May 21, 2020 — Adventure Club Site Supervisor Kali Ellingson has been named the May 2020 recipient of the Westonka Way Award. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka Public Schools staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way!

Ellingson is in her sixth year working for the district’s childcare program. She came to Westonka in December 2014 and became a site supervisor for Adventure Club in 2018.

"[Ellingson] takes the time to get to know each student individually, and puts parents at ease who are dropping off their kids," a nominator wrote. "As parents, many of us see Adventure Club teachers more than we see their actual classroom teachers. Kali does an excellent job of representing Westonka to families and making us all feel good about sending our kids to school in this district."

Another nominator wrote, "Kali is the most positive person that I've come across in a sometimes thankless job … The program is some kids' start and end to their busy day at school, so it's essential for them to feel at home and welcome, and Kali ensures that her staff does just that."

Pictured, from left, are Westonka Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Borg, May 2020 Westonka Way Award winner Kali Ellingson, Adventure Club Coordinator Ashley Tupper and Community Education and Services Director Joel Dahl

On Thursday morning, from 6 feet apart, Superintendent Kevin Borg, Adventure Club Coordinator Ashley Tupper and Community Education and Services Director Joel Dahl presented Ellingson with a special plaque and two gift certificates for the Al & Alma’s Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise on Lake Minnetonka.

This was the final Westonka Way Award of the 2019-2020 school year. The award will be presented monthly again next year. To nominate an employee for the award, please use the Google Form.