Educator Spotlight: Parker, Sperli & Stormer

 

ADRIENNE PARKER

Adrienne Parker has a mantra that she lives by as she goes about serving families in her role as the family resource coordinator for Harrison Elementary. The mantra? Do what it takes.

Do what it takes to help find adequate housing or transportation for families in need. Do what it takes to establish trust and relationships with her families so that they are comfortable coming to her with concerns. Sometimes, that means home visits to families, sometimes just sitting and listening to a parent who needs to share their struggles.

Adrienne, who joined the District in 2022,  leans on her extensive community outreach experience and her communication and collaboration skills  that she’s developed over her career to connect with families. 

“Collaboration is everything,” says Adrienne. “Whether it’s (Principal Jackson), staff, or different outside agencies, we come together to see how we can support the families of this community.”

The Vision of a Lakewood Educator competency of empathy is also one of Adrienne’s strengths. Sharing about her own struggles and experiences helps her build that trust, connection, and mutual respect she needs with families to be able to best serve them. 

Principal Sabrina Jackson praises Adrienne for always going above and beyond. Says Principal Jackson: “Adrienne has worked tirelessly to help families …. Her dedication, compassion, and persistence have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our families.”

KIM SPERLI

Harrison fifth-grade teacher Kim Sperli has gone through many changes of instructional strategies over her nearly 40 years with the District, and through all the variations, she has come to rely on the Vision of a Lakewood Educator competencies to guide her through.

“The biggest thing, I believe, is communication,” Kim says about her student-teacher relationship in the classroom. “Setting expectations about what’s expected and what I know they can do.” Those expectations also carry over in her communication with families. She shares with parents that she expects them to work with her as a team so, together, they can help prepare students for their transition to middle school and the many changes they will experience. Kim sends home weekly updates and daily planners that require a signature to keep everyone informed.

Empathy is also key for Kim to create a “we’re all in it together” environment. Each morning, the class has “Good News/Bad News” time where students can share whatever is on their minds. If any student is having a not-so-great day, Kim often allows them to hang in her room at lunch or recess for a quiet space.

Kim has been a steady presence for Principal Sabrina Jackson throughout her time as principal. Says Principal Jackson: “I truly can’t say enough about Kim’s dedication and professionalism. I especially appreciate her flexibility and her willingness to take on challenges, always putting her best foot forward and making the most out of every situation for the benefit of our students.”

 

GREG STORMER

Harrison Elementary preschool teacher Greg Stormer believes he’s exactly where he needs to be: teaching our youngest Ranger learners. The play-based focus of preschool allows Greg to flex his creative thinking skills and be playful himself. For example, noticing that students tend to miss the same numbers when learning to count in sequence, Greg came up with a strategy whereby he himself starts counting out of sequence and then the students excitedly correct him with the right answer.

Working with young parents just starting out on their children’s educational journey, Greg must exhibit plenty of empathy to help assure families that their children will be in good hands. “PreK parents are nervous at the beginning,” Greg says. “I tell them I can relate to them as a parent, having been through it, and that their child is going to be OK.” Greg enjoys connecting with the parents and building a relationship of trust over the school year.

One creative way that Greg helps bring families together and help them feel more comfortable with the school is through the annual Harrison Preschool Cultural Potluck. Each fall, families are invited to bring a dish related to their family heritage. Each student has a chance to talk about what their family brought and why it's meaningful to their family.

Greg feels fortunate to be exposed to so many different cultures through his students. “I learn about the outside world from the families I meet,” he says.

It seems as if Greg’s methods are working. According to Principal Sabrina Jackson: “I have received numerous compliments from families regarding the outstanding job Greg has been doing. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to our students have not gone unnoticed.”