November 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Amos Nugent III, Special Education Technician, was nominated by Principal Felix Duncan for his contributions to the Juvenile Court and Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Nugent works with at-risk students ages 12-18 at SCOE's Gerber Jr./Sr. High School located in South Sacramento. He assists teachers in providing direct instruction to students with behavioral and learning disabilities. During direct instruction, he provides classroom management to help ensure a safe and effective learning environment. Mr. Nugent also leads small groups of students in guided practice on the subjects in which he also helps provide direct instruction. He works with students to help them meet their required literacy and transition goals. Mr. Nugent served as SCOE's liaison and as a chaperone for the 2009 HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) tour. Students' families, too, benefit from his dedication to the educational program of Gerber School. He has organized and helped present a money management workshop series for parents. Outside the school, Mr. Nugent contributes greatly to the community. Among his many civic affiliations is the Greater Sacramento Urban League's Young Professionals organization, for which he helps coordinate and present financial literacy initiatives benefiting local high school students. The Sacramento Observer newspaper named him one of Sacramento's "30 Under 30" of the area's most inspiring young leaders, and he was recognized as one of 16 young local adults in the Nehemiah Corporation of America's "Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program." His supervisor says, "We are fortunate to have someone as gifted as Mr. Nugent working with our students. He is well-deserving of this Employee of the Month honor." Mr. Nugent has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since April 2008.

November 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Kathy Turner, Regional Occupational Program teacher, was nominated by Assistant Superintendent Tim Taylor for her contributions to the Career-Technical Education program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Turner teaches students in Clinical and Administrative Chiropractic Assisting classes at SCOE's Yolo High School setting in West Sacramento. In the course of her work, she certifies students in First Aid and CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Area chiropractic professionals have considerable regard for the quality of Ms. Turner's instructional skills; her students achieve an extremely high rate of job placement. Ms. Turner shares her expertise by opening up her classroom to SCOE staff several times a year. These events serve to provide opportunities for her students to provide therapeutic services and interact with the public. SCOE staff are most receptive, frequently asking her, "When is the next event?" In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. Turner has helped with SCOE's WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation. She has worked with administrators and teachers to form SCOE's original PAR (Peer Assistance and Review) Committee and has served as PAR Chairperson. Ms. Turner is also active in SCOE's Teachers Association, filling numerous roles. Comments her supervisor, "Ms. Turner's teaching skills and her initiative are highly regarded. Her dedication to her students, to the organization and to Career-Technical Education greatly benefit SCOE." Ms. Turner has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since January 1990.

Substitute of the Quarter (Fall)

Substitute Para-Educator Kenneth Sanders has been nominated by Effie Crush, Chief Administrator, Human Resources for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Sanders has worked in SCOE's Juvenile Court and Community School settings, as well as in special education instructional programs for students with emotional disabilities. During the past year and a half, he has worked in SCOE classrooms for nearly 350 days as a Para-Educator. He provides support to classroom teachers by working with students in small groups or on an individual basis, as well as assisting in areas of student safety and behavior management. His primary assignments have been of a long-term duration while employees are on leave. "Mr. Sanders is a dedicated member of our educational team who provides stability and continuity to SCOE students while permanent staff are away from their classrooms," report supervisors. "He has been a successful addition to each class in which he has worked." Mr. Sanders has been employed as a substitute Para-Educator by the Sacramento County Office of Education since February 2008.

October 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Leslie Friedman, Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Lyn Efken for her contributions to the Special Education Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Friedman works with students in teacher Eziuche Okemiri's classroom at SCOE's El Centro Junior/Senior High School. In addition to assisting the teacher with direct instruction, she frequently works with students independently or in small groups. "Ms. Friedman's patience and her soft-spoken manner help the students really relate to her," says her supervisor. "She and Mr. Okemiri do much more than teach subjects. They teach important life skills and model qualities such as respect and courtesy." Ms. Friedman is valued for her ability to build trusting relationships with students, many of whom have found this lacking in their lives. "She is a very caring individual," says her supervisor, "someone who is able to touch the hearts of students." Ms. Friedman has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 2008.

