Employee of the Month

When a child enters the kindergarten classroom for the first time, there are a lot of emotions that may pop up. Some may shed tears with nervousness while others eagerly drop their parents’ hands at the door and dive in head-first. Teachers in kindergarten classrooms capture these emotions, harnessing them and nurturing any nerves or excitement into a love for learning.  

At Florence Elementary, students in Jonathan LeGrande’s kindergarten class are quick to become passionate learners. This is thanks to his genuine passion for those “light bulb” moments. His positive presence and dedication do not go unnoticed.  

“I am proud to nominate Mr. Legrande for Employee of the Month. As my son's kindergarten teacher at Florence Elementary, he consistently demonstrates a genuine love for children and a commitment to their success. Each morning, he greets students with enthusiasm and positivity, creating a welcoming environment where every child feels valued,” says Andrews High Principal and Florence Elementary parent Darell Baker.  

“Mr. Legrande goes above and beyond the classroom by supporting students at sporting events, concerts, and performances, showing that he truly cares about them as individuals. His engaging instruction, high expectations, and ability to build strong relationships help students grow academically and socially. The progress students make in his classroom is a direct reflection of his dedication, professionalism, and passion for teaching. Florence Elementary is fortunate to have an educator who makes such a lasting impact on students and families every day.” 

With school concluding just the day before, Florence Elementary staff gathered for a celebratory breakfast in the cafeteria. LeGrande entered a room full of claps, smiles and cheers, taken by complete surprise with the news of his selection as Employee of the Month.  

LeGrande received a $50 gift card courtesy of the Greensboro Jaycees. During the month of July, his photo will be displayed at the district’s central offices, at Florence Elementary and in the Greensboro Jaycees office.   

Nominations for Employee of the Month can be made using this form.

Greensboro, N.C. – When students go through the cafeteria at Mendenhall Middle, they aren’t just served hot, fresh meals. At the end of the line, they might receive a smile, pat on the back and an ¡Hola!-- or maybe all three.  

The person at the cashier dealing out doses of happiness to scholars is none other than Altagraza Toledo. Mendenhall’s community affectionately refers to her as Ms. Gracy.  

Sixth-grade teacher Crystal Adkins Pennix writes, “Every single day, she does far more than serve meals. She serves warmth, kindness, and connection. As students move through the lunch line, they are greeted not only with a smile but with cheerful Spanish words and phrases that turn an ordinary moment into a joyful mini language lesson. She makes learning feel natural, fun, and welcoming, one tray at a time. Her bilingual abilities create a bridge for students who feel seen and understood in their own language. For many children, she is a comforting and familiar face in the middle of a busy school day. She remembers names, notices moods, and offers encouragement with genuine care. Most importantly, her heart is centered on one mission: making sure no child goes hungry. She is attentive, thoughtful, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure every student has what they need.” 

Toledo’s presence, compassion and care drove Pennix to nominate her for Employee of the Month for June. Principal George Green pulled Toledo away from her duties to a crowd of cheers, smiles and claps in Mendenhall’s cafeteria to surprise her with the news.  

Toledo received a $50 gift card courtesy of the Greensboro Jaycees. During the month of June, her photo will be displayed at the district’s central offices, at Mendenhall Middle and in the Greensboro Jaycees office.   

Nominations for Employee of the Month can be made using this form. 

Greensboro, N.C. – Aida Vaca Guzman entered the gymnasium at Rankin Elementary on the morning of May 5 to the sounds of cheers, claps and pom poms. With a smile on her face, she did not know the reason that everyone had gathered with signs made in her honor just yet.  

Vaca Guzman is an integral part of the Rankin Elementary community. For 14 years she has served as the school’s interpreter and community liaison, creating meaningful connections with her students, staff and families.  

Vaca Guzman acts as the bridge between Spanish-speaking families and the school community. Her dedication and love for her students, colleagues and families earned her the nomination for Employee of the Month.  

