On behalf of the Southview Elementary staff, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our school, where we are dedicated to inspiring a community of learners who academically excel (LEARN), share their Caring Hearts (RESPECT), and feel a sense of belonging and pride in school (BELONG). We invite our learners to: Explore Your Passions. Create Your Success.
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MARIANNE SANNITO NAMED FINALIST FOR ESP OF THE YEAR
Southview Elementary Educational Support Professional (ESP) Marianne Sannito has been named one of five finalists for Education Minnesota’s 2024-25 ESP of the Year Award. Sannito has worked in Waconia Public Schools for 12 years.
“Marianne is the trusting adult for each of her students. She pours care, love, and patience into every child, every day, and every moment! She has impeccable integrity and honors the place that every child begins their journey of learning,” Southview Principal Khuzana DeVaan wrote in a recommendation letter about Sannito. “Through her gentle guidance and nudge to grow each day, Marianne walks side by side with our students, lifting them up to expand and bloom each in their own way.”
The ESP of the Year program recognizes outstanding professional and union work by education support professionals across Minnesota. Candidates for the award are judged based on five criteria, including professional practice, advocacy and association, community engagement, personal achievement and enhancement of ESP image.
LUKE MILLER NAMED ACCOMPLISHED WACONIA EDUCATOR
The Waconia Education Association has announced that Amy Dettman, Jaime Ess, and Luke Miller are the 2024 recipients of the Accomplished Waconia Educators Award. The three recipients will now go on to represent Waconia Public Schools in the 2024-25 Minnesota Teacher of Year program next Fall.
Miller is a fourth grade teacher at Southview Elementary School who has taught for 17 years – all in Waconia.
“He makes students feel special, takes time to listen to them, giving them his undivided attention. He recognizes students’ strengths and is quick to remind them of these, and at the same time is supportive in the areas in which students could improve or find a deeper interest in,” one nominator wrote. “Mr Miller builds strong relationships with all his students. They trust him, they respect him, they can be themselves in his classroom, and they can be successful in this classroom,” another nominator said.