SUHSD What's Right
SUHSD What's Right
SUHSD What's Right![]()
SUHSD What's Right
The Salinas Union High School District's What's Right Recognition allows staff to recognize their colleagues who consistently go above and beyond to serve our students, families, and school sites. To submit a recognition, click here: What's Right Recognition Form
Click on a date below to view details:
April 12, 2022
Dominic Chacon, ESMS Athletic Director, for his years of service to his school site and the community. Dominic has served with calm and professionalism during these unprecedented times from years 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.
April 26, 2022
Grace Rubio, Principal's Secretary, for doing a tremendous job supporting all classified staff. Her positive attitude and willingness to support at WMS are noticed on a daily basis. She is always willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the school site is running smoothly.
Santos Negrete, Grounds Keeper, for his willingness to work out of class and support the campus in multiple ways is greatly appreciated. He is a positive team member who takes pride in his job.
Carlos Aleman, Lead Custodian, for troubleshooting problems at WMS to support all staff. His willingness to go above and beyond is greatly appreciated. Due to shortages and staff absences Carlos has been asked to put in more hours and has done it with a smile. His positive attitude daily supports creating a culture of community at WMS.
Irma Saucedo, Attendance Clerk, for her attitude despite shortages and absences during this school year. Her focus on doing her best is greatly appreciated.
Robert Cannon, Director of Research and Assessment; Brenda Sanchez, Testing Technician; Gracie Caballero, EL/Typist Clerk III; Alberto Martinez, PC Program Coordinator; Kathy Perez, Application Specialist; Emmanuel Marquez, Computer. Operations Support Technician; and Alonzo Cornejo, Arthur Caldwell, David Cook, Gerald Junsay, Matt Monahan, PC Technician, Mike Allen, PC Technician, and Pablo Potillo, PC Technicians, for making Victoria Verduzco, Applications Support Technician, feel welcome and for all the support thus far. In her short time in her new position she feels like she has grown and adapted well into the position and feels nothing less than a valuable part of the team.
May 24, 2022
Jeannie Roland, Intervention Specialist and PBIS Lead (HMS) received the District Champion award at the MCOE PBIS Showcase for the 2021-2022 school year. She is a strong advocate for PBIS, SEL, and data-driven approaches. Her leadership in the HMS Wellness Center is what has helped the Husky Den to grow and better serve the needs of our students. Jeannie has an eye for systems and is always looking at where HMS is currently at and what they need to do to grow and improve. Congratulations Ms. Roland!
Stephen Elliott, Teacher (LPMS) was nominated as District Champion as Mr. Elliott models values and actively seeks for ways to grow PBIS at the La Paz Middle school. Thank you for supporting positive school climate and the Panther Way, Mr. Elliott!
Michelle Hunter, PBIS Clerk (RSJHS) was nominated as District Champion. She is always going above and beyond with fundraising, providing prizes, getting ideas, making RSJHS's Expedition parent newsletter and getting pictures in all over campus. From sports events to 5-star and concerts, Michelle is a very active part of the school site that everyone knows and loves because of the amount of love and work that she has put into RSJ.
Constance Reeves, Teacher and Tier 1 Lead (ESMS) was nominated as District Champion and is recognized for being an advocate of promoting a PBIS culture in her classroom and school. She championed Spartan Re-set Day in the Spring and leads staff in recognizing students consistently. Way to go Ms. Reeves!
Jennifer Carr, Teacher (EPS) Ms. Carr was nominated as District Champion and constantly supported PBIS and is a member of our PBIS team here at El Puente. She goes above and beyond to support students on her own dime to ensure that her students are rewarded for positive behavior.
Sandra Nieto, PBIS Clerk and acting Tier 1 co-lead (EAHS) was nominated as District Champion. Her organizational skills and focus on student needs have made the EAHS Wellness Center and Tier 1 meetings student-driven environments. She has extreme compassion and always thinks about students first. Her infectious amazing attitude models for EAHS students how to SoaRR (Be safe, respectful, and responsible) at EAHS. She also supports staff throughout the site to answer any PBIS/Tier questions including support of Tier 2 & 3 implementation.
Michelle Puga, Counselor and Tier 1 Lead (LPMS) was nominated as District Champion. She actively goes the extra mile during the planning and execution of our activities. She supports our staff as well as our students and exemplifies what it means to be a Panther.
