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    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 December 2023 Stairclimbers!

     

    Kayan Al-Ghayeb, Lincoln's December Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members, and Principal Huffman.  

    Kayan Al-Ghayeb, Lincoln Elementary School, Kindergarten

    "Roald Dahl said, 'If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams...' We now see this every day with Kayan when he comes to school with a big smile on his face. Kayan is a student that has shown tremendous growth since the beginning of the year! When he first began, Kayan had difficulty entering the classroom and completing his work. He had to take frequent breaks and struggled to communicate his needs or wants.Now, Kayan is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Lincoln Lion! He comes into school every day with a smile that could light up a room, a positive attitude, and he is always ready to learn. He continues to work hard each day and has shown progress within his academics and overall behavior. I am so proud of the growth he has shown, and I look forward to watching him continue to ROAR at Lincoln Elementary!"

     

     A'Zhailia Anderson, Jefferson's Stairclimber for December, poses with her plaque, family members, and AP Bayhurst.    

    A'Zhailia Anderson, Jefferson Elementary School, 2nd grade

    "A'Zhaila has taken the initiative in the classroom to spend more time focusing on her schoolwork and not on others around her. She has improved her points earned in PBIS consistently each week. She has even started to have extra time after completing her work that she wisely utilizes to help others who are struggling around her. She works to help her neighbors complete a problem during student discuss/apply worktime without causing any distractions to others. She has really showed great ambition so far this school year to improve her classroom performance."

     

     

    Brooklyn Butler, Edison's December Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members and school staff.

    Brooklyn Butler, Edison Elementary School, 1st grade

    "Brooklyn has made the conscious decision to walk into a new school year with a new attitude.  She chooses to shine her light brightly this year. Each and every day, Brooklyn radiates a confidence in herself and her classmates. She exudes kindness in her words and actions and helps generate an encouraging atmosphere in the classroom. She celebrates her friends' successes without ever realizing that her very own aura has cast a light for her classmates to follow!  We all find it easy to love Brooklyn!"

     

     Elijah Clayton, Diehl's December Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members and school staff.

    Elijah Clayton, Diehl Elementary School, 1st grade

    "Elijah Clayton is always working hard to improve himself. He comes to school every day with a positive attitude and is always eager to learn. He has demonstrated a lot of progress this school year in his reading and math skills. He works hard every week to meet his goals and be the best he can be. He is very proud of himself and his success. His determination shows in his academic improvements and in his positive attitude. He is a great friend to all of the other students, is a leader in the classroom, and is always focused and prepared for class. He is every classmate’s biggest supporter and cheers on everyone around him! Mrs. Baney and Ms. Mason are so proud of you and all of your success! We know he will continue to work hard, be kind, and be a role model to everyone around him!"

     

    Afsana Dawood, Pfeiffer-Burleigh's December Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members and school staff.

    Afsana Dawood, Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary School, 4th grade

    "Afsana is a very hard worker, she puts forth 100% at all times on any classroom task. She is also very compassionate to her classmates, she is always willilng to help them out with whatever they need."

     

    Alexa Drayer, Perry's December Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members and school staff.

    Alexa Drayer, Perry Elementary School, 3rd grade

    "We proudly nominate Alexa Drayer for the Stair Climber Award at Perry.  Her journey this school year has been truly impressive, evolving from a reserved and shy individual to someone who confidently steps out of her comfort zone.  Alexa's ability to make friends and embrace self-assurance is commendable, and we couldn't be prouder.  Keep thriving, Alexa!  Your future awaits, and your belief in yourself is the key to unlocking it. You are definitely making us PROUD at Perry Elementary!"

     

    Alayna Havelka, Connell's Stairclimber for December, poses iwth her plaque, family members and school staff.

    Alayna Havelka, JoAnna Connell Elementary School, 4th grade 

    "Alayna is a fourth-grade student in Ms. Carman's class and is a great example of a Stairclimber! She came to our building new this year and is a standout Connell Cougar. You can always catch her being respectful, responsible, and safe while being a role model for her classmates. Alayna came to our school and was ready for a fresh start to an amazing school year. She has made significant improvement with self-control and displays positive behaviors. Alayna loves particpating in class and isn't afraid to ask for help. She is a hardworker that really cares about keeping up with her schoolwork and grades. She is also a great friend to everyone she meets. Alayna always asks what she can help with and wants to please her teachers. Keep up the good work Alayna! We are all proud of you and can't wait to see you continue to grow this year!"

