Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: School district honors 14 educators as the 2024 teachers of the year

Terry Rounds was recognized as the District Wide Teacher of the Year

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By Robert Airoldi

As the school year comes to a close, it’s time to shine recognition on individual teachers in the Morgan Hill Unified School District whose colleagues believe went above and beyond in their vocation of education. At the May 21 school board meeting, Britton Middle School science teacher and teachers union president Jim Levis along with Board of Trustees President Adam Escoto announced the 2024 teachers of the year.

They are: Ashley Stromberg, Barrett; Tim Downer, El Toro; Mary Shinkle, Los Paseos; Rosa Maule, Nordstrom; Stephanie Majors, Paradise; Justin Nolley, P.A. Walsh; Laura Rubio, Jackson; Tatiana Valenzuela, San Martin/Gwinn; Kelly Parker, Britton; Fredrick Espiritu, Martin Murphy; Nicole Guinane, Central High School; Terry Rounds, Live Oak High School; Christine Taylor, Sobrato High School; and Cindy Wargocki, non-site specific.

Rounds was recognized as the District Wide Teacher of the Year and will be honored at a Santa Clara County Office of Education function later this year.

Escoto called those who enter the education profession “mentors” and lighthouses” who inspire young people.

“On behalf of our board and our superintendent, congratulations to every one of you,” he told the teachers. “I know each and every one of our teachers up here would say this is a recognition of not only your service, but it’s also of the tremendous work you and your colleagues do each and every day.”

Congratulations, to the teachers of MHUSD who enlighten our kids with knowledge.

In more school district news, congrats for receiving two prestigious awards recognizing their outstanding support programs for students. The Santa Clara County School Boards Association bestowed the Glenn Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award for the district’s Coordinated Advocacy and Resources for Education program. Additionally, the California Department of Education recognized the district’s Model School Attendance Review Board program.

The CARE program, which started in 2017, has grown from supporting 171 high school students experiencing homelessness to now providing comprehensive support to 852 at-risk students across 13 schools. A dedicated team of 10 CARE specialists offer educational support, mentorship, family engagement, resource navigation, extracurricular activities, career and college readiness, and relationship-building. The program’s personalized approach has led to an increase in graduation rates from 71 percent in 2018 to nearly 81 percent in 2023.

“We are incredibly proud of our CARE team for the stability they have provided these students and giving them a sense of belonging,” said Superintendent Dr. Carmen García. “These students have overcome significant obstacles and we want to ensure they are prepared for a lifetime of learning.”

The CARE program initially focused on assisting high school students experiencing homelessness. However, it has expanded its scope to support a broader range of vulnerable student populations, including those qualifying for special assistance and foster youth.

The Model SARB award honors the district’s initiatives to reduce truancy and promote regular attendance. Effective School Attendance Review Teams at the district and site level foster a positive culture surrounding attendance. Engaging activities during Attendance Month and personalized 90-day truancy contracts empower families and students to improve attendance.

These awards underscore MHUSD’s commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment that enables all students to thrive academically and socially, Garcia said.

Helping some of those students is the Rotary Club of Morgan Hill, which has awarded $26,000 in college scholarships to 24 local high school seniors.

The $2,000 Ralph and Rose Fitzsimmons Agricultural Scholarship for outstanding achievement and commitment to agricultural studies was awarded to Addyson Soderquist of Sobrato High School.

The $2,000 William Staples Music Scholarship for outstanding achievement in music studies was awarded to Aaron Orozco of Sobrato High School.

Live Oak High School recipients of $1,000 scholarships for outstanding academic achievement were Sofia Barreras, Daniela Colorado, Yulissa Hernandez, Daniela Moreno, Veronica Orozco, Jennifer Ramirez, Jocelyn Ramirez, Ray Ramirez, Cristal Robles Carmon, Jasreen Toor and Vuu Phuong.

Sobrato High School students receiving the $1,000 academic achievement scholarships were Faith Fernandes, Stella Gaudy, Melissa Hansen, Rachel Hoge, Veronica Howard, Aiden Last, Paola Ledesma, Brian Naranjo Leon, Alyssa Mendoza and Khush Patel.

Great job, Morgan Hill Rotary.

Check out the artwork of Jennifer Blalack, Marilynn Host and Diana Earl at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center as part of the Viewpoints Exhibition that runs from June 1 to July 11. The artists provide a range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art in acrylics, ceramics, encaustics, fabric, paper, natural materials and more.

Meet the artists at an opening reception from 2 to 5 p.m., June 2. Refreshments will be provided.