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Fallbrook's Finest recognized by FUHSD superintendent

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Superintendent Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez of the Fallbrook Union High School District recognized teachers and other staff at the Jan. 10 school board meeting. The superintendent read a statement about the Fallbrook's Finest recipients for both November and December.

November's honorees included Aurelio Martin, social science teacher at Fallbrook High School; Julia Minderman, special education teacher; and Laura Rojas, bilingual paraprofessional and language assessor.

Recognized for December were Debbie Berg, mathematics department chairperson, teacher, athletic coach and academic club advisor; Isabela Juan, food services worker; and Cesar Rodriquez, teacher in the world languages department at FHS.

"At the start of the school year, Mr. Martin volunteered to cover the ELD 1 Newcomer class while we hired a permanent teacher," the superintendent noted. "His presence provided a sense of stability. He went above and beyond helping students with homework, providing guidance and building relationships, and motivating students to succeed. His selflessness is appreciated."

Minderman works with students with moderate to severe disabilities. "She is a very hard-working teacher, and always prioritizes the needs of her students," Garza-Gonzalez said. "Ms. Minderman teaches the adult transitional program and has worked very hard to ensure that she creates experiences for her students that will develop the life skills that they need as they transition into a new phase of their life.

"Ms. Rojas never says no and constantly volunteers herself to support any area of need," the superintendent said. "She has crushed the task of testing all new FUHS students that require a language assessment, has helped to update student information in Aeries, and has volunteered to work outside of her normal assignment to support students and teachers in need. She is a champ."

In declaring Fallbrook's Finest for December, Garza-Gonzalez commented that "Ms. Berg is an outstanding teacher, from integrated math through Calculus BC. She has been a steady force as a department chair and lead teacher for many years. She has been an athletic and academic coach for many years as well, currently coaching two sports and academic decathlon. Debbie is approachable and available to all her students. Some people simply are not replaceable. Fallbrook High School is blessed to have someone of her dedication, abilities and compassion as a long-term employee."

"Ms. Juan is responsible and honest, the superintendent said. "She puts forth great effort in her assignments and completes tasks on time. She is someone the food services department can rely on."

"Mr. Rodriquez teaches AP Spanish, Spanish language development, and is the advisor for Club Futuro," Garza-Gonzalez said. "His colleagues admire him and his devotion to teaching. He arrives between 6:30 and 7 a.m. and rarely leaves before 5:30 p.m. He is a natural at creating personal relationships with his students, provides profound wisdom and counseling, motivation to really think about the world we are living in, consider priorities, set goals, and does not lower the expectations of the basic standards. He is always ready to offer a colleague a hand, advice, or support in any way he can. His guidance in the leadership of Club Futuro speaks for itself. They are an amazing group, truly passionate about their culture and service to our community."

Fallbrook's Finest has been a long-term recognition of teachers and staff and Garza-Gonzalez said she is pleased to honor the choices each month.

 

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