Shari Vanhaslen Assistant to the Principal/Activities Director Overland High school 12400 E. Jewell Ave. 720.747.3712
303.773.9370 FAX svanhaslen@cherrycreekschools.org
April 20, 2010 To Whom It May Concern: It is with a great deal of pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation for Shaina Johnston. Shaina has been an English teacher at Overland High School for the past three years. I have had the opportunity to work with her in a variety of ways during this time period. To begin, Shaina has fostered many positive relationships with our students, staff and parent community. She is truly interested in her students and their journey toward success and college. She spends countless hours mentoring her students and developing strategies to increase her student’s achievement. She is an active member of our PBS committee and approaches everyday with a positive attitude and is an expert at influencing those around her. In addition, Shaina has also been involved in our Literacy Lab project and is a member of our Literacy Cohort, which is directly connected to improving writing across all content areas. This literacy lab process also incorporates “Understanding by Design” (UBD) concepts, “The Workshop Model” and processes for instructional planning. Again, this is an area in which Shaina has demonstrated her dedication to improving her instructional strategies and thus, the academic achievement of all of her students. Finally, Shaina is very involved in our extra curricular activities. For the past three years she has been an assistant director with our theatrical productions, serving as the head costume and props director. She is creative in her approach to all of the challenges and inspires the students to take on leadership roles and be accountable for their responsibilities on the theatrical team. I appreciate her collaborative style and creativity in working to help create excellent productions. Shaina is also a junior class sponsor this year. She has worked diligently with this group of students to get them focused on their goals, planning prom, fundraising activities, and responsibilities as junior class officers. Therefore, it is with pleasure that I recommend Shaina Johnston for a position which will provide her the opportunity to grow in her educational career. I wish her the best as she pursues this next phase of her career.
Sincerely, Shari VanHaselen