October 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Eziuche Okemiri, Special Day Class Teacher, was nominated by Principal Lyn Efken for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education Special Education Program. Mr. Okemiri serves students in a Special Day Class at SCOE's Centro Jr/Sr High School campus located within Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. With Para-Educator Leslie Friedman, Mr. Okemiri provides special education services to students who are primarily identified as having an emotional disturbance or learning disability. Up to one dozen students are enrolled in the self-contained classroom, where they learn core subjects and more. According to his supervisor, Mr. Okemiri excels at meeting the diverse and ever-changing needs of this highly transient student population. "He is one of the finest teachers I have come across," she says. "His direct instructional approach and his interaction with his students are amazing to watch, and they achieve results." Mr. Okemiri is known for his subject matter expertise and the respectful and dignified way in which he treats his students. His supervisor concludes, "The students benefit every day from their interaction with this exemplary teacher." Mr. Okemiri has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since March 2008.

September 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Shenita Howard, SCBC Assistant, was nominated by Sacramento Community Based Coalition (SCBC) Director Bill Lane, Ph.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Howard supports the operations of the SCBC, a project of SCOE and the Californ ia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Chief among her many responsibilities is the maintenance of case files for 30 clients enrolled at the SCBC. This assignment includes data entry, enrollment and discharge of clients, and assistance to clients who have the difficult task of navigating through daily barriers while struggling to re-enter society after incarceration in state prison. She also monitors the attendance of 70 SCBC clients currently working with the Caltrans Litter Abatement Program. Another of her major responsibilities is facilitating the "Changing Offender Behavior" (COB) class for 25 clients. Her supervisor reports that Ms. Howard's motivationally inspiring style makes this class very popular with her students. In addition to facilitating the COB class, she volunteers to serve as substitute facilitator for SCBC Parenting and GED classes when needed. Ms. Howard is known for her active involvement in the community, constantly assisting clients with services such as emergency housing, clothing needs, education and social services. Concludes her supervisor, "Shenita is the ultimate team player, always willing to help her peers and the many clients she works with. She works diligently daily to serve as a role model and inspiration to all." Ms. Howard has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since August 1996.

September 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Terry Moylan, Juvenile Court School Teacher, has been nominated by Principals Stephen Wright and Mike Borgaard, Ed.D., for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Moylan is currently assigned to SCOE's EI Centro Jr./Sr. High School, located within Juvenile Hall, and recently completed a six-month assignment at Esperanza Jr./Sr. High School. He brings to EI Centro an extensive array of educational experiences, including a recent project in which he teamed with ROP Teacher Canyon Twer to develop an outstanding model of providing Physical Education educational services in an incarcerated setting. Through his hard work and creative approach, the Physical Education/Sports Therapy program at Esperanza offered students the opportunity to learn the theory of physical conditioning and more about lifelong recreational activities to help maintain the high physical and mental conditioning needed to lead a healthier life. His model PE program has included an array of activities designed to reach as many individual student interests as possible. His supervisors say, "Mr. Moylan is a change agent. He understands the absolute need in our setting to keep things fresh and constantly engaging for our students. He is firm but fair and the students respect that." Mr. Moylan is known for his enthusiasm and creativity, which are catching; students and staff alike have reaped the rewards of adopting a healthier approach towards their daily lives. His supervisors conclude, "Mr. Moylan has experienced the positive change our programs are pushing, first-hand, and he has led the charge to continually improve our student services and provide opportunities for our students. This is a well deserved recognition for one of SCOE's best." Mr. Moylan has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since February 1986.

