Govan number one Cesar is a top-notch professional highly engaging teacher in his class students are thinking critically and collaborating together as they act dance and sing their way through lessons number two mr. Gouveia is our art coach training staff and art integration and directing our fabulous annual school-wide musicals number three Cesar is the kind of colleague you want to work with always willing to help bringing energy dedication and lots of laughs to our work days number four as one parent put it he is the perfect combination of work his classroom was focused and rigorous and he is soaked at the 5th grade water play day he is boogying at the disco dance party and here he is at the jump rope celebration you see what I mean number five Caesar is passionate about seeing his students succeed and he does everything in his power to help them reach their potential he grew up in Azusa and is an inspiration and role model here he is with his beautiful wife Sasha and his little princess for us here at Powell he is truly the king of fifth grade congratulations mr.
deborah birx have stated that it's it's probably early to open things the fact is that we have a very contagious virus more contagious than the flu and it's can be very severe and deadly more deadly than the flu and even some of the younger people that get this even those who are asymptomatic have had strokes and neurological problems so I think we're talking about something that's really serious and as much as I want to have be able to see a graduation you know social distancing is for those times when we absolutely have to go out I'm concerned that something we do as a district not be the impetus of spreading this virus further so I think and we have to also think about our staff I know students are more likely to not have it as severely but we have to think about staff members it would also be involved if we did something later like in June I'm wondering and I would want dr.
hype parking lot would be similar to what they will show you in this and then the same setup that they run through their warehouse but we would be using the mesquite junior high and then we'll come back on after John shows this this video you
Gouveia as coordinator of special education it is my pleasure to introduce the SIRT Teacher of the Year and Madrigal the dream begins most of the time with the teacher who believes in you who tugs and pushes you and lead you to that next Plateau sometimes poking you with a sharp stick all true and exemplifies the energy excitement and expertise that is required for successful teaching as teacher of the visually impaired and provides support and instruction and guidance as students gain independence [Music] and is always there to provide leadership knowledge and enthusiasm and that develops certain teacher of the year good evening my name is Paul Hernandez principal of Sierra High School and it is with great pleasure that I introduced mr. Kevin Knight as Sierra High School's Teacher of the Year tonight's impact on Sierra has been both immediate and profound mr. Knight routinely goes beyond the curriculum and systematically incorporates real-world examples for students to apply their learning mr.
McCord to check on this would there be a liability if someone chose to come to this optional graduation and became ill later I think we need to check into that and I want to remind us that even though this hasn't been with us very long just for the months of March and April there are 70,000 grieving American families so I think we have to take the fact that this is that we're living in a new age and my understanding is that until we have a vaccine and and have that immunity that we mean you know it might be go out for a little while shelter back in place and so I think the idea of you know maybe we'll be able to do something in June we still have the same challenges in June that we have today and I'm not sure that it's the best option to choose to have something on the field with even if we keep people six feet apart so that's those are my thoughts I understand how difficult that is for parents that I think we want to think about what is safe for everyone including students and staff I think it's important to state governor Ducey did not we can gather in large groups you know he relaxed some things as it relates to restaurants and hair salons and even retail but and I watched those those those press conferences every time they come on and the order is still stay healthy stay safe stay connected and so I you know I I have a feeling that's gonna be relaxed a little bit over the next couple weeks and that's just me guessing but if I if I'm understanding some things as I read between the lines as we move forward um I can see some of that happening so it might be in our best interest to plan for the best hope for the best and then if if something doesn't happen and we're not able to go through with it but the last thing I want to do is continue to disappoint our 20/20 graduates as I know all of you feel the same way but if there's a possibility that we can gather at some point in time in the very near future I think we should be looking down that road and I would I would concur with your assessment dr.
