2007-08
| • | Overview |
| • | Classified Woman of the Year |
| • | Classified Man of the Year |
| • | Classified Employees By Site |
| • | Related Resources |
| • | Contact Information |
Overview
The California Legislature passed a resolution in 1985 honoring the role of classified school employees. With the passage of Senate Bill 1552 in 1986, Classified School Employee Week became an annual event designated by law during the third full week of every May.
Classified employees have cared for generations of students in San Diego and across the nation. These caring, committed professionals keep schools running by performing essential jobs that help students learn. They include our administrative and clerical support staff, custodians, bus drivers, food service professionals, maintenance technicians, landscape technicians and many more. They also include employees who may not work directly at school sites, but at the central office and other facilities. From employees in accounting operations to mail and printing services, the contributions of classified employees throughout the district provide the foundation for making our schools, offices and facilities operate efficiently, effectively and safely.
The San Diego Unified School District Board of Education is proud to recognize the more than 7,100 classified employees in the district during this year’s Classified School Employee Week
,
May 20 – 26, 2007. This years Classified Employees of
the Year are Kathy Reed and Preston Robinson.
Classified Woman of the Year
Kathy Reed - Special Education Technician for Patrick Henry High School
Kathy Reed, Special Education Technician assigned to Patrick Henry High School, is the 2007 San Diego Unified School
District Classified Woman of the Year. Kathy has dedicated more than 23 years to working with special education
students in Integrated Life Skills (ILS) classrooms. She has spent 16 of those years working at Patrick Henry High
School.
Having worked so many years in ILS classrooms, knowing the special education curriculum and philosophy are second nature to Kathy. She treats her students with respect and has high expectations of them. She works diligently with the students to make sure they reach their goals. She remains positive and kind in every situation. Her efforts are rewarded by her students’ enthusiasm, smiles, pride and social progress.
Kathy’s long tenure in special education and at Henry High has earned the admiration and respect of her colleagues. They look to her for help with behavior strategies and classroom management. Her colleagues report she is the most patient, kind and giving person. She is a team player with a supportive attitude.
“My favorite part of the day is when Kathy brings some of her students by the school office to say that they are ‘going to work’. It is such a joy to see the students beam with pride,” wrote a co-worker on Kathy’s nomination petition.
“Kathy Reed devotes her whole day, every day, to ensuring that the severely handicapped special education students under her
supervision receive the best care possible,” said Special Education Resource Specialist Florise Seip. “She is not only
dedicated to meeting their numerous individual needs, but also provides them with such a high, personal level of care. It
allows each student to grow as an individual. She is a tremendous guiding force in the lives of her students and an
outstanding asset to our high school.”
Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of kids goes beyond the walls of Henry High School. She has been a youth leader with her church for 12 years, organizing activities for junior high and high school students to provide an arena for wholesome socializing and personal growth. Just like with her students, she helps these young people expand their interests and reach their potential. She has a special way of helping kids see themselves in a positive way.
Classified Man of the Year
Preston Robinson - Network System-Media Support Technician for De Portola Middle School
Preston Robinson, from De Portola Middle School, is the 2007 San Diego Unified School District Classified man of the Year.
His official job title is Network System-Media Support Technician but according to De Portola Principal Listy Gillingham,
“Preston Robinson is a magician.”
Preston is responsible for the maintenance and repair of hundreds of computers as well as other technical equipment such as document cameras and projectors. He is the “go to guy” for providing assistance with e-mail, Zangle, the school’s website and copiers. He approaches every problem with patience and a smile, calmly looking for solutions that will prevent a problem from reoccurring. He is an incalculable resource in today’s high-tech world. His talent is obvious; his dedication to the staff is inspiring.
As dedicated as Preston is to teachers, he is even more caring and concerned for students. Every year, he takes two to three “at-risk” kids under his wing. He is a mentor, helping struggling students turn the corner and strive to follow the right path. With his friendly demeanor and quiet confidence, every student at the school has been positively affected by Preston.
Preston also finds the time to assist with the Media Technology Class, held in the lab that he helped build and wire in the
school’s Media Center. Staying true to his commitment to be a positive role model, he is an advisor to the African American
Club. He runs meetings, coordinates events, and exhibits his cooking talents by single-handedly grilling delicious ribs and
chicken for special events. A true giver, he is an integral member of the De Portola Team in every way.
“Preston works tirelessly to help students achieve by working with them directly and assisting staff to support those students. He has helped so many times, I honestly cannot count,” said teacher Aaron Frick. “He does not quit, he does not say no, he smiles and laughs and gets the job done. He is honest, sincere and loves his job. Always working hard, giving it his best, and making wherever he is, a better place to be.”
>>View Classified Employee Site Representatives
Related Resources
| • | Board Resolution
Recognizing May 20-26 as Classified School Employee Week |
| • | Administrative Circular 59:
Nominations for Classified Employee Man and Woman of the Year |
| • | Administrative
Circular 58: Classified School Employees' Week Board Recognition |
Contact Information
| For Help With: | Contact: |
| Classified Man and Woman of the Year Recognition Event | Gloria Rangel Senior Personnel Clerk Human Resource Services Division (619) 725-8172 grangel@sandi.net |