January 13, 2023
Christina Russell, a gifted facilitator for USD 232, was recognized as the USD 232 Making a Difference Award winner for the month December. Dr. Frank Harwood, USD 232 Superintendent, presented this award to Ms. Russell at Prairie Ridge Elementary on behalf of the school district and the USD 232 Education Foundation on Thursday, January 12. Congratulations Chrissy!
Here is an excerpt from her nomination:
“Chrissy coordinated an academic triathlon for all students identified as gifted in a three-district area. Her work in putting this on was tireless, and the students who benefitted were paired with those they didn't know and on their same cognitive level -- so it was challenging! Even high school students throughout the USD232 district identified as gifted, who chose to, participated as judges and worked to promote student engagement.”
Christina Russell joined USD 232 in 2019 and serves as the gifted facilitator at four elementary schools. She graduated from the University of Kansas with honors in May 2010 and has also earned her Master’s degree from KU. Chrissy received a Recognition of Excellence in taking the Principals of Learning and Teaching Praxis Licensure Exam.
The Making a Difference Award, sponsored by Great American Bank in De Soto, celebrates the exceptional teachers and staff in our district who are truly “making a difference in the lives of young people.” With this recognition, Chrissy was also presented check for $250 from the USD 232 Education Foundation and a Making a Difference Award trophy, designed and constructed by CAPS students at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center.
The USD 232 Education Foundation is currently accepting nominations for the Making a Difference Award for the month of November. All submissions for the month of January are due Tuesday, January 31. Nominations for this award or ANY USD 232 Staff member are accepted and reviewed each month.
Making a Difference Nomination Form
From left: USD232EF Board Member Norm Messner; USD232EF Treasurer Nancy Neighbors; PRE Principal Kristel Fulcher; USD 232 Superintendent Frank Harwood; USD232EF Making a Difference winner Christina Russell; Great American Bank Senior Vice President Matthew Little.