Stacey Piccuto, Teacher (WMS) was nominated as District Champion. Ms. Piccuto is a superior communicator who collaborates with teachers, counselors, students, and families to improve the overall school climate at WMS. She offers excellent ideas and is a leader amongst her colleagues due to her active participation and initiative in student engagement. She’s supported many school-wide interventions and activities to create, maintain and enhance a positive and welcoming environment at WMS.
Rafael Gandara, Teacher (HMS) was nominated as District Champion. Mr. Rafael Gandara has given out 26, 961 Bark Bucks this year. He has balanced them between all 3 of HMS' expectations. He has been awarded points as lead instructor and as a co-teacher. He is a true PBIS champion on the HMS campus.
Daniel Tellez, Campus Supervisor (WMS) was nominated as District Champion, Mr. Daniel Tellez has consistently gone above and beyond to create, maintain and enhance a positive and welcoming environment at WMS. He is one of the first and last individuals that students see on a daily basis. He rewards students that are following our “Bronco Way” expectations with “5 Star points”.
Teri Lopez, Principal, (WMS) received the District PBIS Admin of the Year at the MCOE PBIS Showcase 2021-2022 for her leadership in PBIS and school climate. She has consistently promoted PBIS at WMS through: active leadership support, attending team meetings, allocating funds to create, maintain and enhance a positive and welcoming environment at WMS. Ms. Lopez has been extremely supportive throughout PBIS implementation. She has supported and set up sustainable systems for all three tiers, championed teams to make data-based decisions, and fostered a positive school climate for all the Bronco Way. Through her leadership at WMS, the site received the Platinum medal from the California PBIS Coalition in 2020-2021.
Maritza Maravillo, Principal (LPMS) was nominated for the District PBIS Admin of the Year for her work in supporting and promoting PBIS activities at La Paz Middle School which helps create a safe environment for students!
Ricardo Vazquez, Assistant Principal (EAHS) was nominated for the District PBIS Admin of the Year. He is very involved and passionate about working with students. He supports Tier 1 at EAHS and is actively engaged and supportive of PBIS! You SoaRR, Mr. Vazquez!
Kimberly McCullick, Principal (HMS) was nominated for District PBIS Admin of the Year. She is a strong, dedicated, growth-minded PBIS Champion at HMS. She is an integral, highly valuable, and active attendee at our Tier 1 meetings and a consistent supporter and participant in our PBIS programs. She actually models the school expectations of our 3R's on a daily basis as an individual and an administrator.
Gerardo Zenteno, Assistant Principal (RSJHS) was nominated as a PBIS Admin of the Year. He supports the Tier 2/3 team at ESMS in implementing PBIS culture. Mr. Zenteno is always supporting the Spartan Way and guides the intervention processes at ESMS so Spartan students feel safe and cared for.
Cheralynn Johnson, Teacher and Tier 1 Lead, Angelica Simons, Intervention Specialist and Tier 2-3 Lead, Anthony Morales, Assistant Principal/PBIS Admin Tier 1, and Vivian Moises, Assistant Principal/PBIS Admin Tier 2-3 (SHS). Salinas High School won the "Transformative Use of Technology Award" at the MCOE PBIS Showcase 2021-2022 for their student app displaying school events, counseling supports, and other elements that support school climate.
June 14, 2022
Audrey Sharp, ROP Vocational Evaluator/Transition Specialist; Burr Guthrie, Hartnell College Pathway Coordinator; Marcos Cabrera, SUHSD Communications Director; Sandro Lopez, North Monterey County School District, CTE Specialist; Theresa Wren, RSJHS/MTROP, Work Experience Coordinator; Kelly Fletes, Margaret Fernandez, and Yadira Moreno, Monterey Peninsula College; Rosie Armstrong and Belen Gonzales, Hartnell College; David Dresser, Monterey County, CTE District Advisory Committee Member; Joseph Farotte-Kruchas, Monterey County Department of Social Services, CTE District Advisory Committee Member; and Shannon Graham, SVMH, CTE District Advisory Committee Member, for their support in planning and implementing the 2022 Career Technical Education Student Showcase (bit.ly/cte-show). This was the first time this event was county-wide and it was a great success! Your efforts resulted in a virtual platform and awards ceremony that featured 146 student projects representing 10 economic sectors. The showcase also highlighted and celebrated students from 13 high schools and 7 school districts across Monterey County.
