Many thanks to those of you who have contributed inspiring stories about all of the great things that are happening around CSDR, both in and out of the classroom. I hope that you will all continue to send me your “Fish Tales” and “Best Practices” as they relate to maintaining a positive climate for student learning! Here are some of the contributions that I have received for October.
Elementary’s lead teacher, Linda Jones, has accepted a job in St. George, Utah, as an Educational Librarian. Prior to her last day of work at CSDR, she showed her continued support to her school by planning the Star Testing schedule, which will not occur until next May! You’re the best, Linda!
A heartfelt “thank you” to Claudia Rodriguez, Rachel Lopez, Ben Wilson, Chris Bartley, Kennia Cobos, Nina Angulo, Stefanie Kent, Andy Bubeck, Caryn Cook, and Judy Madrid for their teamwork in making transportation arrangements for early departure last week due to the fires. This is a team that really “sizzles!”
Did you know that on nights when the DOI and Superintendent are working late, CSDR’s Food Angel often come to the rescue with a yummy platter of food for the late night team? A big “thank you” to MS teacher Teresa McDonald-Fishler for her kindness and delicious food on these hungry nights! Her thoughtfulness is always appreciated!
Lisa Chute, MS teacher, has offered to help the STAR team, Melissa Brown and Erika Thompson, on days when they require additional assistance. On a day when one member of our STAR team was feeling ill, Lisa graciously filled in on short notice! Lisa is definitely a CSDR Star! Thank you, Lisa!
PE teacher Hetty Rothenberg reported that she is in awe of what she has seen in Elementary! Sammy Ruiz, CSDR’s on-staff magician, has volunteered his own time to assist with an art program, where he provides wonderful lessons about famous artists to Elementary students. Maybe we will have another Van Gogh soon! Keep up the great work, Sammy!
Under the light of the silvery moon, the CSDR campus was alive with students, parents, extended families and a marvelous staff! All were here for Back-to-School Night. The number of families in attendance was amazing! Tammy Mitchell had a wonderful idea that would encourage more participation from her MS families! She promised the grade level with the most participation a pizza party! Needless to say, MS had a wonderful turnout, as did the entire CSDR Instructional Division. A big “thank you” to all the support staff as well for making this a night to remember!
Tina Moore, Director of Student Services, recalls a time several weeks ago when she seemed to notice many situations that required interventions. What stands out in her mind is the way in which the staff responded to these situations. They were happy to step in to help, and had positive and enthusiastic responses to the situations. She continues to be awed by the fabulous team and the wonderful people here at CSDR. She reports that she is very fortunate to be here and to be a new member of the CSDR Family!
HS teachers Bob Conner, Darrin Green, Scarlett Valencia and Sharon Vollmar are to be applauded for their willingness to stay after school to provide tutorial help for HS students needing a little extra support! Thank you for the extra time you provide for CSDR students to help them do their very best!
A big “thank you” to Jeremy Davis and Mary Hanlon from Technology and Training Services for developing a new lunch system for PowerSchool. With the wonders of technology, students punch in a few numbers as they enter the cafeteria and valuable information is documented for state reporting purposes! Thank you also to all of our CSDR teachers for assisting with this process. The students are doing a great job and enjoying their role in this new process! It has been as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Rene Visco, also from Technology and Training Services, did a wonderful act of kindness for Curriculum Specialist Erika Thompson. Due to her pregnancy, she was unable to do the lifting she wished she could do to arrange her new office. Rene single-handedly carried and dragged all of the furniture, including file cabinets, until it was arranged to Erika’s satisfaction! He refused to let her lift a finger! Erika wanted to be sure that Rene was thanked for all of his help!
A big thank you to ECE’s student aide/office helper, Suzanne MacDonald! Her motivation shows others what it means to be a caring employee and she does all that she can on a daily basis to make sure the department succeeds in all of their many assignments.
As PIP coordinator, Janelle Green has a wonderful rapport with staff and parents. She greets everyone with a spirit of enthusiasm and friendliness at all times. Thank you, Janelle!
A big “thank you” to Robin Bandy and Cynthia Szabados for planning a well-organized IEP day on October 25th. In spite of the added stress from the fires in Southern California, the turnout from parents and districts was awesome! Thank you, Robin and Cyndi!
A special “thank you” to Holly Auman for her dedication to all of the students and staff that she works with on a daily basis as a sub teacher. She goes out of her way to help students and does extra nice acts of kindness for those she works with. Thank you, Holly!
It has been reported that CTE’s U Sung Chung is a number one communicator when it comes to working with his peers! He is always a team player and is so easy to work with! Keep up the great work, USC!