August 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Hongying Tso, Payroll Analyst, was nominated by Payroll Services Manager Sherry Lack for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Tso assists retired and active SCOE employees with payroll- and benefits-related matters. She maintains payroll/benefit records including benefits enrollments and change of health coverage, personal information, and voluntary deductions. Employees entering retirement are guided through the process by Ms. Tso. She handles paperwork and deductions for wage garnishments and provides backup to the health and welfare benefits desk. Ms. Tso also processes all voluntary deductions and billings, other than health and welfare, for active employees; this includes paperwork for deductions such as TSAs, 457 plans, union dues and disability insurance. Her supervisor comments, "Hong possesses an outstanding work ethic. She tackles any project with enthusiasm and dedication. She is extremely accurate in her work, which is important when working with employee deductions. And she possesses a dedication to her work that is amazing." Colleagues and those receiving assistance from Ms. Tso agree that she is a valuable contribution to SCOE. "Her helpfulness has been recognized by retirees and employees she meets with," reports her supervisor. "She always has a smile to share with every employee." One of Ms. Tso's projects was to conduct an intensive update of benefits management employee data. Says her supervisor, "This was a huge undertaking and she performed the project with both speed and accuracy. Moreover, she had come into our department at a time when we were making major modifications in the area of retiree health benefits. The support and assistance she provided to the department and employees so soon after being hired was remarkable. She has become an important and welcome addition to our department." Ms. Tso has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since December 2007.

July 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Kelly Bernier-Mun, Custodian, was nominated by Support Operations Coordinator Tom Adams for her contributions to Sacramento County Office of Education's Support Services. Ms. Bernier-Mun works at SCOE's David P. Meaney Education Center administrative building, where she is responsible for many tasks. She cleans and maintains the building, which includes restrooms and staff lunch rooms, as well as setting up for daily meetings. Her supervisor comments, "Ms. Bernier-Mun is faced with challenges every day, and she always meets them with a positive attitude. She is very professional in the way she approaches her work, and she pays attention to details. She is a person you can count on. Moreover, she is always caring—very helpful and courteous." Ms. Bernier-Mun demonstrates a strong commitment to her job and to the organization, and she plays an active role in helping with the training of new custodians. Her supervisor concludes, "I am always approached by other employees who have compliments regarding Kelly — her job, her attitude and her willingness to help in any way she can. Kelly brings out the best in people with whom she works, and is a big asset to Support Operations." Ms. Bernier-Mun has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since April 2007.

June 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Una Fairweather, Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Mike Borgaard, Ed.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Fairweather works with 9th-12th grade students at SCOE's El Centro Jr./Sr. High School, which is located within the Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. In addition to assisting the classroom teacher with academic instruction and support, she serves on the El Centro Jr./Sr. High School Site Council and is a member of the SCOE Substitute Review Committee. Her supervisor says. "I have witnessed Ms. Fairweather's work in many situations—in classroom interaction, at Site Council, and in committee and faculty meetings. She always brings energy and a sense of calm professionalism to the moment. People see her as someone who will be reasonable and helpful. She is often the 'voice of reason' when difficult issues arise." He also lauds Ms. Fairweather's work as a Para-Educator. "She is a model for the work that is done by Para-Educators. The role of the Para-Educator is often defined moment to moment, and Ms. Fairweather has an innate sense of what is appropriate in that moment. She is courteous, compassionate, respectful, and demonstrates the highest level of emotional intelligence in her interactions with students and staff." Ms. Fairweather's supervisor concludes, "Her interaction with students is exemplary. I continue to be impressed with the contribution that Ms. Fairweather makes to our school as well as the entire organization." Ms. Fairweather has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 2005.

June 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Joe Kozel, Teacher, was nominated by Principal Mike Borgaard, Ed.D., for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Kozel teaches Social Studies and English/Language Arts at SCOE's El Centro Jr./Sr. High School campus within Sacramento County Juvenile Hall. He partners with one other teacher to teach 7th-8th grade boys and 7th-12th grade girls. Reports his supervisor, "I am very impressed with the teaching of Mr. Kozel, both in terms of the subject as well as the delivery. His expertise in the subject matter is apparent, and he handles the delivery of the subject matter as well as the subsequent interaction with great respect and dignity for the students. I am convinced that his students benefit daily from his teaching as well as their interaction with this exemplary teacher." Mr. Kozel additionally serves as Teacher-in-Charge, as a member of El Centro Jr./Sr. High School Site Council and as a member of SCOE's Science Curriculum Adoption Committee. Concludes his supervisor, "Mr. Kozel is a very conscientious, caring teacher. He is also a gifted leader who responds to challenges in a way that is helpful to all involved. He has a genuine concern for people, is very well organized and is devoted to excellence in his classroom responsibilities. Joe Kozel is a tremendous asset to El Centro Jr./Sr. High School and to the students we serve." Mr. Kozel has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since May 1992.

