EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

Monticello School Isabel Karim has been an English Language instructional aide since 1999 in Jefferson School District. Dubbed our “ Unsung Hero ”, Isabel goes above and beyond her daily job requirements with her EL student population, our Monticello staff, and our EL parents. She never says no when children are involved, and puts many hours in above and beyond her daily work schedule to assist her students to success. Although Isabel has a very quiet demeanor, her input to our school is invaluable. Isabel is a treasured member of our school community.

Monticello School Susan Petrucelli has taught grades Kindergarten through fourth in the Jefferson School District for 24 years. She is an exemplary teacher who implements ideas that assist each student to achieve at their maximum potential. Susan has established positive relationships with her students, parents, and staff. She is diplomatic, honest, and positive. Her positive attitude impacts the students that she teaches. She assists whenever needed, whether it be a curriculum adoption team, School Site Council Representative, BTSA Provider, or teaching Homework Club. Susan is an invaluable member of our school community

Jefferson School Manuel Rodriguez is the glue that holds Jefferson together. He is always ready to do whatever is necessary. Whether it is catching a group of stray kittens, cleaning up after a student who got sick in the classroom, collecting balls from the roof, Manuel does it with a smile. Manuel is someone that would rather forget the work orders and just get the job done when the problem arises. Often times he works twice as hard to get his day-to-day tasks completed and then gets all of the extras done as well. One of the nominators stated, “ Our campus is clean, both from an aesthetic and a healthy viewpoint. ” This encourages staff and students to take pride in our environment. His attitude encourages us all to stay positive.

Jefferson School Ryan Freitas is an individual that inspires the best in everyone around him. When you walk into his classroom you immediately get the sense that the classroom is a team. In Ryan ’ s class, the students and teacher work together to ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, supported and successful. When students arrive in room 4 they learn quickly that learning can and should be fun. Mr. Freitas enjoys making instruction into games or competitions that students buy into. He prides himself on getting to know each child individually and helps them embrace their individuality. At the end of each year, his award ’ s ceremony for students is very special; he gives a personal award to each child. If you ask any of Ryan ’ s current or former students what they think of him they will reply, “ Freitas is the greatest! ”

Hawkins School Nena Serrato helped open Tom Hawkins School 10 years ago, in the year She worked hard to keep up with the high demands of opening a new school while getting to know everyone and meeting their needs. She continues to be a great support to all staff, students, and parents. Mrs. Serrato is patient, friendly, and nurturing. She is also helpful and professional in assisting staff or parents. Mrs. Serrato is very efficient, well organized, and an expert at multi-tasking. She takes on any duty asked of her in a cheerful and positive manner. She takes great pride in her work and ability to be helpful. Her knowledge of a second language is invaluable. Mrs. Serrato ’ s cheerfulness is a welcome and contagious attitude in the school office and everywhere on campus. She truly makes Hawkins a better place.

Hawkins School Krista Beltran has taught at Hawkins School for the last six years. She has been a true leader, innovator, and exemplary teacher all six years. She is an inspiring teacher both to her students and for other teachers as well. Ms. Beltran has a fabulous rapport with her students that motivates them to excel. She makes sure she gets to know her students well and also makes herself available to conference with students when they need support socially or academically. Ms. Beltran is the Student Council Advisor and has developed the leadership program at Hawkins School to be very successful as it benefits the entire school. She runs the girls book club after school, serves on the District Technology committee, has piloted new core curriculum, has trained to institute the Second Step character education program, and will become a teacher consultant for the Great Valley Writing Project after her Summer Fellowship this summer. Ms Beltran incorporates advanced technology into her lessons and increases the effectiveness of interactive notebooks with new ideas that help students succeed. She encourages other teachers and students to use technology as much as possible.

Traina School Congratulations to Head Custodian, Agustin Melchor, who has been selected as the Anthony Traina School Classified Employee of the Year. He always greets the staff with a smile and a "hello ”. He never complains about helping out staff members when they have a problem. He treats staff members with respect. He is very kind and humble and he always has a positive "can do" attitude. Agustin is a hard working team player that leads by example. Agustin pays particular attention to keeping our campus safe for both students and staff. He takes a great deal of pride in his work. "He is Superman."

Traina School Congratulations to 8th grade teacher, Alyssa Wooten, who has been selected as the Anthony Traina School Certificated Employee of the Year. Alyssa is a true example of a committed, dedicated teacher. She is a great role model and leader that really connects with her students. She is friendly and always positive. She is a very caring and involved 8th grade teacher. She has a giving heart and a wonderful personality. Alyssa is highly motivated, has great ideas and follow through. She has high expectations of her students and herself. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for both students and fellow staff members.

District Jose Sanchez came to JSD He has worked with us as a custodian before accepting the position of Landscaper and Groundskeeper. Jose has always taken on a task with a positive attitude and smiles all the way through it. You can see him on any given day riding a mower keeping our schools looking their best. Our campuses have taken on a more manicured look this past year and we are proud of what he has accomplished in a short amount of time. Jose has helped create a safe and clean environment for all our students. Jose maintains a “ can do ” attitude.