From left to right, Dr. Rich Elsasser, Jamie Malchak, Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz, Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick, Kellie Raymond and Ron Jones pose for a picture together after Malchak was surprised with her award. PROVIDED BY DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD.
Elementary teacher wins regional award
Cypress Springs Elementary kindergarten teacher Jamie Malchak was recognized last week as the inaugural winner of the Texas Education Service Center Region 13 Star of the Month. Malchak is in her second year teaching with Dripping Springs ISD.
The Region 13 Education Service Center created the Star of the Month program to allow the communities in Region 13, which includes 102 school districts across Central Texas, to recognize the dedication and influence of educators. Star of the Month winners are recognized for consistently making a positive and lasting impact on students and actively contributing to the success of the public school system.
Malchak was nominated for the prestigious award by Cypress Springs Elementary Principal Kellie Raymond. Raymond said she selected Mrs. Malchak for her exceptional expertise as a teacher and for going above and beyond every day to engage her students, parents, and campus community.
“Mrs. Malchak works tirelessly for the students and families of Cypress Springs Elementary and sets a standard for excellence in teaching and engagement that is unparalleled,” Raymond explained. “She is a light and a joy for Cypress Springs Elementary and DSISD.”
As the Star of the Month winner, Malchak received a commemorative plaque, a scholarship from ACU Dallas to be used towards a graduate degree, a $100 Amazon gift card, and a goodie bag. Belterra Chick-fil-A, Dripping Springs HEB, Dripping Springs Education Foundation, and the Hill Country Ranch Sweet Shop also honored Malchak with gifts — all awarded at a surprise ceremony on Friday, Jan. 6.
On hand to surprise Mrs. Malchak with the award were DSISD Board President Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick, Board Vice President Ron Jones, Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation Dr. Karen Kidd, Cypress Springs Elementary Principal Kellie Raymond and additional members of the district and campus leadership team. Region 13 leadership was also onsite, including Executive Director Dr. Rich Elsasser, Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. Millie Klein and Deputy Director of Academic Services Kerry Gain. Laurie Cromwell, founder and chief strategist with Foundation Innovations, also participated in the celebration.