May 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Natalya Edwards, Job Developer, was nominated by Director Bill Lane, Ph.D., for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Edwards teaches the Job Readiness Class at SCOE's Sacramento Community-Based Coalition (SCBC) campus located near the city's downtown area. She helps her clients in preparing resumes and employment portfolios, completing job applications, improving interview skills, and learning and implementing job search skills. Ms. Edwards schedules clients for their classes, tracks their attendance and holds them accountable, assists them in securing the documents they need to be employable, and counsels and guides them on appropriate behavior and lifestyle choices. Among her other responsibilities are attending the weekly Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings and coordinating SCBC events. Her supervisor reports, "Natalya has been extremely diligent in learning all the new aspects of her position as Job Developer. She has made herself available for any and all training, has taken direction and advice with an open heart and mind and always seeks to improve in any way possible. She always goes over and above the call of duty. She is consistently looking at what is best for the client." In addition to her regular duties, Ms. Edwards is a major contributor to the planning and execution of the SCBC Awards Nights. She also meets on a regular basis with potential employers for SCBC clients. Concludes Ms. Edwards's supervisor, "Natalya not only teaches a Job Readiness component of our program, she models it through her behavior here at work. She is a strong role model for both the staff and the clients in her attitude, her professional demeanor and her character. She is a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to supervise. Natalya is the epitome of a team player and a quality staff member." Ms. Edwards has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 2005.

May 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

David Welsh, Teacher, was nominated by Director Phil Romig for his contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Welsh teaches sixth graders at SCOE's Sly Park Environmental Education Center, which is located within the Eldorado National Forest near Pollock Pines. In addition to his exemplary work with students in both indoor and outdoor classroom settings, Mr. Welsh has volunteered to be the BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) Support Provider for one of Sly Park's newer teachers. The time he has devoted to training and mentoring the teacher has, in the words of his supervisor, "been of great benefit to the entire staff. David's attitude about the process, from the training to the observing to the teaching, is always upbeat and reflective." Mr. Welsh makes himself available at all times to help the educational program, taking on extra duties when needed and serving as the site administrator in the absence of the Director. He has stepped up to help with extra programs such as skits, the "art of arrival" and organizing challenging student groups. When Sly Park increased the number of students attending in the 2008-2009 program year, Mr. Welsh agreed to increase his contract days. His supervisor concludes, "David is well-liked by all visiting teachers; his professionalism shows each week as he goes out of his way to meet the needs of our customers, and he gives me a 'heads-up' on issues that he sees may be important to visiting students, teachers, and parents. In his 16 years at Sly Park, he has been a positive influence for well over ten thousand students and many hundreds of visiting teachers." Mr. Welsh has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since October 1991.

April 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Heather Styers, an Office Assistant, was nominated by Executive Assistant Carla Miller for her contributions to the Administration Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Styers works at the reception desk of the David P. Meaney Education Center (DPMEC). In the course of any given day, she directs foot traffic to the various conference rooms; answers hundreds of telephone calls; works with Technical Support and Support Operations to ensure conference rooms and A/V equipment are ready; orders office supplies; assists Administrative Department staff with meeting set-up, filing, maintaining databases, composing letters, mail distribution, and many other tasks. One of her strongest assets is her ability to stay calm while diffusing angry callers and frustrated visitors, thus allowing them to feel validated and open to resolution. Her supervisor, Deputy Superintendent Marty Cavanaugh, says, "Heather has a warm and friendly manner, is eager to serve other agencies when they are using SCOE spaces and always represents SCOE in a professional manner." Ms. Styers is abundantly creative, serving on the Employee Recognition Day planning team, as well as the Mather Employee Events Team, where she comes up with great ideas (big and small) to make each event enjoyable and memorable for other employees. One of her major projects is the annual DPMEC conference room reservation process. She enters all room requests in SCOE's scheduling system, identifies any conflict dates, and tries to resolve them directly with the department before final review. She completes this extensive, detailed process in just a few weeks. Her efforts and dedication to total accuracy benefit every department within SCOE. A colleague of her comments, "Heather should be known as the Above and Beyond Gal—because others have commented to me that she always goes Above and Beyond in whatever she is working on." Concludes another of her colleagues, "Heather is a quick learner and is ALWAYS willing to help, with a smile. She listens and finishes a project prior to deadline, often using her own good judgment in determining how the project can be most efficiently done. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team." Ms. Styers has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since March 2007.

