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 2023 Stairclimbers!

Zain Almurailheg, Harding Elementary School, Kindergarten

"Zain came to Harding on the 1st day of school with so many obstacles in his way: being new to our country, not speaking English, being afraid to leave his family and brother, and not knowing anything in English. He has come so far since then. He loves school, smiles, laughs, and plays with his friends. His friends cheer him on and encourage him daily. He is talking a lot more and working hard to learn our language and participate in the classroom. He is a real Stairclimber and we are so proud of him!" 

De'Nyla Barnes, Edison Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Clare Pooley's words, 'In a world where you can be anything, be kind,' are familiar to many of us. De'Nyla shows kindness and is helpful to all of her classmates. She was nominated as the classroom's first 'Kindness Kid' and is always doing the right thing. De'Nyla consistently finds ways to be kind to herself, to others, and to our school. De'Nyla is an example for all of us and is so fun to be around. Congratulations for this recognition, De'Nyla - we are all so proud of you!"

Jordan and Jakobe Boone, Perry Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Jakobe has been a student at Perry Elementary School since 2020-2021. Jakobe has made considerable progress with his attitude and behavior. At this point last school year, he already had 3 Office Discipline Referrals (ODR’s). He finished the school year with 12 total ODR’s. This year, he has zero ODR’s and has built a strong relationship with his teacher. Jakobe is helpful and follows directions now without debate. He has worked diligently this year to make improvements and this is why I highly recommend Jordan for the Stairclimber award. Jordan has been a student at Perry Elementary School since 2020-2021. Jordan has made considerable progress with his attitude and behavior. At this point last school year, he already had 4 Office Discipline Referrals (ODR’s). He finished the school year with 13 total ODR’s. This year, he has zero ODR’s and has shown a penchant for following directions and setting a good example for the other students. He has matured considerably this year and has built positive relationships with many adults and students in the building. Therefore, I highly recommend Jordan for the Stairclimber award."

Selah Carlisle, Jefferson Elementary School, 2nd grade 

"Selah is a wonderful classroom citizen. Her classwork is her top priority. She always follows the classroom rules, helps anyone in the classroom who might need assistance and she always completes her homework on time. Selah is thoughtful and kind to others in the classroom. She is a great role-model for others in 2nd grade."

Dionni Carr, East Middle School, 7th grade

"Dionni has made several significant improvements this year including her grades, and classroom behavior. Dionni is a pleasure to have in class and is often willing to step up as a student leader to assist peers and building staff. Dionni has nearly eliminated behavior referrals for the 2022-2023 school year. We are proud of the achievements she has made and of her ability to be Ready, Responsible, and Respectful each day."

Manuel DeJesus, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, Kindergarten

"Manuel was chosen not only because he excels in academics, but he is willing to help others in their time of need."

Ryan Gieza, Erie High School, 12th grade

Kayleb Hallowell, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Kayleb has been improving weekly in math and reading. He is more attentive and working very hard in school and at home. He has grown so much since the beginning of the year and putting forth great effort. He has brought his grades up by two letters in each subject. He has vowed to be a Cool Cougar and is living out our P.B.I.S Paws Pledge of doing his personal best! Keep up the hard work Kayleb!" 

Ziva Kerchansky, Strong Vincent Middle School, 7th grade

"Middle school can be hard, but kids like Ziva Kerchansky make it look like a breeze. Ziva - you were the unanimous choice as your team's Stairclimber this month. We see your positive attitude. We see your willingness to help everyone around you. We see your commitment to academics. You make MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTER every single day and are rocking seventh grade. With COURAGE, she CONQUERS!"

Logan Lindsey, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Logan has worked hard this school year to improve his peer relationships with his classmates. He is constantly reminding himself to follow our school-wide expectations of being safe, respectful and responsible. He has significantly improved in the area of self-control and is more proactive in his thinking when he does get upset. He consistently completes work with care to the best of his ability and reminds himself that he needs to be responsible. Logan has made huge strides this school year academically, socially and behaviorally. He is a prime example of what a JoAnna Connell Cougar looks like.  I am so proud of him and cannot wait to see him excel more. Great job, Logan! Continue to make us proud."

Marielys Mugisha-Rodriguez, Diehl Elementary School, 1st grade

"Marielys Mugisha-Rodriguez is always working hard to improve herself at school! She comes to school every day with a huge smile and is ready to learn! She works hard every week to meet her goals and be the best she can be. In reading she is beginning to read independently. She is very proud of herself and her success. Her hard work and determination shows in her academic improvements! She is a leader in the classroom and is always following the school rules. Marielys is also an excellent artist and makes sure her illustrations match the words she writes. I am so glad that I got to be her teacher during summer school and now during the school year! Mrs. Baney and Ms. Mason are so proud of you and all of your success! We know she will continue to work hard, be kind, and be a role model to everyone around her!"

Namari Nelson, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 9th grade

"Namari Nelson is awesome! Her grades were terrific first quarter, and she has improved even further in all of her classes. She is a regular attendee during lunch for the Freshmen Transition Teams as a tutor, and she also works independently to complete her own assignments. She is always kind and helps her classmates without being asked. Namari truly embodies Collegiate's motto of Pride Honor and Respect."   

Eric Lebron Seda, Wilson Middle School, 7th grade

"Eric has been doing an outstanding job in class. He is participating, helping others when he can, and always a pleasure to have in class. We are very proud of Eric!"      

Josiah Williams, Lincoln Elementary School, Kindergarten

"We are so proud of Josiah for his progress this year. He has shown tremendous growth in his behavior throughout the year. He is also performing on grade level for all of his assessments and has missed very few days of school. Way to go, Josiah!"      

Eli Winkelbauer, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 1st grade

"Eli struggled at the beginning of the year. He had a lot of anxiety coming to school. Some days it would take him an hour to transition into the classroom. He struggled to participate and was hesistant to come in the building. He has worked hard with the support staff and his teachers to have successful transtions. He now walks to the classroom with a smile on his face. He is participating in whole and small group and making gains. Mrs. Bach and Mrs. Torres are so proud of him. He is the funniest and sweetest student. He has made many lasting relationships. To know Eli is to know joy." 

Khiyelle Ambush, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson-Gridley, 10th grade (Not pictured)

"Khiyelle is poised to become a very successful young man. He is conscientious, dedicated, and one of very few students on campus who personifies the idea of resilience. As one who is clearly popular among his classmates, Khiyelle would have every reason to be distracted and off task every day. Instead, he makes mature, responsible choices about his behavior, and he balances his classroom expectations with the social expectations of his friends and classmates. In doing so, he proves himself to be a leader without drawing attention to himself, and I do believe others in his sphere take a lesson from how he acts. He's a good kid and I enjoy helping him be successful. "

Jabraya Burns, McKinley Elementary School, 3rd grade (Not pictured)

"She has become a leader and is excelling in the classroom academically. Being a part of Charms, she has become more sympathetic to those around her and is working on core social skills. Other students have started to look up to her as a role model. Her goal is to become a captain while at McKinley."