Tracy Rowe has a passion for music and a passion for students at Jardine Middle School. “She could just do what she does during the day,” said Jardine Principal Mike Haire. He suggests there is a lot more to Tracy’s dedication to the kids. “We are the only middle school that has taken our band to community events in the evening, to ballgames and to elementary school parades. All the extra hours she puts in to do good things for our kids,” said Haire. That’s why Jardine Middle School music/band teacher Tracy Rowe is the winner of this month’s Above and Beyond Award.
Tracy is busy not just in the band room, but throughout the school all hours of the day and night. She works with the 100 students who are involved in the school musical and she spends a couple of nights a week on the school signature committee helping plan what Jardine will be like once the new elementary school is built next to it.
Tracy has been at Jardine Middle School 18 of her 25 years in education. It may seem like a long time, but Tracy credits the students for her being there so long. “They make it so much fun. They love music. It is a joy to teach them,” said Rowe. Students like 8th grader Amari McGlory thinks her teacher is one in a million. “She is nice. She goes out of her way for you. She is the best teacher ever. If you don’t have her, you are missing out on something pretty amazing.”
If you know of a TPS staff member, a parent or volunteer who goes Above and Beyond to help our students, nominate them. It’s easy to do. You will find a nomination form on the district website, www.topekapublicschools.net. Go to staff/forms for staff/district program forms/TPS Above & Beyond.