News Release           

For Immediate Release

January 28, 2022

Makovsky, Rodriguez Receive Employee of the Quarter Awards

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Jana Makovsky and Jared Rodriguez have been selected as the classified and certified employees of the 2nd quarter at Grand Forks Public Schools.

Makovsky (certified) and Rodriguez (classified) each received a plaque from the Grand Forks School Board on January 24. In gratitude for their impact on the school system and students, Makovsky and Rodriguez will also receive a $200 monetary award from the Grand Forks Foundation for Education.

Created in 2019, the purpose of the award program is to recognize excellence as accomplished by certified and classified employees. To be considered for the award, the employee must be a valuable asset to the school community by completing their job duties to the highest standard and displaying a commitment to students/parents/guardians, as well as the school/program/school system.

Makovsky is a 1st/2nd grade combination teacher at Phoenix Elementary School. In his nomination, colleague Kyle DeWitt wrote, “Jana was asked to transition from many years of being a resident teacher mentor back into the classroom. She did so with grace and professionalism. What makes this transition special is that she went into a 1st and 2nd grade combo class. Not only was she asked to return to the classroom, but she was also asked to prepare a room, and deliver curriculum and instruction for two separate grade levels. She is solid in her classroom routines and gets to know her students on a personal level.”

In his nomination, parent Andrew Miller noted, “from the day we met her at the open house we could tell that Jana was a model teacher. Through her teaching and actions with students, Jana embodies what I hope every teacher strives for. She is attentive, personable, and passionate. She makes sure my son feels safe and displays her pride for working in this school district every day.”

Rodriguez fulfills many roles at Discovery Elementary School, including Early Childhood Special Education paraprofessional, lunchroom paraprofessional, and bus monitor.

In a nomination written for Rodriguez, parent Jordan Anderson said, “Jared is so patient with our daughter. He is so empathetic. He truly cares about the students he serves and the parents. On the first day of school, I was nervous about how my four-year-old would do as this hadn’t been in her routine all summer. We walked into the school, she yelled ‘Jared!’ and ran straight to him. Jared is always able and willing to communicate how her day went and anything that was challenging. To have a professional build a relationship like that with your child is the best feeling.”

The nomination period for the classified and certified employees of the 3rd quarter will open in February.

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