ABCD Award: NPS Staff Recognition

The ABCD, Above and Beyond the Call of Duty, Award is open to nominations from students, parents, and staff for significant contributions by NPS employees that go beyond the norm. At least annually or by semester, all staff are eligible, there is no set number of awards.

Students, staff or parents may complete and submit this form detailing something truly Above and Beyond the Call of Duty by an NPS staff member. Submissions are received by the Office of Human Resources and will be reviewed by the Board’s Human Resources Policy/Personnel Sub-Committee for consideration. Individuals receiving this ABCD Award may be recognized at the public Board of Education meetings and/or in District communications.

Submit an ABCD Award Form

April 22, 2025 – Board of Education Meeting at Ridge Wood Elementary

At the April 22 Board of Education meeting held at Ridge Wood Elementary, Northville Public Schools proudly honored seven exceptional staff members with the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment and contributions.

Please join us in congratulating the following recipients:

Cassie Baron

- Young 5's Teacher, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Colleague Nomination:

"Mrs. Baron is a new teacher at Ridge Wood Elementary and we are so blessed to have her. She has been a fabulous asset to the new Young 5's program. She has a heart of gold and is so very kind, caring and patient. We recently had a Young 5 student who fell and bumped their mouth during Gym. They were inconsolable. Mrs. Baron heard about it and left her prep to come and see the student. She gave up her prep time to take him and play a card game with him until she was sure he was emotionally ready. She loves all of her students like they are her own."

Debbie LaLonde

- Kindergarten Teacher, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Parent Nomination:

"My kindergartener broke his leg and came to school in a wheelchair for weeks (followed now by a walker). She made it very easy for him to get back into the classroom immediately after his injury and made special accommodations for him. She took on this extra responsibility while having to also take care of and teach 23 other kindergarteners by herself. She always has a smile on her face and has been incredibly supportive to our son and to us. He has been able to continue learning despite this temporary obstacle and he has felt incredibly comfortable in her class."

Devon Madigan

- 1st Grade Teacher, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Parent Nomination:

"Mrs. Madigan has been such a wonderful influence and comfort to my child at Ridgewood Elementary. Since the first day of school, she has been very responsive to parents on their questions and concerns that they may have in the classroom. She goes above and beyond making sure that every child feels that they are special and loved. Her compassion for education is unbelievable. I cannot see anyone more deserving. Thank you, Miss Madigan, for being such a wonderful educator."

Kim Gall

- Young 5's Teacher, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Two parent nominations:

Parent: "Mrs. Gall has gone above and beyond in her leadership of the young 5's program at Ridge Wood elementary school. She has gone above and beyond in making the classroom feel like a family for our young 5s and getting them comfortable in the elementary school environment. The amount of learning that has happened and the growth we have seen is remarkable from writing, reading, math and most importantly simply a joy in learning new things. Mrs. Gall allows the young 5's to follow their interests and my child comes home each day talking about what he has learned, built, explored and fun he has had with friends during school. She is the definition of going above and beyond for her students, their families and the entire faculty at Ridge Wood elementary."

Parent: "She encourages her students to play as they learn and learn as they play. The mutual respect between Mrs. Gall and her students is so evident in the classroom. I will always appreciate the way Mrs. Gall has connected with my son to build such a solid foundation for success in his elementary school years."

Olivia Giampaola

- 4th Grade Teacher, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Two student nominations:

Student: "Ms. Giampaola is kind and helpful making sure every single student understands. If they don't, she will take as much time as needed to make sure you understand."

Student: :Ms.Giampaola went above and beyond by teaching her students with effort and hard work making sure her students succeed in every subject she teaches. Ms. Giampaola also helps her students making sure they understand what they are learning and makes sure her students are having a little bit of fun while learning at the same time and makes sure the year is special and a good learning opportunity for each and every student. Ms. Giampaola also makes sure that if a student doesn't understand she will take time and effort to makes sure this student understands fully and can succeed."

Tania Nevelos

- Admin Assistant, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Six individual nominations:

Parent: She was there to assist in my concerns with class placement for my son as he was being bullied prior to the beginning of school and has always been prompt and available anytime we call for assistance throughout the school year.

