Congratulations to our
2009 Nominees!

Administrator of Year Nominees

Lesley Clifton
Leadership and Development
Coastal Academy
Years of Service: 6
Lesley has a heart for middle school kids. She maintains her student focus by enhancing opportunities for students to thrive. Lesley believes in quality personalized learning at Coastal Academy through an exemplary independent study program. She has a great ability to listen to kids, staff, and parents, and then creates a rich program that meets the needs of all. Lesley has developed an award winning middle school transition program entitled WINGS; Winning, Intelligent, Novel, growing in Self-Reliance. She continues to strive for improvement in all areas of our program. Connecting with parents, our school motto is “partnering with parents for a quality education,” and Lesley makes time to make parents and students, to feel important.Words to describe her include: “ Enthusiastic about her job...passionate and committed...personalized....advocates for strong, independent study...she is “over the top...contributes to the betterment of ALL North County education,” and does so much more!


Margie Yeomans Oliver
Principal
Garrison Elementary School
Years of Service: 20
“You know it when you see it, and you know it when you see Margie Oliver!” Margie is credited with positively changing the direction of Garrison, as well as the physical surroundings of the school. She made a “call to excellence” for all of us...there were new expectations and the bar had been raised in every way...we felt like professionals because we were treated like professionals. Everyone’s input was solicited and valued. We became an E-ticket ride to a vison of excellence. Words to describe her are: “ She cultivates strong relationships with everyone...she has an open door policy...genuine warmth and compassion for all...clear vision...strong work ethic...she has make this a beautiful and happy place to be...there is laughter and humor and staff members enjoy each other’s company...she is the first to pick up a broom after a PTO event...you will often see her in the garden watering, trimming...she is an outstanding administrator!”
 

Barbara Perez
Curriculum Coordinator
El Camino High School
Years of Service: 13
“Barbara Perez puts her heart and soul into all she does.” She has restructured the English Language Development program at El Camino, which has directly led to greatly increasing the learning and achievement of the at-risk student participants. She was also instrumental in developing our Credit Recovery Program, which has allowed many students to graduate, who otherwise would not have graduated. Barbara has been a strong participant in developing the Parent Institute on campus, and so much more. She is constantly involved with students of all learning levels. Words to describe her are: Professional...disciplined...focused...enthusiastic...puts in long hours...works week ends...has a “never say no” attitude.” This year, Barbara coordinated the WASC accreditation process, which is a daunting two year task, as well as our English Learner Advisory Committee, and still made time to work with our Drama Department to arrange for elementary and middle school children to come see a play on campus.

Cheri Sanders
Principal
Cesar Chavez Middle School
Years of Service: 27
Mrs. Sanders visits every classroom to make sure “her students” are working hard and staying focused. She has set up an after school tutoring program that helps struggling students, and an intensive 6 week “boot camp” to improve test scores. She has great compassion for her special severely handicapped students, and treats all students with respect and high expectations. She personally makes phone calls to parents and offers ideas and strategies to help their child. She attends every PTO meeting, and is a supporter of the Girl’s Empowerment Conference. She is “part of a team...she will set up tables for an event, hang a poster, or even unplug a toilet!” She cares about her staff both on a professional and personal level. She has a positive and “get the job done” attitude. An example to all of us, she is respected by her peers, staff and students as a person with the highest level of integrity, compassion and perseverance.
 

Teacher of the Year Nominees

Linda Baza
Third Grade Teacher
Reynolds Elementary School
Years of Service: 22
“Linda has an uncanny ability to break state standards down into real world chunks so that every student can make personal connection to what they are learning.” Her students have taken virtual tours of Hawaii and Washington D.C., and have used their hands in the sand box to learn what “plowing” is. She has brought to the classroom the Mayor, the fire department, and police dogs. The children have learned math ratios and fractions using chocolate bars and pizza. Her classes consists of diverse populations, from at risk students, second language learners, and gifted students. She has the ability to teach every student at their level. Words to describe her are: Always willing to volunteer...diligent about communicating with parents...devotes her time and energy to help students, parents, and colleagues.

