SPOTSD

SPOTSD Association Message

Every day, classified school employees like you make our schools safe, welcoming, and successful. From driving buses and preparing meals to maintaining buildings and supporting students, YOU are the backbone of our school district.
At the SPOTSD Association, we’re dedicated to representing and supporting the hardworking employees who make education possible.
Joining SPOTSD means joining a community that stands up for:

Fair wages
Improved working conditions
Respect and recognition for every classified employee

Why You Should Join SPOTSD

Stronger Representation: Get a voice in decisions that impact your job.
Support & Protection: We’ve got your back when workplace issues arise.
Professional Respect: Help elevate the status & visibility of classified staff.

When we come together, we have the power to create positive change—for our colleagues, our families, and the students we serve.

Join the SPOTSD Association Today
Support Professionals of Tooele School District
Your membership strengthens a better future for classified school employees.

Thank you for your dedication and service to our students and schools. Together, we are stronger.

SPOTSD Members: We have a special gift for you!

You have to sign for it, and it needs to be picked by Nov. 13.

Deadline: Must be picked up by Nov 13th
Grantsville Elementary Schools: See Shelley Snow @ Grantsville High (7:00–2:00)
Stansbury Area (Old Mill & SES): Brad Binkley will deliver on Nov 11th
SHS–SJH–RSE: Pick up @ RSE (6:00 am–2:30 pm). If school isn’t open, text Shelly at 435-830-6437 and she’ll meet you by the dumpster door.
Copper Canyon, Food Service, Maintenance, Middle Canyon, Northlake, Overlake, Settlement, Sterling, Student Services & West: Go to Blue Peak High, see Jenifer Adams (7:30 am–2:45 pm) — Not available Nov 11 am
Clark-N-Johnson, DPH, District Office, THS, TJH: Go to Transportation Dept front desk (6:00 am–5:00 pm)
Dugway, Vernon & Wendover: Gifts will be sent to you!

Shoutouts to Classified Employees

Roland Dalton, Bus Driver: Always willing to help, positive attitude, dependable sub.
Karen Gonzales, Blue Peak SPED Para: Supports older students with life prep, great teamwork.
Russell Cluff, Stansbury Park Elementary Kindergarten Aide: Patient, kind, firm, sets high expectations.
Amy Millward, Northlake Elementary Computer Teacher/Aide: Fun, engaging tech lessons, loved by students and staff.
Lorin Williams, Dugway Custodian: Stepped up as head custodian, kind, knowledgeable, proactive.
Tyler Daines, Rose Springs Elementary PE Teacher: First year in education, strong relationships, team player, positive energy.
Lowell Belnap, Tooele Junior High Head Custodian: Created metal art display, promotes school pride.
Chancy Sanders, GHS Paraprofessional: Took care of class during teacher’s medical leave.
Toby Cardenas, Student Services Adult Cleaner: Friendly, keeps building clean.
Michelle Connor, District Office SPED Secretary: Warm, helpful, checks on coworkers.
Amy Peterson, Overlake Elementary SPED Para: Compassionate, collaborative, student advocate.
Raymond Miles, Sterling Elementary Custodian: Dedicated, covers head custodian duties, respected by students and staff.

Missing Work? Here's What You Need to Know:
If you know in advance that you will miss work, you must speak directly with your supervisor.
✅ Administration is willing to work with employees who have legitimate reasons for absence,
✅ You can still keep your equal pay benefits when proper communication is made.
🙌 THANK YOU, BUILDING REPS!
You're doing an amazing job! We’ve had a large number of new members join this year — and we thank each and every one of you!
💪 This gets us closer to our "50+1" membership goal so we can begin negotiating again!
⚖ With HB267 still on hold, our membership numbers matter now more than ever.
💰 Raises Aren’t Keeping Up…
While we are thankful for the raises over the past 3 years:
➡ One step only adds $0.12 to $0.30 per hour
➡ That’s not enough to cover rising costs:
🛒 Food
💊 Medicine
⛽ Gas
🧾 Cost of living
📣 Why You Should Become a Member of SPOTSD:
When you're a member, YOU have a voice! Here’s what we do for you:
✅ Meet with the Superintendent to address YOUR concerns
✅ Represent employees at school board meetings
✅ Serve on the insurance, calendar, and interview committees
✅ Provide representation during meetings with administration
✅ Advocate for classified employees' rights and working conditions
💥 YOUR MEMBERSHIP = YOUR POWER 💥
Let’s stand together. Let’s be heard. Let’s make change.
JOIN SPOTSD TODAY!
📧 Questions? Contact your Building Rep or SPOTSD Leadership

Our Classified employees are spooktacular this month!
Anna Shreeve -Bus Driver: Anna is always safe, punctual, dependable, and has a smile on her face. She loves interacting with students and it shows in her work as a bus driver. Her positivity and love for her job is contagious.
Leilani Lovato-GJHS-Custodian: Leilani always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She
takes on challenges, does the hard work and advocates for those who need it. She consistently shines in her ability to make connections with staff and students, and is a driving force in our school culture that's focused on inclusion and accountability. We couldn't do it without her!
Margret Shumway-Vernon Elementary-Classroom Aide: She is always willing to stop whatever she
is doing to help. She looks for different ways to help everyone. She is always positive and excited to be at school. She is a great example.
Erin Gunn-Northlake Elementary School-Kindergarten Aide: Erin does an amazing job helping
students learn. She also works hand in hand with the teacher to insure flawless execution of the lessons being taught. She is always patient with adults and students! She makes a difference every day!
Chancy Sanders-GHS-Para: She has gone above and beyond to help the students she works with
during an unfortunate situation. She has put in extra effort and time to help things run smoothly in
 
