1. Ponderosa High School
7007 East Bayou Gulch Road • Parker, Colorado 80134
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically recommend Shannon Smith to you as an educator and
colleague. I have worked closely with Shannon for over nine years and I consistently rely on her
professional judgment, knowledge, and innovative ideas.
Students think of Shannon’s classroom as their refuge, and the reason is instantly clear when you walk
in. Shannon has thought of and provided for every student’s unique needs and challenges. There are
clusters of students collaborating on their classes for those that prefer working in groups. There are
students working independently with and without headphones to help with focus and concentration.
There are students working directly with Shannon for individualized instruction and support. Finally,
there are those sitting at a table enjoying a snack or drink provided by Ms. Smith for a short break
Shannon has taken some of my most at risk and needy students and provided them with the tools and
support they need to succeed and graduate. She does not take the easy way- she takes the way that will
develop each learner and individual to his potential.
Shannon takes the time to research innovative approaches to education and school programming- I often
get emails from her after midnight with a great new article or idea that she has found- and she shares her
discoveries freely and happily to improve school systems across the board. This year, I was sitting next
to Shannon at a meeting and she heard several of us talking about a challenge we had in providing
measurable data to support a counseling exercise. She politely interjected with a tool that would meet
our needs and even offered to use her own time to help us implement it.
One of the things Shannon values above everything else is her positive relationship with teachers,
students, and parents. The teachers respect her as much as they relate to her. You are just as likely to
have Shannon sitting next to you at a training as you are to attend a training she is providing to the staff.
In addition, she makes each student feel important and helps him define and develop his strengths while
understanding and overcoming his challenges. Parents love Shannon because she loves their children,
and shares equally in their ultimate goal of supporting their child’s success.
Shannon has been an integral part of our team at Ponderosa High School, helping develop and
continuously improve the services we provide to our student body. Her focus on student success and
progress is evident in everything she does. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication will make her an
asset anywhere she chooses to be.
Sincerely,
Laurie Portman
PHS Counselor