Excellence in Special Education Awards

The third annual awards night was held on May 14th 2009 at Highland Ranch Elementary School. Staff was recognized and appreciated by parents and administrators as well as the CAC Board. In conjunction with the staff awards, the Special Education Foundation had arranged a fundraiser for our students and their classrooms. McDonald’s was extremely generous and donated 20% of their dinner proceeds to the Special Education Foundation from that evening. Additionally, the Special Education Foundation organized a silent auction with baskets that were donated from our PUSD special education programs as well as items donated from the community. The Foundation made well over two thousand dollars. A great big “Thank you” goes out to all of those who attended the event and as well as those who also donated to the event!

The entire night was a big hit and it really began by recognizing what the PUSD staff does on a regular basis that is so special to our families and student success. The recipients of awards are highlighted in this newsletter.

Regina Fralia

Instructional Aide

Rancho Bernardo High School

Mrs. Fralia began working with Poway Unified in the 95-96 school year. She started out as a PE aide and is now a one-on-one aide at Rancho Bernardo High School. She has been with her current student for 4 years. The nominating family shared that without her enthusiasm, deep caring, and professionalism, their child’s education would not be where he is today. She has learned the subtle social and language queues that her student has that you and I might take for granted. She makes certain that her student understands and verbalizes what he may have missed because of his autism. She spends breaks and recess re-teaching him difficult concepts so he can be successful.

The nominee also shared that Mrs. Fralia is THE reason their child enjoys school and they wanted to thank her for going above and beyond the call of duty and surpassing all expectations.

Mindi Eutsler

Special Education Teacher

Highland Ranch Elementary School

If we want our children to possess the traits of character we most admire, we need to teach them what those traits are and why they deserve both admiration and allegiance.— William J. Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education

The nominating parent stated, “Mindi brings to work every day a bundle of energy, resourcefulness, 110% into everything she does, the extra mile, passion, in touch with “her” children, and very compassionate. This is a commitment that requires time and effort well above the regular workday. There are so many uncertainties in our lives and the lives of our children that having someone demonstrate this level of dedication puts us at ease when we drop our children off each day and gives us a greater hope for their future.”

Mindi states that her love for her job is a result of her love for the children. She shared that her reward is getting to watch her students learn and grow.

Gretchen Murphy

Resource Specialist Teacher

Rolling Hills Elementary School

From Principal Kathleen Marshack:

“Gretchen has been a part of the Rolling Hills team for the past eight years serving in the role of our Resource Specialist Teacher. She is an advocate for children and works diligently to make sure that her students' academic, social, and emotional needs are optimally met. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Gretchen takes an active role in district and site committees. Congratulations, Gretchen, on receiving this special award!”

Gretchen shared that she loves teaching because her job is different every day. She said, “My students are so much fun to work with, I smile thinking of the great experiences I've had with them. It is thrilling to see the light bulb come on as each student increases his or her knowledge, academic skills and self-confidence. I am grateful to have the support of wonderful parents and excellent special education and general education team members. I sincerely hope that I have and will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of children.”

Diedra Hayes

Psychologist

Park Village Elementary School

Diedre is enthusiastic and completely devoted to the children she serves. Even with limited visits she makes a positive impact on her students and drives them to succeed no matter what. She has a positive approach and truly believes that every child can exceed their potential.

“My journey to here started in SC as a middle school language arts teacher. I was teaching students with MR and SLD and ADD in regular education without support. This motivated me to take classes in psychology to learn more about divergent learners, modifications, and behavior management. I got hooked! What keeps my engine running high for special education is the children. Never boring, ever changing, always teaching me things about the world and life, they are the joy and the passion. Helping children understand themselves and their learning is, in the words of Randy Jackson, "THE BOMB". Helping families get and stay on the path to healing and understanding makes it all worth while. School psychology is really an art form. When it all comes together and we get it right, it changes lives. Team work is the key to success, and I am very grateful to be a part of this Poway Special Education team.”

Elaine Bailey

8th grade teacher

Meadowbrook Middle School

From Principal Cathy Brose:

I would like to convey my appreciation for all she does, not only at school but in giving of her time to work with our kids on Saturdays…both with her horse program, Mane Link, and also academically with Saturday School. She also is here every day after school supporting and working with our kids. Her Student-2-Student after school tutorial program and her commitment in her classroom is outstanding. Thank you for honoring special teachers…it means a lot to them.

