The Eisenhower Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) announced the winners of its annual Five-Star Awards at a school assembly on Friday, May 6. This award is given annually to one teacher and one support staff member at the school.
Aulanda Krause, a special education teacher at Eisenhower, was recognized as this year’s Five-Star Teacher for her support of and outstanding work with her students and families. Her nominations recognize her dedication to the students at Eisenhower but also her work outside the school walls as president of ARK Advocates, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with special needs. Nominations also noted how she teaches all of the students how to be helpful and compassionate. “Mrs. Krause has had a significant role in our daughter’s development at Eisenhower,” said a parent. “She does an amazing job!” Another nominator said, “She makes our whole community a better place to live.”
The school’s Five-Star Support Staff Member is Paul Wiedemann, a paraprofessional at Eisenhower. His nominations recognize him for always being calm, loving, gentle, upbeat, kind, and enthusiastic – even amidst challenging situations. “Paul goes above and beyond for the students,” said one nominator. He does not let a child feel unwelcome or unwanted. If you need help, he is always there.” Another nominator said “Paul is a model paraprofessional. It is blatantly apparent how much he loves working with the children at Eisenhower.”
The Five-Star Awards are inspired by school namesake Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a five-star general in eventually the 34th president of the United States. The award was initiated to recognize the positive contributions made by the staff. Selection for the award is based on a nomination process focused on Eisenhower’s school-wide focus to make the world a better place by acting responsibly, treating others fairly, showing respect and being good citizen.