March 2023
Ana Aguillon, Chief Business Officer
- Ms. Aguillon has been recognized for not only being an amazing Chief Business Officer, but an amazing colleague. She always listens and is always willing to see how funding can be used to support teachers and students.
Becky Vivit, Assistant Principal of North Salinas High School
- Ms. Vivit has been recognized by the PE steering committee for always taking the time to gather input on the needs of the team.
Tanya Avila, Teacher at Rancho San Juan High School
- Ms. Avila has been recognized by the admin team at Rancho San Juan High School. She has been a strong force in qualifying more students for the State Seal of Biliteracy. Her dedicate to preparing students to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy resulted in a high number of recipients district-wide. She is a strong advocate for multilingual and multicultural learners. Her passion toa advocate language learning has also made a big impact on fellow language teachers. Rancho San Juan is fortunate to have such a dedicated language teacher that prepares learners for the global world.
Victoria Verduzco, IT Applications Specialist
- Ms. Verduzco has been recognized by the SUHSD Educational Services department for going above and beyond to support their department, as well as SUHSD teachers and students. Her knowledge of Synergy, Edgenuity, and Clever integration is appreciated. Her prompt support and follow-up communication is a great support.
Kati Bassler, SVFT Union President
- Ms. Bassler has been recognized by the SUHSD Educational Services department. Her input, historical knowledge, and the work she does supporting finalizing summer school plans and MOU have not gone unnoticed.
April 2023
Graciela Hidalgo, Manager of Fiscal Services
- Graciela Hidalgo is being thanked by El Puente School for going above and beyond to support the students and staff with their many needs and requests.
Patrice Parks, Teacher Librarian at Everett Alvarez High School
- Patrice is being recognized for being an outstanding individual who runs an incredible library with a variety of programs. "She is also an instrumental part of the EAHS PLC, she is a coach, and advisor to several clubs. The students are her first priority and the programs at the library show they respect and admire Ms. Parks."
Jocelyn Acosta, Teacher at Adult Transition School
- Jocelyn is being recognized for being a go-getter, especially for it being her first year in the district. "She also started a popular Food Culture Day in our program where students can learn the beginning, middle and end of full hospitality experience. Students can practice ordering from a menu, dining, creating a meal, and setting a table. Teachers and students love it so much that everyone wants to participate in this activity. She also values students' cultures and showcases other cultures. Students and staff respect her level of commitment to the program."
Alvaro Lopez, Social Studies Teacher at Rancho San Juan High School
- Alvaro is being recognized for his supreme work ethic. "It is difficult being a first-year teacher. However, Mr. Alvaro Lopez comes to school ready to be adaptable and empathetic. Alvaro often helps out during first period, by substituting for other teachers who are unable to make it. He greets students at his door and listens to them with patience and true interest. Mr. Alvaro Lopez is a passionate teacher and an excellent role model to our high school trailblazers."
Karla Fragoso, EL Student Support at Salinas High School
- Karla is being recognized for her willingness to go above and beyond. "She helps the site with anything that is asked of her. She is extremely efficient and reliable. She is an excellent EL clerk and helps all the other EL clerks in the district. They always call her when they have questions. Karla did an amazing job during ELPAC testing! She keeps every spreadsheet current and helps me complete ELPAC testing at SHS. This year, for SBAC, Karla and I will be administering the test to our 11th-grade ELD 1, 2, and 3 students because they feel safe with and know us. She does not need to do this but will do anything for our students. Every morning when I come to work, our office is filled with ELD students chatting with her. The kids adore her too!"
SUHSD SkillsUSA Advisors, Teachers and Work Experience Coordinators
- SkillsUSA Advisors – Cesar Figueroa, Guadalupe Guzman, Jen Ghastin, Leslie Ochinang, Mike Baker, Max Schell, Renata Lahodni, Robert Booth, Scott Rose, Valarie Osuna, Evan Robinson, Blanca Benitez, Julissa Mendoza, Michael Hermosillo, and Gillian Ochinang – are being recognized for their work in facilitating the SkillsUSA contests. "This year the SUHSD experienced a resurgence in participation and had great success due to your efforts. During 5 consecutive Saturdays in January and February, the SUHSD had 94 students compete in 31 CTE contests. 36 of these students qualified for the upcoming state competition."
