2022-2023 Support Staff of the Year: Sally Houtkooper
"We are blessed to have Mrs. Houtkooper at Iva Elementary. She comes in bright and early with a smile on her face, greeting everyone she sees. She meets her students each morning and helps walk them to class. She is their “safe zone” and the face they look forward to seeing as they arrive each day. Mrs. H. goes above and beyond every single day. There’s nothing she won’t do, and she even does things without being asked. She is an excellent asset to her classroom and is there to assist in any and all activities. There’s no one she won’t help and no task too large for her to accomplish. All her students love her and cannot wait to see her each day. Mrs. H. has a heart of gold, and it shines through in all that she does. She is a natural at working with children. She is an advocate for her students and wants what is best for each one of them. She spends her days working with her students as they push into general education classes, playing with them at recess, working with them in the classroom, and helping them learn essential life skills that will help them in their future. She pulls small groups of students to help them work towards their individual learning goals and even plans supplemental activities for them as they grow closer to meeting their goals She challenges them, encourages, and supports them in all that they do. Magic Johnson once said, “All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.” Mrs. H. is that “someone” to all of her students. Iva Elementary is a better place because she is a part of our family."
Congratulations, Mrs. H!