These are examples of the fine accomplishments occurring at our schools every day. 

STUDENT RECOGNITION

These are examples of the fine accomplishments occurring at our schools every day. 

· Julia Brown, Bernardo Heights Middle School eighth grader, qualified for the 2006 National Spelling Bee after capturing the San Diego County Spelling Bee title in March. Julia made it all the way to the fifth round of the National Bee in Washington, D.C. The words Julie has spelled correctly orally were kurgan, relevancy, and balopticon. There were 25 words that made up the written round. Julia spelled all 25 correctly. A sampling of those words were: banally, derogatory, precedent, basmati, lycanthropy, succussatory, olio, scopolamine, Capharnaum, and sprachgefuhl. 

· Justin Scheid, Westview High School sophomore, won the 2005-2006 National PTA Award of Excellence and the 2005-2006 State PTA Award of Excellence for his Reflections musical composition titled I Wonder.  

· Tony Kim, Rancho Bernardo High School senior, won the 2005-2006 State PTA Award of Excellence for his Reflections visual arts project I Wonder why so many catastrophic events are happening? 

· Three PUSD students have been recognized as 2007 Jacobs Scholars to the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering:  David Govea, Westview High School, in Engineering Physics; Brian Lao, Westview High School, in Bioengineering; and Sara Richardson, Mt. Carmel High School, in Bioengineering. 

· Janis Yue, sixth grader at Meadowbrook Middle School, took first place in the San Diego State University Black History Month 2006 essay contest.  The theme of the contest was “Looking into the Future by Honoring the Past.”   

· Taylor Yi, a junior at Westview High School, is one of 20 top high school chemistry students in the country who will be competing for a spot on the four-person U.S. team for the International Chemistry Olympiad.  Taylor, a finalist last year, will attend a two-week study camp at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  

· Nine students who received top scores in the National Chemistry Exam from San Diego County were honored at the American Chemical Society’s Education Banquet at the University of San Diego on June 3, 2006. The students recognized from Poway Unified were Westview High School juniors Taylor Yi, Linda Ge, and Kevin Li; Rancho Bernardo High School sophomore Roscoe Huo and junior Neeraj Sathnur; and Mt. Carmel High School sophomore Monique Wolfe. 

· Rancho Bernardo High School freshman Haochi Shi has been judged the top ninth-grader in the United States Chess Federation’s Western States Single Grade Scholastic Chess Championship this spring in Ventura.  Haochi also took first place in the San Diego Chess Club’s winter and spring scholastic championships this year in Balboa Park.  In addition, he is an American Mathematics Competition school champion.  

· Liz Caramante, seventh grader at Oak Valley Middle School, received second place in the Character Matters Essay Contest sponsored by University of San Diego’s Character Development Center.   

· James Willis, Westview High School sophomore, will attend the Presidential Classroom Future World Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., in July. Participants will explore international relations, diplomacy, and the changing world economy. 

· The San Diego Charger Foundation selected Taylor Yi, Westview High School junior, as a 2006 Charger Champion was  honored May 15 at the Hotel Del Coronado.  Each of the 16 winners receives $7000 and a Sony laptop computer. 

· Girish Nanjundiah, Mt. Carmel High School senior, won the 2006 San Diego Youth Symphony Concerto Competition earning a $650 scholarship provided by the Advocates for Classical Music plus the honor of being able to perform with the San Diego Youth Symphony on June 4 at Copley Symphony Hall. 

· Isabelle Germar, Meadowbrook Middle School eighth grader, has become the California State Champion for Scholastic Challenge 2006.  This year the American Scholastic Achievement League competition involved over 26,000 very knowledgeable students from American schools worldwide.  Meadowbrook had 58 students take the test and 53 scored above the national average. 

· The Black Mountain Middle School team placed second in the Science Olympiad State Championships.  The team members are eighth graders Loic Anderegg, Andy Brock, Denise Doan, Shuyang Fang, Jamie Ferguson, Andy Frey, Andrea Ito, Bonnie Jiang, Alice Main, Chris Mallec, Katherine Shimei, Christine Sun, Elmer Pres Urbano, Chester Yao, and seventh grader Dave Schmidt. 