When Elaine first learned about the award, her immediate concern was to include her partner with the “Mane Link,” retired teacher, Kate Dunbar, as part of the awards ceremony as she felt they should share it!

Danielle Gruffydd

Teacher, Integrated ASD Preschool

Pomerado Elementary

“Danielle has been my son's preschool teacher this year. Her enthusiasm, kindness and caring have transformed my son’s feelings about school, and more incredibly, his connections to friends. He now looks forward to school, and to seeing his friends, each day. Danielle's welcoming spirit and animated teaching methods keep even these wiggly preschoolers attentive and eager. I've often thought that she could host a children's TV show, if she weren't teaching. She has seemingly endless energy and warmth. Danielle is patient and kind with her kids, taking as much time as needed when challenges arise. She insists that these young students be treated with respect -- giving them time to finish stammering sentences, not interrupting long off-topic additions to the discussion, and encouraging them to complete tasks as independently as possible. Her focus on positive reinforcement, flexibility, and proactive strategies has reduced my son's tantrums and behaviors significantly. We expect he'll be mostly mainstreamed next year.

Danielle has spent hours on home visits, and has even called in the evening when Ben had a difficult day. During those times, when a parent is feeling especially discouraged, having a teacher who is so supportive and positive about your child gives you the reassurance that you can surmount any challenge together. And we HAVE this year - we've brainstormed, made countless visuals, had after-school meetings, etc., and his wonderful progress is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of Danielle and her staff.”

Danielle received her degree in Social Work, but decided to get her teaching credential after working as an assistant in special education summer preschool program. “I couldn't see myself anywhere else - other than preschool!” she shared. “I love Pomerado School, the staff, my preschoolers, and the families I work with everyday.”

Carol Reeves

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Itinerant Teacher

A nominating family shared the following:

“For over 5 years, Ms. Carol Reeves has been like a beacon of light for our family by helping us navigate through the multitude of barriers and pitfalls that come with raising two hard of hearing elementary school-aged children. She is knowledgeable, pro-active, innovative, supportive, and probably the most persistent person I've ever known. She often heads off problems in advance, but she also excels in helping us work through numerous difficulties that couldn't be avoided. She involves herself in every aspect that she can possibly assist her students.”

Ms Reeves has been a teacher with PUSD since 1976. She knows she loves what she does, because she couldn’t have done it for so many years otherwise. She shared the following: “What I love is working with whom I call 'MY' children. I not only see their needs, but their potential. I enjoy watching my students excel and be all they can be with the right kind of help and support. If the kids I work with can feel good about themselves, then I've done something worthwhile. That is my reward.”

Carol keeps going because she feels that in each and every day and in each and every child, there is a gift waiting to be discovered.

Christina Leslie

Speech and Language Therapist

Poway High School

Christina’s nomination was submitted by one of her 11th grade students who felt that everyone should know just what a source of encouragement and strength Ms. Leslie has been throughout her years at Poway High.

“My mother and I think Ms. Leslie is a shining light from heaven. Thank you Ms. Leslie, you are a very special person, and you’ve made a huge difference to me.”

No matter how busy the students know she is, they always feel like she gives them the time they need for support, advice or help. In addition she has taken the time to be sure that her student’s families feel supported and informed. Her above and beyond approach has made a huge difference in this students life.

Words from Scott Fisher principal at Poway High School:

“Mrs. Leslie has an excellent manner with her students. She is patient and always uses a positive tone (even when she is tells students about inappropriate behaviors). Mrs. Leslie’s interactive approach has enabled her to “push” on students and make them rise to the expectations—she will not allow her students to give up! She is gentle and her students find this calming and welcoming. Her students enjoy their relationship and time with her because of her positive affective behavior with them. She works to promote a respectful and friendly environment. Students demonstrate a genuine respect for each other and their learning.”

Due to the nature of her work with students, Tina plans her lessons catering to her students’ abilities/disabilities and current needs. She gathers input from teacher, students and parents, as well as the by thoroughly reviewing the IEPs. She helps students make progress towards their language and communication skills. Her knowledge of her field allows her to communicate concepts to all of her students. She assumes responsibility for the success of all students in their learning by seeking effective instructional practices to helps students understand the material. This and so much more illustrates how deserving Mrs. Tina Leslie is for this recognition.