Through their actions, these West Shore employees have supported the District’s pledge to inspire, engage, and empower students and fellow staff.
You may find their nomination letters below.
Michael Gallagher, Cedar Cliff High School Emotional Support Teacher - nominated by Shannon Murphy, Assistant Director of Student Services
The significance of relationships in the classroom extends beyond academic growth. Positive relationships create a nurturing space for students to develop self-awareness, emotional resilience, and empathy. Mr. Michael Gallagher, Emotional Support, consistently displays exceptional commitment to the students of Cedar Cliff High School and has a unique ability to connect with students who may be struggling. Mr. Gallagher's approach is always kind, patient, and non-judgmental, and his actions demonstrate a deep understanding of his students' needs and experiences.
Mr. Gallagher never gives up on a student. Whether it's working one-on-one with a student to develop coping strategies, collaborating with other educators to create a support plan, or simply listening when a student needs a supportive ear, he always goes the extra mile to ensure that students feel seen, heard, and valued in his classroom. By providing a safe and nurturing environment, he is able to help students build self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Moreover, his classroom fosters a sense of community, allowing students to develop the skills they need to reach their full potential and succeed, both academically and personally, in school and in life.
Mr. Gallagher played a key role in the development and the implementation of the QuEST program (a district wide special education program), five years ago and since that time, has continued to help the district make improvements to the program and ensure we are following best practices. Additionally, he was instrumental in taking the concepts used in QuEST, and adapting them so they can be used successfully at Cedar Cliff in their new school wide behavior expectations program referred to as DETAILS.
Mr. Michael Gallagher has served as an Emotional Support Teacher for over twenty years. His tireless dedication to West Shore students and his unwavering commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment is inspiring. It is without hesitation that I nominate him to be recognized as the Professional Employee of the Third Quarter.
Laura Santos, New Cumberland Middle School Secretary - nominated by Kenneth Gehosky, New Cumberland Middle School Assistant Principal
I am honored to nominate Laura Santos for Employee of the Quarter. As our building secretary, Laura is the backbone of our school, always ensuring that everything runs smoothly—often before anyone else even realizes what needs to be done. Her exceptional organization and proactive approach keep our building operating efficiently. I would not be able to do my job were it not for Laura. She anticipates my every need and knows the answer to every question. If we happen upon a question she cannot answer, she knows exactly who to go to for the information. But it is her kindness and unwavering dedication to our students that truly set her apart.
Laura is not only a master at keeping things in order; she is also a nurturing and compassionate presence for our students. She greets every child with warmth, making them feel valued and supported. Whether helping a student in need, offering a reassuring smile, or going out of her way to make their day a little brighter, Laura would do anything for our students. Many seek her out during the day to enjoy a friendly greeting from her. She fosters an environment where students feel safe and know they belong. Our positive school culture is uplifted by Laura’s presence in our building.
Because Laura is bi-lingual, she can support many of our EL students and their families. Sometimes families have sensitive information to share and are afraid to utilize traditional translation services. Because they know and trust Laura, we can learn about their needs and provide them support. As a result, we have been able to integrate a wider circle of people into our community.
Her combination of efficiency, foresight, and genuine care makes her an irreplaceable part of our school community. For her dedication to both the staff and the students, and for always going above and beyond with kindness and professionalism, I wholeheartedly nominate Laura Santos as Employee of the Quarter. She is truly an inspiration to us all.