Star Students, Partners in Education Program Honored

Collegewood Elementary 5th grader Marco Mendieta was honored as a Super Star Student.

“As a teacher, you get to know a lot of kids. When I learned we got to honor one of our students, I immediately thought of Marco and wrote an email to our staff members," said   Teacher Kim Horn. The entire Collegewood staff agreed. 

“Of all the kids I’ve taught over the years, Marco’s one of those special ones. Marco is my reliable kid,” Horn explained.

When she needed him to help keep track of 27 students during a 4th grade field trip, he did.

During robotics earlier that day when she needed help cleaning up all the wires, he took care of it. 

Marco’s that kid that when I retire, I’ll always remember,” she added.  

“Marco, our whole staff honors you for your hard work, attitude and resilience. We know you’re going to do great things!” she said. 

Collegewood Elementary recognized Donna Mann with the Partner in Education Award.

“Donna has provided outstanding service to Collegewood and been an integral part of the Collegewood family for many years,” said Principal Joan Perez. 

“If you ask anyone about Donna, they can tell you a wonderful story of how she is connected with kids. She really gets to know each child she works with by giving them her time, patience and nurturing warmth. Each and every day she receives hundreds of hugs from kids who love Donna,” Perez said.

“She always gives her best going above and beyond holding herself to be an exemplary volunteer who holds herself to the highest standards,” she added. 

We are so fortunate to have such an amazing person and asset to our school community,” School Psychologist Matt Quinn said.

C.J. Morris Elementary recognized parent Andria Labugen with the Partner in Education Award. 

“Moving into C.J. Morris was definitely a transition. So the parents, really had to make it work with their help and support. This was one of the parents that was there every single day. They were there, behind the scenes, supporting kids and classrooms making sure they had what they need,” Hunter said.

C.J. Morris Elementary student Cynthia Santana was honored as a Super Star Student.

Principal Donna Hunter described the second grader as an exceptional I.B. student.

“Cynthia always gives her best. She emphasizes the awesome I.B. Attitudes and always goes above and beyond,” said teacher Glenda Quinteros. 

“When we think of a PYP student, that gives a 100% every day and helps others, we think of Cynthia,”Quinteros added.

Hunter said she recently had the opportunity to speak with the Super Star Student and learned that the Cynthia often takes the initiative to help other students in her class. Cynthia also really likes math and likes to help out in her class. 

Retired WVUSD administrators Ray McMullen, Dr. Nancy Hogg and Barbara Falconer were honored with the Partner in Education Award for their work with the Dedicated to Learning (D2L) Program.

“These are three outstanding people who have dedicated all or much of their careers in education to Walnut Valley Unified School District. And since their retirement, they have continued to provide service to our students in various ways. They operate an organization called Dedicated to Learning to support students throughout the community and have been very generous in donating money back to our District,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

“Tonight the Board is being asked to approve a donation from Dedicated to Learning in excess of $165,000 that will go directly back to our schools and our students. We so very appreciate it and we wanted to formally recognize you for all that you have done and continue to do,” Dr. Taylor said.