Rachel Carr-Copper Canyon Elementary-Lunchroom Manager: Rachel has gone above and beyond not only by providing options for students and meeting their needs but also for teachers. She makes sure teachers are informed of changes, gets their FFVP delivered, and provides additional options for their lunch choices. Our staff is grateful for all she does to provide for students and staff at Copper Canyon. Thank you Rachel!
Pamela Martinez-Overlake Elementary-Custodian: In a time when our school has been shorthanded,
Pam has consistently stepped up without hesitation. Her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to keeping our school running smoothly have not gone unnoticed.
Pam has gone above and beyond her regular duties—taking initiative, supporting her colleagues, and ensuring that our students and staff are well cared for. Her positive attitude and tireless efforts have made a real difference during a challenging time. Pam exemplifies what it means to be a team player and a leader. She truly deserves this recognition.
Angeline Walters-RSES-Refocus Mentor: Mrs. Walters is new to Rose Springs Elementary School—and
from day one, all we can say is WOW! From the start, she has stepped confidently into her role, bringing energy, dedication, and a deep sense of professionalism. Mrs. Walters is always the first to offer support wherever it’s needed. She’s built strong, positive relationships with students and consistently fulfills her responsibilities with grit and grace. Her presence has truly elevated our team, and we are so grateful for the impact she’s already making in our school community. Thank you, Mrs. Walters, for all that you do. We’re lucky to have you!
Jennifer Firth-Student Services-McKinney Vent Liaison: Jennifer has been a positive addition to our
McKinney Vento program this year. She is positive with co-workers, families, and all whom she comes into contact with. She is willing to jump in and help when needed and looks for the opportunities to serve. We appreciate her.
Russell Cluff-Stansbury Park Elementary-Kindergarten Aid: Mr. Cluff sees a need and fills it. He is a
Kindergarten aide who is invaluable to our students' success. He connects with the students and helps them complete their learning tasks. Whenever we have a difficult student, he steps up and is willing to work with the student. He does not shy away from a challenge or difficult situation. He is an example and inspiration to all.
Carolyn Byrd-Stansbury High School-Custodian: Carolyn just started with SHS this school year and she
has come in and helped make our school cleaner. She has attention to detail and does the little things that make a big difference. She has a great attitude and is always willing to help where she can as well.
Patricia Richardson-Willow elementary-Secretary (Lead/Head): Trish is the heartbeat of our school,
hardworking, endlessly kind, and deeply committed to every student and staff member who walks through our doors. She knows literally every student by name, greeting them with warmth and genuine care. Her dedication goes far beyond her job description, Trish will do anything and everything to support our school community, often anticipating needs before they’re even spoken. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from her knowledge, experience, and expertise. Whether she’s solving a scheduling puzzle, using her creativity to create school spirit wear, calming a worried parent, or keeping our building running smoothly, Trish does it all with grace and her signature easy laugh that lifts everyone’s spirits .Trish exemplifies what it means to serve with heart, and we are so lucky to have her.
Donna Hainsworth-Sterling Elementary-Child Nutrition Manager: Donna is always kind with
students and engaging them from breakfast beginning and lunch ending. The students of our school love her and respect her. They know that she will make sure that they are fed and taken care of and that she will be kind when they approach her each day. She is also very supportive of the staff of the school and communicates effectively with those faculty members who work directly with her, in her area of the school, or who pass her in the hallway. Donna is always smiling and is friendly to all, making her a great representation of Sterling Elementary an ensuring students are fed and happy.
 

Welcome back to a brand new school year. We hope you had a restful and well-deserved summer break. As the halls begin to fill with energy, excitement, and eager learners, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the essential role you play in making our schools run smoothly. From transportation and food services to clerical support, classroom assistance, maintenance, and beyond- our schools could not function without you. You are the first to arrive and often the last to leave. You are the kind faces that greet students every day, the steady hands that keep everything running, and the quiet heroes behind the scenes who make a lasting impact. Let's give a warm welcome to our new team members! Be sure to introduce yourself and help them feel part of our school family. 

All Classified Employees: See your building representative for a treat!

• Anna Smith/WHS/Ibapah: Randy Bateman
• Copper Canyon: Ty Judd
• Grantsville Elem: Amy Wells
• Middle Canyon: Lisa Davis
• Northlake: Ty Berry
• Old Mill: Travis Romney
• Overlake: Leslie Fackrell
• Rose Springs: Shelly Tracy
• Settlement Canyon: Shanalee Barker
• Vernon/Dugway: Stacy Wall
• West: Stephanie Fenton
• Willow: Lynn Pinkhem
• Twenty Wells: Jolyn Peterson
• Stansbury Park Elem: Brad Binkley
• Sterling: Diana Andrews/Mike Reed
• Grantsville Junior: Carl Herren/Robert Gonzales
• Tooele Junior: Sharmel Walker
• Stansbury Junior: Karli Stenberg/Stephanie Lancaster
• GHS: Shelley Snow
• DPHS: Bryan Hansen/Amy Magana
• BPHS: Jennifer Adams
• SHS: Amber Evans
• THS: Samantha Beaubien/David McKechnie
• Student Services: Alley Johnson
• Maintenance/Child Nutrition: Art Martinez
• Transportation: Mitzi Belverstone/ Veanus Lowe
• District Office: Kristen Evans

Reminder

Communication Counts: Check your email and bulletin boards regularly for important dates.

