Please join us in celebrating our Employees of the 1st Quarter!
The Employee of the Quarter Award recognizes Bettendorf Community School District staff who inspire exceptional service and attitude. Recipients demonstrate a commitment to their job and/or school involvement above and beyond expectations.
Shellie Dowding
Kitchen Supervisor
Bettendorf Middle School
Shellie goes above and beyond as the Kitchen Supervisor at Bettendorf Middle School. She brought the idea of Iowa Eat Local Day to life and led her team to an amazing opportunity for students, bringing in local and fresh products.
She also goes above and beyond, offering a variety of meal options daily, ensuring there is something for everyone. Shellie has even made a single serving of a menu item for a student struggling with food insecurity at home, allowing them to have a balanced meal that they will eat.
Outside of middle school, Shellie has been an amazing team player, helping with staff training, covering positions, and revamping the digital menus to communicate clearly for all.
Kate Laver
Instructional Coach
Herbert Hoover Elementary
As the instructional coach at Hoover, Kate has made a profound impact on our staff, students, and the overall learning environment. She embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and leader, making her truly deserving of this award.
Kate works closely with staff, providing one-on-one coaching, lesson modeling, and constructive feedback. Her approachable nature and expertise make her a valued resource, as teachers appreciate her ongoing support delivered in a non-judgmental, collaborative manner.
Kate’s passion for education and commitment to Hoover's success are truly inspiring. She consistently goes above and beyond, volunteering for committees, leading initiatives, and effectively managing numerous projects. Her positive energy and dedication resonate throughout the entire school community.
Meredith Ortega
Nurse
Neil Armstrong Elementary
Meredith is an outstanding nurse and an invaluable member of our team who consistently goes above and beyond for every student who visits her office. She prioritizes their safety and well-being, ensuring each child feels seen, heard, and understood. By addressing their needs with compassion and care, she prepares them to succeed in school.
This year, Meredith has taken on the lead nurse role, successfully training two new school nurses while excelling in her responsibilities. Her commitment extends beyond her duties as she volunteers to support the school community. Known for arriving early and staying late, Meredith is always ready to assist her students, staff, and families. She truly exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional nurse and a caring individual!
Allison VanHorn
Custodian
Bettendorf High School
Allison VanHorn is a terrific employee who is always willing to step in and help with any task the Operations and Transportation department needs done. She keeps the district buildings stocked with paper, helps with district grounds in the summer and fall, and is a big contributor to the department's success. All of these tasks were on top of her normal job as a transportation aide, and she was a tremendous asset in that capacity as well.
We look forward to her transition to a custodian and her continued hard work in making a difference every day at Bettendorf High School. Allison has matured as an employee and individual within Operations, and the district is lucky to have such a dedicated hard worker on staff.