December 2011 Parent of the Month

Rick and Tami Camarena – Marshall Elementary School
Nominated by: Lori Gray, Teacher

Rick and Tami Camarena are two exemplary young parents that are totally dedicated to the mission statement of Superintendent Toliver for every child to become grade-level proficient by third grade if not before. They are outstanding role models for our SUSD parents. They completed an intra-district transfer from Lincoln Unified to ensure their son’s participation in the Marshall Magnet Science Program. Rick and Tami’s son Diego was promoted to the first grade after only one quarter of Kindergarten. On the first day of Kindergarten, Diego taught a 30 minute lesson on the solar system to his classmates. These parents stared to teach him to read at the age of three. They are absolutely committed to seeing that every child in Ms. Gray’s class reads this year. They have already donated more than 50 hours to Ms. Gray’s classroom and they continue to come each week to help even though Diego is no longer in the class anymore. Unselfishly, they have donated numerous books, food, games, study cards and snacks.

They have grown very close to a Hmong student who is struggling academically and socially. Even though Diego is not in the student’s class anymore, the family stays after school so that Diego can interact and help to teach him English.

We are very pleased that Rick and Tami Camarena picked Marshall Elementary School to send their only son, Diego. Thank you Rick and Tami, we appreciate all of the time and energy you have given to Marshall and recognize you this evening for your efforts. Congratulations!

December 2011 Student of the Month

Miller Wright, Student, Cesar Chavez High School
Nominated by: Daniel Castanon, Teacher, Dan Wright, Parent

Miller Wright is an AP/Honors student at Cesar Chavez High School. In addition to his high level of academics, he is a four-year member of the Chavez HS Drama Club, its Lighting Director, and current President. He has acted in plays all four years at Chavez and stepped up to help out another school in need. On October 13th, Franklin High School drama teacher Elisa Griffin contacted Chavez High drama teacher Daniel Castanon with an urgent request. One of their actors had dropped out of the school’s presentation of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” a week prior to the play’s opening night on October 20th. Ms. Griffin asked if Mr. Castanon knew of anyone in the Chavez Drama Club who was willing to tackle the male lead role of Phillip Lombard to help out Franklin. Miller volunteered with enthusiasm, memorized his lines, and helped Franklin put on an amazing performance. Miller amazed all with his ability to memorize his lines in such a short time period, it was his immediate agreement to help out his fellow actors from Franklin that impressed us most. It showed a high level of confidence and a quality of character that reflected well on his teachers, his school, and his family.

Mr. Castanon states having Miller in drama for the past four years has been an honor and a privilege. He attributes most of the success the Chavez Drama Department has had over the last four year to Miller. Miller always has a special perspective on anything from characterization to set design and of course lighting techniques.

On top of all of his accomplishments in drama (on and off stage), Miller scored so high on his SAT's that he was told any score higher wouldn't matter because he is already in the highest bracket for the test.

Miller is applying to Harvard, Stanford, University of Chicago, Wisconsin, UCLA, UC Davis, UC Irvine and UC Merced. He would like to major in mathematics with a possible career in law, teaching or business. He may even work in the entertainment industry with all the experience he has gained at Chavez.

Congratulation Miller! We expect to hear about all the wonderful things you will accomplish in your life.

December 2011 Classified Employee of the Month

Johnny Binder, Food Service Worker II – Grunsky Elementary
Nominated by: Mohamed Jonneh, Lead Food Service I

Johnny Binder is a dedicated employee who demonstrates professionalism when performing his job. He is always punctual and respectful to his supervisor, students, staff and parents each time he comes in contact with any of the above. He is mindful of the bottom line concerning portion control; therefore saving the Food Services Department needed funding. He is also considered the safety guru in the Grunsky kitchen.
Johnny has worked for SUSD for 21 years and has been with Grunsky Elementary in the Food Services Department for 11 years. Of his eleven years at Grunsky, he has been the Food Service II worker for ten years.

Johnny resides in Stockton and has a girlfriend Denise. He has two children Mary and Johnny, along with one step-daughter Malachia. He is also the proud grandfather to Joniyah and Jianni.

SUSD is very lucky to have an employee as dedicated as Johnny Binder. Congratulations!

December 2011 Certificated Employee of the Month

Michelle Feingold, Elmwood Elementary School
Nominated by: John Semillo, Principal

Michelle Feingold is a 6th grade teacher at Elmwood Elementary School, which is an “Arts Infused” school. Michelle has done an outstanding job infusing the four Arts Disciplines to promote literacy in her classroom. She utilizes learning sequences and arts infusion strategies that overlay existing core activities and materials. Through the use of music, movement, visual art and drama, the instruction in the language of words is vastly more powerful in her classroom. In Mrs. Feingold’s classroom:

1. The academic achievement of her students has been dramatic. Over 95% of her students for the last 3 years have advanced performance levels as evidenced by CST results.

2. The Arts Infused Literacy strategies and activities utilized have built a solid foundation for both academic and career success by building creativity, concentration, problem solving and self-discipline for her students.

3. Through Arts Infused literacy, English Learners have made significant gains in their confidence and self-esteem. They are participating and their creative learning is flourishing.

Michelle has been with SUSD for the last 15 years and she has been a teacher at Elmwood for five years. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding teacher represent Elmwood Elementary School. Congratulations Michelle for your commitment to the students of the Stockton Unified School District!