· Seniors Naomi Serling-Boyd of Mt. Carmel, Kristine Carrasco of Poway High, and Stacey King of Westview High School were recipients of the Most Valuable Staffer Awards from the San Diego Union Tribune recognizing journalism students making a major contribution toward the successful production of their individual school newspapers. 

· Jacob Diaz, sixth grader at Oak Valley Middle School, received the Pieter Koonings Memorial Scholarship, which entitles him to attend a two-week camp at Jameson Ranch Camp in Glennville, CA. 

· Rancho Bernardo High School DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America, an Association of Marketing Students) members Spencer Breidenbach (sophomore), Brice Colton (sophomore), Chris Condron (sophomore), Emily Hsu (sophomore), Eugenia Lyakhova (junior), Harold Myer (senior), Ryan Phan (sophomore), Robert Ozeroff (junior), and Matthew Whitten (sophomore) competed at the International Career Development Conference in Dallas.  DECA is a business-marketing club that strives to educate its members about marketing, entrepreneurship, and general business strategies. 

· Isabelle Germar, Meadowbrook Middle School eighth grader, is the California State Champion for Scholastic Challenge 2006.  This year the American Scholastic Achievement League competition involved over 26,000 very knowledgeable students, including 58 students from Meadowbrook, with 53 of them scoring above the national average. 

· Tristyn Summers, Westview High School sophomore, took part in the opening ceremonies for the FIFA World Cup Soccer Games in Kirchheim, Germany. She and her San Diego Strikers Soccer Club teammates took part in the opening ceremonies. Tristyn carried the black box holding a gold coin out onto the field for the coin toss. 

· Nicholas Chambers, Rancho Bernardo High School junior, will be attending the Presidential Classroom’s “National Security in Democracy” program in Washington, D.C., in July. The program provides students with an extensive look into the National Security process, from diplomacy to bio-terrorism and the role of private contractors. 

·  At a regional robotics competition, Poway High School Regional Occupational Program students won the Underwriters Laboratories Industrial Safety Award, which recognized the team's innovative ways to eliminate or protect against hazards while operating such machinery.  Participating ROP students include Poway High students Joe Abremski (sophomore), Ashley Alexander (senior), Matt Bonnet (senior), Scott Briscoe (senior), Greg Del Castillo (senior), Alex DiMarzo (senior), Clark Heckman (junior), Michael Henry (senior), Matt Howard (junior), Zack Mullenger (freshman),  Tanya Patterson (freshman), Tony Shafer (junior), Nick Shumante (sophomore), Nick Stark (sophomore), Alex Swaisgood (freshman), Kyle Zampell (sophomore), and Rancho Bernardo senior Michele Blinco.  Their instructor is Rodger Dohm. 

· The Poway High School Die Lieders choir scored First Place out of 18 choirs at the Heritage National Invitational Choral Festival of Gold in San Francisco.  The choir members are Allison Barnes (junior), Gary Barnes (sophomore), Jaclyn Burt (junior), Todd Cantu (senior), Katrina Chludzinski (senior), Erin Dauphine (senior), Ryan Davidson (junior), David Dransfield (senior), Amanda Eldreth (junior), Abigail Frisch (junior), Marquel Gerson (sophomore), Rebekah Helms (senior), Karen Hoey (senior), Jason Jensen (senior), Alisha Kassel (senior), Chase Kassel (sophomore), Gregory Katakalidis (junior), Olivia Korte (senior), Matthew Kumar (senior), Benjamin Rollins (senior), Chris Rossio (junior), Conor Tibbs (junior), Marshall Voit (senior), and Laura Wood (senior).  Their director is Nancy Gray.  

· Jeff Schwab, Poway High School junior, was awarded Best Dramatic Actor at the San Diego Shakespeare Society Festival for his portrayal of Hamlet.  The Poway High School Theater Arts Group received the Festival’s Most Outstanding Dramatic Scene award.  Rollin Swain is the drama instructor. 

· John Paruleski, Poway High School senior, placed second in the Parts Plus Challenge section of the Cuyamaca College Skills Day Competition.  Finishing second in the basic competition was the team of Poway High students Brandon Pennington (sophomore) and Tyler Lanz (junior).  Poway High juniors Garrett Campanella and Brandon Blom were the third place team.  Their instructor is Ken Faverty. 

