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Art Teacher, G. Ray Bodley High School
February 2024 Fulton School Champion
"Throughout my time in High school it was harder because I didn't have the best social life. But Ms.Williams helped me feel welcome and was open to let me come talk to her when I could. She gets along with the students very well and I haven't met a person yet who had anything negative to say about her. She's also outgoing and likes to crack jokes which helps the atmosphere feel bright and there was never a gloomy day in her classroom when shes there. Its also fun to discuss art ideas with her and shes always gave me good advice and always gave me good support. I wouldn't change a thing about my experiences with her because she made everyone of them worth reminiscing on..."
"Mrs. Williams is a very understanding, passionate, and caring lady no matter what is thrown at her! She didn't have one or two or three but FOUR of my kids! Everyone of them adored her! Mrs. Williams has left a wonderful impact on them, one of my children is now 28 and he still mentions how awesome she was! I now hope my last child there gets to experience having her! Thank you for being an amazing Teacher..."
"Ben, Meredith and the GRB Art Club have volunteered countless hours of their time to provide free face painting to the community of Fulton at all of the Special Events Committee’s major events. They have brought smiles to kids’ faces at events such as “Big Truck Day,” “Fall Festival” and “The City of Fulton Christmas Tree Lighting.” The Fulton community appreciates their time, dedication and continued willingness to bring joy through their talents. Thank you!..."
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Director of Humanities, FCSD
February 2024 Fulton School Champion
"I first met Renee Hendrickson in 2015, when she was my son's first grade teacher. Throughout that year, Renee would keep consistent communication with families, offer guidance on how to best help our child(ren) and provide the tools needed to support that additional help. She was always friendly, approachable and responsive.
As a parent, Renee is the 'dream teacher' for your child. There came a time when some decisions had to be made about what my son's education would look like in the year following his time with her. Renee understood my concerns and listened without judgment. I didn't know how to navigate the steps I needed to take in order to advocate for my son. Renee helped to ease the stress during that time by supporting my decisions and helping to advocate for my son, alongside me. Renee became an instructional coach the following year however, she continued to check in on my son's progress and always made us feel like we could come to her for extra help, if needed.
Fast forward to 2023 and I am currently a teacher in the Fulton City School District, myself. When I work with my students and their families I think about Renee and how important it was to me as a mother, to know that my child was cared for and that his teacher gave her all to provide my child with the best education that she could give to him. I admire Renee and try my best to emulate the care, compassion and dedication given to my family by her.
Renee has worn many hats within the district and is currently a member of the administration as the Director of Humanities. In each role that Renee has taken on, she has done it with grace and humility. She has not waivered from continuing to be friendly, approachable and responsive. She is the person that you will hear other teachers saying that they will need to reach out to for guidance because 'she knows what she's doing'. Renee is one of the hardest working people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. It is evident that her love for her community and the children being raised here, is a top priority for her. Renee puts in countless hours in and outside of her work schedule to provide the best educational tools for the students in the Fulton City School District.
Renee is an incredibly humble person and shies away from attention being brought onto her, so for that reason I hope that she doesn't become embarrassed by this recognition. However, there are a few more things I'd like to share about what I've witnessed from Renee in the last few years that really drove me to writing this nomination.
Renee has children of her own that are/were (her son recently graduated) a part of the Fulton City School District as well. I have seen Renee at different events at the school that her children have taken part in and although she was there to support her own children, she was also cheering on/rooting for all of our children as well. I have also seen Renee volunteering at programs that offer free school supplies, clothing and fun activities to our community members.
No matter how busy Renee is, she has a way of making people feel seen and heard. The most endearing thing I witnessed from Renee was when she was filling in as an administrator at our building last year. Renee was working with a student who was struggling. There were several ways that Renee could have handled the situation with the child but what I saw instead was an administrator from our school district, professionally dressed, sitting on the floor reading a book to a little girl.
