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Conley Kids Express site lead Ruthie Contreras named CUSD Apple Achievement Award recipient
JANUARY 31, 2023
COMMUNITY EDUCATION NEWS — Ruthie Contreras, Kids Express site lead at Conley Elementary School, was selected by the PRIDE Committee as a 2022-2023 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 Conley Elementary School, Contreras is responsible for the day-to-day management of Kids Express at Conley Elementary. She has clerical duties including paperwork, documentation, and curriculum planning, but she is also involved with the kids, making sure they are staying safe, they are engaged, and they are having fun.
Contreras’ favorite part of her job is the kids. “Being around kids just brings out the happy in me,” explained Contreras. “Kids can be funny, they can be silly, creative, honest, and sometimes moody, and it’s all okay. Most of the time, things fall back into place by simply offering a hug, a high five, or even a smile.”
Contreras is an obvious choice for the Apple Achievement Award for those who work with her daily. “Ruthie’s passion for her Conley Coyotes Kids Express program is easily recognizable,” explained Michelle Kasel, Kids Express activity coordinator. “Ruthie works hard to produce exciting and engaging curriculum for her students and is always having fun at work.” She isn’t afraid to ask questions, provide feedback, and she goes above and beyond expectations to make sure every student is successful at Conley Kids Express.
Community Education’s Apple Achievement Award winner does more than just support the students in her program; she is also a great person to work for. “I have worked with Ruthie for a year now and she has gifted me some of the best experiences I have had in a workplace,” commented Sara Jacobo, childcare group leader. “Not only is she kind, fair, and considerate of the students and her staff, but she has worked so hard each and every day by coming in with a smile on her face, the latest project to create, game to play, or song to sing.”
Contreras is much more than her job title at Kids Express. To her core, she is a supportive, kind person. “Because of Mrs. Ruthie, I know what it is to truly love your job and all that comes with it — she is a person you can confide in, laugh with, and trust,” explained Jacobo. Contreras spreads kindness everywhere she goes. “Ruthie is a friend to everyone, and she has the ability to brighten any room she enters,” reiterated Kasel. “She is genuinely a good, kind-hearted person who cares about her students, parents, school, and co-workers.” She goes out of her way to help those in need.
Contreras was elated upon hearing about her recipient of the Apple Achievement Award. “I honestly feel like I’m walking on sunshine. Being recognized for the work that I do lifts my spirit and motivates me to come up with new and fun activities that my team and I can do,” reflected Contreras. “I am truly blessed to receive an award for a job that I enjoy and love to do.”
The Apple Achievement Award has been going on for more than 25 years. Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on February 15. 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.
2022-2023 Chandler Unified School District Apple Achievement Award Recipients (Staff):
Aleida Mercado, attendance technician, Rice Elementary
Allison Davis, kindergarten teacher, Knox Gifted Academy
Allison Engstrom, third grade teacher, CTA-Liberty
Amy Denny, second grade teacher, Jacobson Elementary
Amy McPherson, English language arts teacher, Willis Junior High
Amy Shoot, media specialist, Tarwater Elementary
AnnMarie Filiere, computer teacher, Arizona College Prep-Middle
Asahel Rodriguez, administrative clerk, Frye Elementary
Aubrey McDonald, third grade teacher, Auxier Elementary
Barbara Rhodes, sixth grade teacher, Basha Elementary
Belinda Brooks, equipment and repair coordinator, Central Kitchen
Carissa Lynch, dean, Galveston Elementary
Christina Lee, resource teacher, Patterson Elementary
Cynthia Bagby, bus driver, Transportation
Diane Torre, mathematics teacher, Payne Junior High
Elizabeth Treadway, culinary teacher, Arizona College Prep-High
Elsie Niklason, early childhood SPED teacher, Santan Elementary
Georgina Neely, parent and family liaison, Bologna Elementary
Heather Newberry, reading specialist, Conley Elementary
Holly Eske, second grade teacher, Sanborn Elementary
Jahlah Alton, resource teacher, Weinberg Gifted Academy
Janice Armstrong, English language arts teacher, Chandler Online Academy
Janine Krzmarzick, library media assistant, Andersen Junior High
Jayla Jarrell, first grade teacher, Haley Elementary
Jennifer Kaczmarek, noontime aide, Navarrete Elementary
Jessie Powell, music teacher, CTA-Independence Elementary
Jill Lanning, fourth grade teacher, Fulton Elementary
Joan Kern, special education facilitator, Student Services
John Flores, computer teacher, Bogle Junior High
Jyoti Tamboli, software development teacher, Basha High
Karen Strong, media specialist, CTA-Humphrey Elementary
Kathy Scott, paraeducator, Riggs Elementary
Kim Kleinholz, office manager, Carlson Elementary
Kimberly Guevara, communications specialist, District Office
Kylie Koerperich, speech language pathologist, Shumway Leadership Academy
Lauren Rosales, English language arts teacher, Hamilton High
Leslie Ireland, fourth grade teacher, Chandler Online Academy – Elementary Connect
Liana Clareson, music teacher, CTA-Goodman Elementary
Marcela Blank, cafe manager, Ryan Elementary
Maria Collea-Anderson, counselor, Hill Learning Academy
Marina Westphal, therapeutic counselor, Chandler Learning Center
Meghan Dunigan, biology teacher, Basha Accelerated Middle School
Michelle Luttrell, mathematics teacher, Elite Performance Academy
Michelle Rabara, academic coach, Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary
Mike Mesquita, senior warehouse and delivery associate, Warehouse
Natalie Viera, fourth grade teacher, Hull Elementary
Pam Lundbohm, human resources supervisor, District Office
Peggy Bejarano, French teacher, Chandler High
Priscilla Gillison, office manager, Hancock Elementary
Rachel Torne, resource teacher, San Marcos Elementary
Renee Howell, history teacher, Casteel High
Robin Lewis, paraeducator, Santan Junior High
Ruthie Contreras, childcare site leader, Community Education
Stacy Schraufnagel, attendance technician, Andersen Elementary
Steve Niemeyer, master plumber, Support Services
Suzanne Kelley, mathematics teacher, Perry High
Teri King, administrative secretary, Chandler Early College
Toshika Brubaker, senior administrative clerk, CTA-Freedom Elementary
Valerie Gyory, academic coach, Instructional Resource Center
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