Dear Honored Schools Selection Committee, Please accept my nomination for Ms. Vanderhaeghen as an honored teacher. My daughter was fortunate to have Ms. Vanderhaeghen for three years in middle school and my second daughter has also benefitted from her consistent, thoughtful presence for two years. Ms. Vanderhaeghen is a remarkable teacher for many reasons: in particular, her superhuman ability to remain calm and assertive amidst the overwhelming cacophony of sounds and personalities you'd expect in a middle school band room. Even more so, in the midst of such a large and busy classroom, she somehow still makes each student feel known and seen. She engages with students inside and outside the classroom, partnering with a local university's music program, participating in summer camps, ensuring access to a wide variety of competition experiences and even the end of year field trip to an amusement park. As an audience member in school performances, I've had the opportunity to watch Ms. Vanderhaeghen in real-time as she noticed a student’s unique performance needs and adjusted accordingly. She always chooses a variety of music to suit the tastes of every child and I've been moved to tears more than once as I've watched a student play through nerves during a solo or dance along to a song they clearly loved. it’s no wonder that our Eastwood Jazz band won gold during its first ISSSMA contest and continues to be recognized for the quality of its programs. She creates such an atmosphere of courage and support- allowing students the opportunity to speak in front of the audience during the winter and spring concerts; showcasing specific talents and throwing in unexpected moments of joy. One of my favorite moments was watching a sixth grade saxophone player play a solo (he was supposed to be part of a trio, but spring colds had another plan.) Ms. Vanderhaegen explained this to the crowd, and with her body language and conducting created a safe space for new musician to bravely stand up and squeak out his piece. The crowd went wild, and the look on that student's face of pride and self-surprise still brings tears to my eyes. That moment, 5 years ago, is burned into my life, and I'm certain into that students as well. (I believe he still plays in the high school band.) Ms. Vanderhaegen is a known ally and welcoming resource for our students. It may be less appreciated, though, that Ms. Vanderhaeghen is ALSO an ally and an asset for the caregivers in our school. She is clear, organized, and forward-thinking in her weekly communications, friendly in parent interactions, and always thoughtful about structuring school activities to reduce the mental and financial burden on parents as much as possible. Ms. Vanderhaeghen is a gem who deserves (but will probably not enjoy) the significant recognition she is due. The Eastwood community is lucky to have her. Sincerely, Dora Lutz