Ten certificated and classified Employees of the Month, representing the months of March-October 2020, were recognized by the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education on Oct. 27.
Certificated Employees of the Month for March, April, May, September, and October 2020 are as follows:
March 2020: Lucia Venegas, Teacher, Martin Elementary School
"Ms. Lucia Venegas is a wonderful, kind, caring, passionate, hard-working, inspiring, intelligent, well-prepared, experienced and cheerful kindergarten teacher who is held in highest regard by her students, their families and her colleagues." - Peter Richardson, Principal, Martin Elementary
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April 2020: Brigham Jorgensen, Teacher, Washington Elementary School
“Mr. Jorgensen, the essence of SAUSD, motivates our students, engages them in the learning, offers multi-modalities for teaching and learning, and continually pushes our students beyond what they think they can do-an inspiration to Washington's entire school community.” - Jackie Ochoa, Principal, Washington Elementary
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May 2020: Howida Hanna, Mod/Severe Preschool Teacher, Mitchell Child Development Center
“Ms. Hanna has done a phenomenal job of integrating our children with special needs into a program comprised of typical children while simultaneously weaving the goals of our students into the routine of the inclusive setting and successfully meeting the needs of our children with special needs.” - Mark Bello, Principal, Mitchell Child Development Center
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September 2020: Cesar Gonzalez, Program Specialist, Research and Evaluation
“Dr. Cesar Gonzalez values each employee, student, and family member and is willing to go the extra mile for every single one by being personable, flexible, knowledgeable, and committed to helping others to understand and use data to accelerate student success.” - Dr. Emily Wolk, Executive Director, Research and Evaluation
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October 2020: Jill Puich, Teacher, Esqueda Elementary School
“Ms. Puich has provided exemplary instruction and dedication to her students, supported colleagues through building web pages, all while maintaining constant communication and support to the students’ families during one of our most challenging educational times.” - Kevin Tonai, Principal, Esqueda Elementary
Classified Employees of the Month for March, April, May, September, and October 2020 are as follows:
March 2020: Carlos Antunez, Computer Technician, Monroe Elementary School
“Mr. Antunez is an outstanding Computer Technician whose exceptional work has been crucial in making a smooth transition into virtual learning by providing excellent customer service support to teachers, students and parents by resolving issues in a timely and efficient manner while making himself available after school to resolve technology issues for parents who work during the day.” - Dr. Fernando Duran, Principal, Monroe Elementary
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April 2020: Carlos Perales, Plant Custodian-Elementary, Washington Elementary School
“Mr. Perales' continued daily extra effort is a reflection of his commitment to Washington Elementary and his desire to keep our staff, student, and parents positively connected in order for our school to truly be a place where students can learn and thrive!” - Jackie Ochoa, Principal, Washington Elementary
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May 2020: Fabiola Diaz de Ramirez, Nutrition Services Assistant, Nutrition Services
“Ms. Diaz de Ramirez is known for her exceptional customer service. She treats customers like family and does whatever it takes to perfect the student experience while eating at school. Always cheerful and ready to help anyone with a smile on her face, her ability to make people laugh can turn even the most difficult situations around.” - Josefina Mejia, Manager of Food Services Operations, Nutrition Services
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September 2020: Elida Sanchez, Social Services Specialist, Support Services
“Ms. Sanchez tirelessly serves our McKinney Vento student population. When there is a student and family in need of housing support, Ms. Sanchez will work until she has successfully assisted in finding a temporary shelter for the family while ensuring that these students are provided with nutritional and educational support. Elida is an SAUSD employee that truly commits to making sure our community is provided the best support possible.” - David Richey, Executive Director, Support Services
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October 2020: Patricia Mendez, Activity Monitor, Esqueda Elementary School
“Every school needs a Patty Mendez, someone whose passion, commitment, and dedication extends far beyond the walls of Esqueda and permeates into the lives of each household in our community!” - Kevin Tonai, Principal, Esqueda Elementary