April 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Michaelann Boyle, an ED Teacher, was nominated by Principal Carmen Walker for her contributions to the Special Education Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Boyle is currently the senior class teacher at Leo A. Palmiter Jr.-Sr. High School. Hers is a self-contained classroom that focuses on the 12th grade course of study, pre-vocational skills and training, and post-transitional skills for students with emotional disturbances (ED). She works collaboratively with SCOE's WorkAbility Program and the school counselor to prepare students for graduation. She has worked with Palmiter's senior class for many years and has developed a comprehensive program including instituting a "Graduation by Exhibition" component to complement the senior course of study and requirements. Ms. Boyle has been actively involved in leading and promoting the Palmiter Student Council. She has developed a leadership component, working diligently with student leaders and class representatives to promote school spirit and teamwork. She works with the students to plan activities that encourage community service, promote leadership opportunities for students, and enrich their experiences to yield successful portfolios. For the past few years Ms. Boyle has taken a leadership role in creating, compiling, and completing a high-quality yearbook that is presented to all of Palmiter's students at the end of the school year. She has also reached out to agencies such as Stanford Home, the Sacramento Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and other community resources to provide enriching activities for not only her senior students, but all of Palmiter's students. "Ms. Boyle helps makes the students' senior year multi-faceted and memorable," says her supervisor. "She is a vital asset to the Palmiter team." Ms. Boyle has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since July 2001.

March 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Juanita Lopez, a payroll analyst, was nominated by Payroll Services Manager Sherry Lack for her contributions to Payroll Services of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Lopez is responsible for auditing, processing and maintaining payroll for SCOE employees whose last names begin with "A-K." Her role requires her to keep current regarding tax law changes, CalSTRS and CalPERS retirement systems rules and reporting requirements, and SCOE internal pay policies. She also works with employees and supervisors to resolve pay and retirement issues and is responsible for tracking and reissuing "stale dated" payroll warrants. She additionally serves as backup for the Payroll Manager in auditing Temporary Exempt employee contracts and as back-up for auditing, processing and maintaining the "L-Z" portion of SCOE's employee payroll. Her supervisor says, "Juanita is always willing to go above and beyond to make sure that employees are paid correctly. Her prior experience working in payroll at the CalPERS desk established contacts with that agency that have proved invaluable with expediting several issues employees have had with their retirement. She is extremely accurate in her work." Ms. Lopez has expanded her duties to include the maintenance of payroll's "stale dated" warrants; she developed a database to track old warrants, she locates employees who have not cashed warrants, and she arranges for re-issues. Ms. Lopez's work has been recognized by supervisors and employees of other departments many times. "Juanita's biggest contribution to SCOE is the security she gives employees—the knowledge that they will be paid accurately," concludes her supervisor. Ms. Lopez has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since November 2001.

