May 2, 2022

The Aledo ISD recognized its Summer Circle of Greatness Special Honorees on Monday, May 2, surprising employees who exemplify what it means to be Growing Greatness in the district. Through nominations from parents, students, community members and coworkers, the district recognizes throughout the year employees who are nominated for Circle of Greatness. Three times per year (fall, spring and summer), the district honors a top nominee from each category comprised of Professional, Paraprofessional, Auxiliary and Substitute/Guest Teacher employee groups. Among these quarterly winners, one in each category will be named as elite recipients in August at the Aledo ISD Convocation.

Congratulations to Professional category winner Debbie Henrietta, Vandagriff nurse; Paraprofessional category winner Mandi Dietz, special education aide at Walsh Elementary; Auxiliary category winner Mike Mancini, maintenance; and Substitute/Campus Guest Teacher category winner Laurie Harrison at McAnally Intermediate.

Here are some of the things nominators said about our Summer Special Honorees:

Professional category winner Debbie Henrietta, Vandagriff nurse:
"She has a lot to take care of. Since she is the school nurse she must do COVID, strep, and flu testing. But she also has to be a regular school nurse. She is a very nice person with a great personality. She handles a lot. I know that this would mean so much to her."

Paraprofessional category winner Mandi Dietz, special education aide at Walsh Elementary:
"Mandi was assigned to be a teacher with a DAEP student. She worked with this student one on one for a little over two weeks. Mandi built a positive relationship with this student and provided one on one instruction in all content areas. Her kind demeanor and attention to the student was just what this student needed. I am thankful that she was able to be with this student even if it was only for a short amount of time."

Auxiliary category winner Mike Mancini, maintenance:
"Mike is always friendly and polite. Comes in to do the work orders on our kitchen equipment in a timely manner. We’ve had a few problems with our milk box keeping its temperature. And Mike's gone above and beyond to fix the problem. Helped us move the milk when needed and always asks if there’s anything else he can check out while he’s there. Wonderful addition to the maintenance department."

Substitute/Campus Guest Teacher category winner Laurie Harrison at McAnally Intermediate:
"Laurie has been an amazing Guest Teacher for McAnally. She comes to the campus with a great, can-do attitude. She is always willing to help out anywhere she is needed."