Let's make 2025-2026 a year of connection, growth, and excellence together!

Thank you for all that you do.

Here's to a strong start and an amazing year ahead. 

May is here, and that means the final stretch of the school year—woo hoo! 🎉 We’ve absolutely loved working with each and every one of you, and we hope you make the most of these last few weeks. Be sure to soak up some sunshine and make unforgettable summer memories! As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we’re hopeful to see all of you back for another amazing year. At this time, there are no updates on the $1,000 bonus from the state or the possibility of a raise, but rest assured that as soon as we have any news, we’ll pass it along! For our full-time staff, don’t forget to check your emails periodically during the summer so you don’t miss the open enrollment period in July. Wishing you all a fantastic end to the school year and an incredible summer ahead!

Employee Spotlights

Tracy Batemen- Ibapah- Lunchroom Manager: At Ibapah Elementary, we are privileged to have a dedicated and hardworking lunchroom manager, Tracy Bateman. Her commitment to the school community is unmatched, and her contributions make a significant impact on the daily lives of our students and staff. Tracy is not just a lunchroom manager; she is a one-person powerhouse who ensures that every student receives nutritious meals every day. Tracy's impact goes beyond her job description. Her cheerful demeanor and can-do attitude make her a beloved figure at Ibapah Elementary. Her ability to connect with students and staff makes the lunchroom a place of warmth and comfort. Tracy Bateman's dedication and enthusiasm are invaluable to Ibapah Elementary. She is truly an asset to our school, and her hard work does not go unnoticed. We are grateful for everything she does to support our students and staff, day in and day out. Thank you, Tracy, for being the heart of our lunchroom and for your unwavering commitment to the Ibapah Elementary community. 

Araceli Aranda- Anna Smith- Registrar Secretary: Araceli Aranda is a dedicated and compassionate member of the Anna Smith Elementary School community. Her creativity in decorating the school for each season and holiday brings joy to students, staff, and visitors, making the school feel like a second home. She excels at multitasking, contributing to the school's overall efficiency. In addition to her role as a staff member, Araceli actively volunteers in the Family/Teacher Organization, strengthening school-community ties. She consistently goes above and beyond, assisting with tasks, supporting students, and fostering a collaborative, friendly atmosphere. Her kindness, patience, and team spirit make her an essential and beloved presence in the school.

Misty Perkins- Stansbury High School- Finance Secretary: Misty always has a positive attitude and is able to explain things in a way that is understandable, especially when it comes to finances. She is a great asset to our front office works hard to keep us in compliance with procedures and policy for purchasing. She has a can-do attitude about whatever is asked of her.

Mark Hulett- Student Services Building- Custodian: Mark always goes beyond normal expectations, consistently trying to make his building as clean, safe, and presentable as possible.

Susan Boswell- Clarke N Johnsen Jr. High-ALC Coordinator: Susie deals with some of the hardest students on a daily basis--ISS, lunch detention, and misbehavior. She also finds time to administer tests & quizzes for many teachers. She treats students with kindness and respect and positivity, while maintaining a strict, efficient environment for them to continue learning. She is patient and has established a great rapport with many, many students. Furthermore, she is incredibly dependable. She rarely, if ever misses work, and she jumps in and helps out wherever she is needed. Susie is an incredible asset to CNJJHS.

Amber Freitag- Stansbury Park Elem- Refocus Mentor: Mrs. Freitag is a "kid-whisperer". She helps support some of our challenging students by providing them with breaks, teaching social skills, and learning appropriate behavior. Her ability to stay positive and calm is amazing! Our students are successful because of her impact on them. She helps them to see how important they are and how they contribute to our school community. She helps to make our school an awesome place to be.

Bonnie Oldham- Rose Springs Elem- Secretary: Bonnie serves as Rose Spring’s AM secretary, and she truly goes above and beyond in her role. Every morning, she greets students with a warm smile, creating a welcoming and cheerful atmosphere as they enter the building. Her dedication to fostering meaningful and positive relationships with students, parents, and staff is evident in everything she does. Bonnie’s upbeat attitude and unwavering positivity make her an invaluable team player who lifts those around her. Because of her hard work, kindness, and collaborative spirit, our team is not only stronger but also more united. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our school community!

Margaret Doretta Shumway- Vernon Elem- Classroom Aide: Ms. Doretta is an excellent example at our school. She wants what's best for our students and staff. Ms. Doretta works hard to ensure that our students know they are important and cared for. She wants them to know that she is always there for them. Ms. Doretta is always willing to do whatever she is asked to do. She is always looking for ways to help everyone. Ms. Doretta is a great example to everyone.

