The Jeffs’ Best Award was created by the Fairbury Public Schools Board of Education to highlight and celebrate the great work of our staff. On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to congratulate Mrs. Cara Simpson, as the recipient of the January Jeffs’ Best Award! Cara is the Library/Media Specialist at both elementary schools, and this is her nomination statement:
Cara has been a true asset to the Jefferson and Central media centers. She has brought positivity and fun activities into the library. Cara has taken charge of our One School One Book activity, which engaged parents and students in reading outside of school. She also is sponsoring Reading Rally, and helping our 3rd-6th grade students prepare for a competition in April. Cara has brought her classroom experience into the library, and is helping bring back the love of reading to our K-6 students.
Cara expressed interest in becoming the Library/Media Specialist at Central and Jefferson last spring. She has taken on this new position with nothing but positivity and pride. Cara continues to reach out and meet with other library/media specialists to learn more about the program, and incorporate new lessons into what she is teaching. Cara has also taken on the Reading Rally program, and is practicing with students after school to help them prepare for the spring competition. She has also taken on the One School One Book program, which encourages families to read a chapter book, at home, with their student(s) throughout the month of January. Cara has done all of this while continuing to take classes, and attend her grandchildren’s many activities. She truly represents what a Jeffs’ Best is!
I am nominating Cara Simpson for the Jeff’s Best Award because she is so dedicated at what she does. Cara is the first to arrive at school each morning, typically by 5:45. She is often seen giving advice to other co-workers or just lending an ear when they need it. She is the first one to step up and cover a duty or homework hour when needed. She holds her students to high standards academically and as young adults. She wants to do her best to make sure they are prepared to go on to Jr. High School. She develops relationships one on one with each of them too. Often when they leave Jefferson, they will swing by her room to say Hi while in the area. Often she has had former students reach out to her for help and advice. Hardly ever will you see Mrs. Simpson without that huge smile on her face! She brings positivity and joy to Jefferson Intermediate!
I would like to nominate Cara Simpson for Jeffs’ Best! Cara is beyond deserving of this award and let me share a few of the reasons why.
Cara is committed to each and every one of her students. Her students become her family. She is always giving it her all to help each one succeed. If that means staying past the 3:25 bell to work with students, or finding an extra adult to offer student support during the day, she’s on it. Cara’s working hours aren’t just limited to weekdays. She often comes in on Sundays, in addition to her early mornings, just to make sure student learning is maximized. Whatever is needed for student success, she is willing to go the distance. Mrs. Simpson establishes a solid home-school connection. She is frequently making phone calls or emails to keep families informed. She is always communicating what’s happening in the classroom; any upcoming tests, events, any missing assignments along with how well students are doing. And while Cara is making every effort to help her students academically succeed, she is also taking advantage of any teachable moments to help build student character. Mrs. Simpson prepares all her students for future success. Our district is fortunate to have Mrs. Cara Simpson!