· Ten elementary schools participated in the Greater San Diego Math Council Elementary Math Field Day on May 18, 2006.  There were over 300 fourth and fifth grade students from 36 schools in San Diego County that participated in the event.  Below is a list of those students from PUSD and where they placed in their event.   

Sudoku - Fifth Grade
First Place - Roger Ouyang, Adobe Bluffs Elementary School **Perfect Score**
Second Place - Brian Schwedock, Creekside Elementary School
Fourth Place - Rou Yen, Turtleback Elementary School
Fifth Place - Colleen Adams, Valley Elementary School 

Heads-up – Fifth Grade
First Place - Eddie Kim, Westwood Elementary School 

Math Wizardry - Fifth Grade
Second Place - Shraman Ray Chaudhuri, Shoal Creek Elementary School
Third Place - Brian Boggs, Creekside Elementary School

Mental Math - Fifth Grade
Third Place - Alex Dyer, Adobe Bluffs Elementary School
Fifth Place - Nithish Arunkumar, Stone Ranch Elementary School 

Luck or Logic - Fifth Grade
Third Place - Ian Lim, Creekside Elementary School 

Math Wizardry - Fourth Grade
First Place - Vincent Yao, Creekside Elementary School 

Digit Deal - Fourth Grade
First Place - John Hong, Turtleback Elementary School 

Mental Math - Fourth Grade
First Place - Ashwinlal Sreelal, Creekside Elementary School
Second Place - Leeav Nagola, Westwood Elementary School 

Crafty Calculator - Fourth Grade
First Place - Ajay Nathan, Morning Creek Elementary School
Second Place - Jessica Chen, Westwood Elementary School
Fourth Place - Christina Cheng, Stone Ranch Elementary School 

Sudoku - Fourth Grade
Third Place - Eric Overton, Valley Elementary School
Fourth Place - Karen Ding, Stone Ranch Elementary School
Fifth Place - Travis Nguyen, Morning Creek Elementary School

STAFF RECOGNITION 

· The Palomar Council PTA/PTSA presented the 2005-2006 distinguished awards for service to children at its annual meeting on May 24, 2006. The following persons received this recognition: 

Ann Guinn, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education
Golden Oak Service Award 

Andy Patapow, PUSD Board of Education member
Honorary Service Award 

Kathy Frost, Citizens’ Oversight Committee past-president and PTA president
Honorary Service Award 

· Jerry Leininger, Westview High School principal, was chosen to receive the prestigious California Interscholastic Federation CIF-San Diego Section Life Pass, based upon his significant contributions to the organization. 

· José Campo, wrestling coach at Mt. Carmel High School, has been inducted into the 2006 Class of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame located at the University of Oklahoma.  Criteria for the award is a combination of coaching ability and record, as well as contributions to the sport itself during his 30-years of coaching. 

· Monique Lamphiere-Tamayoshi, Mt. Carmel High School English teacher, has been selected the 2005-2006 Coach of the Year in Gymnastics for the State of California by the California Coaches Association.  This honor recognizes Monique’s coaching record, longevity, and contribution to the sport as a whole. 

· Greg Mizel, Mesa Verde Middle School principal, was awarded Outstanding Middle School Administrator for the California Music Educators Association-Southern Border Section. 

· The Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF) will recognize Lynne Harvey, fifth grade teacher at Rolling Hills Elementary, at the CFF Innovation in Education Awards event on May 25.  She is receiving the Inspiration Award for her research and work with her students on real-time scientific activities with Falcon Watch 2006. 

· Marycay Densmore, 7/8 grade teacher at Mesa Verde Middle School, will receive Honorable Mention for her Video Conferencing in the Classroom program from the Classroom of the Future Foundation. 

· Stacy Vinge, Literacy Specialist at Valley Elementary School, will represent PUSD on May 19 and receive a Greater San Diego Reading Association Award for Excellence in Teaching and Promoting Literacy for her work with Valley staff to develop a standards-based alignment of content, assessment, resources, and instruction.  Her work is also recognized for advancing this effort throughout the district. 

· Deborah Kraus, Sunset Hills fifth grade teacher, has been chosen by the Greater San Diego Mathematics Council to receive its award for Outstanding Classroom Mathematics Teacher for the Upper Elementary Level at the organization’s Annual Recognition Banquet on May 24. 