 

Denise Norris
English Language Arts/English Language Development
Oceanside High School
Years of Service: 7 years
“Mrs. Dorris engages students by differentiating the curriculum to meet all the levels in her class. She considers her students backgrounds, interests, and developmental learning needs. She also establishes and maintains clear standards for student behavior.” In her classroom, Mrs. Dorris uses small group rotations, frequent checks for understanding, clearly communicates learning goals, and uses other proven methods to ensure achievement. She supports student learning in many ways, and really cares about her students and their achievements, and wants them to succeed. Mrs. Dorris often has college students come in and volunteer their time. She uses a computer program to communicate with parents on a regular basis. She stays for one hour after school three days a week to organize and help students through her Homework Help Club. She also helps students during her lunch break. Mrs. Dorris values professional development, and has earned her Masters Degree. She collaborates well with her colleagues.
 

Nichol Everett
Social Science Teacher
Ocean Shores Continuation High School
Years of Service: 3
“Nichol Everett is a teacher who impacts student learning and achievement each an every day at Ocean Shores. Whether it is her contagious enthusiasm for learning and creating a fun and challenging classroom environment, or her high expectations for all students regardless of their challenges, Ms. Everett is a positive impact at Ocean Shores and the community of Oceanside.” As part of the Leadership Team, Nichol has worked tirelessly to create school wide learning for all students. Her expertise in student accountability, multiple opportunities for success, and customizing assignments makes Ocean Shores a better school. Nichol’s students come from a variety of challenges, backgrounds, and educational experiences. Nichol’s passion and commitment to all students, and to excellence, is contagious. A strong advocate for parent partnerships, her unique and consistent approach to communicate and coach the parents for student success is a model for excellence in going above and beyond for students.
 

Lisa Gonzales
Fourth Grade Teacher
Libby Elementary School
Years of Service: 9
Lisa has implemented Libby’s Effective Schools Plan and Academic Vocabulary focus. She has facilitated the grade level Professional Learning Community meetings, focusing on using student data to ensure appropriate interventions and instructional strategies for all students. Lisa’s achievement is reflected in the success of her students. Lisa instills in her students an excitement for learning and a sense of accomplishment as they gain mastery of concepts. Maintaining high expectations for all, she listens to her students and reaches out to their families, and makes herself available as a resource for support. Organizing our Family Science Night, Lisa has volunteered to serve in numerous other leadership positions to assist the learning process. She has enthusiasm and vigor as she works with her team to continually search for new ways to improve. Lisa is an advocate for kids who has gone above and beyond her job description in many ways, and is a leader for teachers.
 

Luz Miller
Third Grade Teacher
Mission Elementary School
Years of Service: 10
“The students in Mrs. Miller’s class are some of the highest performing students in the district. Each year Luz is able to take students from any proficiency level and move them up the ladder.” Students thrive in her class and every student shows remarkable growth. Ms. Miller teaches with a philosophy that every student is her responsibility. She never makes excuses, and does not allow failure. Her positive and empowering attitude energizes her students. They know that they have a teacher who believes in them so they are filled with pride and determination. Her saying this year, is “Let’s make it happen.” Luz created the Parent Partnership Committee, and is an advocate for helping families, including those who speak only Spanish. Luz has an endless appetite for learning, and is a thoughtful teacher who provides tutoring to those students who need help, and stays late to speak with parents. Her attitude is unwavering, and her expertise is unparalleled.


