Jan 1, 2009

The Half-way Mark


Our traditonal post-Christmas program staff photo, taken on the evening of December 18, 2008 at the Pacific Islands Club, Charley's Caberet.
From left to right, Angie Perez (Kindergarten), Edna (Pre-school), Joeie Verona (Pre-school), Megan "Mocca" McCollum (Office assistant and all-around lifesaver), Virle Gayatin (Office Manager and Accountant), Babs (marking seven years as principal this year), Elijah Maycock (principal's assistant & school charmer :), Me (9-10 homeroom), Cristina Sanchez (Grades 1/2), Jaimie Nickell (Pre-school), Nicole French (7-8 homeroom), Rhonda Prokopetz (Grades 3/4), Amy Foote (Pre-school Director), Girlie Zuinega (5-6 homeroom), and Antonee Aguilar (Pre-school). Not Pictured: Kathleen Serrano and Shirley Digma (Pre-school).

And just like that, we're halfway through the year. Five months down. Five months to go. This year's team of Professionals were probably working so hard--coaching, tutoring, teaching, planning, organizing, decorating, creating,and most importantly loving--they hardly noticed the passage of the time.

So far, their professionalism hasn't slackened in the slightest. If anything, they've only gotten better. As with any professional, anyone who is really skilled at what they do, these teachers are joy to watch. See them coolly manage a classroom of energetic kids. Watch them ferociously fight for every little bit of extra instructional time they can get. Observe them tutoring kids after school to give them that extra boost they'll need. And most importantly, notice the way Angie's face lights up when she starts talking about her kindergarteners, the tears in Nicole's eyes when two of her students moved back to Korea, the catch in Rhonda's voice when she talks about her kids. What you're seeing is love--the most important attribute of the professional educator.

At the halfway mark, these Professionals remain serious about school, focused on success, diligent in their work, and passionate about their students. I'm proud to work with some of the best in the business.

Our official staff photo, taken at the beach on Sunday, December 7, 2008. Check out our new staff uniforms!

2 comments:

Brit's Blog said...

Awww..I remember the half way mark :)

Your staff picture looks beautiful (as well as your new addition :))! Please tell Barbara I think she's amazing. Saipan is a special place and the SDA school is even more special to me. I pray for many blessings in 2009 for the school and staff.

Love you and miss you Sean!

Vero in Saipan said...

Oh, the halfway mark! Good times! The staff picture looks quite amazing! love u all!