RH Newsletter Feb 2026 - Flipbook - Page 6
Employees Receive Special
Lion Duck Recognition
Rush-Henrietta created Comet Kudos as a way for families and staff
members to nominate an employee who does outstanding work or
goes above and beyond to help in a meaningful way. Knowing how
important it is to recognize our excellent employees, Superintendent
Barbara Mullen has been visiting schools each month to honor some of
our best. At each surprise stop, she presents a Comet Kudos certificate and
a special token of appreciation–a lion duck! If you would like to make a Comet
Kudos nomination, visit rhnet.org/cometkudos today.
Mark Weidman, Sherman Elementary School
It was a delight to surprise Mark Weidman, physical education teacher at Sherman
Elementary School, with a lion duck and Comet Kudos certificate. He was nominated by
Heather Gibson, a parent, who told us: “Mr. Weidman showed up at the R-H Renegades
youth football game and every single student that knew he was there was instantly
excited and happy to see him on the weekend! Mark took personal time to support the
students and it meant everything to them. As a parent, I even found myself excited to
see him. It meant so much to those kids that he was there. Thank you for being a great
leader in their lives.”
Sangeetha Ramkumar, Webster Learning Center
School Social Worker Elizabeth Warner, as well as students Consandra Zwinger and
Elizabeth Zwinger, nominated Sangeetha Ramkumar for this recognition. They say that
Ms. Ramkumar is a dedicated paraprofessional who is deeply invested in the growth and
success of students in the Transition and Alternative High School Programs. She offers
unconditional positivity and also advocates for individual student needs. This year,
Ms. Ramkumar introduced a popular loom knitting project with an increasing number of
students. Demonstrating remarkable vision and leadership, she encouraged students to
turn their creations into meaningful service. This led students to participate in a field trip
to bring joy to residents of Rockwood Senior Living Center.
Aaron Koss, Facilities
Aaron Koss, of the R-H facilities staff, was nominated by his colleague, Steve Gilbert,
who said: “In the summer of 2025, Rush-Henrietta had construction projects happening
in three buildings, but the district’s new director of facilities was not scheduled to
start until fall. In response, Aaron Koss stepped up and provided leadership. Every day,
Aaron was cool, calm, and collected and he never seemed bothered by any situation.
He attended construction meetings, held training sessions, hired staff when needed,
and worked on purchasing items needed for the schools all while also doing his job as a
maintenance mechanic. Because of his efforts and the teamwork of the facilities team,
the work remained on track over the summer.”
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