Courtesy of the Hollister School District, the following are staff and students of the week from Rancho San Justo Middle School:
Classified Employee of the Week
Since 1995, Diane Smith, our Classified Employee of the Week, has been a central figure in Rancho San Justo Middle School’s culture of academics, relationships, and care. If you know Mrs. Smith, it’s because you have spent time in the library, or, it’s because you have gone on one of her annual trips to Washington DC. Chances are, if you know Mrs. Smith, it’s because she has helped you in some way. Diane Smith loves Rancho students, and she gives them her all.
Mrs. Smith believes in providing opportunities for students through her work as a librarian. Even though our campus is empty, our library is in operation, and remains the beating heart of our school.
In Mrs. Smith’s words, “The library is a safe place for kids, where they can feel cared for and important, where they can discover their dreams, whatever those dreams may be.” In recognizing that students cannot come to the library, Mrs. Smith has figured out a way to make the library come to our students. “It is important that kids learn a love of reading,” says Mrs. Smith. “There is a world of opportunity, and I want to help them.” Our library books are now available for checkout thanks to Mrs. Smith. We invite our students to take a look at our school’s website for more information.
Diane Smith is also responsible for assuring that all students receive their textbooks, and this year, she has coordinated all the distribution events. Students, the next time you visit Rancho to pick up your textbooks, please yell out, “Thank you, Mrs. Smith!”
Certificated Employee of the Week
Imagine starting life as a middle schooler, in distance learning. Imagine the anxiety of having five classes. Imagine the nervousness of being in class with students you have never met, with a teacher you have never met. Will my classmates be cool? Will my teacher be mean, or strict, or nice? What will I do if I don’t understand what she is teaching? Imagine how unsettled you’d feel about the unfamiliar terrain that awaited you.
Then, imagine how relieved you’d feel once you got to know your teacher, and, how happy you would feel that your teacher took time to get to know you. Imagine how welcome you would feel to be greeted warmly at the beginning of every class. Imagine how confident you would feel, to know that even though your teacher taught challenging material, she was patient, kind, and even funny. Imagine how supported you would feel that your teacher reminded you about upcoming due dates, and helped you stay organized. Imagine how excited you would feel to know that your teacher was not only fun, but her lessons were fun too! Imagine looking forward to class every day, and imagine how fortunate you would feel to be in her class. Imagine wanting to work hard for your teacher, because you knew how hard she worked for you.
Tracy Jimenez Bedolla is that teacher. She is a 6th Grade Math and Science Teacher at Rancho San Justo Middle School, and she is this Hollister School District’s Certificated Employee of the Week. Affectionately known as “Ms. JB,” Tracy understands the world of 6th graders. Her lesson designs, lesson delivery, and her community-building with students help ease their transition to middle school. Ms. JB is engaging, well prepared, and gives grace to her students, though she does not yield in her expectations. Students remember her for all she had done for them. Thank you, Ms. JB, for being part of the Rancho community!
Administrator of the Week
Stacie Bonura has worked in Hollister School District for 19 years, in a variety of schools and in a variety of capacities. She has been a classroom teacher for students in Kindergarten through 4th Grade, a Math coach, and a resource/ intervention teacher for middle school students. Currently Mrs. Bonura is a Vice Principal at Rancho San Justo, where, on a daily basis, she invests her expertise and care into the well being of our community. She is Hollister School District’s Administrator of the Week.
Mrs. Bonura has worked at Rancho San Justo for several years, and she knows our school inside and out. With an unwavering focus on making life better, Stacie puts a priority on helping people feel connected to one another. As a result, on any given day, Stacie works tirelessly to coordinate services for students, support teachers and classified staff, and provide a personal touch to the distance learning experience.
Mrs. Bonura is also an excellent role model. Though she is not a classroom teacher, Stacie believes it is important to stay current in her skills as a teacher. She is learning, alongside teachers, how to use technology and best practices to engage students.
Stacie Bonura takes pride in giving her very best to Rancho San Justo, because, in her words, “I love my job. I love getting to know students and their families, and I love helping students.” With such breadth and depth of knowledge, experience, and her purposeful approach to her work, Mrs. Bonura makes life better for everyone at Rancho. We are lucky she is on our team!
Annie Cullumber is a hard working 7th grader at Rancho San Justo Middle School. Annie is Hollister School District’s Student of the Week. She is an all around All-Star student. Annie has perfect attendance and is a straight “A” student. She excels in everything she does. Annie is always willing to help out and go above and beyond. She is motivated and ready to learn new things. She communicates well and doesn’t hesitate to ask for help. Annie enjoys writing and is currently writing a fairy tale retell chapter book. She loves art and is an excellent artist. Annie aspires to be a teacher. Annie said, “I am good at explaining things and learning things fast.” We are so proud of Annie! Keep up the excellent work. #RANCHOPRIDE
Tyler Frisco and Tanner Frisco
Tanner & Tyler Frisco are 6th grade students at Rancho San Justo Middle School. Tanner and Tyler are Hollister School District’s Students of the Week. They both come to class prepared and ready to learn. Tanner and Tyler have perfect attendance this school year. These two boys have been inspiring during distance learning. Tanner and Tyler have earned straight A’s in their first term. They follow the school rules and Distance Learning expectations. In class, their camera is on and they are ready to participate. Tanner and Tyler are always willing to step up and help out. In breakout groups they take on a leadership role. They encourage others to participate and stay engaged. Outside of school, the boys enjoy playing sports. They show PRIDE in the classroom by doing what they are supposed to be doing as well as gently reminding classmates to do the same. We are so proud of Tanner and Tyler! Keep up the awesome work boys. #RANCHOPRIDE