Stephanie Kipp- Overlake Elementary- Refocus Mentor: Stephanie consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment to our students and school community. Stephanie excels at connecting with students, building strong, trusting relationships that are crucial in the refocus room. Students know she is a safe and reliable resource. Stephanie's strength lies in helping students manage their emotions. She has a remarkable talent for calming upset or dysregulated students. She uses techniques like active listening, de-escalation, and positive reinforcement to help students develop coping and self-regulation skills. Her patience and empathy create a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their feelings and overcome challenges.

Angelina Montano- Student Services- MEL Family Liaison: Angelina is a valuable staff member who is always professional when dealing with staff, parents and students. She is positive and helpful and her efforts are appreciated! 

It seems like this year has just flown by. We as a Board would like to express our APPERCIATION& THANKS to every single one of you! Your efforts do not go unnoticed!

Watch your email this month. The District will be sending out a survey asking questions about raises for this coming school year, so use this opportunity to let your opinion be a part of this as it affects YOU!

If you have questions or concerns, please email Jennifer or Mitzi, and we will try to answer as quickly as possible.

Election: President Elect: Brad Binkley. Vice President Elect: Robert Gonzales. They will take over in the 2026-2027 school year. Thank you for accepting your positions with SPOTSD.

Reminder: As the school year for 2024-2025 is almost at the end watch your e-mail for summer jobs if you are interested.

Classified Spotlight:

Shani Barker-Settlement Canyon Elementary-Secretary. Shani Barker is the heart of Settlement Canyon Elementary. As our full-time secretary, she is the welcoming face of our school, setting the tone for the positive and inclusive culture we are so proud of. Her kindness and warmth make every student, parent, and visitor feel at home the moment they walk through our doors. Beyond her friendly demeanor, Shani is the go-to person for just about everything. Whether it’s providing Band-Aids and ice packs for students, making phone calls home, assisting parents and community members, or supporting teachers, staff, and administration, she does it all with patience and care. Her ability to juggle countless tasks while keeping everything running smoothly is nothing short of incredible. Shani truly is the glue that holds our school together. Her dedication, hard work, and unwavering support make a difference in the lives of everyone at Settlement Canyon Elementary. She is more than deserving of this recognition, and we are grateful for all she does to make our school an amazing place to learn and grow.

Heather Weston-Rose Springs Elementary-literacy aide. Mrs. Weston is an invaluable member of our team, bringing her unique talents and unwavering enthusiasm to both her roles within our school. As an art teacher for half of the day, she consistently fosters creativity and engagement, inspiring students through thoughtfully designed, hands-on projects that not only develop their artistic abilities but also cultivate their confidence and self-expression. Her passion for the arts shines through in every lesson, ensuring her students are both challenged and excited to learn. In her role as a literacy aide during the other half of the day, Mrs. Weston demonstrates exceptional dedication to supporting student success. She works closely with small groups to deliver targeted literacy interventions, helping to strengthen reading skills in ways that are both effective and encouraging. Her positive attitude, unwavering support, and genuine care create an environment where students feel empowered to thrive academically. Always cheerful and approachable, Mrs. Weston embodies the values of teamwork and flexibility, readily stepping in wherever assistance is needed. Her ability to balance these dual roles with such grace and excellence is a testament to her incredible work ethic and commitment to our school community. We are deeply grateful for the impact she has on both our students and staff, and we are fortunate to have her as an integral part of our Rattlesnake family.

Brianna Coesens- Middle Canyon Elementary-Math Aide. Brianna does a great job as our math aide. She goes above and beyond her duties and is an important part of our school. She works well with students and staff and provides math interventions for struggling students. Brianna is always willing to help where needed - whether it's lunch duty or filling in while we are waiting for a sub. We appreciate her dedication to our school and students.

Cassie Merkley-Overlake Elementary-Kindergarten Aide. Cassie positively impacts our school daily through her unwavering patience and dedication. She consistently provides invaluable support to both students and teachers, creating a nurturing and effective learning environment. Her calm demeanor and willingness to help make her an essential part of our team.

Debra Fuchs-Middle Canyon Elementary-SPED Paraprofessional. I have worked with Mrs. Fuchs for the last two years at Middle Canyon Elementary. I have observe red her going the extra mile to make sure that our students are ready for the day. She helps two of our students every morning with helping them groom their hair and stay focused to eat a good breakfast. Mrs. Fuchs weaves in and out of classrooms during the day working with a variety of our students with special needs. She motivates them to be on task and to persevere when tasks seem to hard or out of the students skills. She is always positive and looking for ways to encourage and help our students succeed.

Mass Meeting, March 12th @4PM

Do you have concerns? Join us on Wednesday March 12th @ 4:00 PM 86 N Onyx Way (Transportation Dept.) Voting will take place for a
President Elect & Vice President-Elect. We hope to see you there!

