Melanie Highfill, a 4th Grade student at Oak Street Elementary School was recognized with the District Attitude Award by Goddard Superintendent, Dr. Henry and the Goddard School Board at last evening's meeting.
The District Attitude Award recognizes an individual for going above and beyond their duties and responsibilities, displaying an exceptional attitude, to further our mission to educate ALL students for lifelong success.
Melanie was nominated by multiple Oak Street staff members for her leadership and attitude with peers and also for her leadership and inclusive attitude with ALL Oak Street students. Below is a list of those that nominated Melanie along with their nomination remarks.
"Melanie is an outstanding peer leader in the classroom. She goes above and beyond to help another student in the classroom. She promotes inclusivity and does everything she can to make sure that every student feels welcome and loved in our classroom. She has recently grown an incredible friendship and bond with a Mixed Abilities student and makes sure that this student has every opportunity to participate in everything that she does. She will include him in everything she does, and make him feel loved and encouraged just the same as every other classmate in the room no matter how much time he spends in the room with us. She truly has a heart of gold and wants to see everybody succeed. She has mentioned to me that she wants to one day become a teacher so she can help students and is inspired by the bond she shares with that student. It's truly special to see her heart and the way she cares for others." – Ms. Burr, Oak Street 4th grade teacher
"Melanie Highfill is a remarkable and amazing young girl. She goes above and beyond to help a student in the library. On days when we check out books she helps this student find his books before she finds her own. When we're learning in the library, she helps this student understand and answer. During good things, she will help this student share his good thing with his device. Not only does she help this student, but she is also aware of his moods and knows when he is happy or angry and is able to be his interpreter to the outside world. Melanie brings a positive attitude to school each day; greeting me and others with a happy good morning. She always stops and checks in and tells me about her day. Each interaction I have with her is enjoyable and entertaining. Melanie is absolutely an amazing girl who is going to go far life. " - Ms. Gerstner, Oak Street Librarian
"Melanie goes above and beyond to be a positive friend and influence! She fully engages Mixed Ability students within her classroom, in the lunchroom, and on the playground. Melanie ensures that Mixed Abilities students are included with peers. She leads by example by greeting all Mixed Abilities students first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Melanie is always eager to help and has such a positive attitude. Melanie is kind, sweet, caring, helpful, loving, thoughtful and so much more. She brings out the best in all of us! " - Renee Richards, Oak Street Mixed Ability Teacher
"I would like to nominate Melanie Highfill for an attitude award. Over the last 2 years, I have watched Melanie come alongside our Mixed Ability students (all of them, but specifically one in particular) and not only be a pier model but be a friend. As a parent of a child with autism, it’s been a blessing to see a typical student forgo sitting with her friends at lunch to sit next to a student who is unable to speak to her. She shows patience, kindness and care for these students. If there has been a child in the last 16 years of my employment that I have seen exhibit the traits of a leader and kindness and compassion towards classmates that cannot give anything in return, it is Melanie." - Carol Edmisten - Oak Street Kitchen Manager
We are so very proud of Melanie and appreciate her leadership and positive attitude on a daily basis.