Alicia Gutierrez is a paraprofessional educator at the Don F. Kenney Regional Learning Center in Indio and has been recognized as Employee of the Year by the nonprofit organization that promotes, supports, and defends alternative education.
“She wants to be a teacher in this type of environment because she sees an important need,” said Gabriel Fajardo, director of alternative education for the Riverside County Office of Education. “She provides the support that she thinks her students need because of the challenges they face. She consistently reinforces that.”
Also in this week's education news roundup, Desert Sands Unified School District was recognized for providing accessible music education. Cathedral City High School invites the community to its annual basketball showdown to benefit the special education program. and weekly program spotlights.
Did we miss any noteworthy education stories? Raise your hand and send it to me: jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
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Don F. Kenney Regional Learning Center paraprofessionals recognized for commitment to alternative education
She has a great influence on the school staff and the students she serves. She goes above and beyond her normal duties to teach her students how to believe in themselves. She is also known as the school's interior decorator and strives to brighten everyone's mood by representing each holiday and season.
And “she doesn't want to give up,” said Gabriel Fajardo, director of alternative education for the Riverside County Office of Education.
Her name is Alicia Gutierrez. On Friday, she was honored as Employee of the Year by the California Continuing Education Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes, supports and defends alternative education.
Since August 2022, Mr. Gutierrez has served as a middle and high school community school instructional assistant at the Don F. Kenney Regional Learning Center in Indio. Community schools are alternative schools for students who have been expelled from their home school or who have been expelled from school. Introduction to Probation. That's where relationships are important, and where paraprofessionals like Gutierrez come into the picture.
“Unfortunately, the short amount of time you spend with students doesn't do the job of building trust, because unfortunately it's a revolving door,” he says. “I think her resilience has helped instill this sense of perseverance in our children and even in our staff, because children can sometimes be very challenging. You want to work in a place like this because you have the potential to…
Fajardo said her innate ability to foster relationships with students and hold them accountable is almost instinctual. He stays connected to his children by controlling their emotions and encouraging positive self-reflection.
“She knows so much about each child and somehow incorporates that into her instruction, which makes it very engaging for the kids,” Fajardo said. Ta.
Cathedral City High School invites area residents to annual basketball unified sports showdown
Cathedral City High School is inviting the community to support its annual basketball game featuring a group of special needs students and their mentors, International Baccalaureate students, to be held on Thursday, May 2 at 4:15 p.m. I'll call you.
IB students, who have passed on life skills such as communication, interaction and teamwork to their peers through regular basketball practices, look forward to their enthusiastic support of the young athletes. A special match will be held in which both teams will face off.
“We're also asking participants from the basketball team to help develop these special athletes,” said Paul Aleman, a senior at the high school and event organizer. “It’s a great way to make friends and they always look forward to this event.
The students aim to continue expanding their efforts in the future. They hope to involve other high schools in basketball tournaments and introduce a baking club, proposed by IB student Kimberly Rodriguez Nunez, to teach special education students.
Who will emerge victorious? “It's going to be very suspenseful,” Aleman said. “Last year we had a draw, so I’m hoping for a similar result this year.”
Admission to the event is free, and donations to special education programs are appreciated.
Desert Sands Unified School District recognized for providing music access and education
The National Association of Music Merchants, a nonprofit organization that promotes active engagement in music, awarded Desert Sands Unified School District the Best Educational Community Award for its commitment to music education. The designation is given to school districts that excel in providing music access and education to all students, according to a press release.
“Music education is the heart of our schools and is where many children find their voice and place in school,” Michael Fleischman, DSUSD Visual and Performing Arts Project Facilitator, said in a statement. Stated. “It’s not just a scale of learning, it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, connection and common purpose that resonates far beyond the walls of the classroom.”
Program Spotlight: Palm Springs International Film Institute seeks student jurors
The Palm Springs International Film Society continues to accept applications for local jurors for ShortFest 2024, a seven-day short film festival. Local students are encouraged to explore the art of film appreciation, gain insight into the inner workings of film festivals, and connect with fellow film enthusiasts who share their passion in the community.
Filmmaking experience is not required, but applicants will be required to be on-site throughout June to fulfill specific responsibilities.
- Kids Choice Judges: The jury includes elementary and middle school students who watch a selection of films from heartwarming family stories to imaginative youth films and animated films.
- Young Cineaste Judge: The jury is made up of local high school students with a passion for international cinema.
For more information: Visit psfilmfest.org/education/local-juries
more:Palm Springs Film Festival student screenings inspire perseverance and determination
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Please contact jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.