Congratulations to the 2024 Teacher of the Year, Monica Crabtree and Support Staff Employee of the Year, Colleen Warchola! The announcement of both awards was made during a program and reception on March 19. Read the program from the event.
Crabtree teaches 5th grade at Peculiar Elementary School. Warchola is the Kitchen Manager at Timber Creek Elementary School.
As winners, Crabtree and Warchola each receive a $500 cash award from Country Club Bank and the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation, a desk award, and banners for their school. Their photos will be displayed at the Administrative Services Center. In addition, Crabtree will be nominated as the District's candidate for regional teacher of the year in the Missouri Teacher of the Year selection process. Crabtree, Warchola, and all of the finalists will receive a plaque and items donated by local businesses.
Monica Crabtree is the 2024 Teacher of the Year
Crabtree teaches 5th-grade science and social studies at Peculiar Elementary. She has been in this position for seven years and has worked in the district for nine years. Before teaching 5th grade, she taught 2nd grade for two years.
She graduated from Belton High School in 2010 and attended college at Missouri Western. She received a bachelorโs degree in education from Missouri Western State University. In 2018, she received her masterโs degree in administration from William Woods University.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the districtโs project-based science curriculum. Crabtree participated in the classroom teacher training in 2017 and then completed the PLTW Lead Teacher Training in 2021. Since completing that training, she has led district-wide professional learning on PLTW at back-to-school in-service training days.
Crabtree was also nominated for the Teacher of the Year award in 2022 and 2023.
Crabtree and her husband, Sam, have two daughters, Brie, age 3, and Jane, age 1.5. They are expecting a baby boy at the end of May.
She loves being active and spending time outdoors. She is an avid reader. She also plays piano and enjoys crafting and Bible journaling. She and her extended family enjoy playing games and scheduling game nights.
She was nominated by a student, Peyton Delt, who wrote:
โShe was one of the kindest teachers I had ever met. She also had a sense of humor and made our science projects fun. She would tell amazing stories and had amazing ways to teach.โ
Why She Became a Teacher
โThe Bible says in Ephesians 2:10, 'For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.' I became a teacher because I knew my soul was created to do it. This is what God has called me to do with my life and what He has prepared me for beforehand.
"He has blessed me with the gift of teaching and a passion for Science and History. My greatest joy comes from finding unique ways to make learning fun and watching students discover new knowledge. I love to learn new things myself, and love sharing that experience with my students.
โ 'Mistakes are how you learn, I hope you make a lot' is the motto of my classroom. I believe that learning, the ability to learn and ask questions, and the desire to grow and challenge yourself are the greatest gifts I can pass on to the next generation. I love children, especially 5th graders, and I couldnโt imagine spending my life doing anything else.
I became a teacher because I feel like children deserve teachers who are passionate about what they teach, and who they teach.โ
From Peculiar Elementary School Principal Keri Collison
โMrs. Crabtree builds relationships with her students and their families so that she can support them each year. She takes time to make personal phone calls for positive behaviors, as well as to seek support and parent input when a student in her room is struggling. Mrs. Crabtree finds innovative and engaging ways to deliver her lessons and get kids excited about Science and Social Studies topics. You will most often find students in groups working together on a project or assignment when you enter Mrs. Crabreeโs classroom.
"Building connections is a strength of Mrs. Crabtreeโs. This includes not only students, but other staff members as well. She works with her 5th grade team and support staff at Peculiar to plan for and support students both academically and social-emotionally. She is also the lead 5th grade Science teacher for our district. Mrs. Crabtree brings her excitement and knowledge for her content to that team each week and facilitates their team collaboration meetings. Mrs. Crabtree is also on our building leadership team, and brings a positive attitude and outlook to those meetings as well.
"Mrs. Crabtree gets students excited about Science and Social Studies, and is an asset to our school family and 5th grade team!"
From the Judges
Each finalist for Teacher of the Year had interviews with two judges: Lisa Cummings, Human Resources Consultant and former Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Belton School District; and Anissa Gastin, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Lockton Affinity, and former Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Fort Osage R-1 School District.
The judges were impressed with all of the finalists and noted their passion for teaching and for the students. They said the all of the finalists are great representatives of the District.
In selecting Crabtree as the winner, the judges noted that she was very well-spoken when answering their questions. When asked what teachers need in order to experience success in the classroom, Crabtree said that teachers need "to be allowed to make the magic happen." Unless it is new instruction, Crabtree favors having students work in groups. "When kids are doing the talking, they are doing the learning," she told the judges. When asked what someone might see upon entering her classroom, she described it as "structured chaos," and added that she is comfortable in that setting. The judges also noted Crabtree's interest in curriculum and continuous learning.
Collen Warchola is the Support Staff Employee of the Year
Colleen Warchola is the kitchen manager at Timber Creek Elementary School. She has worked for the District since 2011. She worked in the kitchens at East Middle School and Eagle Glen before becoming the manager at Timber Creek.
She is an active participant in the School Nutrition Association and attends most sessions offered in the area.