Jackie Madison
First Grade Teacher
Palmquist Elementary School
Years of Service: 32
Ms. Madison is passionate about her career every day, and feels so fortunate to teach. She embraces new strategies and mentors other teachers, knowing that future students will learn and benefit from the knowledge shared. Mrs. Madison believes that all students can learn. She has served as a kindergarten teacher, a teacher of multi-handicapped students, special day teacher, district bi-lingual teacher, Project Hope diagnostician, working with multiple handicapped students, from birth to seven years old.. She has held so many other positions, and done so much more. All students who had her as a teacher felt that she was the best teacher they ever had. Jackie is the teacher who could take the impossible and make it possible. She exemplifies the teacher who cares that every student succeeds. She delivered Christmas presents to the barrio, from a program involving OPD and members of the community. She is dedicated to the students of Oceanside.


Jenny Morgan
Teacher On Special Assignment
Chavez Middle School
Years of Service: 12
Ms. Morgan has served OUSD as a teacher, a School-Base Resource Teacher, and a Teacher on Special Assignment. Her classroom is always decorated with student work, and she has the highest expectations for her students. She performs a myriad of duties and is skilled in her interview abilities when investigating student incidents. Working with a diverse student population, she is respectful of each student and challenges them to excel. She coordinates the GATE program, supports “at risk” students in reading, and works extensively with those students needing English Language Development. Ms. Morgan runs the School Site Council and has a strong belief that parents have a significant role in their children’s success at school. Words to describe her are: “Doing 110% in whatever she may do...always willing to help...has high expectations of herself...approachable...has an “open door” policy...great problem solving skills...she ALWAYS gets the job done.”



Keri Morgan
Kindergarten Teacher
Coastal Academy
Years of Service: 6
An outstanding teacher, Keri is consistently positive. Each year she believes her current class is the best she has ever had. She brings a standards-based program to life with thematic lessons and creates a positive synergy for her students and parents. Keri “buddies” her kindergarten students with 5th graders for “reading activities.” Keri is always thinking ahead and preparing for her students. Because Keri is so likable, she is a “magnet” for her colleagues, who often gather in her class before the day starts. She is a support provider for our Beginning Teacher Support & Assessment program, working with 3 participating teachers. Also, she has been a Master Teacher for student teachers on campus. Keri partners with the Music, Spanish, and Reading teachers to ensure the students receive a “well articulated,” seamless program. Words to describe her include: “Keri is a “rock”...stabilizes our team...leadership...willingly volunteers...a problem solver...an exemplary teacher, colleague and staff member.”


Estelle Quinlan
Special Day Class Teacher Grades 3, 4 and 5
Mc Auliffe Elementary School
Years of Service: 40 Years
Each year, Estelle’s students make great gains in all areas of academics. They continually meet their Individualized Education Program Goals and Objectives. Her classroom is full of tangible evidence of student learning and achievement. She has A VERY LONG LIST of accomplishments, that confirm that “all children are special to Estelle.” As a special educator, she deciphers each child’s learning style and tailors her teaching to each child’s individual needs. A wonderful liaison between school and parents, she is constantly in contact with her student’s parents, which include home visits. She continues to invite her parents to “Breakfast with the Teacher.” She sends educational games home for the whole family, and parents always feel welcome in her room. Words to describe her include: “Always has a smile to share...always calm and happy...great attitude...creative...enriches educational opportunities...Estelle always takes big problems and makes them seem small!”


Jonathan Wickham
Math Teacher
El Camino High School
Years of Service: 13
Jonathan achieves close to 100% homework response in all classes, including students who are considered at risk. His high expectations for all students is reflected in his high student pass rates. Jonathan created the “Yoohoo” club to prepare students for Advanced Placement exams, wherein students arrive in Mr. Wickham’s class after school, and receive a “Yoohoo” chocolate drink as they prepare for the test. He expends an exorbitant amount of time in preparing for all lessons, working late into the afternoons, and on week ends. Words to describe him include: “Courageously founded, and built the AP Calculus and Statistics programs with tremendous success as the pass rates are among the highest nationally...uses his own finances to support student’s nutritional and educational needs...travels to Tijuana to build homes for disadvantaged families...celebrates the ultimate success of at-risk students by taking entire classes out to dinner at his own expense to recognize their accomplishments.”



