Staff Members of the Month - January 2026

At Washington Community Schools, we proudly honor our outstanding staff for their dedication and exceptional commitment to our students every day.

At each monthly school board meeting, we will highlight staff members who have been nominated for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence.

Thank you to Tim Cochren from Habig Injury Law (@habiginjurylaw) for supporting our staff and providing each nominee with a $50.00 Amazon gift card and Yeti Tumbler!

Amy Cline, Teacher at Washington Veale Elementary, Nominated by Principal Jay Wildman

“It is a distinct privilege to recommend Mrs. Amy Cline for the Staff Member of the Month award. Having worked alongside her for the past two years, I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering passion and diligent advocacy for her students' success.

Mrs. Cline is an educator who consistently surpasses the standard expectations of her role. Her instructional decisions are not based on guesswork; rather, she conducts deep dives into student data to ensure every lesson is precision-targeted to meet specific learner needs. Her commitment extends beyond the school day, as she frequently volunteers her own time for after-school tutoring sessions, demonstrating a level of dedication that resonates throughout ourschool community.

The impact of Mrs. Cline’s approach is visible in her students’ exceptional results. She strikes a masterly balance between setting high academic expectations and maintaining the compassionate flexibility required to support diverse learners. This has led to better-than-average growth in both academic achievement and social-emotional maturity. Notably, her passionate instruction in writing—from sentences to full stories—has served as a catalyst for growth in reading, writing, and even oral communication.

Finally, Mrs. Cline serves as a vital bridge between school and home. Her ability to communicate with parents in a meaningful, professional, and proactive manner ensures that families are true partners in the educational journey.

For these reasons, I highly recommend Mrs. Amy Cline for this recognition. She embodies the excellence and heart we value in our staff.”

 

Macy Garcia, Sodexo Facilities, Nominated by Sodexo Facilities  Director Graham Geisler

“I would like to share my appreciation and to highlight the contributions of Macy Garcia.

Macy has demonstrated tremendous growth during her time with Sodexo. From early on, she has shown the qualities of an emerging leader, and it has been a privilege to support her development. 

Her dedication is especially remarkable given the consistent challenge of operating in a building that is often understaffed. Despite this, Macy meets every day with resilience, performing at her absolute best and persevering with a positive attitude.

Perhaps most impressively, Macy has become an invaluable mentor within our team. She has done a remarkable job leading and training others, taking colleagues with little experience and transforming them into key contributors. She instills in them a strong work ethic and professional attributes that are a direct reflection of her own commitment and skill.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Macy as part of our Sodexo staff. Her positive impact on her team and our school facilities is deeply felt. I look forward to supporting Macy’s continued career growth and to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future for our school and community.

Thank you, Macy!” 

Lisa Emmick, Teacher for Washington Community Schools, Nominated by Principal Rhiannon Fry

“We are thrilled to recognize Lisa Emmick as our Staff Member of the Month! Her dedication and contributions to our school community shine brightly in several key areas:

- Lisa is committed to continuous learning, always seeking to deepen her understanding of her subject matter. She creatively connects concepts to real-world applications and integrates them with other subjects, enriching the educational experience for her students.

- As a role model for her peers, Lisa is the first person colleagues turn to for guidance and support. Her willingness to share her expertise fosters a collaborative environment among staff.

- Lisa plays a pivotal role in our Upper Elementary Robotics Program, showcasing her exceptional ability to secure funding and resources. Her efforts ensure that students have access to valuable hands-on learning experiences.

- She actively contributes to cultivating a positive culture in Upper Elementary, where staff members are celebrated, and fun is part of our daily routine. Her infectious enthusiasm uplifts everyone around her.

- A true leader, Lisa is incredibly dependable and trustworthy. She consistently steps up to tackle challenges, even those outside her immediate responsibilities, always striving to enhance our school.

- Lisa has successfully written numerous grants and garnered donations from the community, significantly benefiting her classroom and the robotics program. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning respect and admiration from community members for the positive impact she has on our students.

- When faced with challenges, Lisa approaches them with a solutions-oriented mindset. She identifies problems and presents thoughtful solutions, eager to collaborate on ways to improve our school environment.”