ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Monday evening saw the USD 480 school board take care of one item of business while also recognizing the Educators of the Month for October and November.
First recognized was Sylvia Villa, a first grade teacher from Cottonwood Elementary School.
“Sylvia is currently in her 17th year in education and she continues to bring the same enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for teaching that make her such an outstanding educator. Many of you may remember Sylvia was also recognized as USD 480's elementary Kansas teacher of the year for the 2024-25 school year,” Cottonwood Elementary School Assistant Principal Kelsi Robinson said. “Sylvia is an exceptional classroom teacher who is always prepared, organized, and intentional in everything she does. She has strong classroom management skills, sets high expectations for her students, and works hard to ensure that every child receives the instruction and support they need to be successful. Her love for teaching is evident the moment you walk into her classroom.”
Beyond her classroom, Robinson said, Villa is also a leader in the Cottonwood Elementary School building.
“For two years now, she has served as our first grade department chair and has taken on the responsibility of mentoring and supporting other teachers. She is always willing to share ideas, offer encouragement, and work alongside her colleagues to find solutions that are best for students. One of the things we appreciate most about Sylvia is she is someone we can always count on. Whether it's helping with a school event, supporting a colleague, working with families, or taking on an additional responsibility, Sylvia is always willing to step up and help. Most importantly, Sylvia truly cares about kids. She builds strong relationships with her students, believes in their potential, and works tire tirelessly to help them grow both academically and personally. We are incredibly fortunate to have Sylvia as part of our Cottonwood family. She is not only an outstanding teacher, but also a wonderful teammate and leader who make our school a better place every day. She is truly deserving of this award.”
Villa herself then gave some quick remarks.
“We don't do this job to get recognized. There are so many teachers out there who do it for the passion and I accept this recognition on their behalf,” Villa said. “I have to say ‘Thank you’ to my amazing admin – they are amazing and listen to us and support us, and I'm very fortunate to be at Cottonwood Elementary School.”
Bright Start Early Learning Center Instructional Coach Veronica Nevarez was then recognized as the November Educator of the Month.
“Veronica's official title is the instructional coach at Bright Start, but that doesn't even begin to describe everything she does for our building,” Bright Start Early Learning Center Principal Jamie Downs said. “She wears so many hats, including ESL teacher, ESL and general education testing coordinator, data specialist, KESA coordinator, curriculum support, interpreter, mentor, student and staff advocate, and we can even get her in as a substitute teacher now and then. So much of what Veronica does happens behind the scenes, but her impact is felt throughout our entire building. She is always willing to step in, help others, and take on whatever is needed to support our students and staff. No matter how much is on her plate, she handles it all with patience, kindness, and grace. Veronica is truly an invaluable member of our Bright Start family. We often say we don't know what we would do without her, and we truly mean it. Veronica, thank you for everything you do for our students, staff, and school. This recognition is so well deserved, and we are incredibly proud of you.”
Nevarez then spoke to the board.
“Thank you so much for this recognition. It's a job that definitely is a team effort, and I strive very hard to support from training new teachers all the way to recruiting some of the best within our building to come into the teaching trenches with us,” Nevarez said. “It is quite a job, and I take great joy and honor in doing it. I know it's a privilege to be able in that position and to be able to be along and be that listener for the teachers because I know what it is like to be in the classroom. I strive very hard to advocate for the teachers in our building and our students, so thank you very much for this.”
The pair received further praise near the end of the meeting.
“I know they have been in our district for a while, but they have the passion and consistent and they're well respected among all teachers, so congratulations to them” board member Luz Riggs said.
“I know their students are very lucky to have them, and I know Miss Villa is even going out of her way and getting Christmas books for all of her students to receive during Christmas, and I just think that's amazing,” board member Kaylee Ruiz-Lopez said. “So a big congratulations to them.”
“They represent a culmination of all the work of our teachers in our buildings and obviously that was in full force tonight as others showed up to support them, so hats off to them for everything they do,” Board President Brad Carr said.
For the meeting’s lone item of new business, the board approved the purchase of a plasma cutter in the amount of $44,744.35.
