Renae Cowings
Position: Eighth Grade Vice Principal
School: Washington Academic Middle School
School District: Sanger Unified School District
City, State: Sanger, CA
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Renae Cowings was nominated by her colleague, Jennifer Schmidt.
In addition to being vice principal, Mrs. Cowings is also the leader of the ELA department at Washington Academic Middle School. Overseeing a middle school comprised of almost 2,000 students can be a tough gig. Administrators at Washington Academic Middle School have to oversee a staff of over 75, as well as multiple departments and programs. They deal with a number of academic and behavioral interventions that can be difficult to handle.
"Supervising and coordinating interventions, school activities, and curriculum development can be daunting, but Mrs. Cowings always tackles the day with a smile or hugs for students and teachers alike," Schmidt said. "Her positive and caring demeanor not only uplifts the spirits of those she greets, but motivates them to be positive and do more."
Mrs. Cowings has helped the ELA teams navigate Common Core and take new risks. She helps them try different approaches to reach students, break former academic barriers, challenge students, and help them grow.
"Mrs. Cowings is the epitome of leading by example," Schmidt said. "She sets high expectations, maintains clear and consistent guidelines, and provides positive support for both teachers and students. Many students looking to overcome academic or behavioral issues are frequent fliers in her office. These students know what she expects of them, and they do not want to disappoint her. They often check in with Mrs. Cowings to inform her of the progress they are making."
"A leader who inspires others to initiate change, to believe in their potential, and to make each day better than the previous one is a leader everyone wants to follow," Schmidt said. "We feel blessed to have such a leader at our school who has made tangible, positive changes in the mindsets of our students, teachers, and the campus environment. I feel that our staff has blossomed under her umbrella of professional ethics, trust in us, and can-do attitude."
"Her caring natures emanates through every hall and room of this campus, and the warmth of her torch of leadership can be felt and appreciated from every nook and cranny," Schmidt said. "Every staff member and student appreciates the gift of Mrs. Cowings' strong leadership, ethics, and honesty wrapped in a ribbon of compassion for others. I am honored to be a part of her team, awed by her amazing abilities, and blessed to witness such an inspiring educator in action!"
Mrs. Cowings is a Lifechanger of the year because she has a positive attitude about her job everyday. Almost everyday she is outside at lunch walking around, by choice. She walks by every student and asks about their day, and to me it makes my day a little better. Her positive attitude is very contagious to the staff and students around her. She makes everyone around her smile. Mrs. Cowings is also very helpful. She has all the answers to your questions all the time, and if she doesn’t she’ll try her best to get you the answer the next day. Even though she has lots of jobs to do she still makes time for her students. Most students here have a great bond with her. Lastly, she is a lifechanger because she put a lot of effort into helping us promote. She did not give up on anyone and she pushed us to finish strong.
I believe that Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award for next year because she has a good influence on everybody on campus. I met Mrs. Cowings when I first came to WAMS in 6th grade. I didn't even know her until she said "hi" to me. Then we got to know each other and she inspired me to be the best that I can be. This year, I had a 4.0 GPA, I won a CVAL Championship in track, and went on to place in the top 4 in the valley. Mrs. Cowings was one of the most important people who inspired me because I listened to her words of encouragement and believed in myself. All in all, I believe Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award for next year because she is an inspiration to all.
My name is Salud Villegas from WAMS, and I think Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she puts others before herself. She is nice to others. She gives advice to students about what to do in their situation. She gives hugs to people who need it. She always helps students who are at risk of not promoting. When my friends and I talk to her, she is always cheerful. She spreads positivity around the school.
I believe Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award. How Mrs. Cowings changed my life is by making me be a better person and a very loving boy. She likes to encourage lots of people and motivate them to work harder and believe they can be successful. She likes to push us to reach our full potential and make sure we are working hard every day. She loves and encourages everyone equally at this school and we are like her kids. She works hard to help us learn how to make good choices so that later on in life, we will be responsible and successful.