Employee Spotlights
Daisy Gomez- Wendover High School
Daisy always makes sure that our students have the food they need, whether it is in advance or last minute. She knows each student by name,
and manages the kitchen effectively and everything runs smooth. Daisy works with our special needs students, and provides opportunities for
students to learn new skills. Daisy is always happy, positive, and welcoming.
Karen Ostermiller- Northlake Elementary
Karyn works hard every single day to make sure that our students are fed and everything runs as smoothly as possible. There are many factors that take her in many different directions, but she does a great job managing the lunchroom and ensuring that our students stay healthy.
Natalie Zullo-Rose Springs Elementary
Natalie is an extraordinary individual who brings a remarkable blend of kindness, compassion, patience, and professionalism to every aspect of her job. She truly embodies all that is good, making her the perfect fit for our Life Skills classroom. Natalie’s unwavering positivity and genuine love for our Life Skills students shine through in everything she does. She greets each day with a smile, maintaining an uplifting attitude that inspires both students and colleagues alike. In addition to her infectious enthusiasm, Natalie’s dedication to her students is unparalleled. She goes above and beyond to ensure that each student feels valued, supported, and understood. Her ability to connect
with students on a personal level fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment, allowing them to thrive both academically and socially.
Natalie is, without a doubt, an invaluable asset to our Rose Springs team. Her contributions make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the overall success of our program. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team, and her positive influence extends far beyond the classroom.
Tara Nixon- Overlake Elementary
Tara Nixon is a dedicated and flexible member of our team. She creates a safe and positive recess environment and builds strong relationships with students. Tara also willingly assists in classrooms and fills in wherever needed. Her positive attitude and willingness to help make her a valuable asset to our school.

Reminder.... Contact SPOTSD BEFORE Meetings, Especially Ones That Might Result in Disciplinary Actions
We’re here to help! To ensure everyone is well-informed and supported, we encourage you to reach out to SPOTSD before scheduling any meetings, especially ones that may result in disciplinary actions. Our goal is to work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and smooth processes for all involved. Contact your building rep or SPOTSD Board for more information. Remember, we need to be involved at the start of the process, not at the end!
Do You Know Who Your Building Rep Is?
Looking for your building representative? We encourage you to ask around or check with colleagues in your building to identify your designated rep. They're a great resource for guidance, support, and ensuring you’re connected to important information
SPOTSD Scholarships
Thank you to all our high school seniors who applied for the SPOTSD scholarship. Recipients will be notified within the next month and will be recognized at their high school scholarship night in May.
Continuing Our Commitment: Association Operations Amid Legislative Changes
Despite recent legislative changes affecting unions in the public sector, we want to assure you that our association will continue to stand strong. We remain dedicated to providing you with support, guidance, and representation. Our commitment to your interests and well-being is
unwavering. We will adapt to the new landscape while continuing to serve as your trusted resource and advocate. Leadership within the district has assured us they will continue to work with both associations. We will do our best to keep up updated as forward progression increases.

Mass Meeting Time

Do you have concerns? Want to vote on new members? Join us on Wednesday, March 12 at 4 PM. 86 N Onyx Way (Transportation Dept.). Voting will take place for a President Elect and a Vice President Elect.

Classified Employee Spotlight

Karli Sternberg: Old Mill Elementary Head Custodian
Karli keeps her school so clean and in order. She addresses problems and finds solutions to create a safe, welcoming environment for all. She goes over and above often reporting to the school at odd times for snow removal and other situations. She is always willing to help and does so with a smile.

Alex Casillas: Northlake Elementary ML Para
Alex works with many students who need extra support in learning the English language. She is dedicated to making sure that they are successful, finding the best ways to support them, and collaborating with teachers and staff to ensure that our students are getting the best education. Alex is a team player and is always willing to jump in and do whatever she can to help the families at Northlake.

Josh Harrison: Field Tech
Josh consistently goes above and beyond to help anyone in need. Whether it's another technician or a school requiring assistance, he is always ready to lend a hand. He responds promptly to technical issues at his schools and frequently receives compliments on his outstanding work.

Kristi Amell: Rose Springs Elementary Literacy/Math Aide
Kristi consistently exceeds expectations in every aspect of her role. She is highly detail-oriented and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the success of the students in her interventions groups. By tirelessly ensuring each student's progress, she fosters an environment where learning thrives. Kristi collaborates with the teaching staff to optimize the effectiveness of her intervention groups on a daily basis. She also plays a crucial role in collecting and tracking intervention and progress monitoring data, alleviating the workload of the teaching team. Always willing to go the extra mile, Kristi is a dependable and dedicated asset who readily takes on any task to support the success of our students and staff.  

Treasure Hunt Time

Treasure chests full of fun prizes will soon be in your building. All classified employees are invited to complete the tasks to earn a fun prize. See your building rep for more details.

Scholarship Opportunities

Do you have a high school senior? If so, make sure they log into the TEF Scholarship page and apply for the SPOTSD scholarship. The scholarship is for $1000.

Classified Employee Highlights:
Jared Zeller: Help Desk Tech- Jared does a phenomenal job on the help desk. I have received numerous compliments from other staff members about his ability to go above & beyond to assist anyone who needs help. Jared has all the characteristics of an outstanding employee!

Vandy Williams: GHS- Vandy is proactive & goes the extra mile to fix a small problems so they do not become large problems. She puts her heart & soul into keeping our building in good repair. She come in before the day begins to do work that cannot be completed while students are in the building. Vandy is a perfect example of an outstanding employee.

Michelle Williams: HR- Michelle is always positive. She is effective & efficient. She goes above & beyond & never expects anything in return. She is knowledgeable & always willing to share that knowledge to help others succeed. She is amazing!

Membership:
March Mass Meeting watch for the date!

