Staff Awards

Shining Star Award

The USD 231 Shining Star Award is awarded to certified and classified staff who consistently go above and beyond expectations.  Winners from Moonlight Elementary School include:

KSDC Impact on Learning Award

Karla Reed, a former Title I Reading teacher in our building, received this award, which is based on her development and implementation of the Family Literacy Nights she facilitated while working in our building.

Milken National Educator Award

Governor Sebelius, Commissioner Bob Corkins and Deputy Commissioner Dale Dennis presented Karla Reed, Reading Teacher at Moonlight Elementary as a 2006 recipient of the Milken National Educator Award. Karla received a $25,000 unrestricted cash award along with an all expense paid trip to Los Angeles to participate in the annual Milken Family Foundation National Educators Conference. Karla was recognized as one of the premier educators in the country. We are extremely proud of Karla and this achievement.

Sprint Achievement Grant

Kyle Amos, Physical Education Teacher received a grant to purchase and install a climbing wall in the gymnasium.

Who's Who Among America's Teachers

Kelly Newman and Cindy Nuessen have been recognized in the 2005 and 2006 editions of this publication.  Both were nominated by former students.

2009 Outstanding Educator Award

Sandy Smith has been awarded the 2009 Outstanding Educator Award by the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders.

 2010 Rotary Educator or the Year

Malinda Gatlin was named the Gardner Rotary Club Educator of the Year for 2010.  This honor has allowed her to advance to the Distirct level where she was honored to recieve third place in the Eastern Kansas District 5710 Competetion.  We are proud of Malinda and her accomplishment!