Student Nomination Story

Mr Lavezzo started the year off with students by sending personalized welcome letters and cards in the mail to each and everyone of his students. He also dropped off craft bags in the fall for students to engage in a remote learning activity with him in the class. He has, since being back in person, sent personalized positive notes home on a regular basis and emails to reach out if he has any concerns or positive feedback to share. Each and every one of his students feels loved and connected to him. He uses humor and is authentic and real and kind and each kid feels so loved by him. Both of my children have had amazing teachers over the years and Mr. Lavezzo has topped that off by far. He is THE BEST!!!

Jack Goebel

Mr. Lavezzo gained trust, respect and immediate engagement before his first day of school with my daughter - which was remote. He sent a manilla envelope to each child's home and gave them a one-pager about himself, his interests & included a picture. He also set up a virtual call to meet each student individually. This was prior to school starting remotely. I receive multiple emails a month from Mr. Lavezzo with interesting stories or ideas on how we can better engage my daughter - at home and in school. ALL coming from a very positive place. He gives all of the kiddos nicknames which the kids and the parents get a huge kick out of (my daughter's is 'Chicken Wing'), sends home personalized notes on their work on his personalized memoji notepad (super hilarious) and dropped off a holiday surprise on each child's doorstep before winter break for them to open together virtually the next morning . Mr. Lavezzo spends so much time and puts forth an amazing amount of effort for these kids. My daughter has never had a bad elementary teacher - I have loved them all - but Mr. Lavezzo has raised the bar. I enjoy story after story from my daughter about Mr. Lavezzo on our way to gymnastics, at the grocery store, and at the dinner table. He is seriously so fun and has such an impact on these kids. My daughter is a good student (of course!), but she's honestly shining this year . Remote school was a bummer - and Mr. Lavezzo was the first to admit that it wasn't a great platform for his skills as a teacher - once my daughter started in-person with Mr. Lavezzo - she was a different kid. The amount of energy she has getting ready in the morning for school and when she gets home gives me goosebumps. I even miss hearing him every morning as I logged into work - he is so funny and put a smile on my face listening to him working so hard with these kids in a virtual environment. DPS is lucky to have such a young, talented and successful educator. Way to go Mr. Lavezzo - you're awesome!

Macy Picard

Derek Lavezzo is the most amazing teacher! In a year of uncertainty, whether online or in person (and sometimes it changed daily) my child was excited for school. He has a way of making each child feel so special. From the “rubber chicken of awesomeness” to the hand written notes given weekly or even sometimes daily, he has made this school year the best! He changes lives and motivates the students to do their best. His students idolize him and work to gain his respect. It is really hard to put into words the kind of impact he has made on our child and even family. He is a one of a kind type of guy!

Jackson Rushing

He has taken the extra attention to support my daughter. He is hands down one of the most special teachers I have ever met! Plus, my daughter loves his class and always wants to go to school to be with her teacher!

Mason Grace Dyer

To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.