She was nominated by teacher Helena Rushby, who wrote, “Ms. Vaca Guzman exemplifies excellence in her role as interpreter and community liaison, consistently going above and beyond to support students, families, and staff. She serves as a vital bridge between Rankin and our Spanish-speaking families by providing accurate interpretation, translating documents, and ensuring equitable access to services. Her strong teamwork mindset is evident in her collaboration with teachers, staff, and families to foster meaningful engagement and student success. She has made a profound impact on our school community by organizing parent workshops, connecting families with essential medical and community resources, and even personally assisting with appointments. Additionally, she dedicates her own time to support students’ academic growth, including working one-on-one to build foundational reading skills.” 

Vaca Guzman received a $50 gift card courtesy of the Greensboro Jaycees. During the month of May, her photo will be displayed at the district’s central offices, at Rankin Elementary and in the Greensboro Jaycees office.   

Nominations for Employee of the Month can be made using this form.  

Greensboro, N.C. – While spending 8 hours a day with a person at work, you grow to learn a lot about them. Often times, these people become a second family to us. They learn about our loved ones, share in celebrations and lift us up in times of need.  

Any person working at the Guilford County Schools transportation garage would tell you the same thing, that they are a family who relies on each other, responding to any call. When a fellow team member experienced a medical emergency while on the job, David Brown, Matt Haugh, Monti Kimber, Carla Boulware and Darrell Searcy did not waiver under pressure for one moment.    

“On February 9, an unimaginable moment occurred when a colleague went into cardiac arrest and was unresponsive in the office,” wrote Dr. Johncarlos Miller, assistant superintendent of operations support services. “In that critical instant, these employees did not hesitate. They acted with courage, compassion, and extraordinary presence of mind – administering CPR and using the AED. They literally became the difference between tragedy and hope. Because of their life-saving actions, a family still has their spouse, their parent, their grandparent. The transportation family still has one of its own. There are no words that can fully capture the gratitude I feel, but their heroism will never be forgotten. I am profoundly thankful for each of them. Their willingness to step forward in a crisis reflects the very best of who we are — people who care deeply for one another and who rise when it matters most. They did more than respond — they saved a life!” 

David Brown, Matt Haugh, Monti Kimber, Carla Boulware and Darrell Searcy earned recognition as Employees of the Month for April due to their life-saving efforts.  

Each employee received a $50 gift card courtesy of the Greensboro Jaycees. During the month of April, their photo will be displayed at the district’s central offices, at the transportation garage and in the Greensboro Jaycees office.   

Nominations for Employee of the Month can be made using this form.

Greensboro, N.C. – When thinking about the impact of our staff on students, it’s easy to immediately reflect on the work of our teachers in the classroom. While that is certainly a crucial piece of the puzzle, our students’ educational journey is not complete without the work of all our staff.  

At Pearce Elementary, Lead Custodian Jalil Faucett takes pride not only in a clean school, but also in building relationships with the students he serves.  

Kim Schubert, a counselor at Pearce, wrote, “Mr. Jay truly exceeds his required duties at Pearce Elementary, recognizing that the most important work for everyone is about the kids. Recently, I was working with a student who was hesitant to go to class; he just wouldn't budge. As Mr. Jay was cleaning the hallway, he noticed how long we had been outside of the classroom, and he checked in. He took the time to listen to this student's concerns and shared his own stories related to the situation. I really appreciated how he noticed a situation and stepped up to help."     

“Another way Mr. Jay helps is with the Sharing Fridge. It stores uneaten, unopened cafeteria food from student meals to be shared with those who are hungry. He helps collect food and also offered to be part of a video our student council will use to educate all classes about the Sharing Fridge."     

“Beyond the things he does, Mr. Jay is just a really good person - kind, funny, responsible, and always willing to lend a hand. We are so lucky to have him at Pearce!” 

The impact Faucett makes on students and staff does not go unnoticed, earning him the nomination for Employee of the Month for March. With a staged coffee spill, Faucett entered the cafeteria to the roaring cheers of students and the news of his nomination.  

Faucett received a $50 gift card courtesy of the Greensboro Jaycees. During the month of March, his photo will be displayed at the district’s central offices, at Pearce Elementary and in the Greensboro Jaycees office.   

Nominations for Employee of the Month can be made using this form.