March 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Craig Bradford, a teacher, was nominated by Principal Andrea Lemos for his contributions to the Juvenile Court and Community Schools Programs of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Bradford teaches students in grades 7-12 at SCOE's North Area Community School. This year he is also serving as the site's Teacher-in-Charge. Mr. Bradford assists students when they are having difficulties on campus and makes positive connections with students, staff and families. He welcomes students and families as they transition into the school. In addition to his work in the classroom, Mr. Bradford supports SCOE's LINKS program. He works with students who are striving for improvement in attendance, positive behavior and academic growth, and he honors students each month by presenting awards to celebrate their success. His supervisor says, "Craig is known for his commitment to doing what is right for students and holding students accountable for the expectations that are set for them. He makes positive connections with students and works closely with parents to address student needs. The students also respect Mr. Bradford and are successful in his class." Mr. Bradford engages his students in various activities, including physical education (with basketball the favorite of his students) and the volunteer program that connects North Area Community School students with special education students at SCOE's Dry Creek Elementary School campus. Several families who have worked with Mr. Bradford comment on the positive way he supports their students, who have been enrolled in many schools in the past. They note that for the first time their children are achieving success, attending school more regularly and doing schoolwork. Mr. Bradford's supervisor concludes, "Craig has been an integral part of the team at North Area Community School and uses his skills and talents to benefit students, staff and parents each day." Mr. Bradford has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since August 1996.

February 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Steven Craig, a Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal MaryJo Johnson for his contributions to the Special Education/Severely Handicapped Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Craig works in the classroom setting at Robert L. McCaffrey Middle School in Galt, which serves students who have various significant physical disabilities. He works closely with the classroom team that is led by teacher Bonita Keisler. His supervisor says that among the attributes that make Mr. Craig an exemplary employee are "his calm demeanor with the students, his reliability and his sense of humor." She notes that he is a role model for all students, especially the young men in the class. Mr. Craig truly cares about each student and will go the extra distance to help each reach his or her goals. Mr. Craig continuously strives to improve the quality of life of every student who comes into the class. He works closely with members of the team to find ways to help students be successful. Concludes his supervisor, "Steve is flexible and a team player, and his calm consistency helps students with behavior challenges to learn better ways of dealing with their issues. Steve truly enjoys being with the students and this is evident in the progress that they make." Mr. Craig has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since September 2003.

February 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Terry Kornelly, a Special Education Teacher, was nominated by Principal Lauren Roth for her contributions to the Special Education/Severely Handicapped Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Kornelly teaches a class for students with severe physical disabilities at Cordova Villa Elementary School in Rancho Cordova. She is aware of the special needs of every student in her classroom. Her primary methods of instruction used to achieve this objective are through sensory awareness and exploration. Using these methods as guidelines, Ms. Kornelly makes the necessary accommodations and adaptations to meet all levels of student learning, in addition to actively implementing the SCOE-adopted M.O.V.E. (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) philosophy and curriculum. "Best of all," her supervisor says, "the classroom activities she designs are interactive, creative and fun." Ms. Kornelly is known for her exceptional ability to communicate and collaborate closely with families, outside agencies and the Cordova Villa Elementary school staff. She continually learns new ideas to improve her program and is an exemplary teacher, leader and team player. Concludes her supervisor, "Terry is passionate about her career. In her assignment as a teacher for severely handicapped children, she is often faced with challenges and obstacles that most educators never experience. She not only accepts this position, she cherishes it. Terry demonstrates a dedication to teaching each and every day." Ms. Kornelly has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since September 1977.

January 2009 Classified Employee of the Month

Lisa Chesin, a Para-Educator, was nominated by Principal Andrea Lemos for her contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education.  Ms. Chesin works in the classroom setting with students at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr.-Sr. High School. In the words of her supervisor, "Lisa is always out and about in the classroom. She is actively helping the students in class, whether through one-on-one instruction in an area in which a student is struggling, small group support for students, or a quick reminder to get back on task. She is very patient and empathetic regarding the stresses and challenges students face, while supporting them in reaching their goals." One of the teachers with whom she works says, "This year, Ms. Chesin took advantage of an election year and developed a six-week unit covering the ins and outs of politics. It was so great to see the students engage in learning about how our government is built and how it operates. Lisa not only talked to the students about the candidates and the issues, but also encouraged them to look past the hype and rumors to make an informed decision.  Her next endeavor is to teach the art of debate." Ms. Chesinís supervisor concludes, "Ms. Chesin takes the time to get to know each of the students individually. Some students are slower to trust and connect with adults, but this doesn't stop her. She keeps trying until she makes a connection. The students here are fortunate to have her on their side."  Ms. Chesin has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since March 2007.

