More than 70 participants gathered online to pay tribute to this year’s crop of prospective retirees at South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) with a virtual ceremony on June 10, 2020.
This, despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic had forced cancellation of many cherished annual events.
“Of course, we would absolutely rather see you [retirees] in person to hug and congratulate you, but we’re just thankful we have a platform that allows us to still celebrate and honor you,” said SSFUSD Superintendent Dr. Shawnterra Moore.
The retiring teachers and staff members each received a certificate of recognition from California State Senator Jerry Hill as well as plaques from the district commemorating their service.
“I believe the world is a better place because of each of you,” said SSFUSD School Board President Patricia Murray. “Thanks for choosing our district and thanks for your service to our students. Your dedication, knowledge, and experience will be missed. Good luck on your new journey!”
School board member Daina Lujan concurred.
“South San Francisco Unified School District is a special place because of the people who work here. Any one of you could have selected a different career path, but you chose to work in education, because you wanted to make difference in the lives our kids and within this community. Your dedication is what makes our district amazing.”
“All these years that you’ve dedicated to our city and our district and our teachers. . .Our kids will not forget. I believe they will remember you. . .” added Trustee Mina Richardson.
SSFUSD Personnel Commissioner Reem Nasrah agreed.
“You guys have so many choices to go to, and you stayed with South City, and I honor that. I think that’s amazing that you guys have stayed with us and seen us through so many times good and bad and believe it or not the kids are going to really really miss you guys.”
School Board Vice President Eddie Flores reminded the retirees that they still had many years ahead of them.
“For many of you, retirement is a time when you can stretch out and find your true hidden potential; there’s a lot of it still that I’m sure that is still remaining to be found, so I’m confident that each and every one of you will make fantastic success of everything you take on during this new phase of your life.”
“I’m both insanely proud of you, and I’m insanely jealous of you who get to go out and enjoy the world,” concluded John Baker, school board clerk.
Congratulations to:
• Louise Anderson, Skyline Elementary teacher (26 years, 5 months)
• Jaquelyn Belli, South San Francisco High School (SSFHS) career center technician (14 years, 11 months)
• Marta Bookbinder, South San Francisco Adult Education teacher (21 years, 2 months)
• Barbara Bowler, Westborough Middle School assistant principal (12 years, 9 months)
• Catherine Collins, Alta Loma Middle School teacher (8 years, 7 months)
• Michael Denton, skilled maintenance worker (25 years, 9 months)
• Debra Etienne, El Camino High School (ECHS) paraprofessional (1 year, 8 months)
• Charlotte Grima, executive assistant at the district office (27 years, 9 months)
• David Hill, SSFHS teacher (39 years, 9 months)
• Christina Hoff, Los Cerritos Elementary teacher (18 years)
• Virginia Hunter, Junipero Serra Elementary teacher (17 years, 9 months)
• Leslie Marder, SSFHS teacher (15 years, 11 months)
• Nito Medina, electrician (19 years, 7 months)
• Karen Nyquist, SSFHS teacher (11 years, 9 months)
• Lori Ong, Pondersosa Elementary teacher (28 years, 9 months)
• Paul Patterson, SSFHS teacher (24 years, 10 months of service)
• Kathleen Ravano, ECHS teacher (10 years, 10 months)
• Bridget Routh Spruce Elementary paraprofessional (17 years, 2 months)
• Michael Schneider, ECHS teacher (26 years, 9 months)
• Bonnie Serrell, Parkway Heights Middle School paraprofessional (12 years)
• Karen Trask, Alta Loma teacher (22 years, 11 months)
• Karen Travis, Junipero Serra Elementary teacher (18 years, 9 months)
• Teresa Tsiu, Junipero Serra Elementary nutritional services assistant (10 years, 9 months)
• Gloria Vela, SSFHS paraprofessional (9 years, 2 months)
• Gordon Witter, Monte Verde Elementary teacher (31 years, 8 months)