Teacher of the Year

Rachelle Bacong
Teacher of the Year, 2011/2012
 
Ms. Bacong was hired by National School District as a first grade teacher at Olivewood School. She has taught kindergarten and first grade at Olivewood and Lincoln Acres Schools. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, in Fresno, California. Ms. Bacong is currently teaching kindergarten at Lincoln Acres School and has been working for National School District for 15 years.

Ms. Bacong’s greatest strength is her knowledge of developmental milestones and how they impact students’ learning. She approaches children with a commitment to their learning and social development. She is a master of the kindergarten curriculum and is able to artfully implement it throughout the year.

Ms. Bacong believes that her students will continually learn to solve problems both socially and academically, as she has been given the gift and opportunity to prepare them for their adult lives. It is her every day goal to instill a passion for learning with her students in an educational environment that is encouraging, positive and great fun. She feels that one of the aspects that has highlighted her as an outstanding teacher is her deep passion for teaching young minds.

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Yen Dang
Teacher of the Year, 2010/2011
 
Ms. Hagler was hired by National School District as a 5th grade teacher at El Toyon School. She has taught 3rd and 5th grades at El Toyon School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California and her Master’s Degree from San Diego State University. Ms. Hagler is currently teaching 3rd grade at El Toyon School and has been working for National School District for 10 years.

Ms. Hagler’s greatest strength is her leadership skills. She takes the initiative and works well with others. She is committed on improving El Toyon School in any way she can. She currently coordinates the Accelerated Reader Program and is a member of the School Leadership Team Committee. She has built a partnership with UCSD to provide tutors, teaching assistants, and mentors. She involved El Toyon School in the Junior Achievement Biz Town Program and is also one of the two teachers involved in the online yearbook.

Ms. Hagler believes that teaching is a creative and rewarding endeavor that is often also extremely challenging. For that reason, she takes every opportunity to pursue professional development. She has earned a math specialist certificate, GATE training certificate, and has recently received training through Picture These, and CoTA.

Ms. Hagler has a wonderful rapport with students and their parents. She is a passionate teacher and students love her. For Ms. Hagler, the many rewards of teaching include the role she plays in helping her students realize the possibilities that their future holds and the countless ways they’ve touched and enriched her life.

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Classified Employee of the Year

Bernice Iglesias
Classified Employee of the Year, 2011/2012
 
Ms. Iglesias was hired by National School District as an Instructional Assistant Health Care at Las Palmas School. She has worked at Ira Harbison, Las Palmas and Palmer Way Schools. She currently holds the Instructional Assistant Health Care position at Las Palmas School and has been working for National School District for 13 years.

Ms. Iglesias’ greatest strengths include her dedication to her students and her proactive approach to dealing with her job responsibilities. She is always willing to do more then what is expected of her. She is flexible in dealing with unexpected situations in a friendly manner with parents and teachers. She is always on time and rarely misses any days from work.

The wealth of knowledge and experience she brings to the classroom is priceless. As a result, each year the majority of the kids she works with have shown significant improvements in academic and social behavior. It is truly a blessing having her in the class and working with the special needs students at Las Palmas School.

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Xochitl Mercado
Classified Employee of the Year, 2010/2011
 
Ms. Mercado was hired by National School District as an Office Assistant at Las Palmas School. In July 2008, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant at Ira Harbison School. Ms. Mercado currently holds the Administrative Assistant position at Ira Harbison School and has been working for National School District for four years.

Ms. Mercado’s greatest strengths include her professional abilities and her positive attitude. Her commitment to supporting teachers--despite her workload--is a constant reminder that we are here for the students.

Ms. Mercado has no limitations when it comes to her job. She has an overwhelmingly positive attitude that is only surpassed by her smile. Ms. Mercado is a real person who acts as a conduit to express everything that Ira Harbison, education, and a community stands for.

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Employee of the Month

Martha Ortega
Employee of the Month, Apr 2011/2012
 
Office Technician
Las Palmas School

Ms. Martha Ortega is efficient and organized. She takes pride in verifying that our attendance records are accurate and up to date. She knows how important it is to provide quality customer service to everyone that enters our office.

She always has a smile and kind words to share with the community. Our families trust Ms. Ortega and rely on her support because she is always willing to listen to their problems and help them find solutions. She cares about each and every member of our community. She truly makes a difference with our community.

Ms. Ortega is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the office runs smoothly. She has consistently demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, excellent technical skills and a commitment to supporting the entire Las Palmas community.

We are very fortunate to have her on our team.

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