Annual Awards Process
Who can nominate?
Anyone can nominate a staff member, team or community partner/volunteer for a Thrive Award. This includes students, colleagues, labor associations, supervisors, parents or community members. Self-nominations are not accepted. Staff or volunteers who’ve received an annual award previously are not eligible, even if nominated for a different award than they received. Exceptions may be made if an individual recipient is nominated again as part of a team.
How can I nominate?
Online nomination form opens on Monday, Feb. 26 and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29.
What is the timeline of the 2024 Thrive Awards?
- Nomination window opens Monday, Feb. 26.
- Nominations close at 5 p.m. Friday, March 29.
- Mid-April, the Annual Award Scoring Group scores awards in each of the categories and makes final recommendations.
- Early May, the Thrive Award recipients are announced.
How are recipients selected?
The Annual Awards Scoring Group made up of staff from each school and the District Office will score the nominations using a scoring rubric. Scores will be tallied and then recommended recipients will be presented to the superintendent.
Award Categories
Communication Excellence Award (Communication) – The Communication Excellence Award recognizes employees who excel at communicating proactively, consistently and clearly with all stakeholders. These employees promote open communication and collaboration among staff, students and the community. They ensure everyone is informed and engaged. They support student learning through effective communication practices. Any individual employee or team in Meridian School District is eligible.
Community Builder Award (Belonging) – The Community Builder Award recognizes employees who foster a culture of belonging in Meridian. These employees demonstrate understanding and respect for everyone, honor and value diverse perspectives and empower all voices to be heard. They create a welcoming and inclusive environment where learners can thrive and grow. Any individual employee or team in Meridian School District is eligible.
Inspiring Educator Award (Learning) – This educator prepares learners to have the tools they need to be ready for their career and life goals. This educator commits to an equitable education that develops academic and personal skills. This educator provides students with access to rigorous grade-level instruction designed to meet the unique needs of students. Any certificated employee in Meridian School District is eligible. The recipient of this award will be nominated for the state OSPI Teacher of the Year Award in 2025.
Partnership Award (Support) – The Partnership Award recognizes an employee who works in partnership with families, students and the community to nurture success in each and every student. This employee ensures that students have access to support systems to meet their needs. They encourage students to engage in their own progress using self-assessment and goal setting. Any individual employee or team in Meridian School District is eligible. A community partner or volunteer is also eligible for this award.
Wellness Champion Award (Wellness) – The Wellness Champion Award recognizes employees who create an environment that supports staff, students, physical, social and emotional well-being. These employees help members of the learning community feel physically, emotionally and academically safe at school. They also support learners in developing their overall health and wellness, and may teach them strategies for emotional regulation and problem-solving. Any individual employee or team in Meridian School District is eligible.
Annual Awards Scoring Group
Purpose:
- Highlight and celebrate our outstanding staff and community partners/volunteers annually.
- Review and score Thrive Award nomination forms.
- Propose staff and community partners/volunteer Thrive Award recipients to the superintendent.
- Review criteria and process for selection of staff and community partners/volunteers for Thrive Awards and revise, if necessary.
Timeline:
- Each spring, the Annual Awards Scoring Group will score nominations, recommend recipients, and then review and revise the recognition process.
Members:
- Two representatives from IRE
- One representative from MMS
- One representative from MHS
- One representative from MP3
- One representative from the district
Past Recipients
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Nomination window closes
March 29, 2024
Tip: To make your nomination even stronger, please include specific stories or details that directly relate to the award your are nominating the staff or volunteer for. You may add additional information, testimonials, photos or files to your nomination.
Questions?
Lisa Gilchrist
Director of Public Relations
360-318-2159