Knight is well respected by all of Sierra stakeholders and continually looks for innovative ways to engage students he has sponsored an after-school Club the member in multiple staff committees but the coach to every sport at Sierra this year and provides valuable input questions mr. Knight and thank you for everything oh I am Ivette Walker principal of sauce a middle school and I am proud to present miss Jade cava SIA as this year's Teacher of the Year what an honor it is to have Jade as part of our Slauson family she is carrying hardworking and shares her love for music with her students Jade is always willing to work collaboratively with her colleagues often contributing in a positive and helpful way Jade puts a great deal of time and effort into all of her lessons as well as her evening performances students are always excited and look forward to their time in class Jade builds confidence and knows just the right balance to keep her students focused and continually encourages them her performance are always such a pleasure to attend Jade you have been born with a gift and a talent for music so thank you for sharing that gift with our students you have a front row seat to the future and I want to thank you for building that future one child at a time congratulations to miss Jade Clovis iya slauson's Teacher of the Year [Music] good evening my name is Adrianna Garcia madina province Apple Valley Dale Elementary and it is my honor to recognize miss Dianna fog as Valley Del's Teacher of the Year miss Dianna fog is an amazing teacher who's passionate about kids their learning and their success miss fog teaches with a sense of purpose sets high expectations for learning and truly makes learning fun you'll often see her collecting artifacts wearing costumes or thinking outside of the box to make her lessons come to life she will stop at nothing to help students make connections she's not afraid of challenges and is willing to become a learner she's taken on the challenge of distance learning with the most positive attitude and determination to make learning happen for all students a key to her success is her ability to build supportive and long-lasting relationships with both students and families we're lucky to have MS foggy as the kids lovingly call her and for that we are grateful congratulations to Valley Dells Teacher of the Year miss Dianna Fogg commitment dedication awesome integrity lifelong learner positive team player advocate high character these are only a few words that explain why miss Maria Sims is a High School Teacher of the Year Isaiah is extremely fortunate to have her support our Aztec scholars our tenacity for reaching all students persistence will - getting to know her students and the instructional strengths that she brings to her class every single period every single day are the reasons why she has a Sousa High School's Teacher of the Year she stimulates student curiosity to improve learning and she creates a positive climate in the classroom where all students feel safe and encouraged to become active participants and critical thinkers an astok Scholar stated miss Sims is my role model another said thank you for making me feel like I am somebody these are only a few examples of what makes our Teacher of the Year so excellent not only is she a great teacher she is also a role model and mentor for our a sticks congratulations and miss Sims and the special thanks to her husband Damon and three children athlete Diego and Mia Watson astok always nastic [Music] thank you for thank you for viewing that with me I am just moved every time I see a wonderful wonderful video that we were able to put together so without further ado I have the distinct honor of announcing our 2019 2020 district Teacher of the Year our teacher recently shared with the selection committee her sincere and unshakeable passion for students and the Asuza Unified School District community desk taught at both the elementary and high school levels she is the true gem and we are very proud and excited to announce that Maria Sims from Azusa High School is our 2019 2020 district Teacher of the Year congratulations mrs.
McCord and that is India eventualities because this is so fluid that we should plan or the possibility and with the caveat that it will kick and will be canceled at a moment's notice if it isn't viable to do with relationship to liability I I know that you will check with legal counsel that since it is optional and voluntary that anyone who decides that that isn't available would sign a waiver of some sort absolving the district of any liability related to that now that's a difficult one to answer but I think it's again being proactive is important but we have plans in place for something that is very certain with our virtual graduation and to proceed with the possibility that things will become opportune for our students and be ready if something is is not necessarily a bad thing to do dr. Santa Cruz can I can I say one more thing please as you know I've been doing this a little bit even longer than you and in my 49 years in education I think this is probably the most agonizing decision I've ever had to make or be a part of and I you know I want our community and our seniors that have worked so hard to know that we recognize all of the work that they've done but this is out of our control and and I would just like to say thank you to dr.
Sims and now I'd like to invite mr. or dr. Gomez to say a couple words so the video said a lot of the words first off a good evening team thank you for everything that you do but yeah the video said a lot of what we thought about missus since some of the things that we had to cut out because of the time we're basically just we really wanted to go more into her passion the fact that she she meets the needs of all students she's there late she's there early she gives up her lunches on Sat during Saturday school she's one of the teachers and has over 80 kids so she says hey can I use the camera can I use the cafeteria instead of that instead of her classroom because the kids want to be there the kids love learning from her and and she's just super passionate super dedicated and I think the fact that she was an elementary school teacher before moving up to the high school level and she really focuses on the basics it's what's made of the teacher that she is so just super excited and super proud to work with a teacher like Miss Sims and really so much more to say but I I know that she she she wants to share a little bit about her story but again congratulations miss Sims and a unified I'm confident that even though all the teachers were great and miss Sims definitely stands stands tall and she did a great job so thank you thank you dr.