Mrs. Cowings should be selected for the LifeChanger of the Year Award because Mrs. Cowings is a good person. Let me explain why. The first reason why I think she is a good person is because she always has a smile on her face. I barely see her for a while, but then when I see her, she always makes me happy. She makes my days when they're bad. Mrs. Cowings has a big heart and cares about all the students at WAMS. Whenever someone is having a bad day, she asks them what's wrong. So this is why I think Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award. She's a hero in my heart. Sorry for accidentally stepping on your shoes, Mrs. Cowings! :)
Love,
David
Mrs. Cowings is a role model for students because she's always kind to other students and to other staff members. She sometimes gives students a lecture about how to achieve the good things in life. Mrs. Cowings always has hope for students that have a bad life. She is always positive about everything. Mrs. Cowings deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she helps students by noticing when they are sitting alone at lunch, and she comforts them. Her positive attitude helps cheer up students when they're sad. Mrs. Cowings gives hugs and it always makes people's day. Also she checks on students every now and then to make sure they are doing ok. Last of all, when she sees students doing homework at lunch, she stops to help.
One reason Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award is because she is such a positive person. She is all about smiles and being a great influence for all the kids. She helps so many kids and works very hard. She cares for everyone and makes the students feel very safe and loved. She is an amazing positive influence on every student. All in all, I believe Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she is a positive influence and has a great personality and is loved by all the students.
Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she has been there for me since I was in the 6th grade. I am now in the 8th grade, and I trust her completely. She was there for me when no one else was, and she loved me even when I made bad choices. Most of all, she believes in me. She believes that I will go to college and get somewhere in life. I, Skii Escobar-Perez, strongly believe that Mrs. Cowings should receive the LifeChanger of the Year Award. You will not regret it. Just her big smile will make you feel like you made the right choice!
Mrs. Cowings is a really amazing vice principal. She has helped me with many personal challenges and I'm thankful for that. She is always happy and in a good mood, and no matter how hard her day was, she is always respectful, caring, loving, and helpful. If anyone ever has a problem, she does her mighty best to help. If you have any personal issues, she will sit you down, and let you talk it out.
Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she's a great vice principal. Students light up when she's near because she's always happy and has a smile on her face. You can feel a good vibe when she's around, and you can tell she genuinely loves her job. She really interacts with the kids and they love her. Therefore, I believe Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
I believe Mrs. Cowings should receive the LifeChanger of the Year Award because of all her splendid actions. Every day, she continues to give out hugs, encouragement, and little conversations asking how our day is going. Her job as vice principal and the head of the English Language Arts department is a hard job and definitely gives her a challenge; however, she continues to go above and beyond and exceed all of our expectations.
From your dear student,
Gianna McLain
Mrs. Cowings should win the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she is an amazing person who has inspired me to become a better person and student. Her positive attitude makes all students want to do better. The way in which she socializes with students makes it easier to talk to her. If a student needs someone to talk to, that student knows that he/she can go to Mrs. Cowings and she will try to help in every way possible. She helps students and motivates them to become better in their academic studies, behavior, and in school in general. She makes me want to be better because she inspires me to improve myself. Mrs. Cowings deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award because of what she does to help benefit her students.
Mrs. Cowings is a great role model, person, and instructor. Whenever she comes around to my lunch table, she always greets me and my friends with the nicest smile! She could walk into a boring room and make it light up! She thrives to do her very best and helps students as much as she can. She encourages people to do their best and helps them push through their problems. This is why Mrs. Cowings deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
I believe that Mrs. Cowings should win the Life Changer of the Year because she has a positive attitude that helps others. One way she helped me is I had behavioral issues during my school years at Wams and every time I would get called up to the office because I got in trouble I would always show her respect. When ever she has a chance and sees me during break and lunch she always asks me “How was your day?” . Because of this, she should win the Life Changer of the Year award because of her outstanding effort in trying to help other students.
