Superpowers: Always supporting students and staff, working tirelessly to ensure a clean & safe campus. Always laughing and brightening everyone’s day! A student favorite, and will issue challenges to push students to be their best! He incentivizes students to reclaim their items from the lost and found by doing push ups for every item claimed--making an otherwise tedious chore into something that the students actually look forward to.

Advice from Mr. Hearn:  (delivered in his typically sunny and supportive manner, of course) Y’all are doing great with your kids--just keep up the good work!

Superpowers: First middle school teacher ever to serve as a National Geographic Fellow in 2017. Passionate in implementing project based learning, integrating geographic thinking and filmmaking throughout his curriculum, promoting participation, and inspiring the curiosity of his students! 

Advice from Mr. Bentley: While quarantines and exposures have been wreaking havoc, double down and focus on reading (Sacramento Library's contactless pickup, Newsela, and National Geographic's Explorer Magazine are all great resources).  Instead of dwelling on "learning loss," seize the opportunity as a possible moment for growth and evolution of our educational system. Embrace new ideas and technologies that we discovered during the pandemic.  Breathe deep. Don't despair. 

Superpowers: Makes every child feel important, noticed, and INCLUDED. Bought the class gift bags for a student whose family couldn't afford it so the student wouldn’t feel left out. Hand-delivered materials to quarantined students so that they could continue to participate in class activities from home.  

Advice from Ms. VerSteeg: Children are like sponges. They will take in everything around them, the good and the bad. Try your best to fill their days with the good and if today was a flop, tomorrow is a brand-new day filled with possibilities.

Superpowers: Generously gives her skills and time to make sure her students get all the support they need! Throughout the pandemic, she volunteered her own time to tutor struggling students after school. Actively participates in the Campus Advisory Council to help the entire campus. Delivered supplies to students in need while they were in quarantine.

Advice from Ms. Maddock: Stay positive. Believe in your child and they will begin to believe in themselves. Open communication about daily happenings at school and assignments being worked on create another layer of importance in their learning.

Superpowers:  Throughout Covid and distant learning, she persevered to help families of all backgrounds to have access to vital education... finding ways to engage  students across a range of ages, from dressing up as Mrs. Frizzle to working diligently with students from adverse childhood experiences. During her off time, you will often find her volunteering in a Sunday school classroom, or coordinating breakfast for others to show appreciation;  she is always ready to go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. 

Advice from Ms. Reynolds:  The pandemic has been difficult on all of us, but by working together and encouraging each other we have come out of this stronger than ever.  By staying closely involved in your school community and making sure your child understands the importance of a good education, you can ensure your child has the brightest future. 

2021 Finalists:

• Teacher Laura Delight (Samuel Jackman Middle) 

• Principal Jack Ferreira (Carroll Elementary) 

• Teacher Todd Shadbourne (Foulks Ranch Elementary)