Outstanding Employee of the Year Nominees

Lori Allen
Administrative Secretary
Stuart Mesa Elementary School
Years of Service: 1 1/4
Lori started her position as Administrative Secretary in May of 2008 - the busiest time of the school year. Lori became “a quick study,” which sums up the essence of Lori Allen. Lori’s job included posting and tracking the school budget; entering and retrieving student data; understanding and implementing the military protocol necessary to exchange information within a large military installation; and understanding all of the elements of the elementary school setting, with all of its daily demands. Words to describe her are: She loves her job! She has an exceptional ability to prioritize and to work under pressure...she has a natural affinity for all students...Lori is amazing! Lori knows first hand many of the special needs students at Stuart Mesa...Lori can sometimes be heard talking to a student in her “Mom voice” to provide corrective guidance...she has great people skills... proficient, responsive, intelligent, and so much more.
Lori puts in extra hours helping with students with special needs. She goes above and beyond what her job description calls for.

Deirdre Colburn
School Community Advisor II
Lincoln Middle School
Years of Service: 12
Deirdre is a translator for Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students with disabilities, and is skilled at putting parents at ease with the IEP process. She makes telephone, and personal home contact with parents, providing positive communication between school and home. On one occasion she spent 3 hours at a home visit, giving the IEP case manager a valuable insight into the student’s world. She has a positive attitude and is always smiling. Words to describe her are: Organized and efficient...prioritizes tasks...follows through...she cares about all students...listens and engages students...parents feel included...professional and respectful...voluntarily pitches in...smiling and friendly with all staff members each day.


Donna Contrado
Health Clerk
Palmquist Elementary School
Years of Service: 10
“It is evident from the moment you walk into the Palmquist office that the most caring and wonderful human being is present. Donna Contrado holds everyone accountable from the Principal on down... She is there for the kids!” Donna is the heart and the meter of the school. In addition to her duties as health clerk, she checks on student attendance, prepares SARB packets, attend meetings and monitors all medications relating to students with special needs. She is often the point of reference for students with behavior problems, or those that just need a hug. Words to describe her are: Meticulous...follows through with high expectations...exceptional communication skills...always a positive attitude...lets parents and students know that every minute in school counts...students feel that they are “heard”...she encourages parents and students every day...organized...cheerful...the ultimate team player...everyone loves her spirit and energy.


Carleen Gerberick
Health Clerk
Mission Elementary School
Years of Service: 15
Carleen Gerberick has created an environment wherein “when you first enter the doors to Mission, you sense a caring environment that is centered on a belief to put students first. Display cases around the school showcase student work and the “students of the month.” Posters announce upcoming events, such as a dance or dinner. Carleen spends extra hours creating these supportive surroundings. A PTO member, Carleen ensures strong supportive communication between the school and our parents. Carleen provides loving care to students when they are sick, or lose a tooth, or have to take medication. She checks students teeth, hair for head lice, and provides care for body and mind. Words to describe her are: ... Encouraging...driven to excellence...high energy level... positive attitude sets the tone for the front office. Carleen has worked with community organizations to provide uniforms, shoes and socks for our students, and has done so much more.

 

Maria Eugenia Lopez
School Community Advisor
El Camino High School
Years of Service: 4
As a liaison between the school and the Spanish speaking community, Eugenia’s
presence has increased our parents participation in school meetings addressing the educational challenges for our students. She makes parents feel comfortable knowing that there is a competent translator available to help them with their questions and concerns. She is enthusiastic and positive in working with students, staff and parents. Eugenia positively impacts students on a daily basis. She is constantly being pulled away from whatever she is working on to go translate for IEP meetings and for discipline and other matters. She has knowledge of community resources and does everything she can to use these resources for our students. She genuinely cares about our students. Words to describe her are: Extremely helpful...warm yet professional...people respect her, and can rely upon her...she is committed to OUSD’s mission to help and serve all of our students.



