Five outstanding staff members honored as Q4 All-Star Award winners

There were tears, cheers, and laughter as Seattle Public Schools celebrated its Quarter 4 All-Star Award winners — five remarkable staff members honored as Most Valuable Educators in front of their students, colleagues, and families.  

The All-Star Awards recognize staff who embody SPS’s core values of Excellence, Teamwork, and Commitment. This quarter’s honorees were selected for going above and beyond the call of duty and building strong, meaningful relationships with students 

This year, thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente, every All-Star Award winner received a swag bag filled with an insulated lunch cooler, tumbler, baseball cap, adult coloring set, stress ball, and other fun novelty items — a tiny token of appreciation for contributions that are anything but small. 

Joanne Griesemer 

Family Connector & Academic Tutor, Bailey Gatzert Elementary 

Joanne Griesemer is the heartbeat of Bailey Gatzert Elementary — showing up in every corner of the school, from teaching small reading groups to greeting families at the front doors to organizing field trips. A tireless advocate for equity and inclusion, she builds trust with students, families, and staff alike. 

The cheers for Mrs. Joanne were deafening as she took the stage at a schoolwide assembly to accept her award. Through her commitment, compassion, and action, Mrs. Joanne exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for students and families every day. 

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is building relationships with others,” she said. “My greatest joy is seeing kids who are excited to learn and push themselves to do their best. Once the students are here, it’s up to us to make their learning experience flourish.” 

In her four years in the role, Mrs. Joanne has become the kind of person every school community needs — someone who simply makes things work. 

Mike Renes 

Social Studies & Physical Education, Nathan Hale High School 

Mike Renes teaches social studies and physical education, but his impact reaches far beyond the classroom or the gym. He is the kind of educator who sees a need and takes action. 

In 2023, one of his students was left in critical condition after being underwater for five minutes at Green Lake. For Mr. Renes, the moment was also a call to act. He became certified to teach swimming, earned his CPR certification, and secured a grant to build a program for students who might never otherwise have the opportunity — many from immigrant families facing barriers to access.  

“As a physical education teacher, I strive to remind students that our minds and bodies are symbiotic creatures; they need each other to thrive — specifically with swimming,” he said. 

“We live in a city surrounded by water. I want to teach students the skills they need to enjoy these incredible surroundings and to stay safe.” 

This year, that work came full circle when he taught the younger brother of the student pulled from the lake. Because of Mr. Renes, that family now has peace of mind. 

During his five years with SPS, Mr. Renes has embodied what it means to see a gap and step up to close it — someone who refuses to accept the status quo and puts students’ safety and well-being first. 

Sandra Mackey

Principal, Cascadia Elementary 

Sandra Mackey leads Cascadia Elementary with equal parts warmth and purpose. In her six years as principal, she has built a school culture rooted in trust, belonging, and high expectations. From greeting students at the door to hosting virtual coffee chats with families to making tough calls when students need her most, Principal Mackey is known for her clear, honest communication and steady leadership. 

A strong advocate for the Highly Capable program, she combines deep knowledge of education with a commitment to doing what’s best for kids, even when it means making tough decisions. 

“The most rewarding thing I do is help my students see that a mistake is an opportunity to learn,” she said. “When they encounter what feels like a roadblock, there is always a detour. You just have to find it.”  

It’s a philosophy that defines her leadership. 

Through her dedication, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her community, Principal Mackey exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator. 

Christopher Robert

Librarian – Roxhill Elementary & Highland Park Elementary 

Librarian Christopher Robert (pronounced Row-bear) has dedicated his career to helping students discover the power of reading, and his impact has been felt across generations of Seattle Public Schools students.  

After 30 years, including 12 years as a librarian, he retires this year after serving in many roles, from classroom teacher to literacy coach to head teacher—always bringing the same passion, creativity, and care to every position. 

“This variety has kept things fresh for me over the years,” he said. “The education field can definitely be frustrating, but I would recommend it as a profession to anyone.” 

Mr. Robert fosters a love of literacy while building a strong sense of belonging, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and confidence in every student. Through humor, storytelling, and original songs and videos, Mr. Robert transformed both Roxhill’s and Highland Park’s library into places where kids don’t just read — they laugh, sing, and belong. 

He accepted his All-Star Award in front of some of his students, the cries of ‘Please, don’t go Mr. Robert!” fill the library. The love and adoration could be felt in the room — the truest sign of how deeply he will be missed by students and staff alike. 

Through decades of service and innovation, Christopher Robert leaves an extraordinary legacy—one rooted in joyful learning and the belief that every child can thrive in reading. 

Amanda Simington 

Social Worker, Rainier View Elementary 

When Amanda Simington walks into a room, she leaves it better than she finds it. In her five years at Rainier View, she has become the school’s anchor of care — supporting students through big and small challenges while leading programs like Recess Buddies and the Weekend Food Bag Distribution.  

With warmth, humor, and clear boundaries, she builds strong, lasting relationships—and plays a pivotal role in building trust between students and staff. She consistently goes above and beyond, and her presence is deeply felt—because when Ms. Simington is around, everyone feels supported. 

“The most rewarding part of being a school social worker is helping students discover their voice, confidence, and leadership potential,” Amanda said. “Knowing I play a small role in helping students believe in themselves is the greatest reward of all.” 

Congratulations to all five Most Valuable Educator honorees. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to students make SPS a better place for everyone.