Mekayla Ramos, Athletic Director at La Paz Middle School
- Each year, Middle School Athletic Director is chosen by Mr. Daniel Masilamoney, Middle School Athletics Coordinator. This year, Ms. Mekayla Ramos was chosen for her calm organization skills, professionalism, and class.
Yvette Alfaro, Para-Educator for Floral Design ROP Class at North Salinas High School
- Ms. Alfaro has been recognized by Mrs. Kyle Robinson for putting in so much effort into making true connections with her students on a personal level. Students trust her, like her, and seek advice from her. Ms. Alfaro makes a difference in the lives of the students she works with every single day. She comes to work every single day with a smile, has a great sense of humor, and has an amazing work ethic.
Elizabeth Oneto, Intervention Specialist and Teacher at Salinas High School
- Ms. Oneto is being recognized by her colleagues for the instrumental DEI work she does at Salinas High School. In addition, she has created and publicized safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and working through PBIS. She has been tireless in her advocacy and efforts toward inclusion.
Erika Varney and Gregg Allan, Transportation Department
- Mr. Allan and Ms. Varney are being recognized by Jonathan Green, Principal at El Puente School. They worked hard during the school year to secure transportation for the 14 different field trips that El Puente School took during the school year, each of which was unique and required a great deal of individual planning.
High School Counselors at SUHSD
- High School Counselors at SUHSD are being recognized by their colleagues for the work they do. Counselors helped all seniors with filling out financial aid applications so that they have the resources to go to college. They spent many hours in the evenings on these efforts and it paid off. North Salinas High School and Everett Alvarez High School had 88% of students complete financial aid applications, while all other high schools exceeded 70% or higher, doing better than the state average of 66%.
Margaret Power, Senior English Teacher at Salinas High School
- Ms. Power has been recognized by one of her colleagues as 'one of the best Senior English Teachers at SUHSD'. She goes above and beyond anything and everything that is asked of her. She consistently advocates for students and staff. She makes an effort to be involved in the school culture: she MCs at talent shows, she judged the SUHSD poetry slam, and attends almost every event held at Salinas High School. Former students college her for advice from college and she continues to mentor them. She is a perfect example of a teacher and mentor.
Vanessa Montejano, Special Education Paraeducator at Washington Middle School
- Ms. Montejano is being recognized for going above and beyond for her students. She understands the diverse learners that enter the classroom and does her best to meet their needs. She is known as a hard worker and continues to learn to advance her skills.
May 2023
James Nichols and Salinas High School Graphic Design and Art in the Digital Age Class
- Mr. James Nichols and his class at Salinas High School were recognized by the Monterey Rotarians and the Mayor of Monterey for winning Best in Show (Rachel Vita) First in Graphic Design (Ricardo Jones) Second in Graphic Design (Jasmine Cabanillas) Third Place Traditional Art (Kylah Amaya) in the AIM for Youth Mental Health Awareness International Poster/Design Competition.
Students with Honorable Mentions in the competition are: Bianca Castro, Jeremy Pajela, Devyn Medina, Parker Noinski, Adrian Solis, Vinnie Betelho, Branson Stewart, David Altamirano. Anabella Renteria, Corbin Cope. Congratulations!
August 2023
Sandra Cervantes, Community Liaison at Washington Middle School
- Mrs. Cervantes has been recognized by the admin team at Washington Middle School for going above and beyond for all families and staff. She welcomes new families to Washington Middle School and provides them with all the information they need to find success at the site, including community resources. She has a kind and calm demeanor, which is always appreciated as she supports families with various needs. Mrs. Cervantes is an asset at Washington Middle School and is valued for what she brings to the Bronco Family.
Carlos Aleman, Robert Alba, Santos Negrete, Robert Rodriguez, Mark Lester, Jose Rangel, and Vladimir Salvador – Custodial & Grounds Team at Washington Middle School
- The Washington Middle School Custodial Team has been recognized by the admin team for going above and beyond over the month of July, helping to ensure that the Washington campus was ready for students and staff to return. These efforts included working multiple weekends to paint, do heavy lifting, deep cleaning, and much more. The Washington Middle School team is thankful to have a dedicated team willing to do whatever it takes to ensure students and staff are set up for success!
