Finalists for classified employee awards

04/15/2015 - The Sonoma County finalists for the statewide Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) program were announced yesterday at a reception held at the Sonoma County Office of Education. These school employees were nominated by their districts for the important roles they play in creating and maintaining positive school environments for the students of Sonoma County. They received extensive praise from supervisors and colleagues.

April Derby | Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley | Library Assistant
“April is at the very heart of our school community. She opens the library before school, during lunch, and after school so that students can search for that special book or look something up online on the Chromebooks. She has really embraced technology on our campus and provides many opportunities for our students to interact with online research throughout the grades.” —Fran Hansell, Principal

Michele Echeverria | Adele Harrison Middle School | Kitchen Manager
“Michele has fully embraced the district food manager’s vision of serving more organic, local foods in her daily breakfast and lunch specials. Her kitchen staff follows her lead and is motivated to take on the extra work this entails. Michele pays close attention to what is popular with the students and staff and coordinates her menus to please. She shows pride and commitment to her work.” —Mary Ann Spitzer, Principal

Peter Jaramillo | Meadow View Elementary School | Night Custodian
“Peter Jaramillo is an integral part of Meadow View’s school community. He is known by staff, students, parents, and community members and respected by all. He builds good will and always has a smile and warm greeting. He goes out of his way to attend voluntary meetings and school events. He attends Meadow View’s sporting events and goes on multiple field trips.” —Daniel Hoffman, Principal

Azura Leon | Olivet Elementary Charter School | Office Manager
“Azura is the first person people see when they come to Olivet Elementary Charter School. She is welcoming, kind, and friendly. She understands how people need to receive information in order to act on it. For example, she makes all of our phones calls to families about attendance issues and is able to talk with them about tardiness and absences in a kind and compassionate way.” —Mary Reynolds, Principal

The CSEY program is sponsored by the California Department of Education and recognizes non-teaching school employees throughout California who support pre-kindergarten to grade 12 public schools. Employees are nominated by their schools and districts for award consideration based on work performance, school community involvement, and leadership and commitment. The names and qualifications of finalists from each county are forwarded for possible statewide recognition.

Sonoma County’s finalists were selected by a judging panel and will advance to the state awards program. State-level award winners will be announced at the end of April.