Members of the Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research Office Awarded Above and Beyond Recognition for Grinnell Education Partnership

Sep 1, 2022

Award Recipients in front of Nollen House

Pictured left to right: Jill Harris, GEP sustainability and project coordinator, Liz Hansen, GEP program coordinator, Lindsey Altenhofen, GEP data and planning coordinator, Melissa Strovers, director of collective impact, Nicole Brua-Behrens, executive director of the Greater Poweshiek County Foundation, and Monica Chavez-Silva, vice president of community engagement and strategic planning.

At the Aug. 10, 2022 Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education meeting, Monica Chavez-Silva, vice president of community engagement and strategic planning; Melissa Strovers, director of collective impact; Liz Hansen, GEP program coordinator; Lindsey Altenhofen, GEP data and planning coordinator; Jill Harris, GEP Sustainability and Project Coordinator; and Nicole Brua-Behrens, executive director of the Greater Poweshiek County Foundation, were recognized with the Above and Beyond award from the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District (CSD). The Grinnell Education Partnership team received the award for their efforts in support of students throughout the community and collectively making a difference in supporting student experiences through a balanced program approach.

Grinnell Newburg CSD Superintendent, Janet Stutz, shared: “This incredible team has organized efforts to support and enhance services for students within our community by being the vehicle for creating partnerships between the school district, the College, the arts center, Drake Library, LINK, and more. The Grinnell Education Partnership would not have become a reality without their dedication and hard work to support students in becoming proficient in reading. They continue to find grant support, AmeriCorp Vista member support, and work with the district to examine our data to identify student needs. We are honored to present them with this recognition as we could not be successful without their support.”

During the school year, the Grinnell-Newburg CSD strives to highlight some of the extraordinary work that school employees, students, and community members are doing. A small committee of administrators, staff, and students was formed to recognize those employees, students, and community members who go above and beyond the call of duty. The committee recognizes one employee, one student, and one community member each month at a Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education meeting.