“Thunder Thanks” recipients for January, February, and March of 2026

Each month, staff members of Lamar Re-2 can nominate another staff member for their good deeds done within the district. Each month’s recipients can be found below.

January 2026

RaeLynn Domsten- Alta Vista: Raelynn has many roles at Alta Vista and she excels at all of them. Every student that she see whether it’s in the hallway or her classroom feels welcome and cared for. She also creates amazing bulletin boards for our hallways every month. Her ideas are always so creative and fun! She is also our G/T coordinator. She plans extraordinary lessons and activities for all of the G/T kids and Pathfinders. Her heart for teaching shows in all that she does.

Chrislyn Jaime- Washington: Chrislyn goes above and beyond for her students every day. Additionally, she is willing to help wherever, whenever. She consistently brings positivity, patience, and dedication to her second graders. She builds strong relationships, supports every learner with care, and creates a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Her commitment truly makes our school a better place.

Leisha Walsh- LMS: I had the privilege of having Leisha in my room many times during the day. She is always game to go along with any unusually plan that I gave from mummifying fish, to catapults, to work from our book. She does an amazing job caring for students, supporting them, and de-escalating as needed. She is a wonderful help during my Thunder Time.

Halie Peterson- MHDC: I would like to recognize Halie Peterson for her outstanding work at the preschool. Working in our 2½- and 3-year-old program, she plays a vital role in giving our students a positive and meaningful first experience with school. Halie demonstrates dedication and patience and works hard to make learning exciting for all students. I am so glad to work alongside her in our building.

February 2026

Cesar Serrano- LMS: I had the privilege of observing Cesar in a math class working with students. He was professional, yet personable with all the students he worked with. He personalized how he worked with each student and made sure they were doing their assignments correctly. You could tell the students felt comfortable and safe with Cesar and that they were benefiting from his assistance. Cesar is an amazing example of how Paras should be working with students in the classroom. Cesar is an excellent para and puts his heart into his work. I appreciate everything he does for our students and the staff at the middle school.

Karen Hartman- Alta Vista: Karen is truly the rock of Alta Vista. She knows the ins and outs of our school, and her calm, logical mindset is appreciated. Her knowledge and advice are invaluable, and Alta Vista is incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated employee who has supported our school for so many years.

Tammy Saueracker- Washington: She’s a very professional teacher who shows up every day and always gives her best, making a positive difference by being dependable and genuine. She is also funny and can bring a laugh out of almost anyone.

Ali Wells- Alta Vista: Ali Wells is truly an incredible addition to Alta Vista, and her impact can be felt the moment you step into her classroom. She consistently goes above and beyond to make learning engaging, meaningful, and—most importantly—fun for her students. Whether she’s designing creative lessons, incorporating hands-on activities, or finding new ways to reach every learner, Ali puts her whole heart into helping students succeed. What sets Ali apart is her unwavering dedication to her students. She doesn’t just teach content—she builds confidence, sparks curiosity, and creates a classroom environment where students feel supported, excited, and safe to learn. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her students clearly thrive because of it. Ali is always willing to go the extra mile, whether that means staying late, offering extra support, or collaborating with colleagues to make learning even better. Alta Vista is incredibly lucky to have her, and our students are better every day because of her passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Ali Wells is a shining example of what makes Alta Vista such a special place.

Carol Beakley- Transportation: I feel like the transportation crew can sometime work in the background and get little to no acknowledgement. I would love to change that and recognized Carol for the amazing job she does. She is reliable, kind and committed to the safety of our students. She truly cares about the students and is very observant of them. When items are left on her bus she will bring them to the school and says so and so left this on the bus can you return it to them. Apart from her duties as a bus driver she is also the district mail delivery person. I can always count on her coming in everyday and I can count that she can make my day with just the kindness she shows me. She just one of those co-workers you really do enjoy working with.

March 2026

Fabiola Barajas- Washington: She brings light and laughter to every room she enters. Her dedication to students is evident in the meaningful, memorable experiences she creates for them each day. She consistently goes above and beyond, often through small, thoughtful actions that make a lasting impact-without ever seeking recognition. She is always willing to step in and help wherever she is needed, and we are truly grateful to have her back at our school.

Cindy Hartin- LMS: Cindy started this year as one of our new secretaries here at LMS. I can not tell you enough good things so far! She has been such a wonderful addition to our office staff and always makes everyone feel welcomed. She has a fun and bright energy that’s hard to miss and makes everyone’s day a little better. We’re glad she chose to come here and we are thankful for her hard work and dedication to our staff and students.

Ashley Roseberry- LMS x 2: Ashley Roseberry deserves a HUGE Thunder Thanks for all she does here at LMS! Ashley is our Science Fair Sponsor and she has gone above and beyond since taking over. Her dedication to our students is unmatched and she 100% deserves this shout out. Great job, Mrs. Roseberry! We are so lucky to have you! Referral 1 Oh! Ashley, you so have earned this. The way that you go out of your way and spend the extra time after school, to do Science Fair, and help the kids have fun doing projects’ I know that isn’t always easy, but to see the kids happy and having fun is worth it. And you are one of a few of my favorite people to work with, joke and laugh and all around a great friend and teacher. Plus the projects that you and Elissa can come up with to show this kids that Science is fun. Referral 2

Elissa Gilgen- LMS: Elissa you have earned this as well, it never fails whatever you are teaching the kids you always make it fun for them, teacher that touches their hearts, expands their horizons in life and learning. I wish that I would’ve had you both for teachers, but having you both as co workers and great friends, is so much better!!

Janelle Ketels- Alta Vista: Janelle Ketels is someone who makes a difference every single day at Alta Vista. She is always willing to step in and help, often before anyone even has to ask. Janelle has a special way of noticing what needs to be done and taking care of it with kindness and care. She is the smiling face that greets our students each morning and sends them off on the bus each afternoon. The genuine connections she builds with students are evident and meaningful, and they know they are seen and valued because of her. Janelle’s dedication and heart for our school community do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful and truly lucky to have her at Alta Vista.

Denise Gallegos- MHDC: Denise is a wonderful teacher and director who truly makes a difference every day. She has a special way of making learning fun and engaging, and the kids absolutely love her for it. She balances her roles as both a teacher and director with ease, handling each with care and dedication. Denise treats her staff like family, creating a warm and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. She has a kind and generous heart and is always willing to step in and help in any way she can, making her someone that both her team and students deeply appreciate.

JerriAnn Stover- Parkview: JerriAnn is a positive member of our staff. She always is helpful to all staff members and students. She really goes above and beyond to support our students, sometimes hours into the night. Her education knowledge is very effective and makes a big difference in the 5th grade, as well as the whole school. She is a supportive and valued teammate. Her dedication makes a difference!