Award Nominees

Ellen Bialik – Second Grade Teacher – McAuliffe Elementary 

An expert in botany, entomology and student engagement, Ellen Bialik believes students “learn by doing.”  A 30-year educator, she has spent the past 10 years at McAuliffe, overseeing the school’s widely popular Monarch Butterfly habitat.  Through her expertise, the school received certification as a Monarch Way Station from the organization monarchwatch.org. Her efforts have generated more than $15,000 in grant monies to support this engaging hands-on learning laboratory, featuring monthly Second Grade Science Days.  Ellen is known for planning creative lessons and projects to help implement and integrate all academic standards, while accommodating the needs of all students.  Fellow staffers view her as a “can-do humanitarian, risk-taker and team player.”

Debbie Dahlquist – Fifth Grade Teacher – Ivey Ranch Elementary

Described as a teacher “we all wish we had in elementary school,” Debbie Dahlquist sees a scholar in every student.  Always seeing the big picture, she creatively finds ways for her students to do the same.  Using grants to help make learning come to life, Debbie’s passion for the American Revolution continues to inspire the school’s annual Colonial Days and Living Museum.  She is known for never missing a “second of time” to help her students understand the value of becoming lifelong learners.    Highly regarded as a guru in GATE and math instruction, Debbie has created her own curriculum and is viewed as a leader for all students and staff.

Laura Griffin – Fifth Grade Teacher – Ivey Ranch Elementary

Treating every child as an individual with individual needs, Laura Griffin has successfully used this strategy as an educator for the past 13 years.  Her prior experience as a special education instructor plays valuable role in her current mainstream classroom setting.  The principles of “community” and “encouragement” are emphasized and demonstrated daily in her teaching.  Laura possesses a unique ability to reach her neediest children while challenging her most gifted and advanced students.  Parents regularly request her as their child’s teacher due to her unique talents in working with all students.  In the words of one Ivey staff member, “Her organization, patience and perseverance are traits we strive to emulate.”

Dan Jarvis – Fifth Grade Teacher – Palmquist Elementary

A graduate of Palmquist Elementary, Dan Jarvis has served as the lead instructor since 2007.  For the past 14 years, he has enhanced his reputation as the teacher who is all about “doing the right thing.”  A former U.S. Marine, his extensive military background helped shape him into an educational leader.  Dan’s understanding of the use of technology in the classroom has been paramount in the overall academic success at Palmquist the past few years.  Effectively using data, he helps parents, staff and students understand how to increase student achievement.  Labeled a “teacher of the future,” Dan creates and fosters ambitious educational environments to help provide meaningful real-time learning opportunities.

Jonathan Schwartz – First Grade Teacher – Garrison Elementary

A tireless communicator and collaborator, Jonathan Schwartz is a talented educator who uses technology, music, photography, science and graphic design to help engage students.  For the past 12 years, he has taught every grade level from first through sixth.  This past year, Jonathan started a first grade blues band to help all students improve their reading, writing and speech skills, and to grow academically and socially.  Utilizing his special education credential and his Spanish fluency, Jonathan uses his many talents to engage all students, from the gifted to those learning English.  During his prep time, he runs staff in-services for teachers wanting to learn to incorporate technology into their classrooms.

Kevin Thompson – Teacher on Special Assignment – El Camino High School

Fondly known as “Dr. T” on the ECHS campus, Kevin Thompson’s dedication to high school students has been branded by fellow teachers as “inspiring and infectious.”  Praised for his open and collaborative teaching style, Kevin remains continuously focused on always striving to do what is in the best interest of students.   Colleagues are motivated by him, while parents are widely known to greatly appreciate his diligent efforts to maintain contact with them regarding the progress of students.  He also engages parents by hosting the school’s annual Parents vs. Students Academic League Contest Quiz Bowl.  This past year Kevin took over as the director of the ECHS Energy Career Pathway Program.

Stacy Ayers – Instructional Aide – Special Education – Garrison Elementary

“Treating all students as if they were her own” is the way Stacy Ayers goes about her job.  For the past seven years, Stacy has served as an Instructional Aide providing social, emotional and academic assistance to students with special needs.  Known for having tremendous patience and always providing encouragement, her character and devotion to the Garrison students she serves goes far beyond the expectations of a 6-hour day position.  In the words of her fellow staff members, “Her integrity and strength set an example for all of us to emulate.”  A single mother to two teenage sons, Stacy regularly encourages her boys to volunteer in school and community activities.

Ella Greer – Health Clerk – Libby Elementary

Believing that patience and compassion are the foundation of her job, Ella Greer has been practicing these simple principles for the past three decades.  She has been labeled the “Heart of Libby School.”  Ella’s quiet confidence and kindness easily blend with her positive demeanor and genuine concern for the well-being of her students.  Her infectious laugh and radiant smile are two things Libby students and staff have consistently counted on throughout the last 30 years.  With an impact that extends into the community, Ella says, “What I get back from the kids is better than I can describe.  They give me the contentedness that only comes from helping the youth.”