January 2009 Certificated Employee of the Month

Joe Wilson, a Regional Occupational Program (ROP) Teacher, was nominated by Principal Linda Mitchell for his contributions to the Juvenile Court Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Wilson teaches the Landscaping, Nursery and Grounds Maintenance course at Carson Creek Jr.-Sr. High School, which is located within Sacramento County Probation's Boys Ranch facility. His program makes career-technical education the vehicle in which students build academic skill in an applied setting that introduces them to career options. He teaches two 3-hour classes each day, with 17 students in each class. His students maintain the grounds, lawns, landscaping, gardens and greenhouse at Boys Ranch. His supervisor says, "Mr. Wilson's expertise lies in his talent in building rapport with hard-to-reach students, allowing him to effectively add self-leadership and responsibility into the lessons." Mr. Wilson collaborates with Carson Creek teachers to provide horticultural projects that help bridge ROP and academic and career-technical educational approaches. Concludes his supervisor, "Joe can turn the digging up and repairing of a broken sprinkler pipe into a student lesson that involves math, anthropology, life science, art, physical education, responsibility training and how to lead a life of success. He's a teacher who students will be looking up in 20 years to thank because he changed them." Mr. Wilson has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since July 2007.

December 2008 Classified Employees of the Month

Lynn Twang, a Staff Secretary, was nominated by Information Systems Manager Todd Humphrey for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. Ms. Twang supports the daily operations of SCOE's Student Information Systems Department. She is responsible for monitoring, tracking and reporting Juvenile Court and Community Schools student assessments. She assists with the tracking and reporting of student attendance for Juvenile Court and Community Schools, Special Education and Regional Occupational Program (ROP). In addition she maintains, compiles and reports on formal student records requests. Ms. Twang's work ensures that students receive a proper assessment when entering SCOE schools, accrue earned credit while they attend, and transition back to their home districts with a complete record of their time in SCOE schools. Her supervisor says, "Lynn understands and cares that her work directly affects students and outcomes in their lives. She also provides top-notch departmental support and can always be counted on to see beyond current tasks and anticipate what needs to be done next." He continues, "Lynn is a model employee who consistently shows up for work with a positive, professional attitude. Her attention to detail and work ethic are evidence of her commitment to SCOE and our service to students." Ms. Twang has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since October 2006.

December 2008 Certificated Employees of the Month

Jack Branson, a Teacher, was nominated by Principal Andrea Lemos for his contributions to the Community Schools Program of the Sacramento County Office of Education. Mr. Branson serves as a classroom teacher of students in grades 7-9 at Elinor Lincoln Hickey Jr.-Sr. High School. He works with students who have been expelled from their school districts or who have experienced other struggles in achieving success. He provides a structured classroom setting to involve students in their learning, to offer opportunities for them to succeed, and to prepare them as they work to transition back to their schools and districts. Mr. Branson actively supports SCOE's LINKS program on the campus. He works with students to help them recognize improvement in attendance, positive behavior and academic growth. He also engages students in physical education activities, including a campus favorite: ping-pong. Mr. Branson recently attended training on utilizing the "Why Try?" curriculum, which focuses on positive social skills and behavior; he returned prepared to implement what he had learned and wanting to share this new learning with colleagues at the school. His supervisor says, "Staff members regularly comment on Jack's commitment to working with students whom they regard as 'the most challenging group in the school'—those in grades 7-9." Mr. Branson is also known for his commitment to doing what is right for students and holding students accountable for the expectations that are set for them. Concludes his supervisor, "Jack Branson has been a positive and supportive member of the staff at Elinor Lincoln Hickey School and uses his skills and talents to benefit students, staff and parents each day." Mr. Branson has been a Sacramento County Office of Education employee since March 2007.