Employee of the Quarter - Fourth Qtr 2020
Ms. Dominique Medearis
School Support Assistant
Employee of the Quarter
Oct – Dec 2020
As a School Support Assistant (SSA) at Spangdahlem Elementary School, Europe West District, Ms. Dominique Medearis' commitment to excellence and to DoDEA families is unwavering. To support Spangdahlem Elementary families in their transition to digital learning, she volunteered to arrange her schedule by coming in early and staying late to spearhead the dissemination of over 170 HP laptops and Chromebooks. Ms. Medearis ensured even the newest students received equipment necessary for their success. She further took charge of retaining tracking information and accountability to facilitate a smooth return of devices and expeditious availability in classrooms after required device quarantine.
Ms. Medearis suggested an out-of-the-box implementation plan for current and incoming Chromebooks that allows for maximum use and minimum disruption of the learning environment while remaining COVID compliant. By taking old Chromebooks out of grade specific classrooms and placing them in specials, she advocated for maximum technology exposure and utilization for all. Ms. Medearis also volunteered to assist with preparations for COVID-19 compliance, specifically with placing directional signage and reorganization of storage areas. In the absence of drayage funds, Ms. Medearis coordinated volunteers to physically remove and store unnecessary classroom furniture allowing for sufficient student spacing and social distancing. Additionally, she received, tracked, and continuously distributed necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) items for over 550 students and staff, never leaving us unprepared while simultaneously receiving and distributing over 15 pallets of curriculum and supplies. Further, Ms. Medearis singlehandedly completed a floor-to-book inventory, adding over 50 pieces of equipment ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 each.
Never one to turn her back where help is needed, Ms. Medearis expanded her position by assisting with traffic flow, lunch monitor, and random access measures in addition to her normal workload. Ms. Medearis is deserving of this award due to her selfless drive to go above and beyond to accomplish not only her assigned tasks, but assist others in any way possible. She strives to perform her duties in an efficient, professional manner, putting DoDEA interests first and can always be counted on to rise to the occasion no matter what that occasion entails.
Accordingly, Ms. Medearis is most deserving of this award, as her sustained excellence, attentiveness and commitment to the DoDEA mission bring great credit upon herself, DoDEA, and the Department of Defense.