Last night employee of the year nominees and Golden Apple Award recipients were recognized at the Rowland Unified Employee and Community Recognition Dinner. This year the event was sponsored by Chaffey Federal Credit Union and was held at SpeedZone in City of Industry. The Rowland Elementary Jazz Band played for guests as they arrived.
Administrator of the Year – Susan Halliday, Principal of Killian Elementary
Simply stated, Susanna is a Rowland treasure. A sign of her excellent leadership is she is always there with that incredible smile, an open mind and is interested in what you have to say. She gets the hopeful, beautiful spiritual side of what she is doing. Susanna loves kids, teachers, music and gardens not because it is her job, but because it is in her heart. She comes on Saturdays to work on “her garden” (the school’s garden) because she wants a beautiful place for her kids to be. Susanna is the best example of a caring administrator anyone could know.
Classified Employee of the Year – Pamela Johnson, Office Assistant, Rowland Elementary School
Pam contributes greatly to Rowland Elementary school morale as she daily gives of herself above and beyond her duties. She is always ready to pitch in to help in any way she can. Pam exemplifies the district core values as she works with staff, students, family members and the community. Pam is presented with multiple issues and concerns and she does her best to meet the needs of those involved or find a helpful resource. She is the first person you see when you enter the school office and she greets everyone with a smile. She is a precious asset to our school and the Rowland District.
Teacher of the Year – John Molla, Rowland High School
John is very active in the math department, participating in district and school committees. He was the driving force for the applied algebra and geometry course being implemented. He developed the long range plans as well as day-to-day curriculum. In addition to his regular teaching assignment, John is currently teaching the 6th grade Algebra 1 class. He has developed activities that are appropriate for the 6th grade students, yet challenges them beyond the California Algebra Standards. He believes that no student should be left behind and spends extra time with students to give them every opportunity to be successful. When a new teacher joins the math department, John is the first one to mentor that teacher.
The Golden Apple Awards recognizes community and staff members who have made a significant difference to schools in the RUSD. This year's winners are:
June Au-Yeung - Parent at Rowland High School
Arlene Cardenas - Parent Academic Advisor at Hurley Elementary
Lydia Dzama - Teacher at La Seda Elementary
Fernando Mendez - Nogales High School (Grandparent!)
Sandy Miller - Community Member - For Alvarado Intermediate School
Carol J. Perez - Industry Hills Expo Center
Laura Tovar - Music Teacher for Rowland Unified
Jean Tsao - Parent at Rowland High School
Mary Whitson - Teacher at Shelyn Elementary
To see photos from last night's event, visit the District Photo Album at www.RowlandSchools.org