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4/26/2024
My Starfish teacher is Ms. Rodolfich. Even though she only sees her students once a week, she has had an enduring impact. Through her tutoring sessions, she not only imparts knowledge but also forges meaningful connections. Ms. Rodolfich’s caring demeanor and radiant positivity brighten every encounter, instilling confidence and enthusiasm in her students. Despite limited time, she makes each interaction count, fostering a sense of belonging and support within the classroom. Her commitment to uplifting others exemplifies the profound influence of compassion and dedication in education.
I am thankful to have the opportunity to call her a co-worker and friend.
Chris Word
April 19, 2024
My starfish teacher is Mr. Word. He is always willing to step up and help wherever he is needed. He ensures the cafeteria runs smoothly at lunch and fosters a supportive and inclusive environment in the band hall and across campus for students who know him. During the bad weather day last week, Mr. Word took the initiative to assist in the 7th grade math and ELA hallway retrieving students for check out as well as allowing teachers to take breaks. He always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude. I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with him.
Natasha Toncrey
April 12, 2024
March 28, 2024
My Starfish teacher of the week is Mrs. Girouard. She exemplifies everything a great teacher should be. This is her first year teaching ELA, but you would never know it. I had the honor of observing her class last week while they were working on a project that tied into the novel they had just finished reading. Her students were on task AND having fun! Not only did she manage her class well, but also diffused a situation in another class. She knows how all of her students act and react, and knows just how to deal with each of them. She has taken the time to build that relationship with students, not just her own but all those that pass her in the hall as well. To me, that is the most important thing you can do as a teacher! Those students will move mountains for you and do not want to disappoint you. Keep shining Mrs. Girouard! You are doing great things and that is why I chose you for Starfish Teacher of the Week!
~Michelle Swanson
March 22, 2024
My starfish teacher selection is Michelle Swanson.
Mrs. Swanson is the Junior High librarian. But, she is much more than a librarian who finds just the right book or resource material for every student. Mrs. Swanson is also like a second mother to some of the students. She is always available to lend an ear or be a shoulder to lean on for anyone who needs her. She makes sure students have everything they need. Not only does she help them find anything they need in the library, she also supplies clothes, food, and personal products from the Caring Cove closet. She is always willing to go above and beyond for our students and that is why I chose her to receive the Starfish award.
March 15, 2024
My Starfish Teacher selection is Mrs. Sherry Milbrath.
Mrs. Milbrath is Biloxi Junior High's phenomenal Art teacher. In her calm and peaceful classroom, you can observe her teaching a well rounded group of both 7th and 8th grade students who choose art as their elective. Through this environment, she helps her students find their passion and creativity. When you roam the halls of BJH you will surely notice that her students add color and happiness throughout our building with their various projects; pottery bowls, paper mache designs, Tim Burton inspired drawings, the projects are endless. Her students describe her class as fun, exciting, and therapeutic. She is a world traveler who allows her love of different cultures to be seen in her lectures and then displayed through her students' artwork. Mrs. Milbrath also sponsors the Art Club which gives the opportunity for all BJH students to experience art in exciting new ways. She is a respectable teacher who holds her students to their highest potential which is why I am honored to pass on the Starfish to her!
March 8, 2024
My Starfish selection is Mrs. Barbara Crider. Mrs. Crider is such an asset to Biloxi Jr. High! She does an amazing job with her students every day. She motivates them, listens to them, encourages them, and most importantly holds them accountable. She works with all types of students, and her willingness to listen and be flexible while still holding high expectations makes her so effective. She communicates with teachers and her organizational skills are second to none! Not only is she great in the classroom, she is also always ready to jump in and help out wherever she is needed her at Biloxi Jr High. She volunteers to do many things to make our school better, and when asked to help out she is quick to say yes and give it her all. Mrs. Crider brings a positive attitude to everything she’s involved in, and I appreciate everything she does for the students her at Biloxi Jr. High. Congratulations, Mrs. Crider!
