Celebration of Progress

Quote from Brad Cole, Executive Director and Administrator for Valley View Village…

“We are beyond excited to open the doors to this $13 million dollar addition to our campus.  The East side of Des Moines deserves a state of the art long term care and rehab center, and now they have it.  The homelike amenities, craftsman style décor, and AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill are just a few things we will showcase at our Celebration of Progress event.  Come and see why “this isn’t your grandma’s nursing home.”      

Website link - http://valleyviewvillage.org/

2016 Educator of the Year - Mrs Stephanie Brennan, Lincoln High School
I was raised by an amazing single mother in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln in 2003. I had an incredible school experience at Des Moines Public and only have fond memories of high school. I graduated from Iowa State in 2007 with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Studies. I also have an endorsement in Health Education and a Masters of Education.  As I began teaching 9 years ago, I was a bit naïve. I thought everyone enjoyed high school and had great experiences like me, but I quickly realized that was not the case. I was incredibly lucky to have a normal, positive high school experience.

I was extremely lucky to have the most wonderful mother in the world who always supported my brother and I, no matter what. Many of our students do not have those support systems at home. I quickly realized that my job as a teacher was to make sure my students ALWAYS know that there is someone who loves them, cares for them and supports them. If it means I have to stay a little later, keep my phone on at night or just listen, I am willing to do that. I am incredibly fortunate to work in a school with amazing staff, administration and students who work tirelessly to make our school safe for all students. It is my job to teach students, but in the end it is their life experiences and unconditional love for each other that have taught me to always fight for equality and acceptance for all. When I am not teaching I spend time with my husband, Patrick, who is also a teacher in Des Moines and our beautiful daughter Finnley, who we hope to give the life all our students deserve.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Ghandi

"One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world." Malala Yousafzai