Pictured from left: Lori Engelking, Adalie Smithline, Superintendent Shelly Whitten, Amy Caldwell, Assistant Superintendent Lynnell Tsugawa-Murray and Ali Ramberg.
The Employee Recognition Awards highlight staff members who embody the district’s values and commitment to student learning. Nominations are open to every staff member in Battle Ground Public Schools. The selection criteria include commitment to the district’s mission, contribution to a safe environment, support for high-quality instruction and collaborative behavior demonstrating trust and respect. Congratulations to the January 2026 Employee Recognition Award recipients!
Amy Caldwell, special education teacher at Daybreak Primary School
Amy is an exceptional special education teacher whose patience, compassion and dedication shine through in everything she does. She creates a supportive, well-organized environment where every student feels valued, understood and capable of growth. Her unwavering commitment to meeting each learner's needs reflects both her deep expertise and her genuine care for all students. Equally admirable is the respect and gratitude she shows her team. She leads with kindness, listens thoughtfully and fosters a culture of collaboration and trust. Her support uplifts those around her, making her not only a remarkable educator but also an inspiring colleague. Her impact is felt far beyond the classroom, and her work truly makes a difference every day.
Lori Engelking, social and emotional learning paraeducator at Prairie High School
Lori comes to work every day with a smile and an unwaveringly positive attitude. She faces countless challenges daily and handles each one with grace, kindness and professionalism. She meets students where they are, walks alongside them through their struggles and guides them toward healthier and more positive paths with love and compassion. Lori teaches students constructive ways to handle difficult situations and reminds them that it's OK to slip and fall—as long as you get back up and keep building a better path forward. Her impact on students is profound and lasting.
Ali Ramberg, special education paraeducator at Pleasant Valley Middle School
If you ever get the opportunity to watch Ali work with students, you will quickly see what makes her so special. Her commitment to their safety, dignity and learning is unwavering, and she approaches every moment with care, patience and professionalism. Ali is not only an incredible source of support within PVM but also a valued member of the school's crisis response team, helping strengthen and support all of PVM when it matters most. Ali is incredible. She brings so many skills to the team and is such a positive, dependable team player. Pleasant Valley is grateful to have her at their school.
Adalie Smithline, basic education assistant at Yacolt Primary School
Adalie goes above and beyond her regular duties as a recess assistant, demonstrating a commitment to students' growth, engagement and well-being. In addition to her exemplary work supervising students during recess, she has been an invaluable asset for the school's Running Club. She fosters a positive and motivating environment, cheering students on and helping them build confidence in their abilities. At the start of the year, she spends additional time assembling lanyards with a running card for each student (over 750 just this year) to ensure each student can track their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment. The school has achieved success in this program thanks in large part to Adalie's commitment to going the extra mile!
Do you know another deserving staff member? Submit a nomination.