· Joy Leinow, Student Support Services Teacher on Special Assignment, presented a workshop on “Character Education” at the PTA Ninth District Summer Leadership Conference on June 10 at the University of San Diego. 

· Dan Lopez, Ed.D., was honored by KYXY Radio and Point Loma Nazarene University with their Prize Principal of the Month Award for May of 2006.  Nominations are accepted for the Prize Principal Award in order to acknowledge the men and women that govern San Diego schools (grades K-12).  Dr. Lopez was nominated by a student and parent of Abraxas High School.  He received a beautiful plaque, lunch for 40 at Outback Steakhouse, and a one in nine chance for a trip for two to Maui. 

· Melissa Moreau, Black Mountain Middle School music teacher, was honored with a San Diego Educational Theatre Association’s Bravissimo Choice Award for 2005-2006 at the La Jolla Playhouse on June 7 in recognition of excellence in theatre education. 

· Sharon Raffer, Director of Communications presented a workshop to PTA countywide leaders about “How to Showcase Your Successes for TV and Newspapers” at the PTA Ninth District Summer Leadership Conference on June 10 at the University of San Diego. 

DISTRICT RECOGNITION 

· Two elementary schools have been selected as 2006 California Distinguished Schools and one elementary school was awarded honorable mention.  To compete for the awards, schools were required to meet California Department of Education eligibility standards for student performance, and submit a detailed 26-page application based on the best practices of exemplary schools.  Each school was required to cite evidence of standards and accountability, effective instructional practices, support for student learning, a well-organized curriculum, integration of technology, safe schools, and parent and community support.  State review teams spent a day at each of the qualifying schools where they met with teachers, classified staff, parents, and students.  The statewide recognition ceremony is scheduled for May 26 in Anaheim.  The following schools have been recognized: 

Adobe Bluffs Elementary School      2006 California Distinguished School
Morning Creek Elementary School   2006 California Distinguished School
Deer Canyon Elementary School      Honorable Mention 

· Meadowbrook Middle School received the 2006 Innovative Video in Education Awards (iVIE) for their video Spring Fever, a one-minute San Diego Environmental Service Department Public Service Announcement explaining the need to recycle yard waste.  Teachers Joe Gizzo (video shots) and Joe Ismay (video and editing) worked with seventh grader Jack Green, the star of the video.  Jack received the award at the Spreckels Theatre on May 16. 

· Poway Unified School District has been selected as a winner of the Project-in-Design Award of Excellence for Del Sur Elementary as part of the 2006 Leroy F. Greene Design Awards by California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing. NTDStichler is the architect and led a design process called ESQUISSE (from a French word meaning to sketch out loud) involving school staff, community representatives, parents, and students along with the architects.  Discussions centered on how the facility could enhance student learning. Draft sketches were produced that reflected the eventual design of the school. 

· Meadowbrook Middle School Rhythm in Blue Show Choir performed in the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on May 10 at an annual ceremony honoring officers who have been killed in the line of duty from the local police departments, the county sheriff's department, state agencies such as the highway patrol, and federal agencies such as the border patrol. 

· Rancho Bernardo High School received the 2006 Innovative Video in Education Awards (iVIE) Red Eye Award for their video Camera Movement and Creative Techniques. Ross Kallen is the instructor and   the student award went to Team James Woo.  

· The results of the American Chemical Association (ACS) Chemistry Olympiad are as follows:

Division I (students with one year of chemistry)
     First Place – Rancho Bernardo High School
     Third Place – Poway High School

Division II (students with more than one year of chemistry)
     First Place – Westview High School
     Second Place – Rancho Bernardo High School
     Third Place – Poway High School

 Division I – Top pair performances
     Second Place: Julie Gill (Rancho Bernardo High School sophomore) and
     Derek Wung (Rancho Bernardo High School senior)

Division II – top pair performances
     First Place: Linda Ge and Taylor Yi (Westview High School juniors)
     Second Place: Emily Hulme and Tim Scheffelin (Poway High School juniors) 

· The following elementary schools participated in this spring’s Jump Rope For Heart fundraising event to support the American Heart Association.  Adobe Bluffs Elementary School received special recognition from the organization for their fundraising efforts. 