Another beautiful moment that I witnessed from Renee was after school let out. I was making my drive home and came up to a bus that was stopped in front of an apartment complex that was letting several children off. As I sat in my vehicle behind the bus waiting, I saw Renee walking down the sidewalk, hand-in-hand with one of the children that had been having a difficult day at school. Instead of just putting the child on the bus and calling it a day, Renee went above and beyond to ensure that the child made it home safely that day. It was a true testament to Renee's love for her community.
These were just a few of the lasting impressions that I have had from Renee Hendrickson. Her actions have undoubtedly made a huge impact on many people in our community and the ripple effects of her compassion, hard work and dedication to the Fulton community has no end. As a parent, and now as an educator in a community that I am raising my own children in, I am so very grateful for Renee Hendrickson and all that she has provided and continues to provide for everyone. She truly is a CHAMPION in the Fulton City School District and I can't think of anyone more deserving of being recognized for all of the things that she has done and continues to do behind the scenes that makes her impact on our community invaluable.
Thank you Renee for all that you do! I hope this recognition shows you that you are appreciated and that your efforts do not go unnoticed..."
"Renee has been involved in the Fulton City School District since she was a student herself. She quickly moved up the ranks from teacher to instructional coach to the Director of Humanities. In this role, she overseas many departments and teachers such as ELA, SS, ELLs, World Language, and Libraries. She always goes above and beyond to make sure teachers have what they need to provide the best opportunities to our students. Renee provides hands-on training to instructional coaches and goes the extra mile to model how to support our teachers and students. She works directly with teachers and students on a daily basis. Often unnoticed, she spends much of her time gathering and preparing resources for teachers, both in and out of her work hours. She organizes community events and teaches professional development sessions to teachers. It is unkown when Renee sleeps, because she cannot rest until our students have what they need. Her ability to see all perspectives and to listen with our students at the forfront of all decisions makes her an excellent candidate for this award..."
"I am writing to nominate Renee Hendrickson for the Fulton School Champions Award. Renee is determined, ambitious, and passionate about helping everyone she comes in contact with on a daily basis. She is always happy to help and if she doesn’t have the answer right away she will seek it out and get right back to you. If she says she will do something it will definitely get completed. Renee is always sharing resources and has a strong presence in supporting all staff in the district. She is innovative and always eager and passionate about sharing her ideas. All staff and students feel supported as a result of her strong leadership skills..."
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Kindergarten Teacher, Volney Elementary
February 2024 Fulton School Champion
"Kathryn Rowlee- a true master of all things! Kathryn has been with our district for 20 years and she never ceases to amaze her students, parents of students, and those she works with. Her former and current students all describe her the same: kind, compassionate, helpful, fun, loving, and funny. She sets high expectations for all of her students, believes in them and helps them to believe in themselves. She engages students in a variety of ways to meet their needs while making learning fun and enjoyable. Parents agree that she is amazing and is always looking out for their child, encouraging them to do their best, while being compassionate to their needs. Kathryn is a true leader in our building. She is honest, supportive, inspiring, encouraging, passionate, empathetic, and committed to not only her students but those that she works with. We know we can go to her for anything, and she is always willing to lend an ear, advice or support in any way she can. She is also the one who makes sure the staff at Volney connects every last Friday of the month for Fat Friday- she is our bridge that brings us all together (over delicious food). Volney is proud to call her our own! We are all lucky to work with Kathryn and our students are so lucky to have her as their teacher! We can all aspire to be like her..."
"Kathryn has been teaching for 20 years and is a resident of Fulton. Her kids also went to Volney and have graduated from Fulton as well as a current high school student. She goes above and beyond for her students and loves each and everyone of them like they are her own. She advocates to make sure they get what they want and need to succeed in school. She also greets all the kids before they come in class and when it's time to go home. She organizes a building wide staff luncheon every month. Kathryn and her family offer their home for our end of year party every year. She is the go to person on our team! She amazes us with all she knows and is always willing to help a teammate in need. Without her, Volney would not know what to do. Personally, I’ve had the best 10 yrs working with her and hope to have many more to come. We couldn't ask for a better person to have by our side and to work with daily. Our students at Volney are so blessed to have her. We love and appreciate her more than she knows..."
