MONTICELLO — Carolyn Schwartzlow, who wears many hats in the Monticello school district, received the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Support Staff Member of the Year award during Monticello’s Let’s Glow Ponies pep rally on Thursday, Oct. 27.
“I am honored, humbled and slightly embarrassed,” Schwartzlow said. “It’s a wonderful honor, but so many people do so many things to make Monticello a great school, and I’m just a part a part of it.”
Jeff Eide, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance, presented Schwartzlow with the award for her dedication to the school district, among many other reasons.
“In the state of Wisconsin, we have over 300 rural and town schools,” Eide explained. “Each year, our organization receives nominations for an administrator of the year, teacher of the year, advocacy member of the year, and a few more.”
To receive the Support Staff Member of the Year award, an individual must demonstrate contributions in one or more of the following areas: provides outstanding service that supports students, staff, parents or facilities; fosters cooperative relationships with colleagues, parents, and the community; understands and assists with the individual needs of their constituents; demonstrates a thorough knowledge of skills and expertise required to effectively perform their job duties.
Schwartzlow (RN) is the fourth generation in Monticello and has been part of the Monticello school district since she was four years old. After graduating from Monticello and UW Madison, Schwartzlow returned home and has helped lead the district for the past nine years.
Schwartzlow’s most notable roles include school nurse, athletic director, summer school coordinator, summer recreation director and mental health team member. She also manages the district’s wellness program, backpack program, service day, health fair, career fair, girls on the run, and district safety team. In addition, she teaches fourth and fifth grade human growth and development and healthy habits to the elementary regularly. Schwartzlow also coaches volleyball at the middle school and high school when needed. Her favorite roles in the district, however, are trusted friend to many and being a mom to Ian and Derrek. To manage the aforementioned roles, Carolyn has to be organized, tech savvy and — most importantly — an amazing communicator.
“Without being the most trusting, honest, genuine person you’ll ever meet, it wouldn’t be remotely possible,” Monticello School District Administrator Allen Brokopp said. “Carolyn has endless energy and love for our district. Her passion is evident when dealing with students, staff, parents, and community members and can be seen by the countless hours she spends in our district.”