Susan Hughes – Instructional Aide – Special Day Class – Palmquist Elementary

Unassuming in her own quiet way, Susan Hughes has demonstrated her natural love for children as an Instructional Aide in the OUSD since 1990.  Her gift of patience and tolerance has helped her become one of the most talented Special Day classroom aides in the district.  In the words of one cohort, “Mrs. Hughes can work with any student of any age.  She is always flexible and willing to take on any task.”  Wearing many hats and always going above and beyond, Susan is held in the highest esteem throughout the Palmquist community.  She regularly shares her love for art, music and gardening with students who need it the most.

Patti Minjares – Attendance Accounting Technician – District Office

Performing a quiet, meticulous job, Patti Minjares is responsible for handling one of the district’s most important positions – monitoring students’ Average Daily Attendance, vital work that helps determine state funding.  A 12-year veteran of the OUSD, Patti has overseen this unique position the past five years.  Her valuable work in obtaining additional Federal funding resulted in the preservation of numerous district positions.  Never late, and always willing to stay late to finish a task, Patti is constantly striving for ways to improve her performance.   Each year she organizes a “Gifts for the Elderly” program in the department, helping to ensure local seniors are taken care of during the winter months.

Anita Muro – Campus Supervisor – Jefferson Middle School

With 17 years of service under her belt, Anita Muro is recognized as one of the most dedicated and hard-working Jefferson staff members.  Her positive attitude and enthusiasm are infectious and reflected in the staff and students with whom she works.  Maintaining high expectations, she is continually looking for ways to enhance her service, particularly during events some might consider to be highly stressful.  She is known for approaching all situations with a calm demeanor, and is capable and willing to regularly assist parents who don’t speak fluent English.  Treating all students fairly and with respect, Anita has built a solid rapport in working to keep Jefferson a safe campus.

Janett Phifer – Health Clerk – Ivey Ranch Elementary

Loved and respected by children and adults, Janett Phifer’s job description reads Health Clerk.  But to the Ivey Ranch community she is much more. Concerned for every child and family, she treats all with love and compassion, doing so with an attentive ear.  One Ivey staffer says, “I appreciate her voice of calm, reason and reliability on the other end of the walkie-talkie.  She is always ready to accept my many referrals and concerns.”  Janett has become “irreplaceable” to the Ivey team.  A 15-year employee of OUSD, Janett wears the “hats” of counselor, psychologist, and mother-figure.  Each year she organizes uniform and shoe distributions for the Assistance League North Coast.

Sarah Pultz – Library Media Technician – Mission Elementary

For the past three years, Sarah Pultz has utilized her love for reading to transform the library services of Mission Elementary School.  The Mission staff has described Sarah as “organized, caring, positive, welcoming, humorous and intelligent.”  Her most unique quality is her ability to inspire students to enjoy reading and to spend valuable time in the library.  She has created a safe haven for young readers by keeping the library open before school, and during lunch and recess.  Her tireless efforts ensure every student has books to read at home.  A credentialed teacher, she uses her experience as a tutor and lead consultant at the writing center of MiraCosta College.

Linda Reyna – Special Education Assistant – Stuart Mesa Elementary

A key member of the Stuart Mesa intervention program, Linda Reyna has spent 16 of the past 18 years working with students facing academic challenges.  Viewed by her colleagues as a “natural teacher,” Linda is appreciated for her ability to take over a classroom at a moment’s notice.  Her eagerness to impact student learning, combined with her instructional talents, helps fellow staffers solve problems efficiently.  Students benefit from Linda’s extraordinary and intuitive methods providing academic instruction.  Co-workers marvel at her uncanny ability to inspire and motivate the most reluctant learners. Incredibly generous with her time, energy and talents, the word on campus is Linda is “unfamiliar with the word no.”

Allen Smith – Lead Custodian – Libby Elementary

An integral part of the Libby campus, Allen Smith has been keeping the school in order for seven of his 17 years of service in the district.  One of his strongest traits is his ability to prioritize the needs of the numerous departments and people with whom he works daily.  Believing that solid communication is the key to successful relationships, Allen regularly mentors students, providing an empathetic ear to those in need of someone to talk to.  Each year he funds a scholarship at El Camino High School for the African American Women’s Association.  Leading the school-wide recycling program, his end-of-the-year barbecue is eagerly awaited and well-attended by Libby staffers.

Freddie Chavarria – Assistant Principal – El Camino High School

A former OUSD and San Diego County Teacher of the Year, Freddie Chavarria is an ECHS graduate who maintains his heartfelt connection and commitment to the Wildcats as an assistant principal.  In the words of his colleagues, “Freddie always does what is best for students and is eager to mentor young people facing personal and academic challenges.”  He promotes student learning by personally getting to know students.  In his position as a Latino male role model, Freddie regularly demonstrates his pride in being an accomplished graduate of the school he now serves.  Freddie consistently includes parents in the educational process communicating with them while assisting parents to communicate with teachers.

Duane Legg – Principal – Ivey Ranch Elementary School

For Ivey Ranch Principal Duane Legg, the business of kids is all about celebrating hard work, accomplishments and constantly encouraging students to do their best.  The Ivey community has grown accustomed to his unique call of “woo hoo,” heard regularly in recognition with the many good things happening on campus.  Principal Legg is known for being seen all over school, whether it is on the playground, sitting next to students in class, or greeting parents in the mornings and afternoons.  Regarded by his peers as someone who leads by encouragement and questioning, Principal Legg’s style is designed to motivate teachers and students to move forward with optimism and hope.