Adobe Bluffs Elementary School $16,130
Pomerado Elementary School $490
Shoal Creek Elementary School $5,251
Stone Ranch Elementary School $1,843
Sundance Elementary School $1,297
Sunset Hills Elementary School $906
Tierra Bonita Elementary School $5,634
Valley Elementary School $1,200
Westwood Elementary School $225 

· The County of San Diego Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program recognized Poway Unified School District for its continued dedication to the health and well-being of our students by achieving high compliance with the State of California requirement of first grade school entry health checkups. Poway Unified reached 96% school compliance on first grade school entry health screenings during the 2005-2006 school year. 

· Palomar Council PTA/PTSAs received State and Ninth District recognition for 2005-2006.  The awards include: 

State PTA MY PTSA Award
Park Village Elementary School PTA – recognized for advocacy

Ninth District Newsletter Awards – Outstanding Coverage of PTA Purposes
Deer Canyon Elementary School PTA, Parent Education, “Developing Responsibility”
Los Peñasquitos Elementary School PTA, Community Concerns, “Internet Safety”
Morning Creek Elementary School PTA, Parent Education, “Holiday Gifts to Children”
Oak Valley Middle School PTSA, Art Education, “Art Corps”
Park Village Elementary School PTA, Legislation, “November Bill Ballot Issues”
Shoal Creek Elementary School PTA, Children’s Contributions, “Second Grade Artwork” 

Ninth District Newsletter Awards – Excellence Coverage of PTA Purposes
Canyon View Elementary School PTA, Legislation, “Prop 76”
Pomerado Elementary School PTA, Community Concerns, “Caring Coins and Gift Cards”
Rancho Bernardo High School PTA, Education
Westwood Elementary School PTA, Education, “Mentoring Program” 

Honorable Mention:
Adobe Bluffs Elementary School PTA
haparral Elementary School PTA
Garden Road Elementary School PTA
Rolling Hills Elementary School PTA
Palomar Council PTA

Ninth District PTA Program Books
Westview High School PTSA, Best Program Book Overall
Deer Canyon Elementary School (Finalist), Outstanding Elementary
Mesa Verde Middle School (Winner), Outstanding Middle
Westview High School (Winner), Outstanding High
Palomar Council (Winner), Outstanding Council Program Book

Program Books “Collaborators Award”
Adobe Bluffs Elementary School
Canyon View Elementary School
Chaparral Elementary School
Deer Canyon Elementary School
Highland Ranch Elementary School
Meadowbrook Middle School
Midland Elementary School
Morning Creek Elementary School
Oak Valley Middle School
Painted Rock Elementary School
Park Village Elementary School
Poway High School
Rancho Bernardo High School
Rolling Hills Elementary School
Shoal Creek Elementary School
Sunset Hills Elementary School
Twin Peaks Middle School
Turtleback Elementary School
Valley Elementary School
Westview High School
Westwood Elementary School

POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR 2006-2007:  MELINDA TURNWALL AND TERRI HORAN 

Each year the San Diego County Office of Education sponsors a Classified Employee of the Year recognition program honoring embers of the classified service for their outstanding contributions to school districts.  Prior to county submission, the district conducts its own selection process.  This year PUSD sites and departments were asked to submit names to committee members, one representing district departments and the other representing school sites.  The committee members make the final selection by judging the nominees based on work performance, community achievements, and contributions to the betterment of the school district. 

Poway Unified School District's Classified Employees for 2006-2007 are Melinda Turnwall and Terri Horan.  Only one name could be forwarded on to the County, and we are pleased that Melinda Turnwall is Poway Unified's selection to represent the District at the County level.  

Melinda Turnwall, PUSD School Bus Driver, Transportation Department

 Making a difference is a way of life for Melinda Turnwall.  Whether helping a child start the school day with a smile, mentoring the newest employee in the Transportation Department, or helping young people navigate through their teenage years, Melinda brings compassion and insight to her work with others.

 Melinda worked for the school district as a bus driver for the past six years.  During that time she distinguished herself as a dedicated employee who always acts in the best interests of the children she transports.  At the same time, Melinda has looked for other ways in which she could improve the working environment of her fellow employees.  She volunteered for numerous additional responsibilities throughout the Transportation Department, including being a mentor for new drivers, and serving as a member of the Safety and Sunshine Committees.  Currently Melinda represents the interests of her fellow drivers in monthly meetings and annual contract negotiations as union steward. 

