Each month, Crumbl Cookies recognizes outstanding students and staff at Independence Middle School, honoring those who demonstrate excellence inside and outside of the classroom.
The following students and staff members were selected as the Crumbl Cookies Students and Staff of the Month for the most recent recognition period:
Students of the Month:
- Kinsley Elkins – Unified Arts Department
- Cathy Parisi – Foreign Language Department
- Elise McElvenny – Physical Education & Health Department
- Mason Faccenda – Music Department
- Alan Blake – Team Unity
- Guy Nugent – Team Valor
- Ashlyn Geis – Team Freedom
- Gianna Weis – Team Integrity
- Brody Staley – Team Liberty
- AJ Winkler – Central Office & Counseling Department
Staff of the Month:
- Kathy Foster – Teacher, Spanish
- Tracy Schuster – Teacher, History
Only staff members may nominate students for recognition. Each team or department submits its monthly selection to teachers Jason Turka and Kristen Fonda, who oversee the monthly recognition program. They, in turn, work with the school’s principal, Mr. Jim Fodse, and assistant principal, Mr. Tyler Dillinger, to cultivate the final list.
Staff members of the month are nominated by their colleagues and students and are chosen for the value they bring to improve IMS students’ experiences. Winners chosen by the IMS leadership team.
Each honoree receives a certificate, a Student of the Month magnet for their locker, and a $15 gift card and cookie from Crumbl Cookies. The students also receive a notecard of specific feedback as to why they were selected.
Crumbl Cookies has sponsored a similar recognition program at Bethel Park High School since 2023 and has graciously agreed to extend it to IMS for this school year.