Candace Nornholm was nominated by a student.
"Mrs. Nornholm is an outstanding teacher. Her goal while teaching was for her students to succeed. Math has always been my hardest subject, but Mrs. Nornholm's class was one I looked forward to going to. Even though she is my former geometry teacher, I still go to her classroom and talk to her because she has always been there. From teaching me to giving me advice, Mrs. Nornholm is someone who has changed my life for the better. I view her as a second mother figure," said the student.
It's not often we hear our students "learn to love" math, but Ms. Nornholm gets it done! Our students and staff alike adore her. I don't know how she manages to juggle everything she does and continue to make time to check in with students on a personal level, but she's mastered it.
Mrs. Normholm has consistently worked to ensure Ryan High School (RHS), The Home of Champions recognize the best! She has facilitated the Fall Ryan High School (RHS) Craft Show, an annual Fundraiser for the RHS Parent, Teacher, Student Association (PTSA) and Student Council. It brings a variety of vendors and small businesses together in a single day event that takes place in the Commons and Big Gym. Often Campus Student Associations, to include Special Education students participate, with unique crafts for sale. The funds reward students' academic excellence, as well as staff recognition and snacks during meetings. They also host the Renaissance Breakfast where outstanding students and staff are publicly recognized each semester with their families. A major advantage is that it provides all students with opportunities for Community Service Hours.
Now, she facilitates the Renaissance Program, which recognizes outstanding Raiders, Scholars, and Champions as well as a Staff Member and Teacher each month. All nominations come from staff members. Scholars focus on academic achievement and character qualities by grade level. Raiders are students who have maximized their natural abilities and shown the most academic growth and good citizen qualities, also by grade level. The Champion is the one student in the entire school of over 2000 students who has shown the most improvement or overcame great obstacles.
This program also recognizes one staff member and teacher per month. Like the student nominations, these come from staff members. Once the nominations are reviewed, she sends them out to staff to vote, and provides the results to the Student led Raider Media, who publish it in morning announcements.
The Nominator is correct--Ms. Normholm is a lifechanger. Check out the Renaissance Program below.
https://sites.google.com/g.dentonisd.org/renaissance-web-site/what-is-renaissance
