The Indian Prairie Educational Foundation and District 204 recently honored Rob Maldonado, Physical Education Teacher and Student Council Sponsor at Young Elementary School, with the A+ Award.
You can watch the A+ Award team’s surprise visit to recognize Maldonado for “Making a Difference” at A+ Award video.
A group of fifth graders from Young Elementary’s Spirit Council got together to write the nomination for Maldonado. They had a long list of reasons why he was deserving of the award, including all the activities he helps make happen.
“Each year, he gathers kids to volunteer and help out the community and the school,” students wrote. “He is so kind hearted to take his own time to help others in need. He makes us feel like we really belong.” Students also noted his “hilarious jokes and fun games” as reasons they love having him at their school.
Maldonado has been an educator for 22 years, with 17 of those spent at Young Elementary. His list of accomplishments includes bringing a composting program to the school lunch room, introducing the Watch D.O.G.S. program, working with the school’s Spirit Council and he's been an active part of the Dolphin Dash for the past 10 years. He was humbled and surprised to receive the A+ Award.
“We only have kids in front of us for a short time. Just a snapshot of their lives,” Maldonado said. “I think it is important that you make the most of that chance. These kids have really made me proud and this is the greatest place to work. I'm so grateful for everything.”
During the school year, Wells Fargo Advisors partners with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month who makes a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo Advisors donates $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school.
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You can watch the A+ Award team’s surprise visit to recognize Maldonado for “Making a Difference” at A+ Award video.
A group of fifth graders from Young Elementary’s Spirit Council got together to write the nomination for Maldonado. They had a long list of reasons why he was deserving of the award, including all the activities he helps make happen.
“Each year, he gathers kids to volunteer and help out the community and the school,” students wrote. “He is so kind hearted to take his own time to help others in need. He makes us feel like we really belong.” Students also noted his “hilarious jokes and fun games” as reasons they love having him at their school.
Maldonado has been an educator for 22 years, with 17 of those spent at Young Elementary. His list of accomplishments includes bringing a composting program to the school lunch room, introducing the Watch D.O.G.S. program, working with the school’s Spirit Council and he's been an active part of the Dolphin Dash for the past 10 years. He was humbled and surprised to receive the A+ Award.
“We only have kids in front of us for a short time. Just a snapshot of their lives,” Maldonado said. “I think it is important that you make the most of that chance. These kids have really made me proud and this is the greatest place to work. I'm so grateful for everything.”
During the school year, Wells Fargo Advisors partners with IPEF and District 204 to help recognize one staff member each month who makes a difference for students. To celebrate these outstanding staff members, Wells Fargo Advisors donates $500 for the staff member to use in his or her school.