PARIS — Four educators with Maine School Administrative District 17 were recognized as Staff Member of the Month, covering the last four months, during Monday night’s  school board business meeting.

Four teachers with Oxford Hills School District were honored as Staff Members of the month during Monday’s school board meeting. Nicole Carter / Advertiser Democrat

Superintendent Heather Manchester announced Oxford Hills Middle School social studied teacher Neil Nolette, Paris Elementary School fourth grade teacher Rachel Aikman, Guy E. Rowe Elementary school third grade teacher Deirdre McDonough and Waterford Memorial School kindergarten teacher Holly Flynn as recipients for the months of November, December, January and February.

Nolette was nominated by a coworker who noted that he is considered a favorite teacher by many of his students, not only for his interesting social studies class but because he directs two extracurricular clubs, Dungeons & Dragons and Gamers Guild.

Nolette’s nominator noted that their students often remark they miss their time in his class because his projects were so cool, and also because of the things they experienced, like being made to eat hard tack.

Aikman is noted for helpfulness and respectfulness  toward her students. “She goes above and beyond to sort out any issues that may pop up for students or even between students,” wrote her nominator. “She is a great role model for PES staff.”

McDonough began with SAD 17 as a substitute teacher before becoming a teacher at Rowe and recently earned her teaching certificate. Her nominator said she stands out for her way of “making staff and students alike feel cared for in the Rowe community” and that her support “truly makes anyone feel like they are in a safe learning space.”

The fourth honoree Flynn is also a sub at WMS, having transitioned from an ed tech to the school’s long-term substitute teacher for kindergarten. “She has shown remarkable adaptability and commitment to our students’ success,” sad her nominator, while learning a new curriculum, helping special ed students and joining the school’s leadership team, as she raises her own three children. “Holly is not only an amazing teacher but a wonder person as a whole.”