RAVE Winners 2016

Carol Fong, Principal - Ulloa Elementary School - Distinguished Service Award Winner for October 2016

"My daughter Joey received an outstanding education at Ulloa Elementary School when she was there attending transitional kindergarten. Joey was unable to get back into Ulloa E.S. for kindergarten, but Principal Carol Fong encouraged me to keep trying. She also encouraged me to keep up Joey's language skills so that when Joey does get back into Ulloa E.S., she will be in line with the other students for the Chinese bi-literacy program. I did not expect her to even remember Joey's name, but she did. As a parent, it meant a lot to me that she gave me hope and treated Joey's life and education with value." - Nominated 08/2016

Kristine Keane, Counselor - George Peabody Elementary School - Special Service Award Winner for October 2016

 "Ms. Keane goes above and beyond in enhancing the social-emotional experience of students at Peabody. Her Wednesday morning skits with children about Kimochi's are favorites of many! She also runs countless events for families. She is recently tackling issues of equity and race. She is a key reason for the school's rise in popularity and academic success." - Nominated 05/2016

Denise Soler, Teacher - Lowell High School - Distinguished Service Award Winner for September 2016

 "Ms. Soler is a dedicated professional with a big heart and it is well received and appreciated. She's an advocate that makes things happen and always puts the children's' needs first. She constantly provides and utilizes great resources to further my daughter's learning skills." - Nominated 09/2015

Lateshia Jenkins, Paraeducator - Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy - Special Service Award Winner for September 2016

"Teshia works with students as more than a paraprofessional. She helps students find their better selves within themselves. Teshia works tirelessly with students and families and creates pathways for students and families to have their voices heard." - Nominated 02/2016

Sandra Navarro, Paraeducator - Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy - Special Service Award Winner for September 2016

"Sandra goes over and beyond the call of duty. She is always in support of the students she is assigned to support and makes time for all others. Additionally, Sandra creates the most beautiful bulletin boards; these boards are not just visually wonderful to take in, but they are also filled with meaning. Sandra makes each student feel cared for, and she is so supportive and uplifting for parents. Sandra's support of teachers goes without question....year after year after year." - Nominated 02/2016

Research, Planning & Assessment Team - Central Office - Distinguished Service Award Winner for May 2016

 "There is a culture within RPA that is marked by a strong equity vision, tremendous integrity and the highest degree of professionalism. Each member of the team is accessible and responsive to the myriad of requests that come across their desks each day and all members demonstrate a deep commitment to our shared work of improving the outcomes and learning experience for all students!" - Nominated 10/2015

Annette Minafo, Credential Analyst - Central Office - Distinguished Service Award Winner for May 2016

 "Annette Minafo has been an outstanding mentor for a new employee. In addition to her immense knowledge of credentialing, she stays on top of every minute detail of her work and has developed relationships with countless site administrators and teachers. She is among the last to leave the office each day, and takes ownership of all aspects of her job." - Nominated 09/2015

Matthew Hartford, Principal - Lakeshore Elementary School - Distinguished Service Award Winner for April 2016

 "Lakeshore has just blossomed tremendously under his watchful eye. The teaching and office staff are warm and friendly. I have seen parents supported throughout issues that may, at times, be difficult. The campus gardens and structures have all been fixed and maintained through workdays and I have seen Mr. Hartford himself at each one. I sincerely believe that Mr. Hartford is trying his best each and every day to help Lakeshore grow to more than it's potential and become FANTASTIC!" - Nominated 2/2016

Janis Yu, Senior Clerk Typist - Chinese Immersion School at De Avila - Special Service Award Winner for April 2016

"At a Chinese Immersion School, choosing a Chinese name for an English-speaking child seems pretty complicated. How to make it sound good, mean something favorable, and have the fortunate presentation in characters is key. Ms. Janis has helped to name each of my three children with beautiful characters that suit their personalities!" - Nominated 02/2016 and 03/2016, 15 nominations receivedRose

Mary Kamkar, Teacher - Abraham Lincoln High School - Distinguished Service RAVE Award Winner for March 2016

"She worked with students of every ethnicity after school each day developing performances to showcase their individual cultures and heritage. It was an incredible success and began the tradition that continues today. For the next 21 years and counting, Rosemary has been the coordinator of Lincoln's Brotherhood/Sisterhood Assembly. It is, above all else, her quiet leadership and the respect that her students and staff have for her that has made this event so successful." - Nominated 03/2015

Peter Sroka, Drama / Music Teacher - Curriculum & Instruction/ Visual and Performing Arts, plus Multiple School Sites - Special Service RAVE Award Winner for March 2016

"Mr. Peter has blown me away with his creativity and passion for teaching! He lights up so many students faces with joyful learning and singing. The songs he creates fosters learning and fun. On days when he is there, I consider it a privilege to hear our students sing about finding a healthy balance in life or Chinese dynasties." - Nominated 05/2015

Manuel Young, Band Director - Burton High School - Special Service Award Winner for February 2016

“Mr. Young organized a trip to Disneyland for the Band through the Heritage Festival program, where students got to bond and compete. The Band received a Silver Award, which means their scores are within the top 10-20% of high school bands nationally. To receive this as a first-time participant at Heritage is huge.” - Nominated 05/2015

Renee Vargas, Administrative Assistant - Office of Pupil Services - Distinguished Service Award Winner for February 2016

“Few people work as tirelessly at Renee. She is at her desk working every day before anyone else gets to work. She is usually the last person to leave each day, and she hardly ever takes breaks for herself, except to eat lunch. Renee does' everything she can to talk with families and translate for the team. Renee always puts families and children first in her work and it would be impossible for another person who can be any more professional.” - Nominated 04/2015

George Cachianes, Teacher - Abraham Lincoln High School - Distinguished Service Award Winner for January 2016

“His dedication is reflected in his interactive teaching style that promotes a strong connection with his students. It is through these connections that Mr. Cachianes is able to bestow a multitude of life lessons upon his students, who take these lessons and utilize them as they transition into adulthood.” - Nominated 05/2015

Tammy Tsang, Clerk Typist - Francisco Middle School - Special Service Award Winner for January 2016

“No matter what is happening, Tammy is kind, patient, and professional. She is helpful to parents and families and is a friendly face for anyone who comes into the office.” - Nominated 2 times 04/2015