Shannon Martinez
Administrative Secretary
Mc Auliffe Elementary
Years of Service: 3
“Mrs. Martinez is a consummate professional who brings a positive attitude and energy into every aspect of her job. Her work ethic consistently exceeds expectations. She exemplifies the characteristics one looks for in an Administrative Assistant and is a tremendous support not only to the Principal, but the entire school community.” While businesslike, she is always friendly and courteous to all. She is highly organized and consistently prepared for whatever task assigned. Shannon loves her job, and those she works with, love her, including the school’s PTA. She is amazingly responsive to e-mails, and always has a smile on her face. Words to describe her are: Professional, friendly, efficient, helpful, conscientious. She never hesitates to stop what she is doing and listen to a kindergartner. She provides calms and comforts students who come to the office upset. She is a delight to work with. Shannon Martinez is a huge part of the McAuliffe village.



Cheryl McKean
Teacher’s Aide
Ocean Shores Continuation High School
Years of Service: 1 ½
As a teacher’s aide, Cheryl has been involved in vocabulary development both in school wide academic, and reading, vocabulary. She has been involved with the production and distribution of academic vocabulary cards for faculty and reading class use. She has participated in our Involvement in Parent Institute on Thursday evenings, and attends all staff meetings and district walk throughs. Cheryl has a thorough knowledge of the Read Right program. She is polite, helpful, always smiling, and cooperative with all. She is caring, positive, and is willing to learn. Cheryl engages with our students, and has a good relationship with them, which results in them wanting to please her and work hard to read better. Our students feel loved and accepted by her. Words used to describe her are: Well liked...helpful...pleasant... an outstanding leader in the school.

 

Priscilla Mendoza
Library Technician
Coastal Academy
Years of Service: 1
“From the day Priscilla set foot on campus, her contagious smile, warm personality and shoes have brightened everyone’s day at Coastal Academy. Priscilla positively impacts our program daily by greeting children, their parents, and staff members, by name.” Priscilla has expanded our library program, and at the same time regularly helps out in the office, and supported classrooms with extra reading materials. Her love of children and customer service are her strengths. She maintains a positive attitude and can stay calm under the fast paced pressure of an elementary school front office. Priscilla takes the time to make every student she sees feel important. Words to describe her are: Quick to learn...a trusted friend and colleague of many parents...engaging...enthusiastic...supports all activities on campus...totally involved. Priscilla will do what it takes to get a job done right. Nothing is too large or too small to escape Priscilla’s touch.

Sally Peltier
Senior Clerk Typist - Attendance
Garrison Elementary School
Years of Service: 15
“Attendance is the key to school success, and Sally is the key to successful attendance!”
She is highly skilled at delivering the difficult message about responsibility and punctuality to students and parents. She has a welcoming smile, and is often the first person people see upon arrival at school. To know her is to love her. She arrives early and efficiently opens the office, with a wonderful and humorous demeanor. Sally comforts our students, and they know that she really cares about them. She never hesitates to “get the job done” - whatever it might be. She generously contributes her talent and efforts to our fund raising activities, and is known as the person who will find whatever it is that you need. She has a positive attitude about building life long habits that make the difference in getting students to school each day, on time, that can make the difference between success and failure in life.


Allen Smith
Lead Custodian
Libby Elementary School
Years of Service: 14
“Mr. Smith is a dedicated custodian who works hard and keeps a positive attitude in meeting the demands of a days work at an elementary school.” He meets everyone with a smile and welcome. An integral part of the school, his willingness, and ability, to prioritize the needs of all departments allows the school to run effectively with necessary supplies in a clean and secure environment. Mr. Smith is a great and enthusiastic communicator, advising everyone as to up coming events. “He barbeques a mean rib, steak and chicken dinner,” and his year end barbeque is looked forward to by all. He goes above and beyond his job requirements, and provides an empathetic ear to students who need someone to talk to. Mr. Smith has volunteered to mentor at-risk students without male role models, and supervises their community service. He also contributes money for scholarships for graduating high school seniors.



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