In addition to her active involvement on the job, Melinda has made significant contributions to the community through her involvement in school and church activities.  She served as Mt. Carmel High School PTSA (Parent, Teacher, and Student Association) President and as both the chair and co-chair of Mt. Carmel Grad Night festivities, even beyond the years when her children graduated.  Melinda has been very involved in youth programs at her church as well as with quilting projects for the elderly and the ill.  She has also been active in Boy Scouts and has helped prepare humanitarian relief kits for Third World countries. 

“Melinda is always willing to help her fellow employees,” said a colleague.  “The Transportation Department is a better place to work because of her insight and the many hours she donates to the department.” 

Tim Purvis, PUSD Director of Transportation, said, “Having had the pleasure to work with and observe hundreds of drivers in my career, Melinda truly embodies both the competence and caring dedication that we strive for in all our school bus drivers.  She is a 'class' act, always professional, polite, courteous, and deeply cares for her students, co-workers, and our organization.” 

Terri Horan, Instructional Aide, Special Education, Deer Canyon Elementary School 

Terri Horan’s dedication to the students she works with every day, as well as her enthusiasm and ability, has garnered the admiration and respect of the school community.

“If I could bottle her, clone her, or in some way duplicate her, I would,” said Earl Scull, Deer Canyon Elementary School principal.  “Terri is the best in an environment where the best is needed.” 

Terri joined the Poway Unified School District in 2004 as an aide in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) preschool class.  Her energy and enthusiasm are boundless and a perfect match for these very active youngsters. 

Terri’s positive attitude and love of children is evident in everything she does.  Her students are nonverbal and rely on visual input to derive meaning.  Terri’s active, animated, and loving support is exactly what they need.  Whether she is toileting, diapering, feeding, or dealing with behaviors, she always has a smile and positive praise. 

Within the classroom, Terri willingly takes the lead in music and calendar, in the play area, and in preparation of materials.  She is always an advocate for her preschool children.  She is hands on: modifying materials and furniture to adapt them for her students. 

It is not uncommon to see Terri interacting in playground activities or going down the slide with a student to help engage them in play.  She can also be seen in the halls using behavioral strategies to help students regain control of their behavior. 

Terri has become well-versed in the methodologies used to support children with autism, planning and preparing with the lead teacher, and modeling for the other aides in the class.  Other staff members look to her for guidance and instruction when there is a question or concern.  Terri can always be counted on to help make sure the classroom operates as students are accustomed to and helps provide a safe and consistent learning environment for the youngsters. 

“Everyone at Deer Canyon appreciates all Terri does for her students and with the staff.  The Deer Canyon school community joins the district in celebrating Terri’s recognition as school district Classified Employee of the Year,” Deer Canyon Principal Earl Scull said. 

Committee Members:

Greg Franzen, Director, Human Resources (facilitator)
    Joseph Dunne, Bus Aide, Transportation
    Susan Hartman, Office Assistant II, Testing, Learning Support Services
    Tom Farrell, Lead Custodian, Abraxas High School
    Edna Mailey, Student Services Specialist, Mt. Carmel High School
    Sharon Raffer, Director of Communications 

This is a list of all PUSD site and department classified employees of the year: 
 

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS FOR 2005-2006 

The Poway Unified School District is fortunate to have a significant number of volunteers from the community to assist in the education of our children.  Our volunteers are inspirational models for all volunteers in the state.  Without their generous contributions, we would not attain our present level of success. 

Each school had the opportunity to nominate a candidate as its outstanding volunteer.  Four volunteers were selected for District recognition.  The criteria used for selection include:  significant difference to the school and student(s), leadership qualities, years of effective service, and broad-based implications. 

Those being honored tonight for their exceptional efforts during the 2005-2006 school year are representa­tive of the entire group of outstanding people who give so much.  They are: 

Mary Andrews, Sunset Hills Elementary School
Kathy Frost, Deer Canyon Elementary School
Karen Peterson, Oak Valley Middle School
Dick Mason, Rancho Bernardo High School
Mary Andrews, Sunset Hills Elementary School

Former Olympian Mary Andrews has brought her commitment to health and nutrition to Sunset Hills in a majestic way. Mary has organized a comprehensive program focused on the building blocks for health and fitness.  Mary also served on the District’s Wellness Policy Development Task Force, whose proposed Board Policy is on tonight’s agenda. 

