Diane Kottmann, Special Education Para at Washington Middle School, is the November recipient of the Blue Jay Pride Award.

The Blue Jay Pride Award was introduced to recognize and showcase quality School District of Washington staff and the focus on the District’s core beliefs. Through peer nomination, individuals are able to acknowledge exceptional staff who positively impact the schools, district and community.

The individual who is recognized each month will be presented with a traveling plaque and a gift bag.

Kottmann’s nomination form stated the following:

“Mrs. Kottmann is a special education paraprofessional here at Washington Middle School. She fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students she assists. Her unwavering dedication to students' well-being and academic success has created a space where they feel valued, respected and part of our WMS school community. She is able to easily balance expectations for academic rigor with empathy and care, thus making a profound impact on our students. She is an exemplary paraprofessional, always assisting students to reach their full potential, an integral part of our WMS team.”

Kottmann was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award traveling plaque by SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart. She also received a gift bag from the Bank of Franklin County, represented by Becky Buhr.

Click here for more information on the Blue Jay Pride Award.

Diane Kottmann

Special Education Para, Washington Middle School

Blue Jay Pride Award

November 2024

Diane Kottmann was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award from SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart.

Diane Kottmann was presented a gift bag from the Bank of Franklin County,
represented by Becky Buhr, right. Also pictured is SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart.

Diane Kottmann was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award. From left are Washington Middle School
Assistant Principal Mike Hinrichs, WMS Special Education staff members Sarah Burgess, Cori Justus
and Jessica Lueckenhoff, Diane Kottmann, Becky Buhr from the Bank of Franklin County,
SDOW Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Kephart, SDOW Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rachael Franssen and
WMS Principal Laura Bruckerhoff.