We recently discovered a situation where an employee believed they were a member of SPOTSD, but their paystub reflected enrollment in a different employee association. To help prevent any similar mix-ups, we encourage all employees to review their paystubs to ensure they are enrolled in the employee association they intend to be part of. Thank you for taking the time to verify this—it’s important to us that you belong to the association of your choice.

Gift Card Winners: Lucia Godoy, McKinley Benson, Teresa Reed, Ryan Snyder, Lori Aragon, Melanie Dixon

Classified Employee Highlights:

Brandi Collins goes above and beyond to take care of anyone who calls the Help Desk. Since she has been in this role she has elevated the position. She will do whatever she can to make sure the person on the end of the line is taken care of. I can count on her to get things done. She is an outstanding employee, and we couldn't operate without her.

Trisdana Colledge comes to work everyday with a positive attitude, she is very efficient and effective in her job. Many times she will go above and beyond to help her coworkers feel cared for and valuable even outside of normal work hours. There have been many instances during the evening and weekends that she has given a employee a ride to pick up medicine or to a doctors appointment. She is selfless and makes a huge positive impact on the the lives of many people.

Tavedoma Acevedo consistently embodies positivity, energy, and a strong sense of teamwork. His upbeat and friendly nature makes him a pleasure to work with, and his willingness to assist whenever needed is unmatched. Whether it's a teacher or the office in need, Tama is always quick to respond, eager to lend a hand, and dedicated to solving any challenge with a smile. His commitment to going above and beyond makes him an invaluable asset to our Rattlesnake team.

Jennifer Atherley, is a great employee. She works hard, is intelligent, and accepts assignments without complaint. She's just a good human being and is kind when dealing with others. She's very professional, and discreet with confidential information. She deserves to be recognized.

Lori Aragon is an absolute superstar at Settlement Canyon.! As a SPED Para, she goes above and beyond to help our students succeed in their classrooms. Lori is a breakfast hero, helping monitor the lunchroom with her positive vibes. Her dedication, kindness, and can-do attitude make her a true treasure, and we’re so lucky to have her!

May you all have a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
SPOTSD appreciates each and everyone of you and your support!

We have open positions on our Spotsd board if your interested let us know!

Thanksgiving gift card winners: Shelly Tiggins, Leah Rigby, Suzanne Fisher, Annette Smith, Bryan Earls

Kyrie Cavasos: If Kyrie could be a fairytale character, she said she would be The Fairy Godmother. This is exactly what Kyrie is like each day. Our students and staff love Kyrie. As the refocus mentor, she is firm, fair, and friendly. She exemplifies patience and fresh starts. She makes a positive impact on students by helping them understand why their behavior needs to change, then helping them practice the desired behavior by reteaching and reinforcing. She is passionate about celebrating growth and success, no matter how small they might be. I have learned so much by watching Kyrie in action. She brings the special sauce to work each day which helps OMES be the special school it is.

Misty Perkins: Misty greets each person who comes to the finance office with a smile and hello and is always so very helpful. Recently we hired anew Finance Secretary and Misty was willing to put in extra time to train and help them become acclimated to their new position. She is very knowledgeable and a great asset to our school with her friendly and helpful demeanor.

Leesa Jones: Leesa Jones stands out as an outstanding classified employee due to her unwavering patience with our students and her remarkable teamwork. She consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a Special Education aide, ensuring that each student receives the support they need. Her kindness fosters a positive and inclusive environment, which is essential for student growth

Heidi Giles: Heidi goes above and beyond in her duties as an instructional aide. She is in tune to students' needs and works to help them increase their understanding of words. Heidi's ability to assess students' needs and then tailor their instruction to meet their needs is beneficial to the classroom teacher and intervention team. We are so lucky to have Heidi at Copper Canyon and her love for students and their learning.

Please see your Building Rep for important Member information!

CARING FOR EMLOYEES IS WHAT WE DO.
Offering free, confidential, and brief counseling to employees and their family members.
Intermountain Health’s employee assistance program is your partner in living a life filled with energy, strength, and vitality. Taking care of your mental health is as essential to your well-being as taking care of your physical health.
Rewarding relationships at home and work, effective stress management skills, and learning to thrive with life changes are
all goals that EAP can assist employees to achieve.
Contact Intermountain Employee Assistance
Call 800.832.7733 from 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. (MST) to schedule an appointment.
A crisis counselor is available by phone 24/7 at the same numbers.
You can also e-mail us at eap@imail.org with non-urgent questions or feedback

With the beautiful color of the leaves changing, Fall is upon us and the holidays will be here before we know it! Please don’t forget kids will be anxious and excited and we will be stressed and tired , please show patience and kindness not only to yourself but to each other. SPOTSD leadership has been busy these past couple of months, we have had 5 situations brought to our attention and we were able to rectify 3 of them and are continuing to make progress with district leadership on the others. We are happy to help when questions or concerns are brought forth and strive to have these matters resolved in a positive manner.

Our leadership team meets monthly with the Superintendent, attends leadership and insurance wellness meetings. Our building representatives are working hard within the buildings talking to prospective members, assisting current members, sitting in on interview committees and assisting where needed! Thank you! Please reach out to them if you have an issue or idea, we would love to hear it!

