Ellen joined our team this past summer during our implementation with Deming Public Schools. She was quickly appointed to her current role as a long-term special education teacher for the Bataan Elementary School, where she provides important services to students with special needs every day.

She was nominated by the principal of Bataan School, Ivy Baca, who wrote, “Ellen is an extremely hard worker. She took on the role of Special Education Teacher on the first day of school. She has worked diligently to make sure students’ IEP goals are being met. She attends IEP meetings and regularly meets with the general education teachers. She has gone above and beyond to build positive relationships with all of the students and staff. Bataan Elementary School is lucky to have Ellen as part of our team.“

Secondary Teacher of the Month

The secondary teacher of the month for May is Susie Kapeleris. Susie is a member of our English Department and teaches our 7th and 11th graders. Over the course of this year, she has always been a positive contributor to our various school improvement and professional development programs. This year she participated in a committee that has been responsible for setting the course to improve the educational model in our secondary school over the next several years. Susie’s willingness to step in to help during this pandemic and soft-closure period has been outstanding. Early on during the planning stages of our online teaching program, Susie shared her vast background of knowledge with staff. Her suggestions have been invaluable to overcoming the many challenges we have faced during this soft-closure period. Above all, Susie has been a kind, dedicated member of our staff who truly cares about our school and the students she comes in contact every day. Congratulations to Susie Kapeleris for being the Secondary Teacher of the Month.

Elementary Teacher of the Month

It is a pleasure to announce that the May elementary teacher of the month is being awarded to Vanessa Turner. Vanessa teaches Art to our elementary students as well as to our 7th and 8th graders. Ms. Turner joined the Xavier Charter School Family this year after a successful teaching career at a charter school in Texas. She has been a great fit from the moment she walked on our campus. She jumped in with both feet and took on the monumental task of organizing her art room and storage unit and had it completed before our first day of teacher training.

Ms. Turner has been an eager learner of the Xavier philosophy, mission, and vision. Her classroom management and ability to build positive rapport with students has been a great compliment to the Love and Logic program that we use at our school. Vanessa plans and implements art lessons and projects that result in students that are always actively and eagerly engaged. Ms. Turner’s communication with the classroom teachers on the lower end is exemplary, which is a benefit for all involved.

Now that Vanessa has a year at Xavier under her belt we are excited to have her take on new challenges that utilize her leadership interests and abilities. Congratulations Ms. Turner on being named the May teacher of the Month.

Classified Employee of the Month

The classified employee for the month of May is Danielle Hardesty. Danielle exemplifies the 9 pillars of character daily. She leads by example and has the same expectations for her students. Danielle is always willing to do what is needed of her and goes above and beyond her expected duties. She cares deeply for her students and they know they are loved. Danielle is a natural teacher and finds different ways to reach all of her students. She is very patient, calm, and caring with her students and coworkers.

Danielle works well with the teachers in the classroom. She is able to help teachers modify the classroom work to the abilities of the individual student. She is pleasant to work with and is always professional.

Not only is Danielle a gift to Xavier Charter School, she is a gift to the Special Ed department. Due to her patience and caring demeanor, the department runs as smooth as possible. She keeps us laughing on a daily basis!

Thank you Danielle, for ALL you do for our school!!