Sunset Hill’s lunchtime recess activity program, Fitness is Fun, includes a Running Club, jump roping, and an introduction to martial arts. After-school monthly sports clinics help children develop skills in a setting emphasizing teamwork and good sportsmanship. A Kids’ Health Month in March made it fun for kids to choose “green light” (healthy foods) and activities. Under Mary’s leadership, hundreds of students and their families became involved. Businesses offered free programs for the sports clinics, and the American Heart Association kicked off the Kids’ Health Month with an exciting assembly. 

Even Mary is amazed at the response from the school community. In a recent school newsletter Mary wrote, “I’m grinning as I sip my coffee (half decaf, no sugar, no cream) at 5:30 in the morning. Two years ago I felt compelled to research the state of children’s health in our community. I had no clue that two years later children at Sunset Hills would be running up to me bragging about the fruit eaten or begging me to watch their newest jump roping routine.”  

Kathy Frost, Deer Canyon Elementary School

Kathy Frost epitomizes a classic example of, “when you want something done, give it to a busy person”.  As PTA president for the past two years, Kathy is Deer Canyon’s organizer, motivator, and communicator. She is an inspiration as she goes about managing all the complex responsibilities of the presidency.  

Kathy attracts people to PTA and involves them in activities that support PTA’s goals. She then supports each of those people by volunteering in all their activities. Her presidency has focused on making PTA more inclusive and on building “service learning” opportunities for all students.  

Kathy has always been an active volunteer. Most recently she volunteers weekly with her mom in the library and in her son’s classroom. She is at school every morning connecting with parents, checking mail, and following up on her responsibilities. 

Kathy’s influence extends beyond Deer Canyon in Poway Unified. She was the chairperson for the Citizens’ Oversight Committee and is a member of the Superintendent’s Educational and Facilities Committee and Palomar Council. 

Dick Mason, Rancho Bernardo High School

Dick Mason’s passion for libraries is benefiting high school students in tangible ways.   Budget cuts across the state have devastated PUSD library resources.  Mr. Mason filed papers with the state of California to create the RBHS Friends of the Library Foundation’s non-profit status. Under his leadership as president of the Foundation, volunteers and resources have greatly enhanced the Rancho Bernardo High School library. More than 500 parents and community members have contributed to the fund. Now there are 30 volunteers at the busy high school library which has funds to extend the hours open to students. Thousands of dollars worth of books and electronic databases have been purchased for student use.  

Mr. Mason is a self-described “library fanatic” who is 84 years young. His love of libraries blossomed when he worked for the CIA and spent years researching in the Library of Congress. At Rancho Bernardo High, he has become master of all trades in recruiting volunteers, writing grants, helping with pancake breakfasts, selling oil change vouchers, picking up donated furniture, and even wrapping presents at the library book fair. Mr. Mason, who speaks seven languages, is in contact with RB’s world language teachers who are working together to expand the world language library collection. 

Mr. Mason’s generosity and passion has truly made a difference to our students. 

Karen Peterson, Oak Valley Middle School

When people at Poway Unified School District’s newest middle school describe volunteer Karen Peterson, they describe a person who is always there, always helpful, and who helped establish a powerful atmosphere for learning at Oak Valley Middle School.  

Karen volunteered at the Oak Valley office at Stone Ranch Elementary School offering information and assurances to first-time middle school parents. Karen worked with the Oak Valley Leadership Team to help create the school’s vision and philosophy, organize community information nights, and coordinate volunteers to help at the school.  

Karen is dedicated, involved, organized, and fun. At Oak Valley, Karen is always there when needed. She brings hugs and smiles, expertise, and understanding to staff, parents, and students throughout the campus.

Karen serves on both the PTA and foundation boards at Oak Valley.  She also volunteers at Los Peñasquitos Elementary School and Rancho Bernardo High School.  She is a great ambassador for the school and for the school district. 

Other school volunteers being honored by their sites are: