LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Shallyn Fontana

Position: Assistant Principal
School: Jefferson Elementary School
School District: Fargo Public Schools
City, State: Fargo, ND

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Shallyn Fontana was nominated by anonymously.

Ms. Fontana embodies dedication, compassion, and commitment. She is always focused on the well-being and success of students and staff.

"One of Shallyn's most outstanding qualities is her dedication to students. She is selfless and often goes above and beyond to ensure every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Shallyn takes the time to understand their individual needs and challenges, offering a listening ear and a compassionate heart to guide them through difficult times," shared the nominator.

Ms. Fontana's impact extends far beyond her interactions with students. She is a beacon of support and encouragement for staff, consistently providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure their success. Ms. Fontana fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, empowering each team member to thrive and excel in their roles.

As a leader, Ms. Fontana exemplifies integrity, empathy, and resilience. She leads by example, demonstrating a commitment to the school and her district's mission and values. Her ability to communicate effectively, solve problems efficiently, and inspire others to action sets her apart as an exceptional leader in the school.

In addition to her outstanding leadership qualities, Ms. Fontana has a remarkable ability to foster a positive and nurturing environment where students and staff feel valued, respected, and supported. Her ability to connect with others personally cultivates a sense of belonging and unity within our school community. Ms. Fontana is very easy to talk to and easygoing. She can often lighten the mood and make people laugh. If a staff member is having an issue, she is someone they feel comfortable going to.

Ms. Fontana has created a leadership program for 5th-grade students and is constantly developing ideas for improving the school. She also helps streamline different systems to make them more efficient and smooth.

When responding to even the most heightened behaviors, Ms. Fontana is calm, level-headed, and fair. She always comes into the situation with an open mind. Ms. Fontana makes sure to ask questions, provide feedback, and be calm.

Ms. Fontana's profound influence and dedication have transformed our school community into a place of inspiration, growth, and empowerment. Her remarkable leadership serves excellence for both students and staff alike.

"It is with great honor and admiration that I nominate Shallyn as a LifeChanger, recognizing her commitment to the success and well-being of all who walk through the halls of Jefferson Elementary," stated the nominator.

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Comments (10)

Carol Van Den Eind Posted 9 months ago

Shallyn loves her job and everything she does is done with her heart. She shows respect to the kids, staff and the parents. She will always listen and provide positive feed back and understanding. She truly is making a difference.

Eva Walker Posted 11 months ago

Shallyn provides a warm and gracious welcome to Jefferson Elementary every day that reflects her pride in the school. Along with her natural ability to make students feel safe and supported at school, she has professional knowledge of educational practices that is helpful in supporting staff members in their service to students and families.

Beth Olson Posted 11 months ago

As the principal of Jefferson Elementary, I have the privilege of working closely with her. She demonstrates a strong passion for students and a deep commitment to the entire Jefferson community. Her dedication and impact truly make her a life-changer for Jefferson Elementary.

Christi Posted 12 months ago

Shallyn is the sweetest soul and is always thinking of the betterment of others. Not to many people like her in this world!

Jen Sahr Posted 12 months ago

In addition to all the outstanding words of her nomination, Shallyn has been an incredible Ukeru trainer, equipping her school and Fargo Public Schools staff with the tools to prevent and respond to escalated situations with empathy and understanding. Her trauma-informed approach is transforming how we support students, creating safer and more compassionate environments for everyone. Thank you, Shallyn, for leading with care and making a lasting impact! ?? #LCOY #Ukeru #TraumaInformedCare

Cherie Posted 12 months ago

Way to go Shallyn. U r awesome

Mary Steiner Posted 12 months ago

As long as I've known Shallyn, she has been a teacher/administrator! She in very creative with her teaching strategies and handling discipline. She has an amazing rapport with students, staff, and friends! She deserves the award because she is such a role model who "walks the talk"

Joan Nesemeier Posted 12 months ago

Shallyn is my daughter-in-law and I am so thrilled that she has been nominated for this award. Serving the children at her school and being their strongest advocate is where her passion lies. Not only does she support them academically, she recognizes that making sure their basic needs are met creates a strong foundation for education and she frequently goes above and beyond to provide that for her students. I am so proud of Shallyn!!

Jennifer Steiner Posted 12 months ago

Mrs. Fontana is one of those teachers who really makes a difference. She goes out of her way to make every student feel seen and supported, not just in their schoolwork but in life too. You can tell she genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed. She’s the kind of teacher who inspires confidence and brings out the best in everyone. She truly changes lives!

Susan Schnell Posted 12 months ago

Can’t think of a more qualified person for this award. She is a 100% dedicated educator.