My Starfish Teacher of the week is Mrs. Renee Useforge. She is not only BJH's most amazing Academic Strategist, she is an advocate for our students! Her longevity at Biloxi schools makes her knowledgeable in a lot of areas! She is the person in the background making sure our students are receiving all needed resources & interventions. She ensures our processes are working in order for students to be successful and perform to the best of their abilities. She is always willing to listen and problem-solve. I appreciate Mrs.Useforge for always having an open door for communication and questions, for her knowledge of all things ``jr high”, and for her dedication to all of our students. Thank you Mrs. Useforge for being you :)
Sincerely, Anne Long
February 23My starfish selection is Ms. Anne Long. Ever since my first day on campus, she has been so helpful to my transition here at Biloxi Junior High School. She seems to light up whenever I walk into her office, and that positive energy is contagious. Whenever I call, she doesn’t hesitate to make whatever assistance is needed to ensure that the students and I have a good school day. The students seek her approval and always try to make her proud. I appreciate her advice about working with students, parents, and even being a parent. Ms. Long represents BJHS proudly. From scheduling, parent conferences, lunch duty, working with students, to driving the bus; I appreciate the impact she has in our building. Congratulations Ms. Long for being the Starfish Teacher.
February 9
I am so excited to give credit to a fantastic teacher through the selection of Starfish Teacher! I have chosen Joni Cooks as the Starfish Teacher for this week! Joni always makes her coworkers feel appreciated, respected, and comfortable! She goes above and beyond to ensure that our jobs are easier, whether that be by telling us the printer needs more paper for our copies or by supporting us when encouraging a student to try harder in our class. All of her students rave about how exciting and hilarious a math teacher they have in Joni Cooks! While she does set high expectations for her students, she supports her kids and ensures their needs are met, regardless of the obstacles she faces. Although Joni is new to Biloxi Junior High, she fits into the staff easily and is loved by all! Teachers that know her want to be her; students that have her respect, appreciate, and adore her!
With pleasure,
Mikala Rogers
February 2, 2024
My selection for the BJHS Starfish Employee of the Week is Mikala Rogers. Mikala is an outstanding teacher who is very passionate about her teaching. I admire her a lot as an educator because she goes above and beyond for her students. I have witnessed her interaction with her students, and it is effective and enjoyable to be around. The students in her classroom are enthusiastic because she makes her lessons fun and entertaining for them. Her classroom displays excitement to the students, and that is what is needed. Mikala plays a significant role in motivating her students and compliments them in an effective manner. She gives positive feedback and acknowledges her students for their efforts. Within her classroom, I have witnessed her students reciprocate her positive behavior and it displays a culture of appreciation and mutual respect. It is my honor to pass this on to her.
Best Regards,
Coach Shayla Hill
January 26, 2024
My selection for the BJHS Starfish Employee of the Week is Coach Shayla Hill. Coach Hill is an employee who wears many hats at BJH. She’s a teacher, a coach, a counselor, a mentor, a bus driver, an advisor, sometimes a mother to over 800 students, sometimes a babysitter, sometimes a security officer, sometimes a firefighter. While on my daily patrols, I watch how the students respond to her when she speaks to them or calls them out for misbehaving. They show her respect. She has a way of reaching students who are, as we often say, having a bad day and she gives them words of wisdom and a little tough love that somehow helps to make their day a little better. When she attends the BHS basketball games, I notice how her former students greet her with hugs of love and respect. She always seems to have the BJH students’ best interest in mind, doing her part to help them succeed.
Security Officer Dennis Thompson
Swetman Security Services
January 18, 2024
My selection for Starfish Employee of the Week is Officer Dennis Thompson, who makes a positive impact with our students and the environment of our school. He greets everyone by name and with a smile. He interacts with students during lunches in the cafeteria by, conducting weekly questions on a variety of topics from history to spelling, as well as providing the rewards. He does not allow an opportunity to pass without creating a positive connection. Last week, my students were conducting problem-solving tasks by constructing a paper airplane which could fly the farthest. While walking by my classroom and talking with the students, Officer Dennis made his own paper airplane and tested it. As he was leaving my room, he provided a reward to be given to the student with the plane that flew the longest distance. Officer Dennis brings positivity, caring, and fun to our school family.
Syhann Shoemake
January 9, 2024
I select Syhann Shoemake for the BJH Starfish Teacher of the Week. Mrs. Shoemake has been a blessing to me when scheduling new students this year. She graciously accepts schedule changes. Her flexibility makes my days brighter. She is always willing to put in extra work to ensure new students are successful in her class. I appreciate her positive attitude.
Rachel Hokamp
January 2, 2024
I only have the eighth graders, so I have very little interaction with Rachel Hokamp. With that being said, I went to her this morning with a request for one of my students, and within fifteen minutes she not only got the job done, but promptly e-mailed me the details. Her compassion and professionalism matched her efficiency, and I feel that is a trait often lost in schools today. This may be a very simple shout out, but I am a "little things" person - and little things with positive tone, sincerity, assurance, and compassion mean the world to me.
Suzanne Shackelford