     

    Za'Riyah Johnson, McKinley's December Stairclimber, poses with her plaque, family members and school staff.

    Za'Riyah Johnson, McKinley Elementary School, 3rd grade

    "Za'Riyah comes to school prepared to learn every day. She is a kind, helpful student and demonstrates respectful behaviors in the classroom. She has shown great progress in following the McKinley expectations, in the classroom and elsewhere in the school. She is a great role model academically and behaviorally. Congratulations, Za'Riyah."  

     

    Lamont McKinney, Eagle's Nest Stairclimber for December, poses with his plaque and family members.  

    Lamont McKinney, Eagle's Nest Program of Academic Distinction, 1st grade

    "Lamont is a new scholar at the Eagle's Nest this year. When he arrived, he struggled in recognizing his letters,colors, numbers, and letter sounds. Making the commitment, Lamont stayed after school every day with his teacher(Kim Overton). Lamont has worked hard and is now reading basic words and doing basic math. Lamont demonstrates an attitude of hard work and determination to improve academically." 

     

    Jeremiah Sherrod, Emerson Gridley's December Stairclimber, poses with his plaque, family members and school staff.  

    Jeremiah Sherrod, Patrick J. DiPaolo Student Success Center at Emerson-Gridley/EPS Cyber Choice Academy, 5th grade 

    "Jeremiah has shown tremendous growth as a student and a leader. He is always monitoring his grades and working to maintain an A average. He has initiated leadership roles such as helping in the classroom and around the school."

     

    Enisa Siljkovic, Collegiate's December Stairclimber, poses with her plaque and Dean Jim Vieira.

    Enisa Siljkovic, Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, 12th grade 

    "Enisa is a star athlete, co-producer of the morning announcements, vice president of the senior class, and taking several AP classes. She arrives to school by 7:50 and helps prepare and train people for the announcements, she is kind and humble and loved by students and staff. She never complains and always helps those around her without asking for anything in return. Although somewhat introverted, she has become an amazing leader and role model." 

     

     

    Shyona Gregory, Harding Elementary School, 4th grade (Not pictured)

    "Harding would like to nominate Shyona Gregory for the December Stairclimber! Shyona struggled starting 4th grade. She was hesitant to enter the room the first week of school...she was reluctant to sit and work with other students... she didn't always complete her work...she would not answer questions...and sadly, Shyona rarely smiled. That was then...But now Shyona walks right into the room and sits at a table with other students. Shyona completes all her work and is getting more comfortable with answering questions. And she smiles a lot! I'm confident Shyona will continue to improve and be successful! You make Harding proud!"
     

    Samantha Guevara Lopez, Strong Vincent Middle School, 6th grade (Not pictured)

    "Transitioning to middle school can be rough, but this month's Stairclimber made it look easy.  Samantha Guevara Lopez is a middle school rock star - day in and day out.  According to her teachers - and this is a direct quote - 'She fills our hearts every single day.' Samantha - your Colonel family appreciates your dedication to academics . . . your willingness to help others . . . your unparalleled sense of humor . . . and your desire to make MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTER.  Strong Vincent proudly recognizes Samantha Guevara Lopez as this month's Stairclimber.  With courage, she conquers."

     

    Genesis Nicole Mazariego Majano, East Middle School, 8th grade (Not pictured)

    "Genesis has the rare ability to make everyone she meets smile. She is a refugee from El Salvador and even though she is just learning English, her personality shines through the language barrier. She is quick to high five an adult with a 'Buenos dias!' and jumps right in when she sees another person in need. Her leadership and influence have helped not only her Spanish-speaking peers but all of her English Learning peers. She is a constant ray of sunshine."  

     

    Dalaysja Robinson-Holmes, Erie High School, 10th grade (Not pictured)

    "Dalaysja has improved in all aspects of school this year. Her grades, attendance, and behavior have all improved. Dalaysia always has a smile on her face when you see her in the hallway. She is respectful, responsible and resilient. We are all very proud of her."

     

    Jahzonna Wall, Wilson Middle School, 8th grade (Not pictured)

    "Jahzonna has become a great leader for Wilson! She is setting a great example for younger students in the building and has improved her grades and behavior from last year. We are excited to see her continued improvement."