Parent: Always helpful. My son had forgotten his sweatshirt outside at school in the rain and she went down to his classroom to retrieve it after school hours so it wouldn’t stay at school over the weekend.

Colleague: Tania has made this transition for a new principal so seamless. In addition to her admin duties, she is counselor, confidant, mama bear, cheerleader, nurse, and friend to all. She advocates for what is right by all our kids, and takes on all tasks she thinks might make someone's life easier.

Parent: Tania is the backbone of Ridge Wood. She is the core of our school and what makes everyone’s day run functional and smoothly. As a sub in the district, there is no one as welcoming and prepared as Tania. From the moment my day starts to the last moment she is there to support me in anything I need. If a child is hurt she is there to give the love and care they need. Tania’s love for the children at Ridge Wood is phenomenal. The kids feel all better by just her comfort and motivation.

Parent: Mrs. Nevelos is often the first happy face you see at Ridge Wood. She is very welcoming and helpful to parents, staff and students. She goes above and beyond daily to make sure everyone is happy, safe being helped and listened to. As a guest teacher, she always assures that I have everything I need to make my day easy and successful. We couldn’t have asked for a better representative of our school!

Parent: My kindergartener broke his leg and came to school in a wheelchair for weeks. She immediately put my mind at ease when I was worried how he would manage to get back to school. She reassured me that it would all be possible. She helped to wheel him to his classroom on a daily basis and kept in contact with me for any of his needs. She has also been a source of encouragement and comfort to him.

Deb Rivera

- Admin Aide, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Parent and colleague nominations:

Parent: "She is always a welcoming face in the office. She goes above and beyond to help the students. My kindergartener broke his leg and was in a wheelchair for weeks and she never hesitated to help him. She also took the initiative to follow up on a specific issue that I had brought up without me having to ask."

Colleague: "Deb has made this transition for a new principal so seamless. In addition to her admin duties, she brings joy and light to the office. She advocates for what is right by all our kids, and takes on all tasks she thinks might make someone's life easier."

April 8, 2025 – Board of Education Meeting at Old Village School

Northville Public Schools proudly recognized five outstanding staff members with the district’s Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award at the April 8 Board of Education meeting held at Old Village School.

Please join us in congratulating the following recipients:

Beth Brown & Kelly Saline

- Half-Day Preschool Teachers, Old Village School
- Parent nomination:
  “Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Saline have helped my son fall in love with school. He wakes up excited every day to be in their classroom and even begs us to take him on his off days! They’ve created a welcoming and inclusive space where students are giddy with excitement to start the day. Their weekly updates and daily photos help us stay connected and informed.”

Beth Santer

- Executive Director of Special Services, Central Office
- Nominated by Ridge Wood Principal Amy Terry:
  “Beth has been incredibly helpful to me as a new principal. She checks in regularly—before and after school—and her supportive demeanor helps me feel more confident, even during challenging situations.”

Christine Hall

- Kids Club Head Teacher, Ridge Wood Elementary
- Parent nomination:
  “When our kindergartener broke his leg and had to attend school in a wheelchair, Christine made sure he got safely to and from his classroom and included him in all activities. She made him feel comfortable and brought joy to a challenging time. We’re so grateful!”

Kelly Julien

- Preschool Teacher, Thornton Creek Elementary
- Parent nomination:
  “This is our daughter’s second year in Mrs. Kelly’s class, and it’s been a joy watching her grow in confidence. Mrs. Kelly creates a loving, nurturing environment and takes the time to know each child. As a first-time mom, I feel so reassured knowing our little one is in her care.”

Rebecca Rosevear

- Preschool Teacher, Old Village School
- Parent nominations (2):

“Ms. Rebecca has created a safe, welcoming classroom where our child is excited to learn and share about his day. Her frequent communication and daily pictures keep us engaged at home.”

“She fosters a warm, energetic environment where our son feels like a true community member. She remembers personal details, values student input, and plans activities based on their interests. We’re so thankful for her!”