Brag on a Brave

The Brave of the Week for August 12-16, 2024 is one of our newest Braves, Community Trails Middle School associate principal Elizabeth McDorman. We have copied the original nomination submitted by CTMS parent Tiffany Steele below.

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Generous

Why are you nominating this person?

Ms. McDorman was so generous with her time, despite having so little time to spare as the first day of school approached. At orientation, she connected with our son and was sure to remember his name and reconnect with him before we left that night. The next day, she learned of some recent events in our lives and decided to call me and connect to ensure I knew our son would have a great year as a new to the district student. This really warmed my heart! At back to school bash, she connected with our son again! He was so proud that she remembered him, and knew how to spell his name correctly! She asked about the books he had just bought at book fair and listened diligently while he chatted in a very busy room. All of these small moments made a huge impact on our son and our family. We were able to drop him off for his first day of middle school in a new city and have confidence he would be safe and loved! Thank you Ms. McDorman!

The Brave of the Week for August 19-23, 2024 is ...

Maygan Wall! Mrs. Wall was nominated by Mr. Bryan Ladd, Assistant Superintendent of Campuses and Leadership, for her passion in building a positive school culture at NeSmith Elementary!

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Passionate

Why are you nominating this person?

Mrs. Wall was working hard at morning arrival building a positive school culture at NeSmith Elementary! There was fun music and a fun blowup dinosaur costume! Kids and staff loved it!

The Brave of the Week for August 26-30, 2024 is ... Lindsey Lindner of Ellis Elementary!

Mrs. Lindsey Lindner, Campus Secretary of Ellis Elementary, is the Brave of the Week for August 26-30. She was nominated by Mrs. Lindsey Hedge, a parent and volunteer in the District. Mrs. Hedge's original nomination is copied below.

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Humble

Why are you nominating this person?

Ms. L is a huge blessing to Ellis Elementary. She has dove in feet first, and has not looked back. Her passion for serving others is selfless and humble. Her drive and dedication to her campus and the love she has for the staff and students really shows. Ms. L really works hard every day, both in the campus and off campus to make sure that everything runs smooth.

The Brave of the Week for August 26-30, 2024 is ... Skyler Whiffen of Roderick Elementary!

Skyler Whiffen, a 2nd Grader at Roderick Elementary, is the Brave of the Week for September 2-6. She was nominated by Megan Whiffen, her mother. Mrs. Whiffen's original nomination is copied below.

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Wise

Why are you nominating this person?

Skyler Whiffen is a student at Rodrick elementary and is 7 years old. When Skyler was in pre k she begged for an alarm clock to wake up for school. We are on years three and she wakes up every day when that alarm clock goes off and gets ready. I don’t have to fight her or ask 10 times to get up and get ready. She also helps our neighbors prek and kindergarten kids at Roderick get breakfast in the morning and walks them to class. I hope this makes it it to the right person.

The Brave of the Week for September 9-13, 2024 is ... Pamela Simmons of McClendon Elementary!

Mrs. Pamela Simmons, a teacher at McClendon Elementary, is the Brave of the Week for September 9-13. She was nominated by Mrs. Annie Heflin, one of our Curriculum Coordinators. Mrs. Heflin's original nomination is copied below.

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Generous

Why are you nominating this person?

I am nominating Mrs. Simmons for her generous spirit and dedication to supporting her fellow educators across the district. Each week, I know there will be a message in my inbox reaching out to all 5th grade science teachers with encouragement and an invitation to collaborate. She consistently shares her lesson plans, ideas, and resources to implement in their science classrooms! Many teachers have stopped to tell me what a blessing this has been to them personally. We are so lucky to have her as part of Brave Nation!

The Brave of the Week for September 16-20, 2024 is ... Tyler Lyons of Ellis Elementary!

Mr. Tyler Lyons, a teacher at Ellis Elementary, is the Brave of the Week for September 16-20. He was nominated by Mrs. Marcia Coker, the Director of Maintenance and Facilities for Community ISD. Mrs. Coker's original nomination is copied below.

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Passionate

Why are you nominating this person?

I am nominating Mr. Lyons for his amazing practical lesson on gravity with his students at Ellis Elementary today. His passion for science and for education shone through in his enthusiasm for the lesson and his interactions with his students. I also very much appreciate that he followed procedure while trying to get permission to make this practical demonstration of gravity from the roof of Ellis. Mr. Lyons has been a great addition to the Ellis team and to Brave Nation!

The Brave of the Week for September 23-27, 2024 is ... Sam "Saminator" Davis from CISD Technology!

Mr. Sam Davis, the Device Administrator for Community ISD Technology, is the Brave of the Week for September 23-27. He was nominated by Mrs. Jennifer Tellez, one of our Human Resource Specialists. Here is the original submission from Mrs. Tellez:

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Humble

Why are you nominating this person?

Even in a busy work environment filled with challenges, Sam is always happy to lend a helping hand. What sets him apart is his dedication to his work. He is ALWAYS thinking of ways to improve the district. I have had to tell him to turn his brain off and go to bed. He is a great leader and teacher filled with knowledge. Beyond his skills, his kindness and approachability makes a real difference in our district. He’s not just a colleague; he’s a mentor and a friend who truly cares about each of us. He’s always there to share his knowledge and support. For all these reasons, Sam truly deserves our recognition because he is amazing. His passion and dedication have a lasting impact on our district and we are incredibly lucky to have him with us. He exhibits all traits and it was hard to choose just one.

The Brave of the Week for September 30-October 4, 2024 is ... Kristen Christensen from McClendon Elementary!

Mrs. Kristen Christensen, the Physical Education teacher for McClendon Elementary, is the Brave of the Week for September 30-October 4. He was nominated by Ms. Ashley Farmer, McClendon's art teacher. Here is the original submission from Ms. Farmer:

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Wise

Why are you nominating this person?

Kristen is the epitome of a Brave. She is humble in the way she puts others first. She is a team player through and through and has brought a beautiful team spirit to our specials team here at McClendon. Her generosity shows in the way she is always willing to collaborate, lend a helping hand and lift someone up with a word of encouragement. Not only is Kristen passionate about physical health, ensuring that she shares that passion with our youngest braves but she is consistently willing to work harder to learn more. Her wisdom shines as is quick to share but also always willing to learn from others. Kristen is truly a treasure to our district, to McClendon and to our team.

The Brave of the Week for October 7-11, 2024 is ... the CHS Braves football teams!

The Community High School football teams earned the Brave of the Week honors for October 7-11. They were nominated by Mrs. Misty Allums Weedon, a parent from Pine Tree High School. Here is the original submission from Mrs. Weedon:

Which Trait was this person exhibiting?

Generous

Why are you nominating this person?

Hey Community ISD! I just have to say congratulations. I saw your CHS football team and coaches in the stands Saturday cheering on your band and color guard. One of my favorite parts of the day was hearing them go crazy in the stands. I am so proud of the support and encouragement you are fostering within your District. Great job!