Each year, our Turner Board of Education recognizes one classified and one certified staff member for the "Turner Points of Light." The recipients of a Turner Points of Light award will be individuals who have shown great enthusiasm and vision for the students in USD 202 and has exhibited this through his/her dedication and deep commitment to these students. The award is given during Convocation at the beginning of the school year.

Congratulations to our Certified Point of Light for 2025, Belinda Orth! Ms. Orth is a preschool teacher at Oak Grove Elementary. Below is her nomination statement from a colleague.

"It is a privilege to nominate Belinda Orth for the Points of Light Award. Belinda has been a dedicated early childhood special education preschool teacher in Turner USD 202 since 2005, and her years of service have been marked by compassion and a focus on doing what is best for children.

Belinda's inclusive classroom serves both students with disabilities and those enrolled in the at­ risk preschool program. She skillfully balances a nurturing environment with high expectations, preparing all of her students-regardless of their starting point-for a successful transition to kindergarten. Her love for her students is evident in every detail of her work, and she continually finds innovative and flexible ways to meet their diverse needs.

Though Belinda may be soft-spoken, her impact is bold and far-reaching. She is an unwavering advocate for children, and she speaks up with kindness and conviction when it comes to doing what's right for her students. Her advocacy doesn't stop in the classroom-she builds deep, trusting relationships with families, many of whom return year after year requesting that younger siblings be placed in her care. One parent recently shared, 'She's a true blessing. I don't know how we would have made it through the year without her.'

Belinda's influence extends beyond her students and families. She is a deeply respected colleague and a reliable source of support for others. She collaborates regularly with her preschool peers and actively contributes to vertical teaming with kindergarten teachers to ensure strong transitions for her students. By early spring, she is already working with special education staff to create thoughtful, seamless plans for the fall. New teachers often find in her a quiet mentor/building buddy-someone who offers guidance with genuine care and experience.

Even at the end of a long teaching day, Belinda's dedication continues. It's not uncommon to receive emails from her well into the evening, as she models a quiet professionalism and deep sense of purpose that elevate the culture of our district.

Turner USD 202 is incredibly fortunate to have Belinda Orth as a member of our teaching staff. Her steady presence, dedication to students with disabilities, and willingness to go above and beyond in all aspects of her work make her a true Point of Light in our community."