Site Teachers of the Year announced at recent school board meeting

Some of the most influential people in Yucaipa and Calimesa were honored last week when site Teachers of the Year were announced at the monthly school board meeting.

Before the Teachers of the Year took center stage, however, district staff that was retiring and seventh-grader Elisa­beth Eichinger, who placed sixth in Environmental Science at the state science fair had their moments of recognition. Because of her achievement, Eichinger, who attends Mesa View Middle School, also earned a Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) nomination for national competition.

Sherri Black, Assistant Su­perintendent of Human Re­sources, announced each Teacher of the Year with a couple of sentences provided by their principal.

Site Teachers of the Year are eligible to compete in County Teacher of the Year.

Calimesa — Shannon Pleiss: “As a district educator for the past 23 years, Mrs. Shannon Pleiss consistently provides her students with a literacy-rich, student-centered education where children feel valued, cared for, and excited to learn, as they develop into life-long, independent readers.”

Chapman Heights — Antoinette Velardes: “Antoinette isn’t just a teacher, she is a hero and an inspirational leader who teaches her students to strive for excellence, to love reading and to respect one another.”

Dunlap — Daniel Pavoni: “Daniel Pavoni is a mild-mannered gentleman who displays exceptional fortitude as a teacher and leader through selfless dedication to the belief that all students can and will succeed.”

Ridgeview — Ruth Roberts: “After 37 years of teaching, Ruth Roberts is a shining example of what it means to have a growth mindset.”

Valley — Brenda Camp: “Bren­da Camp can be heard telling parents ‘I want to make a difference in your student’s life this year – I take my job serious!’ and she accomplishes this each year by matching the energy level of her students and instilling an eagerness to learn.”

Wildwood — Claudia Garcia: “Ms. Claudia Garcia is a transformative teacher. No child slips between the cracks in her classroom. She helps students learn the skills that prepares them well for both college and career.”

Competitive Edge — Laura Stickney: “Mrs. Stickney’s tremendous vision and hard work has made art the common thread that connects what students learn in the classroom to the world of self- expression.”

Mesa View Middle School, Cherina Betters: “Cherina Betters – phenomenal educator, scholar, equity activist and champion for all students; her radiant smile empowers her students to maximize their potential and her legendary hugs soothes your soul.”

Park View Middle School —Cheryl Wilcox: “The staff and students of Park View Middle School are honored to recognize Cheryl Wilcox as teacher of the year for her tireless work on an exemplary yearbook, her devotion to her content area of eighth-grade science and her stewardship to the Next Generation Science Stan­dards.”

Yucaipa High School — Tracy Vanderhulst: “Tracy Vander- hulst is Yucaipa High School’s Teacher of the Year as she epitomizes the educator so many desire to be- she is the kind and innovative teacher from whom we hope our children will grow; the educator who strives to engage all of her students from her intervention classes to her honors classes.”

Oak View Education Center — Marquetta Harrison: “Mrs. Harrison has been a part of Oak View for almost 10 years and works with special education students who struggle with behaviors, however, her calm and steady demeanor along with her high expectations create an atmosphere for success.”

Green Valley High — Tom Herron: “Tom Herron is an invaluable asset at Green Valley with tremendous characteristics such as: visionary for alternative education, creativity in and out of the classroom, technology knowledge and skills, wonderful co-worker and team player, and an advocate for students.”­­­