The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County. Over 230,000 K-12 students are served by public schools in Sacramento County.
Classified Employee of the Month
Suzanne Shehadeh, Para-Educator, has been nominated for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education Special Education Department by Principal Sharon Holstege. Ms. Shehadeh serves students in SCOE's inclusive Preschool Program at Northview Head Start, which is located in the Natomas area. Her supervisor says, "Ms. Shehadeh will go above and beyond to provide support to others—whether it is to interpret for a family in the Infant Development Program who speaks Arabic, or providing support in helping train a new substitute teacher. She has a gentle approach to working with students and provides gentle encouragement for students to be as independent as possible." Ms. Shehadeh has undergone specialized MOVE (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) training in Bakersfield and training by the U.C. Davis MIND Institute. Concludes her supervisor, "Ms. Shehadeh is an exemplary employee. She has a positive attitude and always acts in the best interest of her students, their families and our program. She enjoys her job and it shows! Suzanne is conscientious and a hard worker, and it is a pleasure to have her in the Preschool Program." Ms. Shehadeh has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since July 1999.
Certificated Employee of the Month
Maggie Messenger, School Nurse, has been nominated by Principal Sharon Holstege for her contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education Special Education Department. Ms. Messenger supports approximately 50 preschoolers in programs ranging in locations from Elk Grove to North Highlands. She works with three different Head Start agencies, each having its own forms, rules, and procedures for enrolling students having complex medical needs. Ms. Messenger has built strong working relationships with local school district nurses and agency staff in order to facilitate smooth transitions for students. Says her supervisor, "It is often difficult to determine how best to support preschool students in their first school experience—some of these students have spent much of their first years of life in hospitals due to their health challenges. Ms. Messenger has a 'can do' attitude and finds a way to support children to enable them to attend school." Ms. Messenger is widely recognized in the community for her exemplary dedication to students, including being named the recipient of the Medical Service Award by the Sacramento Association for the Retarded. Her supervisor concludes, "In working with Ms. Messenger for over 20 years, I continue to be amazed by her ability to work with and support families, the medical community, and preschool staff so that children have their health care needs successfully met. She is a tremendous asset and resource to the families of our students and to our staff." Ms. Messenger has been employed by the Sacramento County Office of Education since November 1989.