SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Tuesday, February 17, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Board of Education presented its February Outstanding Community Partner Award to San Bernardino (SB) Fatherhood for its efforts to strengthen families and nurture the engagement of fathers across San Bernardino.
SB Fatherhood’s approach is grounded in collaboration—with schools, community partners, faith-based organizations and service agencies—to deliver educational classes, practical resources and advocacy that empower fathers and enriches the lives of SBCUSD students.
“Thank you for acknowledging the importance of supporting fathers, mothers, children and families in our community,” said SB Fatherhood Administrative Assistant Rose Tucker Berryman during remarks at the Feb. 17 Board of Education meeting. “We truly believe, and research supports, that when fathers are empowered and engaged that children thrive and communities grow stronger.”
The SBCUSD Board also presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents and staff of Cypress Elementary School, Kendall Elementary School, Virtual Academy and Anderson School.
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.
Cypress Elementary School, Principal Jennifer Barber-West:
Kendall Orozco is a sixth-grader who consistently exemplifies respect, responsibility, safety and kindness. She is courteous, dependable and always willing to lend a helping hand—whether supporting student council initiatives, assisting adults or guiding younger scholars. Orozco truly embodies the qualities of an outstanding scholar.
Autumn Toral is an outstanding sixth-grader who consistently demonstrates the Cypress Elementary expectations of being respectful, responsible and safe, while also being kind in everything she does. Toral is helpful and polite and serves as a positive role model for her peers. Her encouragement of younger scholars reflects her strong character and leadership abilities.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Brenda Vazquez has had a meaningful impact on the Cypress school community. Through her leadership on the School Site Council and English Learner Advisory Committee, as well as her role on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Committee, Vazquez has consistently advocated for and strengthened connections among families, staff and District leadership.
Katie Lopez demonstrates an unwavering commitment in her role as Attendance Clerk. Through innovative attendance awards and celebrations, home visits and collaboration with families, Lopez has helped reduce chronic absenteeism while fostering a culture of safety, belonging and pride. Her positive presence reflects the pride and excellence of the entire school community.
Outstanding Program Facilitator Sarah Gabriel makes Cypress SHINE through her dedicated support of positive behavior, meaningful assistance to teachers and strong collaboration with the counselor. Her commitment ensures all students feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. She is an irreplaceable asset whose dedication and leadership uplifts the entire school community.
Kendall Elementary School, Principal Megan Silva:
Cody Danh is a fifth-grade AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) student, as well as an English learner who has been reclassified as fluent in English. He is a member of the Student Council and was one of the original members of Unified Cub-a-Roos, which promotes inclusion and meaningful support for students with diverse needs. He exemplifies the importance of an inclusive learning environment by collaborating with peers and contributing positively to school initiatives.
Fourth-grader Shayaran Hyder is an Outstanding Student. He is a talented mathematician and a charismatic young scholar whose confidence and perseverance place him on a strong pathway toward continued success. Hyder’s hard work led him to be Kendall’s most improved scholar. His academic and behavioral growth reflect his desire and commitment to his future success.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Viridiana Samano is a dedicated parent volunteer who serves on the English Learner Advisory Committee. She provides valuable input on how to strengthen school programs and meet the needs of scholars. Samano is deeply engaged in her son’s education, and her commitment and advocacy make a meaningful impact on the school community.
Lidia Deniz embodies the District’s SHINES expectations by consistently going above and beyond the role of a school secretary. Her dedication to supporting scholars, staff and families strengthens the heart of the school community. Deniz champions the District by fostering a college- and career-bound mindset for scholars, cultivating a positive, caring culture.
Outstanding Program Facilitator Leigh Ann Busselle-Gonzales carries out her responsibilities with fidelity, pride and effectiveness. In her roles as AVID Site Lead and Site Testing Coordinator, she goes above and beyond to ensure scholars are equipped with the skills needed for a successful college and/or career path. Kendall SHINES in part because of Busselle-Gonzales’s leadership and heart.
Virtual Academy, Principal Karma Duffy:
Emma Garcia is an outstanding seventh-grader who was recognized for her academics, citizenship and accomplishments in the arts. Garcia is a hard-working scholar who is responsible, reliable and helpful. She is artistically talented and completes assignments with accuracy and creativity. She is also willing to help not only her peers, but also her teachers.
The Board recognized eighth-grader Madden Tsuneo for his outstanding academics, citizenship and leadership. He always puts forth his best effort and shares his knowledge on any topic covered during class. He works well with his peers and is someone they can look up to. Virtual Academy is proud of Tsuneo’s accomplishments.
Outstanding Parent Cirilia Maldonado has been very involved with Virtual Academy for the past five years. She helps with family events and attends in-person days, assisting however she can. Maldonado has been a model parent, showcasing the partnership that is necessary to ensure academic and social success in the Independent Study environment.
Instructional Assistant Cristina Rodriguez is simply one of a kind. She is a true classroom leader who leads with her heart and always keeps the best interests of students and families in mind. Rodriguez sees the potential in all students. She knows her students well and Rodriguez’s students have grown exponentially because of her commitment.
Marieaesther Villalpando is a Mild/Moderate Special Education teacher. Villalpando goes above and beyond for her students, and she works hard to establish relationships with their parents. She takes on leadership roles and fosters a sense of community within the middle school team. She collaborates well with other educators and is a leader among leaders within Virtual Academy.
Anderson School, Principal Diane Silva:
Stephanie Torres Nunez is an outstanding transition student. Over the past two years, Torres Nunez has put forth great effort and has shown tremendous growth in many areas. She is a sweet student who brings a positive attitude to the classroom. She has demonstrated increased maturity, confidence and independence, especially in her vocational skills and work behaviors.
Miguel Romero is an outstanding transition student who has demonstrated incredible growth and improvement. Romero is quickly becoming an exceptional classroom leader and model student. He is always looking for opportunities to help others, and Anderson staff members look forward to seeing him continue to develop in the Transition Program.
Ana Miranda Bautista is an Outstanding Parent. Bautista works collaboratively with Anderson and transportation staff to ensure the safety and well-being of her son. When Anderson or transportation staff have questions about her scholar’s needs or to ask for her assistance, she is always quick to respond in a caring and positive manner.
Education Assistant III Timika Hendricks works daily with students to support building their independence. She holds high expectations for each of her scholars and provides incentives that motivate students to work to the best of their ability. Hendricks’ support and dedication has helped Anderson scholars be confident that every day they are getting one step closer to an independent life.
Jennifer Ginther is viewed as a leader by her students, colleagues and administrator. She has served the District as a Special Education teacher for the past 11 years. She believes that her students can achieve, and she takes pride and joy in providing learning opportunities for them as they grow and transition from high school to independence.
About San Bernardino City Unified School District:
The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is California’s ninth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.