West Mifflin Area School District News Article

Four named Staff Member of the Month through new district initiative

WEST MIFFLIN — Four West Mifflin Area School District staff members were recognized as Staff Members of the Month through a new initiative in the district.

The program, done in partnership between administrators and the Communications Committee, recognizes a staff member from each department of the district each month based upon rigorous criteria.

This month’s winners were: Mary Beth Miller (Homeville), Terry Whalen (Clara Barton), Bree Thompson (West Mifflin Middle School), and Richard Vogtsberger (West Mifflin Area High School).

“This new staff recognition program is a great opportunity to highlight the terrific staff members and the great things they do in the West Mifflin Area School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Jeffrey Soles. “The District is proud to employ so many high achievers and is thankful for the contributions they continue to make for our students.”

Mr. Soles added, “Congratulations to our four honorees for this month. We look forward to your continued hard work and dedication.”

To be selected for the recognition, nominees had to meet criteria in 10 categories: Professional excellence, student impact, innovation and initiative, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, commitment to equity and inclusion, community engagement, professional development, resilience and adaptability, and overall contribution to school culture. Specific examples of each criteria were included in the nominations.

Mrs. Miller serves as a secretary at Homeville. In her nomination, it was noted of Mrs. Miller: "Mary Beth's positive energy is contagious; she always finds ways to celebrate achievements, no matter how small, helping to foster a sense of community and belonging. Her commitment to creating a supportive environment not only boosts morale but also reinforces our shared goals, making our school a more vibrant place for everyone.”

Ms. Whalen is the school counselor at Clara Barton Elementary. In her nomination, it was said of Ms. Whalen: “Terry Whalen is always finding ways to make students and staff feel valued and appreciated. She also has a great way of making everyone feel loved and included.”

Ms. Thompson is a math teacher at West Mifflin Middle School and sponsor of the SAVE Promise Club, among many other activities. Of Ms. Thompson, it was written, “Bree is flexible and adaptable. Her school responsibilities are just a fraction of the hats that she wears in her life, and she does a professional and great job balancing them all and staying involved in everything she can even during busy and stressful times.”

Mr. Vogtsberger is a life skills teacher at West Mifflin Area High School, and he helps out with the Titan Shoppe. In his nomination form, it was said, “Mr. Vogtsberger goes above and beyond for his students. He is not afraid to get into the middle of things to work with his students. He gives up his time to go above and beyond for his kids. He demonstrates a wealth of information in working with families and staff. His time and energy that goes into the Titan Shoppe is above and beyond.”

Congratulations to all four staff members on a job well done.

Follow the West Mifflin Area School District on social media! Our Facebook page may be found at https://www.facebook.com/wmasd/, while we can be found on X (formerly Twitter) at @WestMifflinArea.

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