McCord and the cabinet I think you have done an amazing job of trying to find something it's an alternative and I just I really appreciate it I appreciate the input from our parents and I hope that that there's a way that we can make both things work but I think like everybody else has said we it's day by day it's actually hour by hour so it it's a no-win situation and it's a sad situation and you know we can only try to be safe and do the best because our seniors that are graduating this year are our future in this country Thank You mr. Jenny you know and as the days pass the local and national media will begin to broadcast and share stories of all kinds of innovative plans that districts across the country and across the state have implemented to honor the graduates of the class of 2020 served to create the anxiety in our district among our parents and and we would like for our students and our parents to know that we see those stories too we hear that concerns and we share the anxiety and the angst that goes along with viewing any of those stories dr.
Gomez I would not now like to invite mrs. Sims to say a couple words you hello Madame president Bibles bogel board member superintendent Kaminsky in cabinet thank you for this opportunity to speak today congratulations to all the teachers of the year I came across this definition of a teacher teacher a multitasking educational rockstar who lives to inspire and loves to encourage they're kind of a big deal and yes you are it is an honor to be recognized among you I am truly humbled I want to say thank you to the admin team for leading by example to the elementary and math teams to plan with me selflessly sharing our ideas and patiently helping the technology you helped me continue to grow and I am forever grateful to you as Robert John Meehan said the most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspectives teachers attitudes of Iraq and thank you to my husband Damon for your love and support and to my children for allowing me to use you as guinea pigs when trying out new lessons I love you I would like to take a moment to tell you about my journey to become a teacher starting with my background I am an immigrant at one time both my parents worked at the migrant farmworkers my mother attended school up to the second grade and my father to the fourth my dad always boasts that he beat my mom because he has two more years of education my parents do not have college degrees or high school diploma but they taught my siblings and I the value of hard work gave us our unconditional support and showed us the importance of being kind to others that's yes my mind Papa si se puede to all the parents I won say you are your child's first teacher and they will learn so much from you continue to be involved support and love them every day and we are here for you when I was a student in Mullen Park School District I had some amazing teachers that never gave up on me no matter how behind I was in English when I made the decision to become my teacher I knew that I wanted to be an amazing teacher like that for my kids and I'm still working on it for those of you that don't know I began my teaching career in elementary shout-out to my Maryam Valley del peeps I loved working with you Elementary had his challenges Elementary had his challenges but it was so fun students like their teachers they like you before they even know you they are easier to motivate and most of them like school in elementary we were reading good books writing class books loving math and playing dodgeball at recess when I was just feeling like I could be an amazing teacher I got ripped due to record declining enrollment I really wanted to come back to teaching and I really wanted to come back to a Sousa as soon as the students are very special I tried the high school math row I went back to school and how to take math tests and pass math tests I really struggled with the amount of worked involved while working a full time job but then I thought about my children and my students and what I would say to them in a similar situation to my children and students when you come to a difficult situation remember dr.
McCord Thank You dr. Santa Cruz governing board members I just like to thank Marcy Taylor for all the hard work she's running around here making sure vx-3 is taken care of and all of our students are taking care of it huge shoutout goes to our principals in all of the fine detail planning and communicating they're doing with our students and our families this is again like you've all set a an interesting time a trying time and we're out there doing something that I think no one's ever attempted before and I I just want to make sure that everybody here had an understanding of what we were doing how we were doing it and what the future may look like if we're able to gather by the beginning of June thank you dr. McCord board members any additional comment question if not we reviewed all three of our work study items and we will adjourn this portion of the meeting move into item 4 which is a brief board business meeting we will ask mrs.
