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Garfield Board honors teachers, paraprofessionals and a student at awards program
Summary
At its regular meeting, the Garfield Board of Education recognized teachers and paraprofessionals across the district and named Fernando Arroyas Garfield High School’s Student of the Month. Presenters praised long service and classroom impact; a photo op followed the ceremony.
The Garfield Board of Education opened its meeting by honoring teachers and paraprofessionals across the district and naming Fernando Arroyas Garfield High School’s Student of the Month.
Superintendent Dr. Tomko introduced the program and praised the evening’s honorees: “Well, obviously, we have, you know, an incredible evening packed here with our educators, paraprofessionals, our community members to honor those individuals who won either teacher of the year or paraprofessional of the year,” he said (Doctor Tomko, SEG 077). Board members and principals then presented awards for each school.
Presenters highlighted classroom contributions and years of service. School 8 honored Samantha El Khatib (teacher) and Deborah Simpson (paraprofessional); the principal noted Simpson’s 25 years in early childhood classrooms and called her a steady presence for students and colleagues (principal remarks, SEG 371–376). The Early Childhood Learning Center recognized Madeline Teal (teacher) and Geraldine Contreras (paraprofessional) and noted Teal’s role in program activities and Contreras’s 24 years with the district (SEG 406–434). James Madison School recognized Sarah Wish (teacher) and “Miss Neville” (paraprofessional) for creativity and dependable support; presenters referenced social-media outreach that highlights classroom work (SEG 652–704).
District leaders emphasized a mix of veteran service and classroom leadership across the honorees, from preschool through high school. The high school presentation singled out Chrissy D'Angelo’s work in dual-enrollment biology and alumni engagement (SEG 771–783).
After the presentations the group gathered for a photo with the board; refreshments and plaques were distributed to recipients (SEG 803–811). The meeting proceeded into its regular agenda after the awards.
The recognition offered a public moment to highlight district staff and student achievement; board members and the superintendent said the awards reflect sustained effort across Garfield Public School District.
