District 47 Celebrates Spring 2025 Elevate Award Winners

District 47's Elevate program recognizes employees who uphold and exemplify the district's mission, vision, and core values and who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students, schools, and the community. Nominees and winners are announced three times a year - fall, winter, and spring. For the Winter Elevate Award, 10 winners were announced out of 39 nominations. District 47 would also like to thank all the businesses that have chosen to sponsor our Elevate program this year. Ten local sponsors award the winners with a gift card.

Elevate Award recipients will be recognized at the April Board of Education meeting. Please take a moment to read more about our winners with a quote taken from their Elevate nomination.

Susan Ferguson, 1st Grade Teacher, North

“Sue Ferguson was all three of my children’s first-grade teachers and I now have the privilege to work with her as a co-worker at North. As a parent, I can say that Sue gives her heart and soul to her students. She knows every student in her class academically, emotionally, and socially. As her co-worker, I have been able to see Sue in action. She is the type of teacher I always want to be.”

Joe Fishman, ASPIRE Teacher, South

“Mr. Fishman is my son's teacher for a second year and it’s been the biggest blessing to my family and my son who has autism. Mr. Fishman loves his job and pours extra care, extra time, and energy to make sure each of his students are thriving and enjoying school. I am 100% sure that my son would not be where he is now academically, socially, and emotionally without him. There are no words to describe how grateful I am and how thankful my 8-year-old son is for his teacher.”

Christina Garcimartin Porter, 7th Grade Dual Language LA/SS Teacher, Lundahl

"As a dual language teacher, Mrs. Garcimartin teaches not just two languages, but a variety of distinct cultures, broadening her students’ perspectives and deepening their understanding of the world. Mrs. Garcimartin demands strong character, yet she makes the learning environment enjoyable, ensuring students are both challenged and supported. Through her energy and dedication, Mrs. Garcimartin cultivates a vibrant, inclusive culture where students and staff are continually inspired to grow and excel." 

Manuel Gonzalez, 4th Grade Dual Language Teacher, Canterbury

“Seeing Mr. Gonzalez’s desk name plaque brings me so much joy because I know how hard he worked to get to where he is today. He has served in different roles within our school community, always demonstrating dedication, resilience, and a passion for education. Mr. Gonzalez embodies everything I imagine when I think of what the word "teacher" means. As a dual language teacher, Manuel Gonzalez inspires his students to take risks with language learning, whether they are developing their skills in Spanish or English."

Kourtney Krzepicki, 1st Grade Teacher, Glacier Ridge

“Mrs. Krzepicki goes beyond traditional instruction by incorporating hands-on, real-world learning opportunities for their students. Mrs. Krzepicki fosters a structured yet welcoming classroom where students feel empowered to take ownership of their education. For example, my child has had multiple opportunities this year to lead the class in a number corner math lesson. The confidence my seven year old has to lead her peers in this activity is a direct result of the culture and environment that Mrs. Krzepicki created."

Jay Larak, Bus Driver, TJA

“Mr. Jay is the bus driver all kids deserve. He's really the first point of contact the kids have in their school day and he takes fun seriously! He decorates the bus and frequently dresses up himself. I could not be more happy and pleased with how my child has grown and developed a sense of independence by getting to ride the bus. I thank Mr. Jay for not only keeping our kids safe but making sure they have fun and a positive experience in the process.”

Nicole Lewis, SPED-LBS1 Resource Teacher, Canterbury

“Having worked with Nicole for the past seven years, I can genuinely say she is an incredible Learning and Behavior Specialist who truly embodies excellence in education. A fantastic example of her impact is our “I Can Club,” where students develop confidence, thanks to the confidence she instills in them. Her love for school does not stop there...Nicole is always the first to jump in to help with various committees, like the Building Leadership Team (BLT), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Yearbook, CLETA Representative, and Ukulele Club.”

Heidi Matousek, SPED-LBS1 Resource Teacher, Canterbury 

“Heidi provides a context for all learners and provides life experiences that many of our students are not familiar with. For example, hot chocolate becomes a chilly day reward when we’ve met our reading goal or a field trip to a nursery to see how plants and vegetables grow ends with a potted tomato plant to care for all summer. Heidi thinks beyond the classroom. She wants all learners to succeed not only in school but in the community.” 

Melanie Moscato, Title 1 Instructional Coach, Coventry 

“Melanie has made sure to create time in her schedule to support new teachers such as our teachers from Spain and she has been a strong asset for our tier 2 team at Coventry. She is on top of CICO and makes sure those students get what they need. She has also created an amazing program called Big Eagle/Little Eagle at Coventry that supports a wide range of students.”

Bianca Musial, Kindergarten Teacher, Glacier Ridge 

“Mrs. Musial prepared a “vacation journal” allowing my student to practice his reading and writing in an applicable real-life way that created excitement for learning. My son was so excited to write, read, and share that he didn’t even realize it was a part of his academic growth. Beyond academics, Mrs. Musial instills essential life skills such as communication, character, and citizenship. One notable initiative they introduced in their classroom is a student job chart. Recognizing that education is a collaborative effort, Mrs. Musial actively engages with families and the broader community."