Warren G.

Harding Middle School

HOME OF THE TIMBERWOLVES
203 East Euclid, Des Moines, IA 50313-4599 (515) 242-8445 Fax (515) 244-3566

January 19, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in support of Ms. Ashley Knock to be considered for leadership position in your
district. Ms. Knock is a teacher leader at Harding, where she teaches math and serves on
multiple leadership committees focused on school improvement, school culture, and building
management. Ms. Knock is committed to Harding, and she has been instrumental in aligning
our work with our mission and vision.

Ms. Knock is a math PLC Facilitator, where she supports development of curriculum,
instruction, and assessment. During her PLC, Ms. Knock uses her leadership training and
expertise in Marzanos Instructional Framework to guide discussions. Ms. Knock supports
school improvement serving on the School Leadership Team. Her responsibilities include:
planning and facilitating professional learning, analyzing school-wide data, creating action
steps to improve achievement, and leading change throughout the building. Currently, our
team is preparing to become a School for Rigor through Learning Sciences International.

In addition, Ms.Knock serves on our Building Management Team supporting school culture
and making building-wide management decisions. Ms. Knock also serves on the Wolf Pack
committee where she collaborates with team members to increase positive school culture
through a student leadership group. These leadership efforts have dramatically increased
student engagement and positive behavior at Harding.

Ms. Knocks passion is working with students who struggle with behaviors, and she would like
to pursue leadership opportunities that will allow her to support students and teachers in this
capacity. For the reasons stated above, I recommend Ms. Knock for leadership positions in
your district. Her instructional expertise and leadership in behavior management make her a
strong candidate. If you have questions regarding Ms. Knocks leadership experiences,
please do not hesitate to contact me at school or via cell (515) 210-5694.

Cordially,

Joy M. Linquist

Joy M. Linquist
Principal

Joy Linquist - Principal Jason Snow Vice-Principal

Michael Pentek & Maria Lantz - School Improvement Leaders