Angels Camp,CA…The ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) Mothelode charter hosted our annual Employee’s Making a Difference Ceremony at Calaveras River Academy on Pool Station Road yesterday, March 8 at 4:30. Administrators in Amador and Calaveras Counties selected a classified employee to honor. There are 25 recipients and approximately 75 people were in attendance. I’m the ACSA Motherlode Charter President and mc’d this event along with Scott Nanik, Calaveras County Office of Education Asst. Superintendent. Claudio Vicino, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at Empire Union, was our guest speaker. Here are a few of quotes from her speech.

Classified staff work in dozens of job roles ranging from clerical, maintenance and operations, food service, transportation, from computer services to classroom aides. Each classified worker helps the workplace run a little better and contributes to the quality of education for our students.

Their work—and their life—is one of giving to others. Sometimes we can forget how much we count—but we shouldn’t. 6.2 million students, plus their teachers and district leaders all depend on you—on us.

“Our Classified employees are critical “eyes and ears” for us….they make connections with our students at recess, at sporting events and in small group settings. These interactions give the rest of the staff critical information that helps improve services to students. Our Classified Staff truly do make a difference in our students’ lives!” -Julia Tidball, Superintendent, Mark Twain Union Elementary School District

“Our classified staff in our schools and offices are the heartbeat of our work. They keep everything organized, keep things in check, and help all of us keep our sanity. We would certainly be lost without them, which is why we are so excited to celebrate all that they do!”-Kathy Northington, County Superintendent of Schools, Calaveras County Office of Education

“Our classified staff have a dramatic and positive impact on the daily lives of our students. Every day they are transporting, feeding, counseling, supporting and helping to create safe and clean conditions for our students to learn and grow. With a word or a smile, they can make the day that much better for our kids. Their presence, and contributions, are immeasurable.” -Mark Campbell, Superintendent, Calaveras Unified

“When I arrived in Amador County Unified School District in October, I had done a fair amount of research and reading about our schools and community. During the past 5 months, I’ve learned so much more – through our people. I’ve met many talented, dedicated and smart people and high on the list among them are our amazing classified employees. From our awesome transportation team members who rise early to make sure snowy roads are passable to our instructional assistants who work with our students with special needs with a servant’s heart to our maintenance and grounds team members who keep our schools safe and clean to our secretaries and other support staff who go the distance every day to make sure we are well organized and coordinated in our teaching and learning work with students – our classified team rocks!”-Dr. Amy L. Slavensky, Superintendent, Amador County Schools

Alone, we make a difference every single day. Together our impact is immeasurable.

San Andreas Elementary School Mindy Cox Para-educator
Valley Springs Elementary School Pam Amestoy Para Educator
Mark Twain Union Elementary School District Tonya Ziehlke School Librarian
Toyon Middle School Heidi Ramos Media Specialist
Jenny Lind Elementary School Debra Roberts Child Development Manager
Mokelumne Hill Elementary School Courtney McDermed Para-educator
Jackson Junior High School Burton “Buddy” Brees Night Custodian
Calaveras High School Sarah Alfred Registrar
Jackson Junior High School Yvonne Adrian Administrative Assistant 2
Pioneer Elementary Margaret Shoda Administrative Assistant
Ione Elementary Mellisa Fillmore Behavior aide
Calaveras County Office Building Beth Stewart Personnel Assistant III
Ione Elementary Laurie McQuiston Admin Asst.
Plymouth Elementary Debbie Guidera Instructional Assistant
Sutter Creek Elementary/Sutter Creek Primary Wendy Blackwell Morning Crosswalk Supervisor
Avery Middle School Christine Greenberg Library Media Clerk
Argonaut High School Judy Ballard Vocational Tech
Calaveras River Academy / Oakendell Debbie Werner Food Services
Pine Grove Elementary Bobbi Jo Clinkenbeard Office Clerk
Argonaut High School Richard Herendeen Special Education Bus Driver
Jackson Elementary Jana Whitlock Administrative Assistant
Amador High School Gordon Wilson Campus Supervisor
Argonaut High School LeAnn Glavenich Campus Supervisor
Ione Junior High School Christine Robles Attendance Clerk/Lunch Aide
Albert Michelson Elementary School Kathy Olsen Lead Cook