HBCSD Celebrates October Shoreline Standouts: Verleen Hart and Jen Dalton

As Smith Elementary’s health services assistant, Verleen Hart makes sure every student feels safe and cared for, from those who simply aren’t feeling well to those managing ongoing health needs. When a student and family faced a new medical diagnosis this year, Verleen stepped in to help them navigate an unfamiliar routine, checking in with the student throughout the day and partnering closely with their teacher so everyone felt confident and supported. Her knowledge and steady presence reach every classroom on campus. 

Verleen embodies the District’s focus on Supportive School Environments and Responsible Use of Resources, along with the Learner Profile traits of being Caring, Resourceful, and Responsible.

“Verleen has gone out of her way to help the family navigate this whole new world and is beyond supportive to me in the classroom. She allows me to check in with her throughout the day and is always there when I need her. Verleen has made an impact in my classroom but in every class at our site. Verleen is everywhere we need her! She is highly knowledgeable and just an overall incredible person.”

Jen Dalton gives Smith’s youngest learners a joyful and confident start to their school journey. Every morning, she greets her TK students outside the classroom with clapping, singing, and the biggest smile, making each child feel seen and celebrated. Her hands-on lessons build fine motor skills, communication, and self-regulation, and she goes the extra mile to ease first-day nerves for students and families alike. Drawing on years of experience across grade levels, Jen is also the first to lend a hand to colleagues with advice, posters, or anything else they need. 

She reflects the District’s focus on Academic Achievement, Supportive School Environments, and Engaged Community, as well as the Learner Profile traits of being Caring and Resourceful.

“Jen brings education to life for our school and its first learners. Not only are her projects full of tactile examples, but she is constantly empowering their fine motor skills, communication ability, and emotional self-regulation. I wish I were four just so I could learn in her safe and exciting environment. Her CAN DO attitude makes a huge difference at our school and in the community.”

“She took him around her room and spent 30 minutes showing him the classroom, and then called him the night before school to tell him how excited she was to have him in her class. My son has really blossomed in her class.”