a counselor for Dimmitt Middle School in 1971. In 1973, she moved to Renton High School where she remained ever since. If you want history about the school, go see Mary. Her peers often refer to her as the "unsung hero" at Renton High School, providing stability to students, parents and staff. As Dutch Day notes, "Mary's importance to RHS cannot be overstated. She is central to schedule building, key to developing our registration system, pivotal in assisting students with college placement and respected as an experienced and sage voice in dealing with the rapidly changing nature of an urban high school." Mary has also served on the school's Instructional Council, Teen Parent Advisor Committee, Tribe Advisor, Senior Reception Coordinator and National College Fair CoCoordinator.

Patricia Auten was hired in the Renton School District in 1980. This energetic volunteer coordinator and HIV educator has always helped bring the necessary volunteer resources to our classrooms and programs. Whether helping to coordinate the Torero's or City of Renton Field Trip or training mentors for Communities in Schools of Renton, Pat is well know across the district. Pat also provides assistance with the RSD Charitable Giving Campaign (United Way) and Mentor Program Recognition & Benefit Dinner. Ms. Auten is also active as the President of the Renton Historical Society, serves as a Soroptomist and is active in her church. As her peer Tony Helt states, "Pat is without a doubt one of our best links in connecting the district to parents and the community. She is the reason we have such a strong base of volunteers from parents, the community and businesses in our area!"

Congratulations and thank you to our 1999-2000 Outstanding Employees.