Congratulations to the May Honorees for the month of May from Yocum Elementary!
Student of the Month: Kenzi Pennington
Yocum Elementary’s student of the month is Kenzi Pennington. Her parents are Kevin and Megan Pennington. She is a fourth grader in Ms. Rivas and Ms. Downen’s classrooms. Her teachers stated that Kenzi is kind to all students and staff, she is a hard worker and she is an incredible representation of Yocum! She is a joy to be around, and I’m so glad she’s a Yocum Bear!
Kenzi always works hard, has a positive attitude, and tries her best.
Kenzi is a really hard worker inside and outside of the class. She is always willing to help and be a friend to anyone who needs one. You are guaranteed a smile when she’s around. I’m so thankful to have her. -Ms. Rivas
Kenzi self-advocates for herself regularly when she has questions about her work, but she also ensures that all of her peers understand her. She is a positive role model inside and outside of the classroom. She has been a joy to teach this year. -Ms. Downen
When Kenzi grows up, she wants to be a doctor so she can help people. When asked what she loves about Yocum, she said she loves that she’s about to learn about many different things!
Principal Jessica Moore stated that Kenzi always has a smile on her face. When Kenzi grows up, she wants to be a doctor so she can help people. Her compassionate heart and hard work ethic will help her achieve this goal. When asked what she loves about Yocum, she said she loves that she gets to learn about many different things!
We are delighted Kenzi Pennington is a Yocum Bear! We are proud to have her represent Yocum as the Student of the Month. Congratulations Kenzi!
Classified Employee of the Month: Linda Donahue
Yocum Elementary’s Classified Employee of the Month is Linda Donahue. She is a paraprofessional and has been working for 28 years in the El Dorado School District. Nominating co-workers stated that She leads our group of paras and sets the bar high! I have learned so much from her and she will be greatly missed next year. Another co-worker said her positive spirit is unquenchable! She works hard and is committed to students, yet never loses her joy. She is a person everyone looks up to and her leadership and guidance are an amazing resource for us! Another stated that Mrs. Donahue always has a positive attitude. She encourages our kids in the best ways and always makes them feel seen! I love listening to her send off her small group students because she ALWAYS sends them off with a mantra. She works hard and is always looking to fill in the gaps when needs arise. Yet, another co-worker said Mrs. Donahue is the heart of Yocum Elementary. She is one of the hardest workers I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. She is always in motion and is focused on providing the best care, service, and education to our students. She is quick to step in or answer a call for help from any staff member. She does her absolute best at all times to meet the needs of not only our students but everyone else at Yocum as well. She is a joy to work with.
Principal Jessica Moore stated that Mrs. Donahue (or Mrs. Don-a-que as the students call her) is a principal’s dream! She always greets you with a smile on her face and an upbeat attitude. Her positivity is contagious. There is never a task she can’t do, four recesses in a row, her response is, “WE’VE GOT IT!”
Mrs. Donahue brings out the best in staff and students. One of my favorite things to do is watch Mrs. Donahue greets her students as they enter her classroom. She affirms them and they know she loves them! She loves Yocum School and Yocum loves her. We are thankful for her many years of service to our school, staff, students, and community. Yocum is better because of her and we hope she comes to visit after retirement!
Teacher of the Month: Leanne Barnett
Yocum Elementary’s teacher of the month is Leanne Barnett. She has her Bachelor’s
+12 from South Arkansas University and has been teaching in the El Dorado School District for 9 years. Nominating Teachers stated that Leanne Barnette is an exceptional teacher. She accommodates all her students and she teaches them that hard work is what works. She spends more hours at work than at home and she is no slacker. She has been the best example to follow. Another co-worker said Mrs. Barnett always puts in the extra work with her students! It is obvious how much she wants her students to improve! She is the teacher I wish I had when I was in school!
Her Principal, Jessica Moore stated that Mrs. Barnett is a passionate and dedicated teacher. I believe Ms. Barnett’s classroom is her mission field. Her vehicle is often at school early, late, and on the weekend. She has taught our extended day program for the last two years. Not only is her classroom her mission field but so is her home. In the six years I’ve worked with her she’s had two to three foster children at a time in her care. Her classroom is always well-managed and organized. She connects with students and has a relationship with each one. She understands not only the academic needs of students but also their social and emotional ones. She plans lessons around students' needs and often teaches in small groups to meet the diverse group of students in her class. She embraces and celebrates diversity among her students. She looks closely at student data to provide intervention immediately. She self-reflects and continues to improve her practices.I am grateful for the positive impact she has in her classroom and her home. There is no doubt that children’s lives have been changed because of her.
