Alisal USD individuals honored for their outstanding contributions to their schools and community
Every day and every hour, there are thousands of Alisal residents working hard to make our community a better place. Whether they are teaching in our classrooms, or making sure our schools are running smoothly, or running their own businesses, these individuals contribute to building the resilient and culturally rich community that is the Alisal.
In the last few weeks, several members of the Alisal USD familia have been recognized for their impactful contributions to the community at large. First, two District educators received the Alisal Excellence Award. The following week, six individuals were honored during the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Celebration of the Monterey County Office of Education.
Superintendent Mónica Anzo received the Alisal Excellence Award for her lifelong commitment to education. The award was presented by Alisal USD Board President Guadalupe Gilpas Barrera, who thanked Mrs. Anzo for her vision for academic excellence, and the corazón to achieve it.
“Emotional intelligence and empathy are perhaps two of the most important characteristics of having “corazon” and without a doubt Mrs. Anzo puts this into practice by being able to empathize with the large, diverse Alisal Community,” Mrs. Gilpas Barrera said. “Her governance skills have impacted people of various ages in the Alisal Union School District.”
Also receiving the award was Jesse G. Sánchez Elementary Teacher Marisela Pérez for her unwavering dedication to the National Little League.
“She has committed herself to a life of service in creating safe spaces for the children of East Salinas to learn and grow in healthy environments,” Director of Migrant Education Alicia Fletcher said when presenting the award. “She has done this through her 21 years as Salinas National Little League president, keeping alive and strong its dedication to the community alongside trusted partners and allies for continuous betterment of Alisal for our youth and families.”
The Alisal Excellence Awards were presented Feb. 21 at Salinas Elks Lodge. Also recognized during the event were Businesswoman Mun Yi, Salinas Police Officer Danny García, the Adan Gómez family, Entrepreneur Yong Soo Oh, the Alisal Rotary, and Restaurateur Roberto del Real received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alisal USD at MCOE Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
On February 26, the Monterey County Office of Education hosted its PBIS Showcase and awards at Spreckels Elementary. The goal of the showcase is shine a spotlight on schools that have earned statewide recognition for their fidelity in implementing PBIS goals, thereby improving school climate; and the individuals who make the implementation possible.
Alisal USD had two District Champions: German López, school counselor at Frank Paul Elementary and Yesenia Alonzo, school counselor at Virginia Rocca Barton Elementary. If you’ve had the pleasure of working with Ms. Alonzo or Mr. López, you know how dedicated they are to student well being. Ms. Alonzo’s inflatable cow costume to dance to “La Vaca” is legendary!
Also during the PBIS showcase, two administrators were recognized as PBIS champions: Milka Hernandez, assistant principal at Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr, Academy; and Christina Mendoza, assistant principal at Creekside Elementary. Completing the application process and following through with the activities that encourage positive behavior are essential for PBIS recognition, and Ms. Mendoza’s and Mrs. Hernández’s efforts are not going unnoticed.
Mr. Sergio Ceja, realtor and community member was recognized at the PBIS Showcase Awards for all his support of Alisal USD schools. Mr. Ceja and his family are consistently supporting Alisal schools through donations that reward positive behavior such as perfect attendance. From bicycles to sweaters to turkeys, the Ceja family’s generosity knows no bounds.
For the first time in recent history – perhaps ever – an Alisal USD student was recognized for efforts to create a better school environment. Creekside Elementary Ashley A. received the PBIS student champion award. As president of the student council, Ashley has demonstrated great leadership in building a school community that’s inclusive, respectful, and fun for the students.
The PBIS showcase also presented an opportunity to recognize the schools with different levels of implementation: Creekside (Platinum), Bardin and Monte Bella (Silver) and Fremont (Bronze).
Award ceremonies offer an opportunity to showcase individuals who are distinguishing themselves for their commitment to excellence, their abilities to inspire and work collaboratively to improve our schools. Alisal USD is fortunate to have so many individuals striving every day to bring the best to our students and their families. Only a few of them can be recognized at a time, but there are many more out there that will have their chance.
Click here for more photos of the event.