Nate Boever, Teacher at Hillcrest Elementary
Mr. Boever has been a tremendous addition to Hillcrest this year as part of our Special Education team! He enthusiastically took on two of our district's specialty programs: Social Skills and our Transition Program. This means he is working with some of our district's youngest and oldest learners—sometimes at the same time! He thoughtfully plans appropriate lessons and learning opportunities for both programs and often finds ways to combine them for multi-age learning experiences.
Mr. Boever has shown a great deal of flexibility in this role and is always willing to try new things. He continually brainstorms new ideas and opportunities for his learners, including many experiences to practice life skills such as filling out job applications, sending professional emails, budgeting and shopping, cleaning, and doing laundry.
A special project that Mr. Boever recently started with his learners is the “Cup of Joy,” a weekly coffee service for staff. Learners take turns composing and sending the weekly email, managing ordering information, preparing coffee drinks on Fridays, and delivering them throughout the school. Plans are also underway to extend this service to include other offerings throughout the year!
Mr. Boever is an outstanding educator and role model for our learners. He is truly deserving of the B.E.S.T. Award, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our Hillcrest community.
Camelot Education Team, Camelot Intermediate School
When the fourth and fifth graders of Brookings School District merge at Camelot Intermediate School, they have the joy of connecting with team-mates, church members, and previous & new classmates. Camelot school provides a safe, secure place to play, explore, discover, learn, create and build relationships. The welcoming, friendly, respectful, inclusive and happy environment makes Camelot a wonderful place for our learners, students' families, staff, guests and communities of Brookings School District.
Thanks go to Camelot's outstanding education team (principal. administrative & clerical staff, secretary, teachers, assistant teachers, substitute teachers, behavioral techs, and custodians) for developing a healthy, fun place to grow. Through their good hearts, genuine commitment & discipline, knowledge, skills, experiences, and creativity, they cooperatively instill interest in academics, technology skills, music, arts, good health, fitness, socialization and community service.
A huge part of Camelot's success is the strong, effective leadership of Dr. Carmin Vaux. She sets clear high standards, which she models and holds herself and team accountable to. Her wisdom, common sense, open communication and direction are a great cornerstone to Camelot and our school district.
My nomination is not given lightly. It derives from my observations and interactions with students, parents and faculty of various schools. Being one of Brookings School District substitute teachers for four years, a mother of our three children who are students at Brookings' schools, and recently becoming Camelot's PTA president, I believe Camelot is the best.
Every time that I substitute-teach at Camelot, I'm greeted with a smile by students and staff. The faculty makes me aware of upcoming events, which I'm invited to join. Being included in food in the Lounge, Dress Up Days, or a group photo gives you a sense of belonging. If a concern arises or support is requested, the education team willingly assists. The cooperation strengthens unity and a positive outcome. The personal thank you from Dr. Vaux, the teacher who I subbed for, and other members of the education team is heartfelt and appreciated.
Out of our three children, two of them attended Camelot. They significantly grew academically and socially. Both of them earned "knighthood". Camelot's preparation made our daughter's transition to Mickelson Middle School smooth. Our youngest child is excited to attend Camelot in the next school year.