Before coming to the Ray-Pec School District, she worked as a quality repair technician for Canyon Creek Cabinet Company for seven years. Earlier, she worked as a substitute educational assistant in the Monroe School District and helped with disabled students in the Edmonds School District.
Her community involvement includes serving as a Boy Scout leader and as an instructor for Vacation Bible School.
She has four children and three grandchildren.
Warchola was nominated by Austin Noah, who works for the District's BOOST (Best Out of School Time). He attended Timber Creek when he was in elementary school. He wrote:
โMrs. Colleen is amazing with the kids. She knows every kid by name and makes sure they know they are loved. She is so good at getting things done and always is willing to help and get involved in the school. She has helped with activities at the school.
โMrs. Colleen is always whipping up something new in the kitchen for kids to try and is always asking the kids for their opinion on the food she cooks. She treats the kids like she is a teacher and is always making relationships with them and doing stuff to help them.โ
How She Makes A Difference
โI take pride in my ability to be creative and bring smiles to staff and students. I have been told I make the best muffins in the district! Last fall, our department donated some of my muffins to a silent auction.
โMy goal as a manager is to be creative and bring joy to our students. Our position deals with more than food - we wear many hats. I wouldnโt want it any other way. I enjoy my conversations with students and watching them grow and mature. Our students are priceless; I love our interactions and listening to their wonderful stories.โ
From Timber Creek Principal, Dr. Lauren Gechter
"Her positive demeanor is infectious, creating an atmosphere of respect and hard work within her team. She possesses exceptional organizational skills, efficiently accomplishing tasks with time to spare. This proficiency has been a cornerstone of our cafeteriaโs success.
โColleen is not only a vital member of our school community, but also an active participant in the School Nutrition Association. Her dedication is evident through her regular attendance at local, state, and national conferences, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and staying abreast of industry developments.โ
โWhat truly sets Colleen apart is her creative spirit and her ability to bring joy to both staff and students. The themed homemade muffins she crafts each month have become legendary in our buildings, earning her the well-deserved reputation of making the best muffins around.โ
โFurthermore, Colleen is more than a cafeteria manager; she is a creative, joyful, and positive influence within our school community.โ
From Katlyn Lanoue, Director of Child Nutrition
โMs. Warchola possesses a unique combination of qualities that sets her apart, including her ability to connect with students, mentor other cafe managers, and an unmatched talent for creating the most delicious muffins.โ
โShe is able to mentor newer cafe managers and staff so they also can be successful in their rolesโ
โMs. Warchola takes pride in getting to know each student by asking them about their day, hobbies, etc. In addition to her exceptional interpersonal skills, she is renowned for her culinary talents, particularly in the realm of muffin-making. She has a knack for creating an array of mouthwatering flavors that leave everyone eagerly anticipating her next creation.โ
From the Judges
Each finalist for the Support Staff Employee of the Year award had an interview with three judges: Melissa McConnell, Manager of Professional Development and Member Engagement at the National School Public Relations Association; Lee Moore, Vice President of JE Dunn Construction; and Dr. Bob Poisal, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Support Services at the Belton School District.
The judges were impressed with all of the finalists. They said each of them has a heart for students, loves their jobs, and is optimistic about the districtโs future. The judges noted their professionalism and enthusiasm.
When selecting Warchola, they said they loved her passion for interacting with students. She shared that she interacts with students one-on-one at the register and emphasized the importance of giving a smile or listening to a story. She enjoys building relationships with students that last throughout their time at school. She also talked about her role as a manager of people and how she aims to give her staff the autonomy to make decisions during busy meal shifts. Since there is a strict schedule for serving meals, the team must work well together. Warchola fosters her teamโs collaboration by encouraging input and suggestions to improve efficiency.
Furthermore, Warchola focuses on her personal growth by researching leadership strategies and skills to become a better version of herself. She explained how she has learned to handle difficult situations and that โyou canโt be everyoneโs best friend.โ The judges remarked that Warcholaโs love for her students, team, and the teachers and staff at Timber Creek was very clear. Warchola concluded by saying, โI love what I do.โ
Congratulations to the 2024 Teacher of the Year Finalists
Jenni Beck, Raymore Elementary
Jenny Bowman, South Middle School
Kevin Crean, High School
Rebecca Dobson, Raymore Elementary
Gina Garrison, Bridle Ridge Elementary
Peggy Miller, Timber Creek Elementary
Jennifer Ramirez, Ray-Pec Academy
Jennifer Talley, High School
Kelli Yahnig, Eagle Glen Elementary
Congratulations to the 2024 Support Staff Employee of the Year Finalists
Renee Anthuis, Raymore Elementary
Matt Caston, Technology Department
Amy Harrell, High School
Amy Kaye, Stonegate Elementary
Amber Sutton, Stonegate Elementary
Melissa Tabor, Bridle Ridge Elementary
Natalie Thomas, South Middle School and Ninth Grade Center
Penny Wilson, Creekmoor Elementary