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Overview
Throughout the San Diego Unified School District, employees in all classifications, as well as various programs, departments and services, are recognized for their exemplary commitment to the district mission of improving student achievement by supporting teaching and learning in the classroom.
Many receive special recognition outside of the district by local, state and federal organizations. We are pleased to share these special acknowledgements on behalf of all employees.
Teachers of the Year
The district's three Teachers of the Year are selected by their peers for their exemplary teaching skills, professional development activities, and contributions to the San Diego community.
- Philippe Poncey
San Diego High School of International Studies
Senior High Level Teacher of the Year
- Michael Crawford
Monroe Clark Middle School
Middle Level Teacher of the Year
- Bill Freeman
Porter Elementary School
Elementary Level Teacher of the Year
2009 National Magnet Principal of the Year
Karen Wroblewski, principal of San Diego High’s School of International Studies, was named the 2009 National Magnet Principal of the Year at the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) conference on April 27, 2009. Wroblewski was recognized as an outstanding school leader who has succeeded in providing innovative programs that promote equity, diversity, and academic excellence for students in a magnet school. The proof of Ms. Wroblewski's expert leadership is the great success of San Diego High’s School of International Studies, listed in Newsweek’s “Top 100 American Public High Schools” for the last three years.
Music Award—David Paul Schuchman Memorial Award 2009
Michael Cummins, instrumental music teacher at University City High School, who was awarded the David Paul Schuchman Memorial Award 2009 for his outstanding contributions as an instrumental music teacher.
2009 Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Administrator of the Year Award
Pam Hosmer, program manager for Services for Students with Emotional Disturbance, Licensed Children’s Institutions, and Homeless Foster Youth, was selected as 2009 Administrator of the Year in the Pupil Personnel Category by the Association of California School Administrators, Region 18. Pam works tirelessly to design, implement and support services for many of our most vulnerable students. She received her award at the Seventh Annual “Honoring Our Own” Awards Dinner on April 29.
2007 California School Nurses Organization (CSNO) Awards
The California School Nurses Organization San Diego/Imperial Section has recognized Donna Magden, from Monroe Clark Middle School, as the School Nurse of the Year for the area. Donna was recognized for nursing excellence, and the staff and students at Clark agree.
The California Music Educators Association—Southern Border Section (CMEA-SBS) Awards
Five honorees from San Diego Unified were celebrated at the Fortissimo Celebration on April 28. Honorees include 2009 Fortissimo Award winner and Board Member Katherine Nakamura; General Music Educator of the Year Peggy Jacobsen from Sequoia Elementary; Orchestra Educator of the Year Tamara Paige from SCPA; and Elementary Administrator of the Year Momiji Seligman from Hawthorne Elementary.
The San Diego Educational Theatre Association Awards
Charisa Childress from Montgomery Middle School received the Bravissimo Choice award for 2009 Rookie Theatre Teacher of the Year; Stacey Allen from Clairemont High and Bill Cobb from Dana Middle School both won the 2009 Bravissimo Choice Award; and Marjorie Treger, VAPA resource teacher, received the Academic Excellence Award. The San Diego Office of Education, in partnership with the San Diego Educational Theatre Association will honor all winners at a May 18 dinner and ceremony at the La Jolla Playhouse.
San Diego Science Alliance (SDSA) Awards
Rosa Parks Elementary fifth grade teachers Bob Ford, Marcus Greene, Monica Gutierrez, Colleen Crandall and Rachel York received Teacher Partnership Awards from the San Diego Science Alliance (SDSA) at the SDSA Partnership Awards ceremony in May. The awards recognize exceptional efforts to enhance K-12 science education in San Diego County.
Greater San Diego Mathematics Council (GSDMC) Award
Juarez Elementary teacher Melinda Katona was selected the Elementary Math Teacher of the Year by the Greater San Diego Mathematics Council (GSDMC).
Barbershop Harmony Society 2009 Music Educator of the Year Award
Karen Childress-Evans, director of visual and performing arts (VAPA), was awarded the 2009 Music Educator of the Year for the Far Western District of the Barbershop Harmony Society, during the Barbershop Harmony Society Spring Convention in March.
Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year Award
Jim Good, vice principal of Patrick Henry High School, was selected as the Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year for the Administrators Association of San Diego and the Association of California School Administrators, Region 18 (San Diego and Imperial Counties).
