🍎📝 Happy Substitute Educators Day! 📝🍎
Today we’re giving a big THANK YOU to the amazing substitutes who step in with flexibility, heart, and dedication. You keep learning on track and bring stability when it’s needed most — and we’re so grateful for you! 💚

Throwing it back to 2002 with a snapshot of one of our former history teachers—caught leaning on a trash can and flashing that unforgettable smile.
Does anyone recognize this friendly face?

📚🙌 Happy Education Support Professionals Day! 🙌📚 Today we celebrate our Real World Learning Coordinator, Vision Specialist, Recess Aides, Behavior Interventionists, Instructional Coordinators, ISS Monitor, and Process Coordinators. Each and every one vital to student success! 💚

👉 Apply today: https://smithville.schoolspring.com/

"Ali is a shining light in our blue hallway at Eagle Heights. Ali creates a classroom environment that is truly exceptional. Her classroom is a place where every child feels loved, safe, and supported—an environment that allows young learners to flourish both academically and emotionally. Ali understands the importance of nurturing the whole child, and she brings warmth, patience, and genuine care to her students every day. Her students know they are valued, and that sense of security empowers them to take risks, try new things, and grow with confidence.
Ali’s commitment extends far beyond her own classroom. She is a true team player—collaborative, reliable, and generous with her time and resources. She shares ideas, materials, and strategies freely, always seeking to lift up those around her. Whether offering guidance to a fellow teacher, planning with her grade-level team, or helping colleagues troubleshoot challenges, Ali consistently demonstrates a spirit of openness and support.
Her dedication, kindness, and collaborative mindset make her not only an outstanding educator but also an invaluable member of her school community. For these reasons, I am proud to nominate Ali Holder for the Ultimate Warrior."

"Kelley is the kind of person whose presence changes the atmosphere around her. She pours her heart into every family she serves, showing up with love, laughter, and a kindness that makes people feel seen and supported. She is a fierce advocate, standing beside her families through every challenge and working tirelessly to make sure they receive the help, resources, and encouragement they deserve.
She has a wealth of knowledge that strengthens everyone around her. As a co-worker, Kelley is a gift. She brings creativity, new ideas, and a spirit that strengthens our entire program. She supports her team with the same warmth and dedication she gives to her families.
Kelley’s strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment make her a true warrior—one whose impact is felt in every life she touches."

"On any given day, you can find Nurse Donna here at Horizon supporting both students and staff, most days with a line of kids out the doorway just waiting to see her! She plays a vital role in our health and wellness in the classrooms by using her knowledge and skills daily. She is responsible for students with a wide range of needs, and is caring and compassionate. She leads by example with honesty and integrity. She truly cares about each and every student and is respected amongst all at Horizon. We are so blessed to have Nurse Donna here at Horizon!"

Let’s rewind to 2014 — the Smithville High School musical cast was giving it their all, singing their hearts out during the final moments of the show.
Do you enjoy high school musicals?


"Tiffani Miller is such an amazing lady. She is a friend to everyone, students and staff alike. Tiffani always goes above and beyond what is required of her. She is dedicated to teaching kiddos how to read. She has spent countless hours testing, scoring, and analyzing data to help with Reading Success Plans. Teachers see her as a partner because she genuinely holds a stake in each child's reading development. How blessed are the people of Horizon who cherish Tiffani Miller every day!"

"On the morning of 11/4 at Eagle Heights Elementary, Brody checked on one of the soccer goals as students played on the playground during Play Club. He discovered that the soccer goal was damaged and may harm a student. Before he removed the goal from the playground, he explained to the curious group of students (who had gathered around him) how it had been damaged. He explained to the students that we all need to take care of the playground equipment so we can play on it for years to come.
As this event took place, a group of teachers stood in awe as Brody spoke to the students with kindness instead of just removing the goal from the playground without explanation."

"Brea is a fantastic teacher and librarian. She works hard to create interactive experiences for her students in the library, as well as "themed months" which keep the kids engaged and excited to learn. She has taken the time to truly get to know her students and their interests, she can quickly give them personalized book recommendations when they ask. Brea is so supportive of the learning of her students and their love for reading. She is helpful and collaborative with other staff members, and is always looking for ways to do what is best for her students. We are lucky to have her at Maple on the Encore team!"

Way Back When-sday:
Smithville High School students used to plan their evenings by calling friends on the pay phone—before everyone carried one in their pocket!
Do you remember using a pay phone?📞✨

"Mrs. Krueger is such an asset to our building. She is always thinking about and acting upon how she can best serve our building and its students. She goes above and beyond and jumps in to help whenever it's needed. Her compassion, teamwork and dedication make a huge difference in our building. Thank you for always putting students first and being such a positive force at SMS!"

"I am honored to nominate Monica Leary for the Ultimate Warrior Award. As a Vice Principal at our high school, she consistently goes above and beyond for our students, staff, and school community. Without a doubt, she is an amazing principal and the entire high school staff feel extremely grateful to have the privilege of working with her.
What sets her apart is not just her work ethic, but the heart she puts into everything she does. She is a tireless advocate for student success, always ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our students. Whether it's supporting teachers in and out of the classroom, being present for teachers and students during tough times, or stepping in wherever she's needed without hesitation, she leads with integrity, empathy, and strength.
Her door is always open, and she creates a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where both students and staff feel seen, heard, and valued. Her ability to handle challenges with grace and her constant push for excellence inspires those around her to rise to their full potential.
Simply put, she is an integral pillar of our school. Her leadership is unmatched, and her impact is lasting. She doesn’t just show up. She shows up with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our school’s success.
She truly embodies what it means to be a Warrior."

✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"This staff member is in her first year teaching and she shows wisdom and promise of a seasoned educator. I am proud to be on her team to share the support with her. "

"Sarah is a new addition to our Maple Elementary School family. She brings her great experience as a nurse to our team and prioritizes our students' health and wellbeing. She is kind, patient, and handles the numerous visits to her office like a champ."
"Nurse Sarah has jumped right into her role as a school nurse! She is already developing great relationships with the students and staff at Maple. She is truly showing that she has our students best interests in mind when it comes to all aspects of their health. She has shown she can stay calm and composed during stressful situations all while showing true compassion for those she is helping. She is extremely professional and proficient, mixed with a little bit of fun and we love having her at Maple!"


Throwing it back to 1991 when a group of students went all out for Nerd Day, rocking glasses, suspenders, and big smiles!
Who else loves dressing up and showing their school spirit? 🎉🤓

