Stronger Together Recipient October 2026

Each month all staff members have the opportunity to nominate their peers for the School District of Arcadia Stronger Together Award. The purpose of the Stronger Together Award is to recognize employees who serve our district in an exceptional manner by collaborating with staff, inspiring students and engaging families.   

Congratulations to Summer Slaby, our Elementary School Administrative Assistant and October’s Stronger Together Recipient!

Summer Slaby plays an important role in helping students prepare for their futures by modeling responsibility, communication, problem-solving, flexibility, and a strong work ethic every day. Working in the front office, Summer manages countless responsibilities at once while continuing to make students’ needs a priority. She encourages students to communicate their needs, ask questions, advocate for themselves, and take an active role in solving problems. Through her everyday interactions, students see firsthand the importance of accountability, perseverance, teamwork, and treating others with respect.

Summer also plays a significant role in creating a rich and vibrant school culture. She helps make the front office a welcoming place where students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. She takes time to connect with students when they come into the office, remembers details about them, and makes genuine efforts to understand what they need. Summer also supports staff behind the scenes by keeping the office organized and running smoothly, allowing teachers and staff to focus on their important work with students. She is always willing to step in wherever she is needed, whether helping with recess duty, transportation tags, supporting a student who needs additional assistance, or helping in the nurse’s office when necessary. Her experience as an EMT allows her to confidently support students when the need arises.

Summer demonstrates professionalism through her reliability, organization, efficiency, flexibility, and positive attitude. The front office can be busy and fast-paced, with phones ringing, students needing assistance, staff asking questions, and families coming through the doors. Despite the many demands, Summer remains patient, calm, and positive. She is a strong problem solver who makes thoughtful decisions, adapts to changing priorities, and works diligently to find solutions when questions or concerns arise. She understands the importance of listening carefully, communicating appropriately, maintaining confidentiality, and treating every situation with the attention it deserves. Students, families, and staff know they can count on her to provide support and follow through.

Summer also exemplifies the core values of Relationships, Collaboration, and High Expectations. She builds meaningful connections with students, staff, and families and makes a genuine effort to ensure people feel comfortable and cared for. She understands that supporting students often requires collaboration, and she works with teachers, administration, counselors, and other staff to connect students and families with the appropriate resources and support. Summer advocates for students, staff, and parents and is willing to ask questions, share information, and step in wherever she can be helpful. She holds herself to a high standard, takes pride in her work, and does not simply stop when a task is completed—she looks for solutions, follows through, and continues to do whatever is needed to support the school community. Her kindness, patience, resourcefulness, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an important part of our school.