A true spirit of service is often marked by a quiet dedication — the kind that seeks fulfillment not in praise, but in the satisfaction of making a difference. Yet, even the most selfless acts of hard work and compassion deserve to be recognized. Gratitude and acknowledgment not only honor individual effort but also strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose within our schools.
The Holyoke School District has long celebrated this balance between humble service and well-earned recognition. Through events such as Classified Staff Week, National Principals Month, Teacher Appreciation Week, and many others, the district expresses its deep appreciation for the people who make our schools thrive. We also honor staff for every five years of service to the school district.
Building on this proud tradition, the administration and Board of Education have established the Staff Member of the Month Program. This program provides an opportunity for colleagues to recognize one another for embodying the district’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Safety, Excellence, Ownership, and Achievement (RISE and or SOAR)—whether through their daily dedication or through exceptional efforts beyond their normal responsibilities. Each month, two honorees are selected and invited to a School Board Meeting to be publicly recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Through these efforts, Holyoke School District continues to affirm its belief that great work—whether seen or unseen—deserves to be celebrated, and that those who serve with heart and excellence inspire all of us to rise together.
This month we recognize:
Colbey Stumpf
Colbey Stumpf is such a significant part of our Dragon Family! He does such a great job of forming relationships with students and staff. His classroom is a safe environment where students feel safe to share their opinions and thoughts, even when the topics are touchy political topics. He also does a great job of remaining impartial, and as a social studies teacher I think that is so important. He gives out information and lets students make decisions based on their own opinions and values. Not only is he a great teacher, he does a great job coaching. He holds his players to high standards and teaches them life long lessons they will take on with them after high school. A lot of our students need a positive male role model in their lives, and he fills that role. Above all, Stumpf is wonderful advocate for staff. he is not afraid to raise concerns staff members come to him with and take these concerns to admin. We are lucky to have him as a voice for our staff and a leader for our students.
I always ask Stumpf to help me chaperone my students during conferences because, first, he is a great help, and second, the kids all want him there! Some comments from students about him include, "Mr. Stumpf cares about me personally," "He tells the truth and is friendly," and "He always picks me up." Stumpf is someone I can always count on. He volunteers to help me whenever needed and steps in to assist other teachers when they require support as well. While it is not something that teachers typically want to do, he always volunteers to serve on school committees in addition to all of his coaching responsibilities. Moreover, Stumpf is an outstanding teacher! He has a great rapport with other teachers, support staff, and administration. I believe he is truly deserving of recognition for everything he does for our school and students.
Makenzie Martin
Makenzie Martin is working very hard to ensure that our students are well-served. She is willing to work through difficult moments to be sure that our students are safe!
In only her second year of teaching she took on a new role in special education with new responsibilities, regulations, and challenges to contend with and she is doing so with the aptitude of a veteran special education teacher. She is very conscientious of making sure she is following each student's individualized education plan. She also makes sure that each of her students are getting what they need and does so with a positive attitude.
She is a great example of grace, respect, integrity and kindness. Martin is a wonderful teacher and resource for her students, and such a great asset to our team. Martin is always kind and welcoming to students and staff alike. As a new teacher I think she is doing such an amazing job for our students.