Trustee Greg Geeting presents a plaque of recognition to September Classified Employee of the Month Hilary Thomas.
September Certificated Employee of the Month Donna Hankins (left) receives a plaque of recognition from Trustee Victoria L. Deane.
Sacramento County Board of Education Recognizes
September 2008 Employees of the Month
Posted September 11, 2008
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 700 full-time and more than 2,500 part-time SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in the County of Sacramento. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
September 2008 Classified Employees of the Month
Hilary Thomas, a Program Analyst, was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Sue Stickel for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Thomas works in SCOE's K-12 Curriculum and Intervention Department, located within the David P. Meaney Education Center. Among her many responsibilities are meeting coordination—which includes travel arrangements for instructors and catering for the meetings and trainings; handling of temporary exempt contracts and payroll, invoicing, and budgets; production of training materials; and assembly of instructor packets. Her supervisor says, "Hilary Thomas does a stellar job on every assignment and project that she coordinates or participates in. When Hilary receives a project we can have complete confidence that the job will be done independently with high quality and accuracy. Hilary is our 'go-to' person for new and challenging tasks. She frequently takes the initiative to learn and acquire new skills." Ms. Thomas has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since March 2004.
September 2008 Certificated Employees of the Month
Donna Hankins, a School Counselor, was nominated by a colleague at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School for her contributions to the Juvenile and Court and Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Hankins is an integral member of the site team. Ms. Hankins meets with students to develop plans to support their success academically, socially, behaviorally and in planning for their futures. She carefully reviews student transcripts to ensure that students are taking the correct classes and are provided with individualized support in their schedules to address their needs. Her colleague reports, "She works well with the students and works to provide them with the tools they need to be successful now and in the future." Ms. Hankins brings her skills as a Behavior Management Technician to her work as a counselor each day and teaches students how to behave in ways that are socially appropriate and that support their success. Says Andrea Lemos, Principal of Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr./Sr. High School, "The students respect her and respond well to her." Ms. Hankins also conducts trainings and staff development sessions to help the site team in meeting the needs of students in the classrooms. Over the years, she has worked in several capacities with teens who are struggling, and she has been an active volunteer in the community. Several staff members have commented on Ms. Hankins' commitment and dedication to students and meeting their needs. One says, "She makes a difference in the lives of students and families each day." Parents also comment on the positive support they have received from Ms. Hankins at EL Hickey Jr./Sr. High School. Her supervisor concludes, "It is evident that Ms. Hankins truly cares about students and strives to find ways to support all students in being successful. She lends a helping hand and an ear to listen, while also providing guidelines and strategies to support success. Ms. Hankins inspires others with her words and actions and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of many people each day." Ms. Hankins has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since October 2002.
Contact Information
The Sacramento County Office of Education celebrates the accomplishments and exemplary service of its employees through the Employees of the Month Program. Parents, colleagues, and community members wishing to recommend a non-management staff member for consideration as a Sacramento County Office of Education Employee of the Month may receive a nomination form through the Communications Office by calling (916) 228-2416 or e-mailing Cathy Sapunor.
