Pictured left to right: Milind Sohoni (Board Chair), Megan Torfin, Megan Wroblewski, Christina McNeill-Tum, Lori Shoultz and Chace Anderson (Superintendent).
March 2024 Employees of the Month
Plymouth Creek Elementary
The School Board has recognized the special education resource team at Plymouth Creek as the March 2024 Employees of the Month. They embody the true meaning of Each and Every, and model excellence at every opportunity. The team has built a level of trust in one another that extends how they support our unique learners from day to day. They seek to understand every child’s needs, desires, behaviors, and potential, and they use that knowledge to plan and execute targeted instruction, meaningful social-emotional support, empathetic co-regulation, and, most importantly, create a safe and welcoming place where students feel loved.
- Lori Shoultz, Social Worker: Lori has been the school Social Worker at Plymouth Creek for the last 17 years. Her genuine warmth and immense knowledge of systems, cultures, brain development, and resources has served Plymouth Creek in immeasurable ways. From providing small group support to 1:1 interventions to mental health advocacy, Lori is an integral part of the day for many of our students. Kids are often seen lining up outside of her office in the mornings, during lunch, and after recess to score one of her warm hugs and to share something personal with her. She is highly trusted by students, staff, and families.
- Megan Torfin, Resource Teacher, Grades K-2: Megan began teaching at Plymouth Creek in 2015. She is a steady and consistent educator who provides individualized instruction to help her students meet their goals. She can manage many situations at once - it isn’t uncommon for her to have several students taking breaks in her space while she leads a group, provides direction to our paraprofessionals, and co-regulates with a child. Some of our paraprofessionals shared the following about Megan: “Megan T is a wizard at finding ways to help kids be successful. She always knows what to say to help a child understand what the problem is and to find a resolution. She’s willing to do what it takes to help staff and students be successful. She provides a safe and supportive environment for all kids. And what a mentor she is for me!”
- Christina McNeill-Tum, Resource Teacher, Grades 3-5: Christina began teaching at Plymouth Creek in 2018. Her optimism and bright smile serve as a means of making connections with students and staff. Her previous experience as a classroom teacher has shown through in the ways she supports the academic and social needs of our students. She is solutions-oriented and helps students understand the power of a growth mindset. Our intermediate students leave the building set up for maximum success in middle school, thanks to Christina’s organization, communication, and goal-setting. Our paraprofessionals shared, “Christina listened to my needs to support the students and helped bring about the supports I needed. I enjoy connecting with her and feel her genuine kindness.”
- Megan Wroblewski, Speech-Language Pathologist: Megan has been supporting Plymouth Creek for the past two years. In addition to creating an engaging environment for students, Megan is a team player who jumps in to support our paraprofessionals, resource teachers, and social workers without question when a student is in crisis. Megan holds the line of confidentiality and professionalism while making sure our students have their needs met - even if they aren’t “her” students. She aids parents and caregivers in understanding how speech services can benefit their children. Students who do not qualify for speech services wish they could go to her classroom. One of our paraprofessionals shared, “Megan W is a team player. Several times when things have gone haywire, Megan has stepped up to say how can I help - it sure makes me feel supported!”
Congratulations to Lori Shoultz, Megan Torfin, Christina McNeill-Tum, and Megan Wroblewski for being recognized as the Wayzata Public Schools Employees of the Month for March 2024.