Did you know that Middle School’s Holly Bernstein is often reported staying after hours to get ready for her next day with students? MS staff report that she gives more than 100% to her students each day. Students are her number one priority. She not only provides them with well-prepared lessons but also supports their extra curricular activities after school. You are one amazing, dedicated teacher! Thank you, Holly!
Thank you to Geoff Knight and the Shasta IV boys for helping to assemble a clothing rack that was purchased for the CSDR clothing room. Also thank you to Lorna Rutherford for helping to organize and set up this CSDR clothing loaner program!
A hearty “thank you” to David Fontana, Gena Fischer, and Mitch Kurs for assisting with HS coverage as designees for last Thursday’s IEP meetings! Your willingness to cover at the last minute was certainly appreciated!
Jerry Deam always seems to make his co workers smile! Staff also reports that he is always willing to lend an extra helping hand whenever he sees a situation that needs assistance! Thank you, Jerry!
Debbie Chabot is another staff member that has the most contagious smile and laugh! Thank you for all that you do, Deb, and for your extra fun attitude all of the time! It is contagious!
Zeta Jackson is grateful for all of the help in HS that she has received from Ed Peigneux. Ed has stepped in to help time and time again! She reports that she is truly appreciative for all that he has done! She also wants to give thanks to Valerie Rome for assisting her with time keeping! Valerie is a gal that wears many hats during the day and is a huge help to everyone! Thank you Ed and Valerie!
Last, but not least, I would like to say thank you to two people that start and end my day with a smile! Thank you, Rachel Armstrong, for handling the arranging of substitute teachers so well each morning! This can be a very complicated task at times and you always do it with such ease and a smile! Also, thank you, Fay Fletcher, for always hollering a friendly, “good bye” to me before you leave each evening. I look forward to it and it leaves me with a smile from Monday through Friday!
Elementary’s third grade team, Anita Metroka and Susan Stewart, have given Focus Walls a try, with the help of Melissa Brown, Curriculum Specialist. Both teachers have developed beautiful theme walls that reflect the current learning/teaching that is taking place in their classrooms. On the walls are comprehension strategies, key vocabulary, spelling words, theme projects, and other information related to the theme. Stop by their rooms in Elementary to see how these Focus Walls are making a difference for their students!
In ECE, all classrooms have Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time. The youngsters are able to select reading materials that interest them and are encouraged to read and/or view books independently. Even the PIPers take part in this valuable activity. All teachers and aides participate as well. What a great way to model the importance of taking time to read each day!
To follow up and support our Character Counts! program, Pre-Kinders recently made individual books relating to the Six Pillars of Character. Teachers are proud to report that as a result of these books and much repetition, most of these students are able to explain each of the six pillars! Great work, Pre-Kinders! Remember, Character Counts!
When Lindy Hoffee was out recently on jury duty, she made it easy for those covering her classes by putting students’ pictures on her lesson plans. That showed the subs and those covering for her exactly who needed to do what! Wonderful idea, Lindy!
When you pass by Pat Melvin’s classroom during reading time, you will see students interacting with vocabulary, jumping out of their seats and showing much enthusiasm about their new words! Her secret is vocabulary PowerPoint! Ms. Melvin uses technology to motivate her students. Student improvement in pre- to post-test scores proves that this method is a success! Graphic cues are animated as students practice the words in these well-planned lessons. Students are able to use contextual clues to figure out new vocabulary. This strengthens comprehension skills and reading strategies. Students begin to apply these skills as they transition to chapter books and feel more confident as a result of the practice. The computer is motivating and builds confidence in Ms. Melvin’s readers! She states, “It is a lot of work, but definitely worth it when I see the growth my students make in reading!”
Special Needs teacher Nicolette Obidos used a recreational trip with her students to reinforce color, number, and emotions with an underlying theme of Halloween. School is extra fun when a little “spookiness” is added!
Andrea DaSilva, developed a creative game of Jeopardy for her MS class. The game reinforced teamwork and concepts involving nutrition. What a delicious way to learn!
Allison Berger created a wonderful lesson on action verbs where students acted out verbs while the others in the classroom guessed what verb was being demonstrated. Active learning at its best!
In closing, I want to also thank so many of CSDR’s staff for performing the best of all “Best Practices” each day such as maintaining punctuality, greeting students and staff with a smile, assuming extra curricular responsibilities and contributing to a positive climate on and off campus.
I hope that these stories have warmed your heart a bit and will encourage you to have fun in the workplace and to do something special for your students, staff, and co-workers as often as possible! I also hope that you have enjoyed reading about some of the wonderful things that are happening in CSDR classrooms and throughout our campus!
I look forward to receiving your contributions for next month’s Fish Tales and Best Practices by November 20th.
Happy November!
Alyce Berard
Director of Instruction
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
