Dorchester School District 4 is excited to recognize the second "Everyday Hero" for November, Jillian Simmons, a dedicated educator at Clay Hill Elementary School. Each month, the "Everyday Hero" award is presented at the board meeting to two outstanding staff members who go the extra mile for our students and school community, often behind the scenes. The honorees receive a certificate and commemorative coin from the Superintendent to celebrate their exceptional commitment.
This month, Assistant Principal Mrs. Hartzog at Clay Hill Elementary nominated Ms. Simmons, praising her for her teamwork and dedication. “Ms. Simmons goes above and beyond for her students. She collaborates with their homeroom teachers and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is truly a team player! We are blessed to have her with us at CHES!” said Mrs. Hartzog. Ms. Simmons’s compassion and willingness to pitch in make her an incredible asset to the school.
Ms. Simmons’s path to this school year was anything but ordinary, and her flexibility has been inspiring. She was originally hired for a specific role and spent months getting ready for it. But then, over the summer, she was asked to take on a new position—one that came with a completely different set of challenges. Mrs. Monica Tudder, Director of the Department of Exceptional Children, explained: “Ms. Simmons was called about switching positions and taking on an entirely new challenge in the special education world. This new position was at a different school and served a different group of students than she had planned to work with. It was also an extra 30-minute drive each way.”
For many, such a big change might have been daunting, but Ms. Simmons didn’t hesitate. She accepted the role, reimagining what her year would look like to give students the support they needed. “She was flexible so all of our students could have what they needed, and DD4 won when she chose to work with us,” shared Mrs. Tudder, who also nominated Ms. Simmons. “She is a fantastic example of positivity, creativity, flexibility, and student success-driven!”
Ms. Simmons’s dedication, her can-do spirit, and her deep care for her students are what make her a true Everyday Hero. She brings warmth and a positive attitude to everything she does, helping make Clay Hill Elementary a better place for everyone. We’re grateful to have her in Dorchester District 4, and it’s an honor to recognize her as an Everyday Hero.