Our spotlight for October is Kelly Russell. Kelly is the YIC mentor for the district, she is fun loving and hard working being a bright light and an advocate for students in tough situations. Congratulations and thanks for making a difference in students’ lives, you matter! If you would like to nominate a fellow employee, please let your building rep or principal know who and why you are nominating them.

Elections for SPOTSD presidency will be coming up in February, think about nominating someone or becoming a board member yourself.

UPCOMING:

• Meet the candidate night is Oct. 14th at 7:00 p.m. please come and meet the people running for local and state school board. This will be a fun event. Check with your building rep for information
• Fall break – Oct. 17th – 18th.
• Thanksgiving and Christmas drawings
• National Support Professional day
• If you are interested in becoming a member of our employee led association dues are $10.00 a month for part time and $20.00 a month for full time payable Oct. 5th – June 5th. Thanks for everything! Have a great month.

SPOTSD Leadership: Mitzi Belverstone, Laura Berdine & Jennifer Adams

CONGRAULATIONS TO TiiE GRADUATES OF 2024!
The following Graduates were awarded a $1000.00 scholarship from SPOTSD and
thank you to all that applied.
Megan Lloyd -Tooele High
Emily Adams - Gr.ultsville High
Carter Kelley - Grantsville High
Landen Madsen - Grantsville High
Madison Remley - Stansbury High
Spencer Shields - Stansbury High
As the school days end, we want to thank you all for your dedication to the
students!
SPOTSD members sincerely THANK YOU for your support!
We have not heard back on the raises or changes for next year and will keep you
posted as information becomes available_ Please check your emails throughout the
summer for important updates, and don"t forget to do your safe schools training.
Sincerely,
SPOTSD Presidency, Mitzi Belverstone, Laura Burdine, Jennifer Adams
SPOTSD Board Members: Raul Rivera, Brad Binkley, Amy Magana, Bryan
Hansen, Shelley Snow, Shelly Tracy

We are doing a fill the board room with classified employees at the March school board meeting. We as an Association want the board to see the classified employees, rarely does this happen. The board hears about us, knows that we work to keep schools running but we would like them to SEE us and you to see how things work on their side. Please plan to attend. The association will make a statement at the public speaking time, and we encourage you to as well if you so desire. Remember Tuesday March 12^th at 6:00 p.m. See you there! 

Scholarships are now open and available to an Association’s family member. These scholarships are now available through TEF’s website. tooeleeducationfoundation.org. Spread the word.

We recently had several new sign-ups and want to welcome all those members to our Association. We enjoyed meeting a lot of you at the Summit and hope you were able to learn from all the breakout sessions and feel refreshed to finish out the year.

The building rep winner for new sign-ups is Linda Kirby.

Spring Break is from the 25^th – 29^th. Enjoy your time off!

Thanks for being part of a great Association and District.

SPOTSD Presidency – Mitzi Belverstone, Laura Burdine, Jennifer Adams

SPOTSD Board – Brian Hansen, Brad Binkley, Raul Rivera, Shelley Snow, Amy Magna, Shelly Tracy.

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN SPOTSD!
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1. When joining SPOTSD, your voice matters. We hear you! All concerns will be addressed to administration and appropriate personnel.
2. SPOTSD board members, along with building representatives are available to you throughout the year to address concerns and problems should there be any.
3. By joining SPOTSD, you are provided extra support by the board on arbitrary,
unjust, or unfair treatment and grievances.
4. By joining SPOTSD, we have a stronger voice together and can show the Board
of Education that we are one unit, together and strong, wanting to stand together as a group so we have the right to negotiate.
5. SPOTSD prides itself on providing fair representation for all members and works diligently to support classified employees who are members of SPOTSD.  

When choosing a career in education, you are choosing to make a difference in the
lives of children. You become a role model and mentor for students; before you know it, every student has a special place in your heart. We know that turnover for
classified positions are high and that one of the main reasons is due to salary. In
order for SPOTSD to have the right to negotiate salaries, we must have at least an
average of 50 plus 1% of all classified employees to become members by March 1st.
Currently we need around 170 more members to sign up for us to reach that goal.
Please consider signing up using the QR code listed at the bottom of the page. We
would love nothing more than for you to have the ability to maintain a long-term
career with reasonable pay and stay with the Tooele County School District.
Negotiating salaries is one way in which that can be achieved!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

THE SUMMIT-FEBRUARY 16TH, 2O24
The Summit will be held at Tooele High School on February 16th, 2024. Please stop by the
SPOTSD booth located in both the commons and the auditorium area to sign up and grab some swag! Gift cards will be available for those who sign up at the booth or with a building rep!

FILL THE BOARD ROOM-MARCH 12TH, 2O24
Please join us in our first annual fill the room board meeting! Our goal is to fill the board room with classified employees and show our Board of Education just how many lives are affected by policy change. We would also like to remind the Board just how many classified employees are making a difference in the lives of our students each day! Please note, you may address the Board during the public comment section of the agenda. Each person who signs up to speak is allowed a 3-minute slot. There are only 10 time slots available, so this is on a first come-first serve basis. If you would like to speak, plan on getting there EARLY!

YOU MATTERI
SPOTSD would like to thank every one of you, for all that you do. You are making a difference in so many lives! It is because of you and your dedication to children, that our school district is one of the best! SPOTSD understands and acknowledges how hard you work, how incredibly stressful your job can be, and how thankless it is at times. Just remember, when a child makes the comment 'you are the best', or you get a hug, or a small gift (like a dandelion from the lawn), or a note or drawing from a student; it is all worth it!

