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Outstanding Service Awards

Purpose: The purpose of the Board of Education Awards program is to recognize individual employees and volunteers for outstanding service. The awards serve to boost staff, volunteer and community morale through tangible evidence of appreciation of performance, and encourage community residents, business and community/civic group involvement.

Program: The selection committee annually chooses an individual or group from the nominees in each award category for recognition by the Board of Education. Awards are the Golden Apple Award, the School Bell Award, the Helping Hand Award, the Gold Key Award, the Bright Red Apple Award, and the Spark Award. 

Process: Nominations are received from staff members, parents, students and patrons. Selections are made by the selection committee, which meets once a year to review nominations.

2023-24 Award Recipients

Previous Award Recipients


Awards and criteria

  • Golden Apple Award - certified staff member with four or more years in USD 385
    • Educational effectiveness (effective instructional techniques, classroom organization, behavior management)
    • Zeal in promoting the advancement of education (professional, enthusiastic)
    • Ability to inspire all students (effective rapport with students)
       
  • Helping Hand Award - school volunteer in each attendance center
    • Outstanding contributions to the building that significantly impacted students
    • Continuous support to the success of the building or district
    • Zeal in providing support (enthusiastic, willing to do more than expected)
       
  • Bright Red Apple Award - certified staff new to the profession (first, second or third year teacher)
    •  Educational effectiveness (effective instructional techniques, classroom organization, behavior management)
    •  Zeal in promoting the advancement of education (professional, enthusiastic)
    •  Ability to inspire all students (effective rapport with students)
       
  • School Bell Award - classified staff
    • Outstanding contributions to the building or district that had a significant impact on services
    • Continuous support to the success of the building or district
    • Zeal in providing support (professional, enthusiastic, willing to do more than expected)
       
  • Gold Key Award - individual, business, or community/civic organization
    • Outstanding contributions to the district that significantly impacted the students and the school district
       
  • Spark Award - individual staff member
    • Instrumental role in the district
    • Exudes energy, enthusiasm, and excellence in all their endeavors
    • Inspiration to others and significantly impacts students and the school district