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.
Employees of the Month Team
Three employees at North Area Community School were nominated as a team by Principal Lisa Alcalá for their contributions to the Sacramento County Office of Education. This team is comprised of Transition Specialist Vickie Foston-Odabashian (nominated as February Classified Employee of the Month) and Teachers Craig Bradford and Marla Nakano (nominated as February Certificated Employees of the Month). In the classroom, these education professionals work hard every day to meet the diverse academic and behavioral needs of students in grades 7-12 in the Community School setting. In fall 2012, these staff members took their work to another level and provided a memorable and rewarding experience for students and their families. Through the efforts of these three employees, close to 50 families were able to enjoy complete Thanksgiving dinners. By the school day prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, all of the recipient families had been contacted and invited to pick up their meals at North Area School. Families were treated to coffee and doughnuts as they selected their turkey, pie of choice and side dishes. Those who could not come to school had their meals delivered to them at their homes by school staff. The three employees recognized today worked individually and as a team to make possible this gracious show of support to students and families. Ms. Foston-Obadashian wrote letters and made phone calls that led to the donation of gift cards and pies. Ms. Nakano located donors to provide side dishes. Mr. Bradford coordinated "turkey transportation" and give-away logistics. Their supervisor says, "These three individuals embrace the spirit of what we want for our students: to feel like a family and to feel like they are worthy of something special." Ms. Foston-Odabashian has been a SCOE employee since September 1998. Ms. Nakano and Mr. Bradford have worked for SCOE since August 1996. Collectively, this team represents more than 47 years of service to the Sacramento County Office of Education.