Employee of the Month

Sandy is a 1st grade teacher who brings joy and love to all the students, staff, and families she works with. For more than 30 years, Ms. Hirano has been a steady presence and an impactful member of the Brookside community. Her cal, nurturing presence creates a supportive environment where students thrive. She is also a great support for colleagues and families alike. Her dedication and professionalism make her an amazing teacher and we are proud to recognize her. 

Soraya is an invaluable asset to the extended care program, and she elevates the quality and integrity of our work through her work ethic and commitment to providing excellent service. She approaches each task with a solutions-oriented mindset, anticipating needs before they arise and ensuring that our team is always positioned for success. She grounds her work in a student first approach, always considering the needs of our students above all else. 

Kyle is the Athletic Office Assistant and is an invaluable member of the Oak Park High School team. She has worked in the district since 2021 and moved into the Athletics position in August 2024.

She brings such a sense of joy, love, compassion, and an effort to her work that consistently goes above and beyond expectations. We constantly refer to the Athletic Office team as the “dream team,” and Kyle is a huge reason why!

Valeria is truly one of a kind. She is always willing to step in and support wherever she's needed—whether that means meeting with students individually, in small groups, or on the spot when something arises! Her warm smile and welcoming presence make her a trusted go-to for students, staff, and families alike. Valeria supports students through challenges big and small—helping those impacted by trauma, guiding peers through everyday conflicts, and building strategies for success around time management, self-advocacy, and organization.

"Marta’s impact on our science program has been transformational. She led the effort for MCMS to become an early adopter of the Next Generation Science standards, designing a full 8th grade curriculum from scratch before resources existed. She co-wrote our Distinguished Schools Award application in 2019 and continues to guide curriculum adoption, while also mentoring new teachers and supporting long-term substitutes to ensure strong instruction for all students."

Colin has been instrumental in maintaining our student 1:1 Chromebook devices, warranty, repairs, interfacing with students and parents, and organizing the project of collecting, cleaning, evaluating, and redistributing the devices. Colin is kind, calm, responsible, trustworthy, and a great asset to the Technology Team. 

"Paula Foy exemplifies the very best in teaching through her deep knowledge of students’ developmental stages and social-emotional needs. She thoughtfully tailors her instruction to ensure that every child receives exactly what they need to thrive academically and personally. In her classroom, Paula creates a nurturing and joyful environment where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Her interactions with children and families are consistently thoughtful, gentle, and professional."

"Michele brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to her role as Office Assistant. She greets visitors and staff with a warm smile, has stepped up to support with campus supervision, as needed, and shows great attention to detail in keeping accurate attendance."