We Are GIPS

  • We are 10,000 families, stories, and voices.

    In teaching hearts as well as minds, we — students, staff, and families — are changing the world together. 

    How are we changing the world?

    One classroom, one lesson, one opportunity, one game, one match, one concert, one equation, one book, one question, one connection, one day at a time.

    Throughout the 2024-25 school year, we will be featuring student and staff voices from across our district.

    Every school represented.  All of them speaking to who WE are and the profound impact public schools have in the lives of children, educators, and the community.

    You're invited to visit and scroll through this page each week for the latest video from our wonderful people.

    #WeAreGIPS 

Our Voices

  • REBECCA DURAN MEYER, Social Worker - Knickrehm Elementary

     
    "Educators change the world — that is a fact."
     
    As an advocate for students and families, Mrs. Duran shows-up every day to inspire greatness in kids.
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    VALERIE MOLINE, 4th Grade Teacher - Seedling Mile Elementary

     
    "At the root of everything, I just want to make an impact on your student and help them become an educated and passionate human being." Mrs. Moline is 
     
    As an educator at Seedling Mile Elementary, she fosters an environment of creativity and learning every day. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS

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    KHAISEN, 5th Grader - Seedling Mile Elementary

    "I want to be a teacher when I grow-up." Khaisen is more than 5th Grader at Seedling Mile Elementary — he's a scholar who enjoys math and wants to be a teacher when he grows up.
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    JOANA REYES, College Counselor - Grand Island Senior High

     
    "I am so thankful to be in a position where I can help students dream and push them towards those dreams and help them achieve those dreams, to make it a reality." 

    Miss Joana Reyes is more than just a College Counselor at Grand Island Senior High.

    As a dreamer herself, she empowers students to see [and realize] their potential. 

    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    DEKARI, 5th Grader - Jefferson Elementary


    "When I grow-up I want to be an artist... I see myself in the future at an art shop with my best friend."
     
    As a 5th Grader at Jefferson Elementary last year, Dekari had her sights set on becoming an artist and business owner.
     
    Now, as a 6th Grader at Walnut Middle School, she's pursuing that dream. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    JACOB MORROW, Counselor - Westridge Middle School

     
    "Educators change the world, because they're kind of the like the architects of the future... we play a pivotal role in shaping the values and morals, kind of of just what we want our future generations to be."
     
    Mr. Morrow is more than a Middle School Counselor — he is fostering resilience and well-being for students every day. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    CARA, Senior - Grand Island Senior High

     
    "I want to be a second grade teacher because I like to see students improving... I just love being able to help making an impact." 
     
    More than an Islander Cheerleader, Singer, and Dancer — Cara Camplin is a student leader on her way to being an awesome Elementary school teacher. And the opportunities she found at GISH set her on that trajectory.  
     
    #WeAreGIPS 
     
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    TAMISHA ROSE-OSGOOD, Elementary Teacher - Stolley Park Elementary School

     
    "I wanted to become a teacher because I wanted to be a role model, and I wanted all kids to know that they could be successful and that they're loved and that they're cared for." 
     
    More than an Elementary school teacher, Mrs. Rose-Osgood a resilient role model, helping every student know she is in their corner. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    SOPHIA, 3rd Grader - Wasmer Elementary 

     
    "What I love most about school is there is always someone to be there for you and make you happy." 
     
    More than a 3rd Grader at Wasmer Elementary, Sophia has a heart for creativity. Her teachers have helped her find and confidentially share her voice. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    BLAKE TEICHMEIER, Financial Literacy Teacher - Walnut Middle School

     
    "Teachers change the world because they have a special place in kids' lives where they get to really be models and examples of what looks like, to be lifelong learners and really to just be to be inspired." 
     
    More than a Middle School Financial Literacy Teacher, Mr. Teichmeier a positive force of inspiration for students and public education.  
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    EMERY, 5th Grader - Dodge Elementary


    "I learned this year that you don't have to be somebody if you don't want to all you have to be as yourself."
     
    Emery is a 5th Grader at Dodge Elementary. More than that, she is a future Pediatrician with a heart for helping children and her teachers are guiding her on that path. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    BREANNA McDONALD, Principal - Lincoln Elementary

     
    "Students inspire me by their resiliency. They show up every day and they're super positive and just ready to learn and do whatever is asked of them."
     
    Mrs. McDonald is the Principal at Lincoln Elementary. More than that, she is a supporter of all students and staff.
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    GRADY, Senior - GISH

     
     
    "I love being creative... Being able to create stuff for music be really inspiring for me. There's so much opportunity. I think the best thing about GISH is that you're not limited to what you can and can't do." 
     
    Grady is a Senior at GISH with a passion for the Fine Arts.  More than that — Grady is a creative storyteller who has found his wings through the opportunities at Grand Island Senior High.
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    JENNIFER SHAFER-EHLERS, 1st Grade - Engleman Elementary

     
     
    "[My students] inspire me because they are risk-takers... I think the older we get the less risks we take... they want to try every little thing they can."
     
    Mrs. Shafer-Ehlers is a 1st Grade Teacher at Engleman Elementary. More than that, she is a Literacy Engineer championing better literacy for all students who enter her classroom. 
     
    #WeAreGIPS
     
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    COCO, 4th Grader - Newell Elementary

     

    "The staff and the principal [at Newell] and everything are amazing. It just makes me feel like I belong there."

    As a 4th Grader at Newell Elementary, Coco has her sights set on becoming a helper and advocate for kids. Her experiences at school are shaping her way forward. 

    #WeAreGIPS

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    DR. DANIELLE BUHRMAN, Math Curriculum Coordinator - GIPS

    "When I think about how educators change the world, we make what might seem or feel impossible to a kid, we make it possible." 

    More than an educator, Dr. Danielle Buhrman is a Mathematician on a mission. She empowers teachers across the district to champion math and student ambition in every district school. 

    #WeAreGIPS

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