MEDIA ADVISORY: San Diego Unified to Honor Classified Employees of the Year

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MEDIA ADVISORY
May 17, 2019

San Diego Unified to Honor Classified Employees of the Year

WHAT: Each year, San Diego Unified honors its classified employees during Classified School Employees Week, which is designated by the California Legislature each May. San Diego Unified has honored its classified employees every year since 1983.

Classified school employees play crucial roles in education. From transporting and feeding students to teaching them vital skills and ensuring that schools are operating smoothly, classified employees are integral to public education. The San Diego Unified Classified Employee event honors the district's 2019 Classified Employee of the Year, the Classified Employee of the Year Runner-Up, and more than 120 classified employees from individual schools and departments.

WHEN: May 21, 2019
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wellness Hour Reception
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Classified Employees of the Year Celebration

WHERE: Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

DETAILS: The Classified Employees of the Year and the runner-up will be recognized with video tributes, along with special recognitions for all site classified employees of the year.

In addition to the ceremony, a wellness-themed reception will begin at 4 p.m. Students from San Diego Unified's award-winning culinary arts programs at Mira Mesa and San Diego high schools will be prepping and serving gourmet appetizers and desserts. The drum line from Lincoln High School will provide the music and entertainment during the reception.

Attendees include Superintendent Cindy Marten, Board of Education members, district leadership, school administrators, families and friends of classified employees being recognized, student performers from Lincoln High School and entertainment by the FSB-5 band.


This Year's winners are:

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Tim Miller, Custodial Crew Leader, Jonas Salk Elementary
Tim Miller began working in SDUSD in 2009 as a phenomenal custodial substitute, while also serving as a stay-at-home dad. He was quickly hired to serve the Mira Mesa Community as a result of his tremendous work ethic. Tim has diligently worked with our team for 10 years and has been at Jonas Salk Elementary since its opening in 2015. We are extremely excited that Tim Miller is being recognized as San Diego Unified's 2018-19 Classified Employee of the Year! He is a role model to each and every one of us to always do our personal best, leave things better than we find them and to bring joy into the lives of others. Tim goes above and beyond his custodial duties as he extends his warmth and knowledge to all members of our learning community. This personable, hardworking, and compassionate person lovingly works with our children and is an amazing teammate to the Jonas Salk family.
Listed below are quotes from Mr. Miller's colleagues:
"He really cares about all of us and he is always there to give a hand. Mr. Miller adds so much value to our school. He has been seen delivering home baked treats for the staff, writes uplifting notes, and has even purchased class pets so children that have never had a pet before will get the experience of having one. He is an exemplary employee and a wonderful role model for students and staff alike."
"Tim always does extra things to support our school. He stays late to do an extra good job; for example, on his day off he showed up at school to secure our umbrellas during the stormy weather. Tim goes above and beyond for the ENTIRE school community. He does it from the heart and finds joy in giving to others. Lucky us!"
"Tim looks out for all teachers at our school. He is always willing to go above and beyond to help out. He leaves goodies and cheerful notes as he's cleaning our rooms for us in the morning. He adds seemingly simple touches to our school and bathrooms. He even lights up our room for our birthdays."
BROLL/VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1lhdHnzjwqg

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR – RUNNER-UP
Patricia Daniel, Special Education Assistant, Ericson Elementary
Patricia Daniel began her career with San Diego Unified in 1995. Patti began working at her children's school, Hickman Elementary School, as a Guidance/Attendance Assistant. She was an active member of the Hickman community, serving on PTA as well as serving as the President of The Friends of Hickman. There were not many activities she wasn't involved in. She helped with organizing fundraisers, jog-a-thons, book fairs, and Halloween carnivals to name a few.
In 2005, Patti transferred to Wangenheim Middle School, where she joined the Special Education Team as a Special Education Assistant. Not only did she support students in the classroom, she joined the supervision team. She could be found every morning and afternoon supervising and greeting the students at the school gate as well as doing lunch supervision and after school tutoring. After hours, she would volunteer to chaperone school dances and help out at science nights.
In October 2017, Patti joined the staff of Ericson Elementary School as a Special Education Assistant and Bus Monitor. While at Ericson, Patti has supported many students. She builds relationships that foster trust in all students. "She has displayed an unwavering dedication for her students in the care she provides." wrote in a recommendation letter. Teachers constantly praise Patti for her ability to support students in their classroom. Patti has a very strong work ethic and is passionate about her work. She takes the time to get to know each of her students, helping them to see the potential in themselves. Recently, she shared a story of how she rushes home to wave at the Special Education Bus as it passes by her home. There is one student who looks forward to this all day long. It is the little things, when added together, that make Patti an absolute gift to Ericson. She shines in all that she does and remains humble and kind.
Patti is well known in the Mira Mesa community where she has lived since 1987. It is not often that she can go into the community without running into a student, past or present. She always takes the time to say hi, and truly cares how they are doing. She continues to remain active in her community and serves on a committee organizing and volunteering at events benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego.
BROLL/VIDEO: https://youtu.be/8ouiSWJGmN0


SPONSORS: California Schools VEBA, Mission Federal Credit Union, California Coast Credit Union, VALIC Financial Advisors

MEDIA CONTACT: Isabella McNeil | Communications | Imcneil@sandi.net<mailto:Imcneil@sandi.net> 619.341.2343