SIGN UP FOR SPOTSD TODAY
Part time Employee Dues are $10.00 a month, $5.00 a check. Full Time Employees $20.00 a month, $10.00 a check.
 

WELCOME BACK!
NEW VEAR NEW BEGININGS * Hope you all enjoyed the break!
Mid-year budget cut updates - by now you have all received the news of the
budget cuts implemented by the State. Please help spread the truth on this
matter and contact your supervisor or our board for answers. We realize that
it is stressful not knowing what will happen in the next several months, we are
here for you and are happy to help you with any problems that you are having
or may arise from this. We will continue to advocate for you and work out the
best solutions with the district should the need arise. Thanks for your support
and positivity. We are all doing the best we can in this situation.
We have calculated our membership numbers, and we are at 41%. By Policy
we must be at 50% plus 1. So, as you can see, we have a challenge ahead of us
that is attainable, but we need you classified employees to unite and join our
association. This year especially is so important for us to be able to negotiate!
Please reach out to your Building reps or one of our Board members for the
enrollment form.

Here is the list of Building Reps:

• Anna Smith, WHS, lbapah: Randy Bateman
• Grantsville High: Shelly Snow
• Stansbury High: Amy Magaria
• Tooele High: Lowell Belnap
• Blue Peak /CLC: Jennifer Adams
• Operations: Raul Rivera
• Student Services: Laura Burdine
• CopperCanyon: Ty Judd
• Middle Canyon: John Graft
• Old Mill: Karli Sternberg
• Rose Springs: Rashell Tracy
• Stansbury Park: Brad Binkley
• Vernon/lbapah: Stacy Wall
• Grantsville Jr. High: Carl Hansen
• Transportation: Mitzi Belversttone
• Grantsville Elem: Lynn Pinkham
• Northlake: Erica Haycock
• Overtake: Leslie Fackrell
• Settlement: Bryan Hensen
• Sterling: Donna Hainsworth
• West: Linda Kirby
• Clarke N. Johnsen Jr High: Mindy Walters 
• Tooele Jr. High School: Sharmel Walker 

Thank you for all you do & give to the school district, students & each other!
Sincerely,
SPOTSD Presidency: Mitzi Belverstone, Laura Burdine & Jennifer Adams

Happy Holidays from SPOTSD! We hope your Christmas season is bright and full of laughter. Don't forget to relax over the break and enjoy your family.

SPOTSD would like to congratulate the following winter drawing winners who will receive a $25 gift card to Macey's:
Alice Green- THS
Sabrina Beshore- BPHS
Corey Price- IT
Brittenay Garrard- RSES
Nannette Fash- CCES

We are currently working on Policy 4014 regarding equal pay employees and 5 days' leave. Please know that we are working collaboratively with the district while seeking solutions and options that better serve all.

If you or someone you know would like to join SPOTSD please click Membership above to sign up.

Monthly Dues:
Full Time: $20 per month/ $10 per paycheck
Part Time: $10 per month/$5 per paycheck

Hello,

November is the month for giving thanks! One day a week every week this month stop and reflect on what you are thankful for.

We will be doing our annual Thanksgiving drawing again this year!

It is also National Support Professional Appreciation Month, and we appreciate you!

SPOTSD would like to welcome our new Building Reps

These members will be your 1^st point of contact and will help you with any concerns and questions. Thank you to each one of them!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

1.  Don’t go into a disciplinary hearing without adequate representation

2.  Don’t sign or quit before consulting a SPOTSD representative

3.  Don’t say you are at fault

4.  Do ask a SPOTSD board member to attend your disciplinary hearing

5.  Do call your SPOTSD representative for advice concerning employment matters

Maybe it is time you give some thought to supporting the SPOTSD association that supports you in everything that affects your career! We need you!

The SPOTSD Board members appreciate each of you for your support and hard work!

Mitzi Belverstone, Laura Burdine, Shelley Snow, Amy Magaña, Jennifer Adams, Brad Binkley, Bryan Hansen, Raul Rivera, Shelly Tracy

Happy Fall!

Hopefully things have settled down now that we are a couple of months into a new school year!

We are working hard to keep the Association up to date and involved in all aspects of employee needs. We are in need of building representatives at the following schools: Middle Canyon Overlake

Northlake Sterling

Grantsville Jr. Tooele Jr.

Clark N. Johnson Jr. Vernon- Dugway

By being a building rep, you will have the opportunity to become more involved in the Association and help to shape the future for the classified employees. We will help train you and give you all the resources needed to be successful, if you are interested, please reach out to a Board member.

If you haven’t signed up to be a member now is the time! We want to be able to sit at the bargaining table when wages, benefits, and policies that affect all of us are discussed and decided. THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS! We all can make a difference.

We will be having the Thanksgiving and Christmas drawings in the next couple of months so be on the lookout for that information.

Have a great month and reach out if we can help you in any way!

Sincerely, SPOTSD Presidency: Mitzi Belverstone, Laura Burdine, Jennifer Adams

SPOTSD Board: Brad Binkley, Shelley Snow, Bryan Hansen, Shelly Tracy, Raul Rivera