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 May 2023 Stairclimbers!

Ronda Anderson, McKinley Elementary School, 5th grade

"Ronda earned the Stairclimber nomination because of her respect toward herself.  Over the last quarter, Ronda has improved in three major areas... her grades have gone up, she has missed fewer days/been on time more often, and has shown great responsibility with her behavior.  Her primary focus when she is in school is to learn.  Congratulations Ronda!" 

Olivia Boring, Erie High School, 11th grade

"Olivia has shown improvement in her grades and behavior each month of school. She exemplifies what it means to be a Royal. She is respectful, responsible and resilient. The Erie High staff is very proud of Olivia!" 

Sa'Riah Clark, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, Kindergarten

"At the beginning of the school year, Sa'Riah struggled with basic concepts. She would get frustrated when she didn't know certain things. When this happened, she would ask for extra work to practice unknown skills at home. This was a tremendous step for a kindergartener. Every night, Sariah would complete her homework and then work on extra assignments her teacher sent home. With this determination, Sa'Raih improved greatly in reading, writing, and math. Now Sa'Riah comes to school with confidence in her ability to read, write, and do basic math. Great job, Sa'Riah! Continue to soar higher." 

Tyler Dembski, Jefferson Elementary School, 5th grade

"Tyler has made a lot of progress over the past two years at Jefferson. As he prepares to begin his next adventure into middle school, the teachers in our classroom reflect on the growth he has demonstrated as an individual. He is kind and compassionate to all who enter our classroom. He is the type of kid who never leaves anyone out, and goes out of his way to make all of his peers feel welcome. He works hard and tries his best every day. He is reliable and someone that we can always count on to set an example of what it means to be a Jefferson Bronco. He took on a student leadership role as a Safety Patrol member this school year and looks forward to helping make our school community a welcoming place to be each and every day. Tyler is an amazing student who brings great joy and happiness to our classroom family. We are beyond honored to nominate him for the May Stairclimber Award!"

Ja'King Griffin, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson-Gridley, 2nd grade 

"Ja'King has been working very hard on his reading intervention. He started the year struggling but is now thriving! Ja'King works together with his classmates to earn classroom rewards. He enjoys coming to school each day and loves going with his reading group. Ja'King has been such a pleasure to work with!"  

Mason Himelein, Grover Cleveland Elementary School, 2nd grade

"Mason has really grown up this school year. His attitude has improved tremendously since the first quarter. He acts more mature, shows kindness and respect to his peers, completes all assignments, and studies hard. I'm very proud of him for doing his best."

Rebecca Kendema, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 12th grade

"Rebecca Kendema is a 12th-grade student and 4th-year JROTC Cadet.  She is a great choice for the Stairclimber Award because she is a hard worker and an inspirational leader among her peers.  She has helped us with many community service and school support projects and is always willing to help when needed. At the beginning of the year she was in danger of not graduating with her class, with her commitment and hard work she will graduate on time.  Rebecca has overcome a lot over the years and we are so proud of how far she has come. Rebecca has enlisted in the PA Army National Guard."

Angelo Kenner, Perry Elementary School, 4th grade

"I nominated Angelo Kenner for all his hard work and perserverance this year! His improvement can be seen in all academic areas.  Angelo is willing to redo work, when necessary, spend extra time working in small groups with me, ask for help when he needs it, and participates in class. Angelo is always a great friend to his classmates.  I have truly enjoyed having him in my class this year!"

Dimetri King, Edison Elementary School, Kindergarten

Victoire Mayele, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 2nd grade 

"Victoire started the year very frustrated with 2nd grade work. He was unable to complete it without help, he would even cry. Recently he is not only completing it by himself but receiving A's on the assessments! He is a hard worker and always wants to do his best. He is a bit of a perfectionist. He is also kind, caring, and helpful. He is all around just a great student and person! We are incredibly lucky to have him in our class!" 

Azianna Miller, Harding Elementary School, Kindergarten

"Harding nominates Azianna Miller. She started kindergarten without any school experience, especially when it came to following directions, writing her name, cutting, and playing with others. She now has all of these skills, including multiple letter names and letter sounds. Azianna also started the year nonverbal and had very few spoken words. She now, to the best of her ability, calls students by name, gives answers in class, communicates her wants and needs, and participates in think, pair, share in class. Azianna tries her best on all her work, follows directions, loves to help others, and is a good friend to her classmates. Azianna has become a true Harding Dragon!"

Jamari Miller, Diehl Elementary School 4th grade 

"In the beginning of the year, Jamari would say, 'I'm not going to do my work' and would crumple it up and throw it away. When Jamari demonstrated these behaviors, he would disrupt the class as much as possible. That is not the case any longer! Jamari has grown immensely through his previous behaviors and classroom performance. He has become a leader and is the kind friend in my classroom that always includes others who are left out. He works hard in our ANCHORS program at Diehl and has shown significant improvement through his participation in class. Lastly, he works hard to earn PBIS points to redeem prizes here at school for following the safe, respectful, and responsible expectations. Jamari, you are a great example of what it means to be a Diehl Eagle and I am so proud of you for how you've grown this school year."

Kharaji Moye, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 5th grade

"Kharaji has been a model JoAnna Connell student this school year and has made me super proud. He is always Respectful, Responsible and Safe and willing to put his best foot forward, following our school motto. He has shown significant improvement with his self-control and being able to step it up and do what is right. His positive attitude about school has made a great impact on not only himself but also his peers. He comes to school on time, ready to learn, and always has a smile on his face. He is able to take accountability for his actions and he genuinely wants to make the adults in our building proud. His consistent effort with positively interacting with his peers is something that I am most proud of. He is always making sure to be a great bystander and stick up for his peers also. Kharaji definitely has shown me that he knows what it means to be a JoAnna Connell Cougar. I have no doubt in my mind that he is ready for middle school and will carry over all of the great skills he has learned here with him. Continue to strive for greatness, Kharaji. You will do great things in this world!"

Zane O'Hara, Wilson Middle School, 6th grade

 

Carmyn Randazzo, Lincoln Elementary School, 1st grade

"Carmyn is a Lion who is always ROARing, which stands for Respect others, On task, Always safe, and Responsible. She tries her best and is helpful to others in her class. She has made amazing growth this year in both reading and math. She is kind to others and politely reminds peers to follow rules. She is an excellent example of how hard work and active listening pays off." 

Iyzaren Woodard, Strong Vincent Middle School, 8th grade

"When it comes to Strong Vincent's STAIRCLIMBER -- there's one term that kept coming up when his teachers discussed his nomination - - - A FORCE. Iyzaren Woodard is a FORCE for positivity. A FORCE for engagement. A FORCE in self-confidence. A FORCE in leadership. Iyzaren - you've make MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTER the past three years and we can't wait to watch you ROCK COLLEGIATE ACADEMY. Hey, Erie - - keep an eye on this young man! THE FORCE is definitely with him. With COURAGE, he CONQUERS." 

Yahia Almahamied, East Middle School, 7th grade (Not pictured)

"Yahia, or 'Yaya,' as he is known by friends, has made very significant improvements both in the classroom and behaviorally here at East. Yaya is a student in our Newcomer Academy. Throughout his time at East he has significantly decreased his behavior referrals and increased his classroom participation. We have frequently found Yaya being Ready, Respectful and Responsible at school!"