Employees of the Month 2022-2023

Congratulations to Brittney Kroeger, middle school math teacher, who was awarded the LCS Foundation’s Employee of the Month for April.

Since she joined the Le Mars Community School District 9 years ago, Brittney has been teaching middle school math, specifically 7th grade pre-algebra and 8th grade algebra.

“Ms. Kroeger is an integral part of the Le Mars Middle School staff” reads Brittney’s nomination. “She is constantly helping students grow in their understanding and application of math. Students are always engaged in her lessons, and she brings excitement to the problem solving practices in math.”

Many thanks to you, Ms. Kroeger, for being “extremely selfless” and “a positive influence on your students and an excellent colleague”.

Congratulations to Ashley Sitzmann, Kluckhohn 2nd grade teacher, who was awarded the LCS Foundation’s Employee of the Month for March.

This is Ashley’s 16th school year with Le Mars Community. She began teaching in 2007 as a Special Education teacher at Kluckhohn Elementary. Eight years later, she transferred to her current position as a 2nd grade teacher, also at Kluckhohn Elementary. In addition to teaching elementary students, early on, for five years, Ashley was involved with coaching middle school volleyball and middle school girls basketball.

Ashley’s nomination describes her as a “shining example of patience and kindness”. “Her patient, calm, and caring demeanor helps students feel safe and supported in her classroom”.

Mrs. Sitzmann, thank you for choosing Le Mars Community sixteen years ago. Throughout these years, you have touched the lives of so many students with positivity and encouragement.

Congratulations to Cliff Collins, 6-12 Math Instructional Coach, who was awarded the LCS Foundation’s Employee of the Month for February.

Cliff has been with the Le Mars Community School District for 34 years and plans to retire this year. He began his teaching career in August 1989 as a middle school math teacher and in August 2014 became the 6-12 Math Instructional Coach. Throughout his 34 years with the district, he has also coached boys track, girls track, and boys basketball.

“Cliff does a great job as an instructional coach, and we truly appreciate all that he does,” reads Cliff’s nomination. “Cliff is always there to offer ideas and support whenever we need it.”

Mr. Collins, we are grateful for your 34 years of dedication, your passion, your leadership and your support of countless Le Mars Community students and staff. Thank you!

Congratulations to Melanie Murphy, Kluckhohn 1st grade teacher, who was awarded the LCS Foundation’s Employee of the Month for January.

Melanie joined the Kluckhohn staff in August 2005 as a 3rd grade teacher.  After one school year, she became a 1st grade teacher at Kluckhohn and has been teaching 1st grade since that time.

Congratulations to Jill Rutledge, middle school special education teacher, who was awarded the LCS Foundation’s Employee of the Month for December.

This is Jill’s 9th school year at the middle school. “She is a blessing to the students.” reads Jill’s nomination. “She is always looking for ways to make sure every student has a chance to succeed.”

Thank you, Jill, for going the extra mile.

Congratulations to Bruce Spencer, teacher associate at Franklin Elementary, who was awarded the LCS Foundation’s Employee of the Month for November.

Bruce joined the Franklin staff in August 2020. “If you were to look up the word “team player” in the dictionary, Bruce Spencer’s name would be the first one listed”, reads Bruce’s nomination. “He goes out of his way to create relationships with not only the students he works with but also the other students in the classrooms he’s associated with”.

Thank you, Bruce, for making a positive impact on Frankin Elementary.