Mrs.Cowings deserves to be life changer of the year because she is such an encouraging woman. Cowings is always delightful and respectful to others, constantly spreading love, care, and positivity around school at all times. Mrs.Cowings is always caring for her students - she checks in with them, and shows attention. Cowings is a representation of “Actions speak louder than words” because of all that that she’s done for us. Mrs.Cowings is the bright sunshine our school has. We are all lucky to have such an amazing role model like her. Mrs.Cowings makes our school a better place.
Mrs.Cowings is the teacher that everyone looks up to. She is caring, helpful, and respectful. Mrs.Cowings is the type of teacher you do not find often. Most teachers would expect you to deal with your problems by yourself. Mrs.Cowings herself in a speech said that those who had fines or problems, she said she was able to help us to either pay the least for fines, or arrange something to forgive the problems that a student had. I believe strongly that Mrs.Cowings is more than just a “life changer”, she could also be called a “life saver”.
She always is happy. Always have an smile for everybody. She is her selfs she doesn’t act like how students will like her actually a lot of students like becuase she always happy she helps students to solve their problems on the easy way. We love Mrs.Cowing. She always have a hug for everyone.
Mrs. Cowings deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award because she is amazing at what she does. Not matter what she does, she wears a smile. From the smallest tasks to the greatest challenges, she always gives 100% effort. She never backs down from a challenge. She's a perfect example of our school's PBIS model of good character: PRIDE (Prepared, Respectful, Integrity, Dedicated, Excellence). This is why she deserves the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Mrs. Cowings is a LifeChanger of the Year because when it comes to her students, she takes the time to sit down and listen because she has a kind heart. Mrs. Cowings always has a positive attitude when she interacts with us. She helps us through the tough times, and is the one we turn to when we need help or advice. She's the one we go to when we need a laugh or a hug. She always encourages us to do our best, stay out of trouble, and work hard to accomplish what we want to become in life. Mrs. Cowings is a huge role model for students, and we are so lucky to have her as an administrator. Mrs. Cowings is a LifeChanger of the Year.
Mrs. Cowings is a LifeChanger of the Year. She has always been my go-to when I need help with a situation. She has always been there for me whenever I was going through rough roads. I have opened up to Mrs. Cowings because she makes me feel safe. She's such a kind-hearted person; I never thought I would become so close to an administrator. When I am having bad days, Mrs. Cowings always knows how to cheer me up. Knowing Mrs. Cowings as I do, I believe she is the next LifeChanger of the Year!
From personal experience Mrs.Cowings is a great nominee. She has helped me the past two years to become a better person. I’ve been going to WAMS for 3 years and my first encounter with her was in 7th grade in rectification when I gave her attitude and she gave me Saturday school. But the difference is she actually talked to me like a mother and the next day I apologized to her. The following months I had many encounters with girls and their drama, and each time, Ms.Cowings was there to help me and make sure I don’t make mistakes during that whole situation. During my 8th grade year, I made better progress compared to the last year, and she was there to support my success. One day I was having trouble with a teacher and I went to her in despair, and she comforted me. The difference between Mrs.Cowings and regular teachers she actually cares about her students and no matter what you did in the past she will still be by your side. To this day, I still tell Ms.Cowings about my success, and I will never forget the things she’s done for me.
Mrs. Cowings is a great role model for all. She has helped me when i was new to this school and helped me find my classes. She has been kind and gentle to me. When some one bullied me she helped me. She is the greatest vice principal ever. So in conclusion this is why Mrs. Cowings should get the Life Changer of the Year award.
Mrs. Cowings is a very inspiring person that knows how to lead. She pushes us to help us grow. Mrs. Cowings is like a positive virus to us students - spreading happiness and confidence. She always asks us how our day is. Knowing that someone cares about our day makes us happy. It is very encouraging to see someone meet challenges head-on and become an even better person each time. She helps change our lives - not just directly through her inspiring actions and words, but also indirectly with her persistent positive attitude and good character. Mrs. Cowings deserves to be the LifeChanger of the Year.