Classified Man and Woman of the Year
The district's Classified Man and Woman of the Year are recognized for their exemplary contributions as support staff in our schools.
- Amir Rahim, Race-Human Relations Education Assistant
Race-Human Relations & Advocacy Department
Classified Man of the Year - Sylvia Garcia, Student Information System Site Technician II
de Portola Middle School
Classified Woman of the Year
2009 Peace Officer of the Year Award
SDUSD Police Department Detective Troy Holliday was honored as the 2009 Peace Officer of the Year at the 18th Annual Peace Officer of the Year Awards on Friday, May 22 at the NTC Promenade. During the 2007-08 school year, Det. Holliday was assigned to investigate a series of copper wire and pipe thefts from schools and other facilities, which had resulted in a quarter million dollar loss to the district. He is credited with writing and executing seven search warrants, nine probation searches and making eight felony arrests before bringing this crime spree to a halt.
San Diego Information Technology Executive of the Year Award
Chief Information and Technology Office Darryl LaGacé was recognized as the San Diego Information Technology Executive of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal at an awards ceremony in April. Since joining the district in 2008, Darryl has been instrumental in leading the district’s technology advances, including the Interactive 21st Century Classroom initiative.
California School Nutrition Association Public Information Recognition Award
Joanne Tucker, marketing coordinator in the Food Services Department, was awarded the Public Information Recognition Award by the California School Nutrition Association. This award is given yearly to a person who has shown outstanding accomplishment in publicizing the benefits of school breakfast and lunch.
Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence (FAME) Silver Spirit Award
Sally Spero, food planning supervisor in the Food Services Department, was awarded the FAME (Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence) Silver Spirit Award. This national award is given annually to a person who has raised food service industry standards by providing innovation and leadership within their school district and community.
2009 California Distinguished Schools
Schools must go through a rigorous selection process and successfully prove that they have increased academic achievement for all students and provide evidence that they are closing the achievement gap. Congratulations to the exemplary principals and staffs at each of these 2009 California Distinguished Schools.
- Challenger Middle School
- John Muir High School
- Kearny School of Digital, Media and Design
- Kearny School of International Business
- The MET
- Scripps Ranch High School
California Partnership Academy (CPA) 2009 Grants
Lincoln High School Center for Public Safety; Morse High School Engineering Green Academy; and Kearny High School Science Connections & Technology have received preliminary notifications that they have each been approved for a $42,000 California Partnership Academy (CPA) grant. The CPA program combines traditional academics with career-technical education. Many at-risk CPA high school students are being inspired to academic and social growth; stirred to maintain focus while developing crucial skills; and, ultimately, motivated to graduate on time and pursue further education, skilled occupations, or both. Emphasis is placed on student achievement with an eye to the future, including postsecondary educational and refined career plans.
2008-09 Title I Academic Achievement Awards
Eleven district schools received Title I Academic Achievement Awards for the 2008-09 school year. To receive this prestigious award, Title I schools must show that their students are making significant progress toward proficiency in California’s academic standards, doubling achievement targets for two years.
- Kearny High School Complex, School of Digital Media and Design
- Kearny High School Complex , School of International Business
- Dewey Elementary
- Fletcher Elementary
- Florence Elementary
- Hancock Elementary
- Jones Elementary
- Ocean Beach Elementary
- Perry Elementary
- Preuss School, UCSD
- King/Chavez Primary Academy
Departments
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)—2008 Summer Sunshine Award
In recognition of outstanding achievement on the Summer Food Service Program, the district Food Services Department has received the 2008 Summer Sunshine Award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The award is given annually to individuals and groups who provide nutritious meals to children during the summer months. SDUSD won in the category of Integrating Nutrition Education and Physical Activities at Sites by bringing together a broad group of partners to hold 17 healthy and fun barbeque events at City of San Diego Park and Recreation Centers. Network for a Healthy California staged “Nutrition Decathlons” at each barbeque, encouraging children to participate in fun physical activities while learning about healthy eating.
Contact Information
If you know of a recent recognition, please contact Jennie Breister in the Communications Department at (619) 725-5598 or jbreister@sandi.net. Recognitions must meet the following criteria for mention:
- Awards can be for individual employees, school sites, departments or the district as a whole.
- Awards must be from a district-, state- or national-level organization or affiliation reflecting exemplary professional skill or contribution.
- Award date can be no earlier than June 2009.
- Submissions must include supporting documentation such as links to press coverage, a news article or an organization's award recognition letter.
