The Cheerbook: September 2026
September's edition of "The Cheerbook" is full of bright spots from around the district!
Overland High School
The Overland Blazers are starting the school year strong! OHS celebrated moving up to Green on the state’s Performance Framework for the first time in seven years, and recently completed construction on the pool, automotive classrooms, Pathways building, and other building upgrades, including new skylights.
The Blazers also started a new recognition tradition: the Apple! It may look like a shiny green apple, but this statue is a way for employees to recognize each other and pass along their admiration for their colleagues. AVID teacher Jodi Sanchez recognized Student Success Liaison and coach Earnest Collins with the Apple, sharing her words of gratitude for the impact he has made in the Overland Community:
“The person I am giving the award to has a history of being a champion for students throughout his career. He started as a college football player turned coach who focused on the whole athlete - the person they are on the field, but also cultivated the person they are in the classroom and in their personal lives. He has coached young men to become their best selves while also coaching them into back to back national championships. He has coached at an elite level and now, brings that wisdom, that discernment, and that passion for helping young people see their strengths to Overland High School. He may not be making and running playbooks for the gridiron, but he is helping to make playbooks for life. The students he works with at Overland have a need for a father figure. They have a need for the wisdom and vision that this man brings because he sees the big picture while helping the kids to manage the smaller, but not less powerful picture before them. They cling to his strength and take to his honesty. They measure his words against their own actions and reflect on new perspectives. They may call him 'Old Grumpy Grandpa,' but they are really speaking to his wisdom and ability to help them grow roots in their steadfast versions of themselves. And, when the shade of his tree provides them comfort, they bring their friends to grow their roots, too. Earnest Collins, you epitomize what it means to be a Blazer. Your commitment and dedication to our most vulnerable students, to our most passionate athletes, to our staff who need support finding their way with the kids growing roots, is so needed at Overland. It is an honor to work with you, to learn from you, and to also benefit from your brilliance. Please accept this Green Apple Award for all that you do for the students and the whole Overland Community.”
Horizon Community Middle School
Go Huskies! One way that Horizon Community Middle School staff members recognize each other each month is through the Bark of the Building. This is when a staff member "shouts-out" a colleague at a staff meeting, and then the recipient gives out the award at the next meeting. This month’s Bark of the Building staff award moved from Tara Williams, security specialist, to Hailey Norum, severe needs para educator:
“Hailey is a severe-needs para whose patience, kindness, and compassion shine through in every interaction she has with her students. The care she puts into each child is a reflection of the love she has for them and for helping them feel valued, capable, and included. Hailey doesn't just tell her students that they can do anything - she shows them. She has run track alongside her students while pushing wheelchairs, worked with wrestling, and supported Unified activities, always making sure every child feels like they belong and that they are an important part of the team. Hailey truly has a heart of gold, and I feel incredibly honored to work alongside her. Hailey, thank you for being an inspiration, for believing in every kiddo, and for always reminding them that no matter what challenges or abilities they may have, they can accomplish amazing things. Congratulations, Hailey. You are an incredible example of what it means to care, include, and believe in every child.”
Endeavor Academy
Endeavor Academy celebrated being rated Green on the state’s School Performance Framework for the fifth year in a row! What are the keys to their success?
“It really starts with the culture,” shared Principal Matt Larson. “We’ve been very intentional in building a strong and collaborative team where everyone is moving in the same direction to support our students. We encourage students to take an active role in creating the community at Endeavor, and we see it play out where students hold each accountable. When students feel listened to and that their voices matter, there’s no limit to how they can succeed.”
Moderate Needs Special Education teacher Sarah Bright was also recognized as the staff member of the month.
Elementary Support Team
When schools need support with STEM projects, after-school STEM clubs, or problem-based learning projects they reach out to the Elementary Project Support Team! Whether they’re coming into the classroom or helping teachers bring their ideas to life, the team supports all 44 elementary schools across the district! They are also instrumental to large district events like STEAM-a-Palooza and RoboCon.
“I cannot say enough good things about this team,” said James Justus, Partner of Innovation in the Office of College, Career, and Innovation. “We know how important STEAM is for our students’ ability to prepare for their future. This team supports students and teachers in creating engaging learning opportunities that integrate with all core subjects at the elementary level.”