Seuss's words you have brains in your head you have feet in your shoes you can steer yourself in any direction you choose so I became a high school math teacher I went from rock star in elementary to a math teacher in high school it was the first time I had students tell me no I was again and current gently pushed my my students to go back to school and take a classroom management class for high school and then more math classes so that I can help them while high school is demanding in different ways it is also so rewarding to watch students understand and apply the quadratic formula completing the square and other complex math concepts it is so inspiring to see them come in during lunch just to work on that our students are amazing students I want you to know that you motivate me and inspire me to be a better person a better teacher and to make challenging decisions thank you as teachers I know we have high expectations and provide support and opportunities for our students to reach those high expectations what I am continuing to learn is that for some students their immediate needs will take presidents learning objectives and then empathy and kindness will go a long way always with all students there was a student I had a few years back that would come into class and put his head down and it seemed like you wanted to join but then he didn't and sometimes he would say hi and sometimes he didn't eventually he began to put his head up and then answer some questions and then some more it was still touch-and-go but we ended the year in a much better place a couple of years ago he wrote me a letter and I want to share part of that with you he says thank you for never giving up on me no matter how stubborn I was and thank you for always believing in me I hope you know the little things you do for people make a big difference I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet but I have options I love that teachers it's the little things that you do every day in this time of uncertainty teachers you are working hard and learning technology with a ptosis health and our admin and everyone in our school like a never before Google classroom Google me edpuzzle Lu sketchpad J M Ward the list goes on you are finding creative ways to connect with students keeping them learning giving them hope teachers this poem is for you thanks for all that you do for making a million little split-second decisions for the benefit of your students for putting your own needs on hold in keeping them and keeping them the focus of your day for planning for them long before today ever got rolling for changing those plans because they didn't fit someone who needed a little extra for smiling laughing with them and measuring their efforts trials and mistakes and reassuring their efforts trials and mistakes for placing your hand on a shoulder that was exactly what someone needed for getting down on the physical level of your students because it matters for thinking of a new way to reach someone who wasn't getting it you matter yes you matter unknown you guys are superheroes teachers you make a difference every day don't ever forget how awesome you are and how much you matter to your students thank you okay everybody take your mute off and let's apply oh thank you so much before Melissa comes up Korea which easy mrs.
Wilson to go ahead and call the roll again Laurie would mr. Reid car I am still here miss you daddy Santa Cruz I'm still here mr. president all board members are present you have a quorum so we call the meeting to order and we're at item five and five point zero one appreciation week proclamation dr. McCord you you dr. santa cruz governing board members as you know this is teacher appreciation week and we want to make sure that our certified staff our teachers know that we care about them and we want to dedicate this week to them and so it's actually appreciation day as well so we have a proclamation that we would like to extend to our certified staff and our community and dr. Santa Cruz who would would you like to read this or would you like me to read this I'll defer to you dr.
gracias por todo thank you so much for all you've done and I don't think thank you hey miss Simms you said you were a superstar Elementary you're still a superstar the congratulations board members would you like to have input board member kruseman's on us sure that was I'm that was very I'm touching and heartfelt and just thank you thank you for your dedication to our students board member Rodriguez Pena yes I wanted to thank congratulate all the teachers that receive the Teacher of the Year awards in this hard times doing district distant learning and I do appreciate the hard work and dedication but I kind of like that the way we get a day with the videos because you know we actually seen what they did we always hear what they're doing when we're having to assembly or the ceremony but I like I like to see them at their school siting and what they're doing in their school site and it is it's very touching touching seeing them interact with their students and interact with their parents and their peers but um Maria yeah I want to congratulate you that was beautiful yeah very helpful and I know that all the teachers in a USB I hear and I see the passion so I really I really like this video on it and I think they don't want to congratulate you for being the district Teacher of the Year 2019 2020 congratulations board member group yeah first just congratulations to all the incredible teachers and yet as board member Rodriguez painter said beautiful to see them all in there and the element doing doing the things that that they do so well mr.
