The School District of Fort Atkinson has announced that Ashley Stewart has been named March Rotary Educator of the Month.
According to information released by the district on Monday, Stewart is a counselor at Purdy Elementary School.
She was presented with the honor on Monday.
Information provided by Fort Atkinson High School Principal and Rotarian Leigh Ann Scheuerell, noted that Purdy Elementary School Principal Mary Kilar spoke about Stewart during the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club’s meeting, stating that the honoree holds the title of counselor, but, more accurately, “her work speaks to her ability to be a nurse, caregiver, counselor, supporter, collaborator, mentor and expert educator of all our students at Purdy.”
Kilar described Stewart as an educator who “gives her whole heart to educating and supporting the students of Purdy Elementary.”
She further cited the honoree’s “tirelessly” efforts to “support the social emotional learning of our students through delivering guidance lessons, supporting small social groups, one-to-one support sessions, planning all school events, delivering ‘smarty packs’ of food, and supporting the staff and students at Purdy.”
Additionally, Kilar noted, that in 2022, Stewart was the recipient of the district’s Wildermuth Award, given in recognition of her work with students and support of families.
“She has spent her entire 14 year career in the field of school counseling and has been with Purdy for the last 6 years,” Kilar said, adding: “When students identify safe adults in our school, Mrs. Stewart is one of the first to be named. She forms meaningful and caring relationships with all our students (in) 4K-5th grade, and has a steadfast belief that all students can and will reach their potential.”
Kilar next shared some statements about Stewart, which, she said, she had collected from Purdy’s students.
Quoting a fifth-grader, Kilar said: “Mrs. Stewart really cares about students. She always wants to make sure students are happy and that they always have positive relationships with their friends.”
According to Kilar, a fourth-grader noted: “I love how Mrs. Stewart is always so caring, kind, and always so loving to students in need.”
Kilar said a second-grader, reported: “Mrs Stewart is kind and nice, and she helps people.”
“And from K-2” students, Kilar said, came the following statements: “Mrs. Stewart helps me make friends,” “Mrs. Stewart is someone I trust. I can go to her when I am feeling sad,” and “I want to say that I love her. She comes with me out to recess and helps me.”
“We are pleased to recognize her dedication to Purdy and the entire 1Fort district as we honor her and her work in naming her the Rotary Educator of the Month, Kilar said of Stewart.
School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent and Rotarian Rob Abbott, from left, Purdy Elementary School Principal Mary Kilar, Purdy Elementary School counselor and March Rotarian Educator of the Month Ashley Stewart, Justin Stewart, the honoree’s husband, and Fort Atkinson High School Principal and Rotarian Leigh Ann Scheuerell gather Monday during a meeting of the Fort Atkinson Rotary Club during which Stewart was honored. Contributed photo.
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