SAN BERNARDINO, CA—On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented its October Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley for providing engaging classroom presentations and hands-on programs that teach kindness, empathy and responsibility toward animals.
Certified Humane Education Specialist Katherine Skinner accepted the award on behalf of the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley.
“I love to go into classrooms and teach students about how to be responsible pet owners,” Skinner told the Board of Education. “I like to spread awareness, kindness and compassion to students. I take a lot of pride in that work.”
The SBCUSD Board also presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Marshall Elementary School, E. Neal Roberts Elementary School, Golden Valley Middle School and Indian Springs High School (ISHS).
The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Grandparent/Volunteer Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the District’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.
Marshall Elementary School, Principal Deborah Grant-Davari:
Alessandra Navarrete is a fifth-grader and Outstanding Student. Navarrete is always diligent in completing assignments and seeks help when necessary. She leads by example by modeling Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) skills for her peers. She is also extremely talented and very outgoing, especially when it comes to music.
Alan Robayo Rodriguez is an Outstanding sixth-grader. Robayo Rodriguez is extremely kind to everyone. He always has a smile and a positive attitude. He enjoys school and puts forth his best effort. Robayo Rodriguez is a great example of a Marvelous Marshall Mustang. He implements all PBIS expectations throughout the school day.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Vanessa Gonzalez is now in her fifth year serving on Marshall’s School Site Council. She supports the Marshall community with her involvement in school events, the District Advisory Council and the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, as well as by communicating with other parents. Gonzalez is truly dedicated to the success of her children Oliver, Sebastian and Benjamin.
Maria Lopez is an Outstanding Bilingual Secretary II. She exemplifies the District’s Operational Values through her collaboration with the Marshall community and by helping to support the daily needs of staff and families, as well as the needs of the EXL program. Lopez’s professionalism and pride shine through her daily interactions and event planning.
Outstanding Resource Teacher Mindy Miller helps Marshall SHINE through her daily interaction with students, families and staff. She is supportive of all needs, big or small, at any time and location on campus. Miller diligently works alongside staff and families to support students without skipping a beat. She is a champion, caring for the needs of all and ensuring everyone has what they need to be successful.
E. Neal Roberts Elementary School, Principal Yosan Hailemariam:
Qiara Collins is a second-grader and Outstanding Student. Collins is an exceptional student who demonstrates excellence in academics and citizenship, setting a positive example for her peers. She approaches every challenge with determination and a smile. Her leadership, kindness and commitment to learning shine in everything she does.
Rosely Perez is a sixth-grader and Outstanding Student. Perez is a model scholar, as demonstrated by her positive attitude, responsibility and kindness. Always willing to help and encourage her peers, Perez leads by example and embodies the values of respect, perseverance and compassion.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Teniya Collins makes a difference in the lives of her children and the school community, but what stands out is her unwavering belief in the potential of every child. With a heart full of love and compassion, Collins makes Roberts’ scholars feel valued, supported and capable of achieving great things.
Secretary II Brenda Morales is an Outstanding Classified Employee. Morales demonstrates exceptional dedication and professionalism. Her attention to detail and calm, welcoming presence make everyone feel valued and supported. Her positive attitude, reliability and genuine compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.
Sandra Edu is an outstanding teacher and coach. She exemplifies dedication, excellence and heart in all she does. As a long-time Roberts Elementary educator, she has devoted her career to ensuring every student achieves at the highest levels. She deeply believes in the human potential of all learners and announces it proudly on her classroom wall that “Reading is a civil right.” Edu lives that truth daily through her advocacy for literacy for all.
Golden Valley Middle School, Principal Gabriel Diaz:
Outstanding seventh-grader Melany Hernandez Garcia excels academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. As an active member of the Associated Student Body (ASB), she leads by example and is known for being responsible, respectful and focused. Hernandez Garcia’s dedication and positive attitude make her a role model and a source of pride for her school community.
Itzel Vicuna is an Outstanding eighth-grader. Vicuna excels academically, consistently earning A’s and B’s. A dedicated athlete, she has played volleyball, softball, basketball and soccer throughout middle school. Vicuna also demonstrates leadership as the ASB President. Her hard work, talent and school spirit make her a shining example of student excellence.
Maricela Nunez is an Outstanding Parent. Nunez has served as the English Learner Advisory Council President and is a valued member of the School Site Council. She is involved in the education of her children, Ivan, Isaac and Izel, and she inspires other families to get involved. Her passion and advocacy truly make a difference.
Martha Duran is an Outstanding Classified Employee. She began her career in Maintenance and Operations and now serves in Golden Valley’s front office. Duran has gone above and beyond by filling in as both Registrar and Bilingual Clerk II. Her strong work ethic speaks volumes. Duran’s dedication and commitment make her an invaluable member of the Golden Valley family.
Tara Castro and Ana Cervantes are an Outstanding SH/SDC teaching duo. Castro and Cervantes are exceptional educators who work with moderate to severe special needs scholars, providing individualized instruction and unwavering support. They embody SBCUSD’s values of professionalism and the shared belief that, together, teachers can positively impact student outcomes. Through collaboration, high expectations and compassion, they help each student reach their fullest potential and discover their own path to success.
Indian Springs High School, Principal Jacob Rosario:
Outstanding ISHS senior Claudia Hernandez exemplifies the potential that is held by our students and community. She has shown grit and determination. Currently she holds a 4.29 GPA and has completed 380 units. Included in the credits is the successful completion of 17 college courses. There is no doubt that Claudia will achieve great things.
Outstanding junior Christian Smith exemplifies the Indian Springs’ value of resilience. He has worked with staff through the tiered intervention process to overcome multiple challenges. His determination and grit has led him to improved grades, and he is currently participating in the Coyote athletics program.
Wendy Catalan is an Outstanding Parent. Since her daughter enrolled at Indian Springs last year, Catalan has fully engaged with the school. She immediately began attending coffee with the principal, parent workshops and the English Learners Advisory Council, where she was nominated as an officer. She has continued to be involved at the school’s annual Back the Pack event to help advocate for deeper family engagement.
Rachel Alvarado is an Outstanding Secretary I, but her pride in the school and willingness to collaborate led her to step up to work out of class as the principal’s secretary. She works exceptionally well with all educational partners and is dedicated to the success of the school. Without Alvarado’s strength, skills and can-do attitude the site would be at a loss.
Career-Technical Teacher Shannon Rogers is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. Rogers demonstrates the belief that all students have potential to do amazing things. She has helped students from all backgrounds develop both socially and academically through theater. Her unwavering belief in students has led many to believe in and work toward their own potential.
