ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Erie's Public Schools Student Stairclimber Awards

Erie's Public Schools strives to always celebrate the success of our students. As part of that initiative, the Stairclimber Award is presented monthly at regular School Board meetings (from October through May) to one student from each building, recognizing their tenacity, grit and perseverance toward making improvements in their ABC's -- Attendance, Behavior and Classroom Performance.

The EPS Stairclimber Award, which stems from PA School Climate Data feedback and Strategic Plan Survey results, supports our district-wide movement of School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (SWPBIS).

Meet our January 2022 Stairclimbers!

Abedallah Al-Asadi, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 1st grade

"Abedallah struggled when coming to school at the start of the year. After working hard to overcome his fears and with the help of others, Abedallah now comes into the classroom with a positive attitude each day. He has started getting breakfast and greets others. He is much happier, and his classmates love seeing him come into the room. His confidence is growing more and more each day. Abedallah's courage has been an excellent example for his peers, and Pfeiffer Burleigh Elementary couldn't be more proud to honor Abedallah." 

Coloughizo Burns, Jefferson Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Coloughizo has worked so hard this year! He follows classroom and school rules. He loves to learn new things and is so proud of himself when he masters new skills. He loves math, especially addition! He is a great helper in the classroom! Coloughizo has learned so many new things. I am so proud of him and his determination!"

Russell Ellis, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 4th grade

"Russell's behavior and academic performance have improved greatly this year. Russell maintains a calm demeanor in all situations and practices tremendous self-control. He has great classroom participation, completes his homework, uses good manners, and follows his teacher's directions. We are so proud of him!"

Mylee Fitch, Wilson Middle School, 7th grade 

"Mylee has done an outstanding job academically and socially. She performed so well that academically that she was moved into the honors section. She also has a great personality and is always willing to help others."

Natalie Gonzalez, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 2nd grade  

"Natalie Gonzalez is a kind, sweet, caring hard worker in second grade. She has good attendance, shows great behavior and has shown improvement in all subject areas. It's a joy to have her in class. She embodies what it means to be a Connell Cougar; she is respectful, responsible and safe."

Fabrice Kayiranga, Diehl Elementary School, 1st grade 

"Fabrice is always working hard to improve himself. He comes to school every day with a positive attitude and is always eager to learn. He demonstrates a work ethic that perseveres when it gets difficult and he stays humble with successes. Fabrice has shown a lot of progress this school year in his reading and math skills. In reading he is beginning to read words independently. He is very proud of himself and his success. His determination shows in his academic improvements and in his positive attitude. He helps our class become a tighter "team" community. He is every classmate’s biggest supporter and cheers on everyone around him! Way to go, Fabrice, you make Diehl proud!"

Dalayah McCullum, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 8th grade

"Dalayah has really begun to come out of her shell. She is an active participant in classroom discussions and has shown huge growth in her math class. Dalyah has fought through obstacles and has become a star student. She is a pleasure to have in class."

Anjali Selvam, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 10th grade

"Anjeli is a wonderful student. She goes above and beyond to be an exemplary Collegiate student.  Anjeli assists students with special needs without prompting.  She is involved in Grace Notes, and Theatre.  She is kind, friendly and a hard worker."

Jeremiah Stepp, Edison Elementary School, 4th grade 

"Jeremiah is an amazing worker who comes to school every day! He has changed his pattern of behavior and that is noticed and appreciated. He is a good friend and a hard worker. We are so happy to honor Jeremiah for his dedication to being the best possible version of himself."

Odysseus Wann, Perry Elementary School, 1st grade

"Oddie (Odysseus Wann) has made tremendous improvements in his behavior this year. He attends school every day and enjoys being with his classmates. He has worked hard to follow the directions and complete his work every day. Congratulations Oddie! Keep up the great work! "

Sincere Dixon, McKinley Elementary School, 3rd grade (not pictured)

"Sincere has made great progress in both math and in language arts. He is also a great leader in the classroom. We are proud of him for continuing to challenge himself to do his best."

Malaya Hooks, Harding Elementary School, 4th grade (not pictured)

"Malaya has been an outstanding student from the first day of school. She is focused, safe, responsible, and respectful EVERY single day. Malaya came to 4th grade well prepared yet is eager to learn more and be successful." 

Natazjha Mickel, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson Gridely, 12th grade (not pictured)

"Tay started her educational journey at PJD in 2018. She was in the first class for the RAMS program- Recovery academy Middle school. To qualify for the RAMs students had to fail all core classes. Tay is a great example of why Erie’s Public Schools offer nontraditional educational opportunities. In 2018 she made up her 8th grade year and earned 5.5 credits as a ninth grader. Tay attends our cyber lab every day. She lives on her own and works hard to recoup her credits and now only has one course left to graduate. She is always positive and encourages others in the lab to work hard. It is with great pleasure we nominate her. In fact, by the time you are reading this she may have completed her last course. We are so very proud of her!"

Ujal Rai, Strong Vincent Middle School, 7th grade (not pictured)

"A wise person once said, "Success doesn't come from what you do occassionally, it comes from what you do consistently." Ujal Rai - without a doubt - is our most consistent student on his seventh grade team. Reliable, tenacious, and hard working - Ujal Rai represents the very best of Strong Vincent. WIth courage, he conquers."

Nyciere Smith, Erie High School, 9th grade (not pictured)

"Nyciere had a slow start to the school year, but has turned it around and doing well with his attendance, behavior and grades. Nyciere is a great Erie High student."

Jalissa Warren, East Middle School, 7th grade (not pictured)

"Jalissa has made improvements in grades, behavior, and attendance. Jalissa has made a huge effort to spend more time in class and less time in the office by nearly eliminating the number of behavior referrals in the month of December.  Jalissa was only tardy to class twice working hard each day to ensure that she is in class on time ready to learn. Jalissa is now passing every one of her classes except one which has been a tremendous improvement from quarter one. Jalissa has shown her Warrior POWER and often has positive interactions with staff and peers in the building."

Chase West, Lincoln Elementary School, 2nd grade (not pictured)

"Despite life events Chase has gone through he has shown great resilience. Chase shows up to school every day with high spirits and willingness to learn. Chase loves coming to school and has a great attitude. Chase has also made leaps and bounds with his behavior and educational journey."