August 2023 – Julian Connor, educational assistant at Twin Echo Elementary, was honored with the Superintendent’s Quality & Excellence Award on August 15, 2023 during the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 staff welcome back event at Collinsville High School.
The award is presented annually by the district superintendent in two categories: certified staff and non-certified staff. Individuals are nominated by district colleagues and chosen by Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich based on their merits and accomplishments. Connor was honored in the non-certified staff category.
Criteria for the Superintendent’s Quality & Excellence award include: rapport with students; relationship with peers; professionalism; classroom activities and use of content knowledge (certified staff); going above and beyond in their profession; and community involvement.
Mr. Julian was nominated by Twin Echo Principal Dr. Julie Haake and teacher Michelle Theis. His nomination included:
Mr. Julian brings the fun to our school. His day starts with music and dancing as students arrive at school. When students are having a tough day (for whatever reason), it is most often Mr. Julian that can help them turn things around. Whether it’s cracking a joke, sitting for a private heart-to-heart conversation, or just a pep talk, it’s typically Mr. Julian to the rescue. He is one of the most sought out staff members. When teachers have a student that is struggling, they always look to Mr. Julian. He has developed positive relationships with every student at Twin Echo and is always willing to assist teachers with difficult students.
On a non-work day for Mr. Julian, I contacted him about a student with severe anxiety about starting kindergarten. Knowing the student was a big fan of Spiderman and knowing Mr. Julian had a Spiderman costume, I texted him to see if he would wear it the first day of school. Within minutes, Mr. Julian – aka Spiderman – was there and the student was immediately drawn to him and touring his classroom with a smile on his face. This is just one example of Mr. Julian doing “whatever it takes” for students.
Mr. Julian is reliable and dependable. He is always prepared and ready for anything and everything! He offers to help others any time that he can. If a teacher forgot something in the office, Mr. Julian runs and gets it. If a teacher needs someone to supervise the class for a minute, he quickly takes over. If we are short staffed and need help – enter Mr. Julian. He is truly a jack of all trades and will do anything for anyone.
He respects the privacy of the students and families and when necessary, keeps information private and confidential. As the site supervisor of our before and after school program, he has parent contact with many of our families. At all times, he remains professional in these interactions and is well liked by all. The past two years he has been a member of the Polar Plunge team and has raised money for the Special Olympics. In addition, he publicizes the event, resulting in students and families coming to cheer him on!