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Melissa Rhodes receives the USD 232 Making a Difference Award
April 18, 2023
Melissa Rhodes, the district Behavior Assistant for USD 232, was recognized as the USD 232 Making a Difference Award winner for March 2023. USD 232 Superintendent, Dr. Frank Harwood, presented this award to her on April 18, 2023 at Lexington Trails Middle School on behalf of the school district and the USD 232 Education Foundation. Congratulations!
Melissa started in our district as a building secretary at Monticello Trails Middle School in 2017. In 2019 she changed her role at MTMS to paraprofessional then moved into the role of Behavior Assistant for USD 232 in August 2020. Melissa recently completed requirements from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Each of her nominations detailed the contributions that Melissa makes to our school district daily and which is invaluable to both students and teachers alike. As one of her nominations shared:
“Melissa has been indispensable in helping to meet the needs of students with behavioral challenges in our district center-based special education classrooms. She works with teams across the district to monitor and collect behavior data, assist in identifying behavioral strategies, and collaborate with and train staff. When and where there is a need, Melissa steps up to the plate. She deals with many challenging situations and always treats students and staff with respect and compassion. We are lucky to have her on the USD232 team!”
Melissa received a specially-made Making a Difference Award trophy which was designed and constructed by CAPS students at the Cedar Trails Exploration Center. She was also presented a $250 check from the USD 232 Education Foundation and Great American Bank in De Soto, who sponsors this monthly award.
To celebrate the exceptional teachers and staff in our district who are truly “making a difference” in our district, nominations for the Making a Difference Award are accepted monthly throughout the school year. Submissions for April are due Sunday, April 30.
Nominations for this award for ANY USD 232 Staff member are accepted and reviewed each month.
Making a Difference Nomination Form
From left: SPED Coordinator, Sara Hoepner; District Behavior Specialist, Karen Morgan, SPED Cooridnator Kristen Schwartz; SPED Director Lee Hanson; USD232EF President Rachele Zade; USD232EF Board Member Norm Messner; Making a Difference recipient Melissa Rhodes; Great American Bank Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager, Brenda O'Keefe; USD232EF Board Member Roger Templin; Great American Bank Customer Service Rep Ben Broderick; Great American Bank Exec. Vice President, Mark Gonzales; Behavior Specialist Maggie Cook.