Krause, MacKeigan King earn Starfish awards

North Royalton City Schools have announced the winners of the second semester’s Crystal Starfish Award have been presented to Emily Krause, first grade intervention specialist at North Royalton Elementary School, and Katie MacKeigan King, the district’s child and family support specialist.

Krause earned the Crystal Starfish Teacher Award, which was accompanied by a $250 professional development grant. She was credited for making a difference in students’ lives every day in making sure not only her students, but all students, are given opportunities to learn and grow at the district’s elementary school.  

“Emily works miracles every day within her den and each of her students can always feel how invested she is in their success,” one nomination stated. “She continuously provides support and encouragement in every aspect of teaching with her team. She’s willing to brainstorm ideas to help all students in the classroom, goes above and beyond in parent communication and is knowledgeable in a variety of strategies to suggest.”

MacKeigan King received the support staff award after being nominated by a parent and several colleagues for going “above and beyond the call of duty.”

“[MacKeigan King] provides a bridge for supports between the staff and parents in supporting the needs of the whole child,” one of her colleagues wrote. “This often includes clothing, food and shelter, the basic needs.  Katie assists families in connecting to community resources for medical, dental, vision and mental health services.  She meets with families outside of school hours to provide the supports at a time that is best for the family.”