McCord thank you here's Proclamation we're ads to make public schools great and we're as teachers work to open students minds to ideas knowledge and dreams and whereas teachers keep American democracy alive by laying the foundation for good citizenship and whereas teachers fill many roles as listeners explorers role models motivators mentors and whereas teachers continue to influence us long after school days our only memories therefore the governing board and superintendent of Guilford Public Schools do hereby proclaim Teacher Appreciation Week May 1st through 8th and May 5th today as national teacher day Thank You dr. McCord and we congratulate our teachers you are heroes in this very very difficult time period remembers anything to add I'd like to add something dr. Santa Cruz I think that our teachers have done an outstanding exceptional amazing job under these very trying circumstances and I've heard so many positive comments from parents about how the teachers have gone out of their way and you know having to learn how to teach over the you know the internet in just such a short time is just unbelievable and the connections that they have still been able to keep with their children it's so meaningful and so I think every year for the last 49 I've been appreciative of teachers probably longer than that but I think this year more than any we really need to applaud what our teachers have done because they have been just truly amazing thank you mr.
Sims this is I'm absolutely beautiful I'm absolutely moved thank you for being a tremendous example of tenacity and passion and determination the the just a kind of example to think that the the young people have have had you had you as an example to look to and to look at their own goals and their own hopes and their own G dreams and see that that it's possible to get there regardless of the different hoops and obstacles that will inevitably you know come come before them just thank you for for the life that you live the way that you live it in front of the young people here in this district and in this community just thank you so much miss Maria Sims I want to congratulate you for an outstanding job staying during lunch and for you just to make yourself available outside your hour times really speaks volume of who you are it it makes me very happy to see you as Teacher of the Year and when you shared the about your parents go to first grade and or second grade and fourth grade it really touched me because you know look at you you have definitely lived the dreams that your parents wanted you to drink to dream here and to actually take action here by coming from Mexico that's amazing it's amazing that connection you have with your students and you know it just takes a connection to that student who's putting their head down to engage them for them to participate out of their shell and it takes one teacher to believe in them one teacher for them to be able to just love education so I thank you for your extra time for who you are and your contribution to this district and we're very lucky to have you thank you thank you and I'd like to just top off everybody and say what a wonderful job in your poem was beautiful and it means so much to everybody because I agree with you you all don't get the qudoos you deserve for everything that you do and all the little things that you do for all of our students I was one of those students that would occasionally put their head down and it did take a good teacher and it made a difference so I'm tearing up here so thank you very much for all you do for us in our students and all of the teachers that were shown us tonight and just thank you it's times like if I make my face search okay well thank you and anybody Madam President I have one more person that wants to recognize our district Teacher of the Year Melissa Alcantar is a partner with the foothill credit union when i'm the relationship that the district has with the foothill credit union and miss akhantar is here ready to present Miss Smith sympathy with something special so I'm again hello hear me sorry this is my first income yes thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this celebration I just I'm happy to be here on behalf of foothill credit union and especially at a time like this to be able just to show support and spread some joy around we definitely want to be there for the community and for our school districts and their employees so on behalf of Foothill I am happy to show some support and present our $100 check for the Azusa Teacher of the Year myth Sims and recognition of your excellence in the classroom so I have your contact information so I'll be reaching out to you to see how you would like your cheque delivered but congratulations and just thank you for everything that you're doing keep up the good work thank you thank you so much Melissa we really appreciate your support over the years it makes it touches our heart thank you mm-hmm yes thank you okay any more comments from anybody y'all did a great job by the way this actually went by happened very well Oh dr.
