Weesbrook Elementary showcases staff, PTA and fifth‑grader in board meeting recognition

Weesbrook Elementary School representatives gave the CUSD 200 Board of Education a presentation Wednesday highlighting school culture, staff practices and PTA activities.

Brian Turina, principal at Weesbrook, introduced staff members, PTA co‑presidents Cassie Hopkins and Erin Carson, and a fifth‑grade student to explain the school motto: “It’s tremendous to be a Tiger.” Turina said he will retire at the end of the school year and thanked staff and community partners for their support.

Julie Rodriguez, Weesbrook school social worker, described staff routines and supports she said build a positive environment: weekly staff breakfasts, monthly potlucks, a staff‑funded “caring cats” fund to help families with supplies or emergent needs, and a tiger paw Christmas tree program for holiday support. “We truly care for one another, and that helps make even those most difficult situations…just more manageable,” Rodriguez said.

Third‑grade teacher Cybil Scatia described family and student events, including an annual fall festival, a math night with parent engagement, and staff ‘shout‑outs’ at meetings to recognize colleagues. PTA co‑presidents Hopkins and Carson listed PTA activities that support students and families: a tiger picnic, tiger trot fundraiser, trivia night, family art night, Explore More Day (a volunteer‑heavy whole‑school event), and a birthday book program that provides every student a book in their birthday week.

Fifth‑grader Jace Hall addressed the board on what being a Tiger means to students: “Here at Weesbrook, we teach children to learn, grow, be safe and respected, and to enhance their creativity every single day,” Hall said. His remarks emphasized kindness, honesty and school traditions such as the fall festival.

Turina closed by thanking the board for the opportunity to share the school’s story and for the PTA’s and staff’s ongoing contributions to student experience.