Community Education site lead Cris Norton named CUSD Apple Achievement Award recipient

FEBRUARY 9, 2022                                          

COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEWS – Cris Norton, Kids Express site lead at Chandler Traditional Academy Freedom (CTA Freedom), was selected by the PRIDE Committee as a 2021-2022 recipient of the Apple Achievement Award as a Classified staff member of Community Education.

The Apple Achievement Award is Chandler Unified School District’s (CUSD) staff recognition program. Each year, an employee from each CUSD site is recognized by the superintendent and governing board for their exemplary work with the district. Both Certified and Classified staff are eligible for this award. In order to be nominated and chosen for this award, employees must show excellence in multiple areas: 

• Be a strong supporter of Chandler schools
• Demonstrate initiative in the improvement of instruction
• Exhibit a high degree of willingness to assist other staff members
• Display a genuine concern for and effectively communicate with students/staff
• Contribute to positive staff/morale
• Strive for personal and professional growth 
• Maintain high standards in all job-related tasks 

As  the Kids Express Site Lead at CTA Freedom, Norton is responsible for the day-to-day management of Kids Express at CTA Freedom. She has clerical duties including paperwork, documentation, and curriculum planning, but she also is involved with the kids, making sure they are staying safe and engaged. 

Norton finds it difficult to pick just one part of her job that is her favorite. “I really love everything about my job in the office and at CTA Freedom. I love interacting with parents and children. I love being part of a team that cares about the parents and children we serve,” she explained.

Norton clearly exudes excellence in her role. “She has the willingness to go the extra mile,” explained Patty LaFlam, childcare administrative coordinator at Community Education. “Cris has stepped in and done everything and more during our department’s time of need. Her willingness to help in any way, ask questions, and investigate on her own has made her a vital part of our team.”

Norton does not hesitate to do whatever she can to help her department. “She’s moved sites, she’s helped at reception, and she is the first to volunteer when any extra help is needed — no matter what the job duty may entail,” explained Brittany Gaitan, Kids Express activity coordinator. “Cris truly cares about anyone that walks through the doors of her program. She goes above and beyond to make sure her students, staff, and families really enjoy coming to Kids Express. She strives to make her site the best it can be.”

While Norton continues to bring her best to work every day, perhaps what stands out the most about her is not who she is as an employee, but who she is as a person. “Cris is a kind, caring individual. She cares equally for her staff and friends,” explained LaFlam. 

Norton’s kind persona stands out to anyone who interacts with her. “Cris is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. She is always positive, no matter the situation, and [she] would do anything for you,” said Gaitan. “I am extremely grateful to have Cris on my team.” 

Community Education has grown to mean so much to Norton during her time with the department. “Community Education is special because, not only do they support parents and children in our district, they support the people who are also serving parents and children in our district,” stated Norton. “Community is not just a word here — it is an action.”

The Apple Achievement Award has been going on for more than 25 years. Award recipients will be recognized at a closed event April 20th at 6:30pm. The award ceremony will be recorded and available for viewing on Cable Channel 99 or on the CUSD YouTube page upon the conclusion of the event.    

2021-2022 Chandler Unified School District Apple Achievement Award Recipients (Staff):

Amy Soto, kitchen manager, Hancock Elementary School

Angelica Canchola, school counselor, Anderson Elementary

Ashley Nelson, first grade teacher, Sanborn Elementary School 

Carol Capadona, high school substitute coordinator, Chandler Learning Center

Carolyn Ragatz, music and performing arts specialist, Weinberg Gifted Academy

Christine Diaz, media assistant, Casteel High School

Cris Norton, kids express site lead, Community Education 

Danielle Layton, cafe manager, Central Kitchen

David Terace, senior warehouse and delivery associate, Warehouse

Denae Gleason, counselor, Chandler Online Academy

Denise Halpin, priority preschool teacher, CTA-Freedom

Dolores Larrick, paraeducator, Hull Elementary School 

Dolores Rowan, custodian, Tarwater Elementary School 

Donna Gustafson, social studies teacher, Santan Junior High School

Donna Nigh, executive assistant, District Office

Doug Towne, noontime aide, CTA-Liberty

Guadalupe Valdez Guerrero, custodian, Student Services

Holli Cagle, guidance counselor, Perry High School

Hung “Chris” Nguyen, general music teacher, Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School

Jamie Rea, special education K-3 teacher & department chair, Shumway Leadership Academy 

Jared Stermer, tenth grade honors English teacher, Chandler High School

Jeanne Pacek, paraeducator, Payne Junior High 

Jennifer Gardner, second grade teacher, Santan Elementary School 

Jennifer Kraemer, sixth grade teacher, Rice Elementary School 

Jennifer Vohan, first grade teacher, Navarrete Elementary School

John Wallace, senior general maintenance technician, Support Services

Joni Oerter, sixth grade social studies & reading teacher, Riggs Elementary School

Jonn’a Runnels, paraeducator, Willis Junior High School 

Jose Gonzalez, custodian, CTA-Humphrey/Elite Performance Academy

Kathy Wiggers, fifth grade teacher, Carlson Elementary School 

Laurie Bridges, administrative secretary, Chandler Online Academy– Elementary Connect

Leilani Wilcox, special education teacher, Auxier Elementary School

Leslie Hicks, academic coach, Instructional Resource Center

Lina Cammack, Spanish teacher, Basha High School

Lisa Edwards, counselor, Ryan Elementary School 

Lynn Barakat, third grade teacher, Knox Gifted Academy

Maria Villa, special education clerk, Galveston Elementary School

Mariya Belchevea, custodian, CTA-Independence

Melissa Brown, fifth grade teacher, Fulton Elementary School

Melissa Dugan, parent liaison, San Marcos Elementary School 

Michael Davitt, AP biology and AMS teacher, Basha Accelerated Middle School

Michele Newton, fourth grade teacher, Frye Elementary School 

Myron Blueford, marketing, SBE, and football academy teacher, Arizona College Prep High School

Noelia Silva, first grade English DLI teacher, Bologna Elementary School 

Pam Parzych, librarian, Arizona College Prep Middle School

Paula Johnson, student services coordinator, Conley Elementary School

Radhahari Ericson, seventh grade science teacher,  Anderson Junior High

Raymond Telewicz, bus driver, Transportation

Ryan Brandt, sixth grade ELA/SS teacher, Basha Elementary School 

Shelley Krason, senior administrative clerk, Patterson Elementary School

Shelly Downs, athletic secretary, Hamilton High School

Spring Wilson, second grade teacher, Haley Elementary School

Stacey Martin, assistant principal, Jacobson Elementary School

Teresa Anguis, first grade teacher, CTA-Goodman

Thelma Reynolds, security guard, Bogle Junior High School 

Wiliam King, custodian, Chief Hill Learning Academy

###