ABCD Award recipients revealed for first quarter of 21-22 school year
The ABCD Award was born from the Board of Education’s desire to acknowledge employees of the Greater Johnstown School District who are nominated by school community members because they go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to make a difference in the lives of our students and help them succeed. The Board and district administration are pleased to recognize the outstanding ABCD Award winners for the first quarter of the 2021-22 school year. Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Crankshaw personally notified each of the recipients that they had won the award and will publicly acknowledge them at the monthly board meeting on Thursday, December 21.
Jessica Holt, sixth grade teacher at Warren Street.
JESSICA HOLT is a sixth grade teacher at Warren Street and helps to organize and run the Backpack food program. At the start of the school year, she asks co-workers to share the names of kids in need and then makes contact with the Regional Food Bank to secure enough supplies to feed these students outside of school hours. Mrs. Holt also recruits staff members to pack the bags each week so that food is ready to be sent home on Fridays. She makes contact with parents and organizes fundraisers to ensure the Backpack program has the funds it needs to continue operating. The Backpack program, which is beneficial to so many of our students and families, would not be successful if not for Ms. Holt’s efforts Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
Dr. Chad Swanson, school psychologist at Warren Street.
CHAD SWANSON was recently recognized by the New York Association of School Psychologists, Chapter F, with the School Psychologist of the Year Award. We are fortunate to have him as our school psychologist at Warren Street, where he supports not only our students, but also his colleagues. He finds numerous ways to assist his co-workers, offering collaboration to effectively deliver lessons to students with challenging behaviors in a positive, engaging and multi-sensory approach. He is very approachable and always puts students first, welcoming them, checking in with them, earning their trust, and making them feel safe. Dr. Swanson goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty to offer positivity and support, helping to make Johnstown a great place to teach and learn.
Kay Houtz, secretary at Warren Street
KAYE HOUTZ serves as the school secretary at Warren Street and has been referred to as the glue that holds Warren together. She simultaneously keeps staff organized and acts as the front line in terms of communication. She maintains an atmosphere of calm and respect while helping parents who have questions or need guidance. Her ability to keep the building running seamlessly while putting out fires is incredible. Whether it is – keeping track of multiple busses, dismissal spots and students’ individual daily transportation needs, or making sure that all staff have papers signed and returned, or acting as technical support for at-home learners, she does it all with a positive attitude. Mrs. Houtz truly goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty every day, and does so with a smile and impressive composure.