Washington Middle School Counseling Department and Wellness Staff
- The Washington Middle School Counseling Department and Wellness Staff have worked collaboratively over the past three years to become the Washington Middle School Wellness Team. Through their coordinated efforts, Washington Middle School has been able to improve and refine its support and interventions for its students. Thanks to the Washington Middle School Wellness Team, there has been a 26% decrease in the number of students suspended one or more times between the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. Furthermore, their work has positively impacted the school's culture and climate.
Adrian Murillo, Counselor at Washington Middle School
- Mr. Murillo is being recognized by Washington Middle School admin. He is known as an asset to the school who is always willing to support students, families, and staff. His dedication to the profession is observed through the daily work that he does with a genuine passion to make a difference. He has developed into a leader of the counseling department and truly leads by example.
Sherry Kefalas, Counselor at Washington Middle School
- Ms. Kefala has been recognized by the admin team at Washington Middle School for her exceptional leadership of the counselor department at their site. She is appreciated for her organization, professionalism, passion, and overall work ethic. The Bronco family appreciates her constant consideration and planning of schoolwide counseling activities. She continued to refine and improve services at Washington Middle School and makes every effort to support students, staff, and families.
Erin Lingren, Femie Querimit, Gabriela Rivas-Dampier, Erin Cabral, Gabrielle DeVilla, Jacqueline Tacorda, and Alan Carrillo – Teachers at Washington Middle School
- These teachers at Washington Middle School are being recognized for hosting Aug '23 learning walks for new teachers!
Gavin Brem, Micah Candiotti, Teresa Fuentes, Season Leyva, Jazehel Jimenez, Erin Cabral, Joanne Sellen, Norman Silva, and Diana Outwater - Teachers at Washington Middle School
- These teachers are being recognized for working towards integrating technology more deeply for student success!
Gavin Brem, Gamaliel Vega, Yaneli Navarrete, Catherine Connor-Moore, Micah Hynes, Vanessa Montejano, Angelica Lopez, and Marissa Torrez - Teachers at Washington Middle School
- These teachers are being recognized for engaging in job-embedded PD-like learning walks. "Their commitment to learning from others on site is admirable, helping to build a culture where we build on each other's strengths!"
Jordan Johnson, Intervention Specialist at Washington Middle School
- Jordan Johnson has organized intramural sports for students at lunch. Students look forward to playing in these lunchtime activities, and the activities allow students to engage in positive play. The lunchtime activities facilitated by Mr. Johnson have had a profound impact on the campus culture and climate.
September 2023
Angelica Pulido, Science Teacher at Everett Alvarez High School
- Mrs. Pulido is being recognized by her peers for her excellent work as a Science Teacher at Everett Alvarez High School! She includes students in Life Skills classes with her Science class. She provides a rich and inclusive environment for experimenting and understanding science concepts, allowing all students to work and learn together.
Cody Mullin, EL Specialist with Educational Services
- Ms. Mullin is being recognized by her peers for facilitating an amazing and productive collaboration day for all SUHSD ELD 1 Teachers!
October 2023
Christy Hertsch, Activities Director and P.E. Teacher at Washington Middle School
- Ms. Hertsch has been recognized by the administration team at Washington Middle School for her efforts in fostering a caring climate on the school campus. She does this by providing activities during lunch and staff meetings, while also displaying a positive attitude that uplifts those she works with. She is an asset to students, staff, and families!
Lucia Hayes, Principal's Secretary at Washington Middle School
- Mrs. Hayes is being recognized by Washington Middle School's Assistant Principal Brady Shilstone for continuously going above and beyond in her work. Over the summer, Lucia stepped into her new role as Principal Secretary while continuing her work as registrar. After filling the registrar role, Lucia continued her hard work by training the new registrar while excelling in her new role. More recently, Mrs. Hayes once again went out of her way in her role while filling in for various team members who were out on leave.
Mike Allen and IT Staff
- Mr. Allen, IT Director, and all IT staff are being recognized by the Human Resources Department for their diligent work rolling out Duo Security. IT received over 500 calls on Wednesday, October 18 after the program was rolled out, and the staff was seen patiently, expeditiously, and professionally fielding questions and giving support to staff that needed it.
