Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School’s (CHES) kindergarten team of Wendi Cichocki, Matt Luginbill, and Kristen Rex were recipients of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s George B. Milbourn Team Teachers Award of Excellence for their outstanding collaboration, dedication, and positive impact on student learning. The team was recognized at the foundation’s annual Educator Awards Banquet on July 24. Along with this recognition, the team received a $1,000 check to support a project or initiative within the school or district.
“This team works purposely and very deliberately together to ensure deep learning for students,” noted CHES Principal Joel Melvin. “They connect learning experiences that are meaningful for students, provide constructive feedback that students view as contributing to growth and success, amplify student voice and ownership of learning, and demonstrate genuine care for their students.”
Melvin’s comments were echoed by Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ Superintendent Matt Young. “What truly sets this team apart is their purposeful and deliberate collaboration. The success of their approach exemplifies what can be achieved when talented educators come together with a shared commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.”
“We are honored to be recipients of the Team Teachers Award of Excellence and are excited about the opportunities it will create for our students,” said Kristin Rex on behalf of the kindergarten team. The team plans to use the $1,000 award to fund field trips that align with the kindergarten Language Arts curriculum and give students real-world experiences that connect directly to what they are learning in the classroom. “These experiences will not only deepen their understanding, but also will help bring learning to life in meaningful and memorable ways,” she remarked. The team also plans to use the award to support resources, such as hands-on manipulatives, that enrich student learning and engagement.
Established in 1959, The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation recognizes and supports Ohio’s public school teachers leading the way in their fields and allowing their students to grow and develop to their greatest potential.
Pictured left to right: Kirstin Rex, Wendi Cichocki, and Matt Luginbill.