Difference Maker - March 2024

Mr. Darin is the head color guard instructor.  He has made the guard a welcoming place for any kid who wants to participate. He respects the students' chosen names and pronouns. He makes sure the guard knows the importance of their responsibilities in the classroom. He pushes the students with kindness and respect to be better humans. The color guard program has grown and thrived under Mr Darin's leadership, and we're all better for it.

Difference Maker - February 2024

Mrs. B, as our students and staff call her, is Lincoln Academy's school counselor. She has created a safe place in her role her at LA so that our students know that she is available to work with them on the hard things in life. Whether that be applying for Oklahoma's Promise, College admissions, Meridian Tech applications, or what classes to take next for graduation requirements. They also seek her help with home-life issues, relationship and friend issues, navigating being more independent as they become young adults and many other topics. As the school secretary the number one question I get asked by our student's each day is, " Do you know is Mrs. B is available to talk right now?'.

Mrs. B is dedicated and committed to empowering student growth, being a positive influence, helping students overcome challenges and supporting student success. She is involved also in rewarding our students who have achieved Straight A's and earned the required 4 credits per 9 weeks. She uses her own money and lets them pick an item $25 or under off of Amazon and orders it for them. Not only is Mrs. B great for our students to have but she is an amazing person to have as a member of our staff.

Mrs. Baustert does an amazing job as the Lincoln Academy guidance counselor.  She listens and helps all students, but is also real with them and pushes them to be their best.  She has great perspective on issues with our teachers and staff and participates in all of the fun activities that we offer at Lincoln.  Mrs. B makes Lincoln a better place. Jennifer Baustert is February’s SPS Difference Maker.

Difference Maker - January 2023

Mrs. Kristin Carter is a Difference Maker. She has been serving as a SPED paraprofessional at our school since 2018. She has many other years of experience at other school sites in our district, as well.

There are many attributes I appreciate about Kristin. Some that stand out to me is her unwavering respect for the children she serves and her patience in the moment. She never holds a grudge, never backs children into a corner, and never takes anything personally. We have a new special education teacher this year, and Kristin's has been indispensable for her. Often, Kristin takes on some of the most challenging situations. She does this with ease, confidence and in a thankless manner. She is so patient and kind no matter what she encounters. Additionally, she is a great problem solver and she makes significant contributions to finding solutions to complex situations. Also, Kristin is so flexible and helpful. Finally, she has a number of responsibilities during the school day that include unloading students in the morning, supporting students during lunch & recess and serving in bus duty.

Kristin is one of our most trusted employees. She is a rock-solid performer who is such a great person. When we need the best on a job or a task she is one of the first people in mind. She adds such value to our school. We are so grateful she chooses to be a part of the Westwood family. She has great experience, and she’s an eager learner looking to grow in her understanding of curriculum and special education pedagogy Kristin Carter is January’s SPS Difference Maker. 

Difference Maker - December 2023

"Courtney Parks from Highland Park Elementary is this month’s difference maker. Courtney is our wonderful librarian. At the beginning of the year, she cleaned all the Chromebooks that left in the summer and then the Chromebooks that arrived in August, quickly charging them and preparing them for student and staff use. Courtney works in the summer, during the day, and after school to have materials ready for teachers, while teaching 7 classes per day. She is always available to help and support teachers. She orders exceptional materials and provides a warm and inviting library for our students. Courtney also catalogs all the many grant materials that teachers are awarded and writes grants to expand the library collection. She is positive, knowledgeable, and happy to help teachers with technology needs, material requests, and anything else that is requested of her. We are so fortunate she is our HP librarian! "

Difference Maker - October 2023

"Robbie Fite is our October Difference Maker at SPS. She has 13 years total in SPS, and 10 with Indian Education. Robbie is one of the most committed and loyal people we have.  She gives without question and sets the example.  Kids and staff love Mrs. Fite.  Her time and efforts are spent with students and staff in both Richmond and Skyline elementary schools.  She is well respected and does not look for affirmation.   Robbie thinks about others first and is dedicated to the profession.  Best Practice?  Robbie is the example of best practice.  The world is a better place because of Mrs. Fite."

Difference Maker - March 2023

"Doug Heid can be seen daily at any one of our buildings, working to make sure the climate in our buildings is comfortable for students and staff. Due to the extreme heat the past few weeks, his services have been in high demand. Working under pressure and extremely hot temperatures, Doug is known as a calm, friendly, and diligent member of our staff. He has made a difference in the educational environment SPS provides for teachers, students, and staff. We appreciate his efforts to keep us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Thanks for being a “Difference Maker” Doug!"

Difference Maker - March 2023

"Every day Robin Johnson and David Coates work hard to keep our students and staff comfortable, healthy and some days alive. They've gone out of their way to help us all with everything from medications to deodorant, band-aids to shoes and most importantly, respect and kindness."   

Difference Maker - March 2023

"As a former educator and coach, Rusty is able to develop relationships with each of our students and connect with them on an individual level. He values parental input, inclusion, and regularly engages with our Committee to determine the best way to help our students. He is also an advocate for native students, who are in the minority within this school system. He has a keen eye for students that may be overlooked or fade into the background. Rusty has a way of working with these students to build rapport and make them feel special. 

Over these past years, Rusty and our SPS Indian Education Parent Committee have teamed up to hold fundraising Indian Taco sales, cultural meals, and family events to help our students. Supporting mainstream public education as well as our cultural values and traditions is Rusty's strength. He has a traditional background and students can relate to him in this way. Away from our Parent Committee, Rusty works with students of all ages, at all the schools in the SPS. This is a tremendous job, but one he does well. We are very appreciative of Rusty and all that he does for our students. Stillwater Public Schools is better because of Rusty and his commitment to our native students. Rusty's has certainly made a difference for us."

Joyce Oberly- President of SPS Indian Education Parent Committee

Difference Maker - February 2023

Difference Maker - January 2023