English Teacher named as District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month P.I.E.S. award recognizes employees who Positively Influence Educational Success. The award is for employees who go above and beyond in that effort. 

Mr. Kyle Jenks is Octobers PIES Award recipient. Mr. Jenks teaches 12th grade English at Highland High School.  He was nominated for this award by Tricia Harvala, who is a counselor at Highland. 

In her nomination letter, Ms. Harvala wrote, “While measuring impact can be challenging, one student's heartfelt experience this trimester speaks volumes about Mr. Jenks. She made a compelling case for a schedule change, eager to join his English 12B class next trimester. With tears streaming down her face, she expressed, ‘He teaches me like I am smart. He uses big words, and I understand what he’s saying.’ 
Her genuine plea was truly inspiring. Recognizing the importance of expressing gratitude for those who profoundly influence our lives, I encouraged her to put her thoughts and feelings into writing. Below is segment of the powerful letter she brought me to share with Mr. Jenks, a testament to the positive impact he has made.

After experiencing some challenges the learner wanted to transfer into Mr. Jenks class and wrote, in part, ‘Ever since I met Mr. Jenks I have found hope in myself. The way he teaches really caught my attention because it could be some of the harder texts to understand like one of the famous plays by Shakespeare and he could explain it in a way that just makes sense. He catches your attention immediately and the next thing you know you’re on to a topic that you probably wouldn’t have thought about on a deeper level. He pushes you and really makes you use your brain. I have even talked to other teachers about his class and they have all agreed with me. 

Even though it is not even midterms I had to go in and transfer to his English 12B class because he has truly changed my life. I feel smart now and that I can accomplish anything because he has shown me that I can do those hard things…Mr. Jenks was meant to be a teacher especially to my peers who are young adults that are vulnerable. He has the words and knowledge that will lead them into the right direction. Mr. Jenks needs to be appreciated for what he does because he is changing lives and doesn’t even know it.”

Mr. Jenks was recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and received a $50 gift card from the educational partner for this award, Lookout Credit Union.