Dear NUSD Staff and Community,

In dark times it is more important than ever to see the light. The recent celebrations of professional teachers and staff redirects our attention to appreciate one another even in the midst of a tragedy.

The recent Novato Rotary Teacher of the Year Awards, Marin County Golden Bell Awards, and the NUSD Modeling the Way Awards, help remind us of the talent, dedication, self-lessness, and pure joy of teaching and learning to make a difference for our students.

Let us honor once again, those recognized for going beyond what is expected to make every child feel welcomed and seen in their world at school and every colleague proud to be on the same team.

Modeling the Way Continues to Honor Staff Demonstrating the Six C’s
We continue to honor and surprise our wonderful classified and certificated staff as they go beyond what is expected, demonstrating NUSD’s 6 C’s, even when no one is looking! Thanks to your nominations, we are honoring those staff members that make a difference in the lives of the students each and every day.  You can nominate an employee here https://nusd.org/modeling-the-way/ and we’ll be back surprising staff in September.  Thank you, Sinaloa PTA, for donating the recipient gifts!

Irene Howard, Rancho

Irene Howard – Rancho School  View Irene’s video here https://youtu.be/pRLjekyZAzw

  • Warm, compassionate, creative, patient, and funny
  • Classroom culture is fun, safe, and maximizes learning
  • Students love her creative projects
  • Models love, kindness, and compassion for her students
  • Puts her entire heart in her work

Tiffany Boulad, Olive

Tiffany Boulad – Olive School  View Tiffany’s video here https://youtu.be/CM6OIr-9wfI

  • Exemplifies the 6 C’s
  • Genuine collaborator
  • Positive attitude and spirit
  • Ready to help anyone at any time
  • Finds joy in her students and in life

Dana Luis, IT

Dana Luis – Instructional Technology  View Dana’s video here https://youtu.be/3IYnLLdQuW8

  • Consummate professional
  • In-depth knowledge of systems is impressive
  • Takes on new projects with enthusiasm and determination
  • Kind, helpful, reliable, and works as a team always
  • Exceptional in every way

Stacey Beltran, Hamilton

Stacey Beltran – Hamilton School  View Stacy’s video here https://youtu.be/ElCsCcKSFmI

  • Shares her talents freely in every aspect of her life
  • Energized by her students
  • Goes the extra mile to make learning fun
  • Team player who has good for all in mind
  • Collaborative, creative, and positive

Novato Rotary Teachers of the Year Award 

Marin County Golden Bell Recipients

Tom Martin – Marin County Teacher of the Year 2021-22 

Mary Jane Burke – Marin County Educator of the Year 2021-22

NUSD Golden Bell Teachers of the Year
Kristy Chipman

Laura Correa

Kate Cravea

Lori Eurgubian

Megan Jones

Abby Koniaris

Kim Labozzetta

Pam McMurphy

Rachel Ojeda

Lindley Perez-Ross

Adrienne Thompson

William Luong

NUSD Golden Bell Classified Staff of the Year

Mauricio Martinez

Marisol Nita

Nancy O’Hara

Patty Pingatore

Laura Rinkor

Rosa Sota

Charlene Tiani

Ernesto Zamorano

Congratulations to everyone recognized for their outstanding efforts to make a difference in the lives of students and colleagues alike. During these times our resilience and laser focus on students and one another is of paramount important.

Thanks for sharing your talents so generously.

La Torre-Derby, Ed.D.
Superintendent