She is driven because she despite the workload of a classroom teacher, she is still able to chair our Math Department, Glee Club, Match Court and co-chair our Accreditation Team. She has been instrumental in our school’s extracurricular programs, and has close relationships with many of our gifted and talented students. In addition to that, she has conducted numerous professional developments in mathematical strategies to her fellow peers.
She is passionate because she loves her job. She enjoys working with students and focuses her goals and expectations for the betterment of her students. Many students look up to her for advice and support. Her friendly and energetic character makes her one of the most approachable teachers on campus.
She is amusing because she loves to entertain. She integrates fun games and activities in her lessons and gives her students every opportunity to shine using their talents. More importantly, she has a way of getting her students to open up and be more confident.
Koblerville Elementary School is fortunate to have such a diverse, active and effective teacher like Mrs. Karen Ann Alla.
Teacher Aide of the Year
One of the most rewarding jobs out there is one of a teacher aide. Our teacher aide of the year is Mr. Kevin Adachi, who recently stated, “Despite the many challenges and requirements of this position, all is worth the obstacles when I see my students gain knowledge.” This year being the second time for nomination, Mr. Kevin continues to shower his students with his contagious enthusiasm and energy.
Throughout the six years he served in PSS as a teacher aide, he has advised many school clubs, such as Project Familia, wellness, PeaceBuilders, and other sporting activities. He makes it a point to promote good health and healthy living amongst our students. He has a reputation of obtaining effective classroom management strategies, especially with his kindergarteners, as well as reading and writing skills. He enjoys providing hand-on activities to accommodate and differentiate his students’ learning.
When asked about his career choice, he answered, “I chose this profession to I not only teach my students, I learn from them. I use their challenges and frustrations to find new strategies, and encourage myself to participate in any training that will benefit both myself and my future students.” We are truly lucky to have Mr. Kevin as part of our Umang Family.
Support Staff of the Year
“I consider my job as a career!” stated Mrs. Marijane Villagomez, who is KES’ Support Staff of the Year. She works to the best of her abilities, and puts in extra effort to complete and achieve a task! As Koblerville Elementary School’s current librarian, Mrs. Marijane has gone beyond the responsibility of a library. Throughout her three years of service, she has conducted assessments, substituted classes, helped coordinate extracurricular activities, and continued her education with useful professional development workshops.
Mrs. Villagomez conducts our school’s Body Mass Index test. That means, she tests over 450 students in the beginning and the end of the school year. This way, we are able to identify the health needs of our students.
During the time our school was lacking a reading resource teacher, she was given the responsibility of testing K-3 students with the Reading First Assessment. These assessments were time consuming, but the weight of its importance was of a great deal. Our teachers used the reading level data to help develop their lessons and activities in class. As a school, we use these data to help our students academically, socially, and health wise.
Without Mrs. Villagomez’s efforts, such data would not be available to us.
Mrs. Villagomez always has a smile on and most students consider her as an approachable and friendly librarian.
It is her goal to provide a friendly learning environment, and supplement our student’s learning with strategies and accommodations that she has learned from past ELL reading professional development workshops.
