Jennie Range Named February Winner of Westonka Way Award

Jennie Range, administrative assistant to the assistant principal at Westonka Middle School, has been named the February 2026 recipient of the Westonka Way Award. The monthly award celebrates non-licensed Westonka Public Schools staff members who go above and beyond for families, students and other staff—because that's the Westonka Way!

Range began working at the middle school as a general office paraprofessional in August 2023 and moved into her current role the following year. While her official duties include managing attendance and coordinating the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiatives, her daily work extends far beyond that, according to a nominator.

“[Jennie] is a counselor to students and their parents, walking them through issues with attendance, schoolwork and personal issues. She is a teacher, coaching and encouraging students to work on missing work in Homework Club and at home. She is a nurse, stepping in when the nurse is out and loving up the sick kids. She is a custodian, shoveling when needed and cleaning up spills. She is even a financial advisor, helping parents navigate the process of paying student fees. She is known to come in early and stay late if there is something needed. She has even gotten calls from families at home to confirm if there is school or not! She really embodies Westonka PRIDE!”

On Thursday morning, Superintendent Kevin Borg was joined by WMS Principal Christy Zachow and Assistant Principal Nick David to present Range with a special plaque and gift certificate for the Al & Alma’s Signature Sunday Brunch Cruise on Lake Minnetonka.

The Westonka Way Award will be presented monthly throughout the school year. To nominate a non-licensed employee for the award, please use the Google Form.