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The Poway Unified School District is proud to announce that Melinda Turnwall, School Bus Driver, and Terri Horan, Instructional Aide, Special Education, have been chosen as Poway Unified School District Classified Employees of the Year for 2006-2007.
Candidates were submitted to a committee of district representatives, including past winners, and district administrators. The committee chose two nominees (one representing school sites and one representing district departments) based on work performance, contributions to the school district, and community achievements.
The San Diego County Office of Education also sponsors a Classified Employee Recognition Program, honoring one member of classified service for the San Diego County. This year’s Poway Unified representative at the county level will be Melinda
Turnwall.
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Tim Purvis, Don Phillips, Penny Ranftle, and
John Collins congratulate Melinda Turnwall, PUSD School Bus
Driver
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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Don Phillips and Penny Ranftle
Congratulate Terri while her daughter looks on.
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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.
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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. |
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In addition to Terri's involvement
in school (she is also co-chair of the
Deer
Canyon
Jog-a-thon) Terri is active in community sports including Rancho Penasquitos
soccer, baseball, and girls softball. She is also the Command Leadership
spouse for Helicopter Squadron 2.
“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.
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