Los Alamitos board spotlights McGaw Elementary; honors volunteer and classified employee of the year
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Summary
At a Los Alamitos Unified School District board meeting, McGaw Elementary was highlighted for its instructional and social-emotional programs, a volunteer was named 'Hero of the Heart,' and Carrie Pallone was named district classified employee of the year; the agenda was adopted 5-0.
The Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education on an unspecified date opened its meeting with a recognition of McGaw Elementary School, heard a student-led pledge and choir performance, and presented awards to a long-time volunteer and the district classified employee of the year.
Board President Hill called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and the board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, 5-0. "All of those in favor? Aye," Hill said as the board recorded the vote.
Principal Wendy Wood described McGaw’s instructional priorities and supports, saying the school emphasizes "evidence-based collaboration, social emotional learning, and RULER implementation." Wood told the board that McGaw uses MAP growth and CAASPP data, alongside other assessments, to guide instruction and intervene early. "By prioritizing emotional intelligence through RULER, we're creating a safe school climate where students can develop self-efficacy and continue confidence needed to thrive as learners," Wood said.
Students and staff outlined enrichment and intervention programs. The board heard that McGaw runs systematic K–3 reading interventions, push-in math and reading support for grades 3–5, weekly music and art classes, Prop 28–funded after-school violin lessons for upper grades, and a STEM lab for TK–5. Wood said McGaw has distributed more than 1,100 reward tokens ("raw bucks") to students this year and serves roughly 90 military families.
Board members and Superintendent Dr. Pulver praised the campus culture and teacher engagement. Dr. Pulver noted McGaw’s leadership role for some district programs and called the campus a "vibrant culture" where staff and community partners support student success.
The board presented McGaw’s "Hero of the Heart" award to volunteer Jeanette Andress for nearly a decade of PTA leadership, work on school and district councils, and founding the Spotlight Schools publication. Andress told the audience she was humbled and said the school’s ability to connect people gives her "so much hope," adding, "if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
The board also named Carrie Pallone McGaw’s recipient of the Los Alamitos Unified School District classified employee of the year. Assistant Superintendent Ryan Reese Wright noted Pallone’s 10 years in the district and her work as the school office coordinator. Principal Wood described Pallone as "the heart and backbone of this school community," citing duties that include campus supervision support, custodial coordination, scheduling and family communications. Pallone accepted the award and thanked the board, superintendent and her family.
Superintendent Dr. Pulver said the district would forward additional recognitions, including a certificate from the state senate office. The board then recessed for photographs and community refreshments.
What happened next: the board recessed for pictures and invited honored staff and students to remain for brief photos; no additional action items or votes on policy occurred during the recognition portion.
Votes at a glance: Agenda adoption — Motion to approve the meeting agenda was approved 5-0.