Chetty any other board members giant men and just to echo the comments have been made I have been very pleased and appreciative of how many people have made comments about how how this has situation we're in right now has made them appreciate more than ever what what teachers do I think we have a community that has has always appreciated this teachers but I think that appreciation level is at the highest that's ever been and I would just like to say to every teacher thank you for what you do and thank you for your service thank you for the way you serve families and our children Thank You mr. Carr miss Tom freeze yes I'd be happy to add to that I really really appreciate all that I our teachers have done and I really appreciate the fact that we already had technology in place to help them but I know they've had to learn a lot even in the last few weeks to be able to carry on with the online learning so hopefully we'll get to plan and open schools in August and be back in the classroom maybe under some little different circumstances but I know that both teachers and students are really looking forward to that just add to what everyone has said but how appreciative I am of the teachers for the way they care for our students a way that they motivate and inspire them and for the way that they're trying to learn and grow and improve always in what they do because because they want to give the best education that they can to each of our students and just grateful for them for the staffs and the principals as well that help help them each day do their work thank you Miss wood and so the proclamation is affirmed by this governing board on this Appreciation Day and this teacher appreciation week move to item five zero two school nurses Proclamation knocked in the car thank you doctor Santa Cruz governing board member today is national teacher day but tomorrow is national school nurse day may sing the theme this year school nurses supporting students in times of crisis the proclamation states where as students are the future and by investing in them today we are ensuring our world for tomorrow and whereas families deserve to feel confident that their children will be cared for when they are not at school and whereas all students have a right their physical and mental health needs safely met while in the school setting and whereas students today fades more complex and life-threatening health problems requiring care in school and whereas the köppen 19 pandemic has emphasized the essential role of school nurses play in student health and academic success and whereas school nurses have served a critical role in improving public health and in in ensuring students academics best for more than a hundred years and whereas school nurses address the home and community here's where school nurses act as liaison to the school community families health care providers on behalf of the children's health by promoting wellness and improved me health outcomes for our nation's children and whereas school nurses support the health and educational success of children and youth by provide access to care when children's cognitive development is at its peak and whereas school nurses are members of the school-based teams to address the school population and whereas school nurses understand the link between health and learning and are in a position to make positive differences for children every single day therefore be it resolved that the National Association of school nurses celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments of school nurses everywhere and there efforts of meeting the needs of today's students by improving the delivery of health care in our schools and offer gratitude for the nation's school nurses who contribute to our local communities by helping students stay healthy in school ready to learn keeping parents and great guardians effort not just on the national school nurse day but every opportunity throughout the air therefore the governing board and superintendent Gilbert public schools do hereby proclaim May 6 as school Thursday thank you dr.
Gomez is no longer with us I wanted to just add one thing that I forgot to say I agree with my colleague board member Yolanda Rodriguez Pena that the video added an extra touch to see them in action in their classroom with the parents and what they do so I really like that this year that we were able to see all that so thank you for whoever put it together as most things it was a team effort they started off with an idea and then the principals and their assistant principals and staff really did the hard work I do have to give them a shout-out because some of them were stretched in ways that didn't know I mean dude had learned how to create a video and just has wonderful educators do they want to put forward their best or our very best and then it was Lika and Sam that helped string it all together and put it in the format that we were able to be today so like I said it was a team effort wonderful wonderful way to celebrate our teachers through this distance remote work or learning work Thank You principal we said that we're all learning something new and this is new and we like it you know we like what they're doing in and I appreciate the principles you know if the teachers have to learn something new where you need to learn something new and the principals have to learn something new so we're all in the same village right so I like that yeah hopefully we can do that all the time I don't know I and I received tons of text messages do your speech so the entire staff is in tears shout out to the Aztec staff a happy teacher appreciation day a happy Cinco de Mayo uh happy as staff appreciation week oh great job and again district and team thank you for all that you do members you guys Rock and another shot Smith Sims yeah see the mama since so it's 8:25 and enlisted me but he has anything else to say they'll call it is adjournment good thank you this has been the shortest one thank you guys for everything again cards yes thank you enjoy the rest of your week
McCord and echoing the sentiment school nurses especially in this day and age Kovach 19 notwithstanding but even dealing with young students trauma of all types and to them to school staffs as well you are very much appreciated and we wish you well on teeth on nurses Appreciation Day which is May sick board members anything to say dr. santa cruz i just want to echo that i really nurses are important and it's not just band-aids and tylenol then we have a lot of students with very complicated health issues and they are there to take care of them make sure they get their needs met and as well as our staff if something would happen with the staff member so they are very important um pretty doctor santa cruz i i would like to echo that and i think that everything that was in the proclamation is so true and I think that probably we're going to be more appreciative of men in the months to come dr.
Santa Cruz thank you I just want to thank our school nurses for the valuable work that you do each day and I am also thankful that we have many school nurses at our campuses that we've been able to keep them they've been an integral part of success of our students and I'm glad that we can have those as qualified nurses at our campuses thank you Miss wood mr. Carr would echo the sentiment that's been expressed and and I think as Miss wood just commented I was going to say the same thing we hope that our school nurses know how much we appreciate them I think this board has gone to great lengths to make sure that we keep nurses even when many other districts have we've had to pare back and pursue other alternatives we hope that sends a message to our nurses how much we value them but we also personally say thank you Thank You mr.