Lynsi Martinez is a T-Bird through and through! Circle is where she began her journey in education and I have no doubt that this is where she will retire. Lynsi puts her heart and soul into her students at Circle Greenwich Elementary. She goes above and beyond for her students by creating and implementing challenging and engaging lessons. You can often find her working on schoolwork well outside of contract hours to best meet the needs of her students. She faces even the most challenging days with positivity and grace. She spends countless hours preparing and working to best meet their needs. Her students grow and achieve within the four walls of her classroom. Not only do her students make academic gains but she meets their social-emotional needs as well. There isn’t a day that goes by where you will not hear giggles, music, and stories coming from her classroom. In addition, she volunteers her time and energy serving on district and building leadership teams. She is a team player and will go out of her way to help a colleague in need. Lynsi's technology skills are invaluable and she has worked hard to mentor several student teachers. Her content knowledge and years of experience in the Circle School District make her a perfect choice for this recognition. You will not find a more passionate and caring teacher in this district.

Jean Gibbs is the perfect person for this award this year as she represents everything Circle. When looking at our culture Playbook she fits every aspect we want in a teacher.

TBirds Take Action:

She holds a high standard for herself and her students in her classroom, so students can perform at their best one student said “she challenges us to do our best in everything we do and it helps us be successful” She also works on creating a growth mindset in her students, by getting her students to believe in themselves and constantly pushing them to improve. Another Student said “she challenges you and makes you try new things” 

TBirds Build Unity:

She builds unity with her coworkers, by constantly supporting her fellow teachers in the school. Whether it is a simple check-in on how you are doing during the day, or challenging us on our thinking on making students better. She is always one of the first to say with a positive attitude “Hey we can do this!” In doing all this Ms. Gibbs is invested in her colleagues and their success, her students also see how invested she is in their success one student said this about her “She helps her students no matter what.” In doing all this Ms. Gibbs shows us that WE ARE STRONGER AS ONE!

TBirds Generate Pride:

This teacher advocates for the success of all her students constantly, whether that is inside or outside her classroom. In team meetings when bringing up a student who is struggling in a class she is always willing to give up her time to help get that student back on track in another class. On being invested a student said this about her “She always is in a good mood and puts everyone before herself.” It is truly evident she is invested in our students by the multiple student comments like this one stating how Ms. Gibbs pushes students to do their best “She listens to her students, pushes them to do their best, and has a great sense of humor. I think she is a great teacher worthy of being the Teacher of the Year.” or this one “she has always motivated me to push beyond my boundaries. A lot of times she has motivated me I've Done my best ever”. She truly knows what it means to THRIVE!

Brooke is not only an incredible teacher, but an exceptional colleague. She continually checks in on others to make are they're doing ok, and offers to help.

There are very few times a year when kindergarten doesn’t have something going on! Between color days, Muffins with mom, and zoo trips, kindergarten is always as busy! But no matter how busy she is, Brooke finds a way to be a light at our school and provide the best learning experience possible for her littles. 

Brooke’s overall spirit, determination, and work ethic is what the Circle school district is all about. 

Cora wears many hats at Circle Middle School. Advisory planner, Student Council Sponsor, and 7th grade Science teacher.

Cora is smart, adaptable, and patient. She consistently searches for ways to engage her 150 plus students and their curiosity in the world of science.

Cora’s contributions to the 7th grade team are also invaluable. She’s one of the first to volunteer when something needs to be done. Her insights, thoughts, and actions are appreciated by all. Cora works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to make sure we’re taken care of, whether it be staff or students.

Circle is absolutely lucky to have her!