Dixon Unified honors Teacher and Classified Employee of the Year and reclassifies 25 multilingual learners

The board recognized district honorees and celebrated 25 secondary multilingual learners who have met reclassification criteria and will soon receive certificates.

Principal Gina Yammer Cruz presented the district's Teacher of the Year, noting 28 years of service, a background in bilingual education and leadership roles including English learner lead teacher and dual immersion development. Principal Ann Helena presented the Classified Employee of the Year, Lynn Poseidel, the district's food service coordinator; speakers read a student's letter praising her kindness and service.

Martha Salazar described the district's reclassification process for multilingual learners, saying Dixon Unified's criteria align with state requirements. She listed the four district criteria: 1) English language proficiency assessment (ELPAC overall score of 4), 2) teacher evaluation and passing grade in English class, 3) demonstration of grade-level basic skills (district uses i-Ready reading diagnostic), and 4) parent consultation and agreement. Salazar invited reclassified students to the dais; student Yareli Gonzales spoke about her reclassification and said her next goal is to earn the state's Seal of Biliteracy.

Staff noted that the district encourages continued development of students' home languages even as students reach English proficiency and that an annual reclassification celebration is scheduled for May 14, when certificates will be presented.

No formal board action was required for recognitions or reclassification presentations; the board publicly honored awardees and students.