Information regarding the Classified School Employees of the Year Awardees for 2018.
Chris Flores
Child Nutrition Category
Lead Cafeteria Assistant, 3 years in current position
Oakdale High School, Oakdale
Oakdale Joint Unified School District, Stanislaus County
Chris Flores goes out of her way to make a cafeteria feel like home, encouraging friendly interactions between students and staff, and decorating the space for holidays and events. She knows students by name and goes to great lengths to learn about the personal lives of the students she serves, joyfully celebrating student accomplishments and encouraging those who most need it. During Ms. Flores’ tenure, the number of students eating breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria has increased, which is notable with an open campus that has restaurants and fast food nearby. To manage the increase in demand, Ms. Flores opened outdoor food kiosks offering students additional meal choices that are both healthy and popular. She is a pillar of the school community and a highly respected member of school staff.
Richard Carreon
Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities Category
Lead Custodian, 21 years in current position
Nordhoff High School, Ojai
Ojai Unified School District, Ventura County
Richard Carreon does an outstanding job of providing work direction and organization to the members of his custodial and grounds crew. Affectionately known as “Ranger Rick,” he also coaches baseball and supervises football, and consistently demonstrates leadership and commitment. Mr. Carreon was described as an “absolute hero” during the Thomas Fire disaster, working closely with Red Cross and local officials in setting up a disaster center at Nordhoff High School. He performed above and beyond his duties, working 12-16 hour days in dangerous and trying conditions to ensure all evacuees had a safe place to stay. Mr. Carreon and his crew covered all aspects of the needs of the facility, the evacuees and the Red Cross – thus supporting the entire community of Ojai.
Donna Silva
Office and Technical Category
Senior Clerical Assistant Registrar - Student Data, 23 years in current position
Del Oro High School, Loomis
Placer Union High School District, Placer County
Donna Silva is an incredible gate keeper and planner for the high school counseling department, playing a vital role in all counseling processes, including student registration. Born and raised in Loomis, Ms. Silva graduated from Del Oro High School, where her three children also graduated. Ms. Silva works with counselors to identify families going through hardship during the holidays and connects them with local supporters and resources. She also plays an instrumental role in fundraising efforts for scholarships for students.
Lily Madrigal
Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance Category
Para-Educator and Prop 10 Coordinator, 5 years in current position
Hughson Elementary School, Hughson
Hughson Unified School District, Stanislaus County
Lily Madrigal’s outstanding, innovative leadership benefits the entire school and community. She helps second language learners overcome many academic obstacles, utilizing research-based strategies to more effectively reach struggling students. Ms. Madrigal helps organize and lead the Latino Literacy Program for Hughson and parent help classes that teach strategies, advocacy and first aid. She is extremely well-known for “Road to Kinder,” a four-night program that helps incoming kindergarten students and their parents acclimate to school life. The event, which last served more than 120 families, concludes with a mini-graduation ceremony and free backpacks.
Rosemary Batista
Support Services and Security Category
Health Clerk,, 22 years in current position
Valle Vista School, Rancho Cucamonga
Central School District, San Bernardino County
Rosemary Batista provides a warm, caring and safe environment for everyone who visits her school’s health office, and communicates with parents often when children have a health-related issue. She tracks all the students’ medical information and takes the utmost care that prescriptions are monitored so the appropriate dosage goes to the appropriate student, and proper records are kept. Ms. Batista’s impact goes beyond her daily job duties. She has held every office on the PTA Board and organized an outreach program to provide food baskets for needy families. If you walk on the playground during a school day, you can see the children flock to her, giving hugs and showing appreciation. She is called “a daily gift” to Valle Vista School community, brightening everyone’s day from the minute she arrives on campus.
Loyjean Estrada
Transportation Category
Bus Driver, 13 years in current position
Downey
Downey Unified School District, Los Angeles County
Loyjean Estrada’s dedication to her students shines through. School staff, parents, fellow drivers and teachers have all complimented her professionalism, attitude and kindness towards her students. She takes special care to find out about any issues or accommodations students with special needs and disabilities may require. She treats her co-workers like a second family, always energetic and caring. It takes a special person to handle the daily technical tasks of operating a school bus, deal with traffic in and outside of school grounds, answer to irritated parents and still keep a smile and pleasant demeanor.