May 2024: Neyli Juncal

We are excited to highlight Ms. Juncal, our Social Worker, for the month of May!

Ms. Juncal’s colleague wrote…

“This person's dedication to supporting students through challenging situations, providing a compassionate ear, and going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our school community is truly remarkable. This person embodies empathy and professionalism, making a significant impact on the lives of those around them. Their understanding of the community we serve is one of our school's biggest assets.”

Congratulations to this truly deserving Changemaker!

April 2024: Nicole Kone

We are excited to highlight Ms. Kone, our Principal, for the month of April!

Ms. Kone’s colleague wrote…

“This Changemaker is a prominent figure in the life of each and every one of our scholars. As long as I have known them working here, they have consistently worked to form deep relationships with each of our scholars and their families. They are the definition of a no-nonsense nurturer in every role they have taken on in service of our scholars. They go out of their way to ensure that scholars feel seen, heard, and learn both academic and social lessons every week. This colleague is a Changemaker for our students, colleagues, and families alike.”

Congratulations to this truly deserving Changemaker!

February & March 2024: Andy Coloma and Peter Smith!

We are excited to highlight Mr. Coloma, our 5th Grade Math Teacher, and Mr. Smith, our 5th Grade Math Learning Specialists for the months of February & March!

Mr. Coloma’s colleague wrote…

“This teacher has a natural talent and unmatched enthusiasm for teaching and connecting with their scholars. it is clearly visible on an everyday basis. They carry themselves naturally though their lessons with the confidence of an experienced teacher, yet also possess the humility to change their practice in the moment to better serve their scholars. This teacher maintains healthy, respectful relationships with all, but knows how and when to push the people around them. Valence has benefited tremendously the past few years because of this teacher and will likely continue to do so in years to come!”

Mr. Smith’s colleague wrote…

“This teammate always gives their all to support some of our scholars with the highest needs. They tirelessly create materials and resources for greater access to lessons. They can always be found holding our scholars to the highest standards because they know our kids can achieve great success! They are a positive and delightful energy to be around, and working with this colleague has been an absolute pleasure.”

Congratulations to both of you!

January 2024: Lindsey Tortora

We are excited to highlight Ms. Tortora, our 6th Grade ELA Teacher, for the month of January!

Mr. Tortora’s colleague wrote…

“Since this individual started at Valence they taught and advised some of the scholars with the highest learning needs, yet this teacher continues to get some of the highest growth in their classes. They hold scholars accountable for their own progress while creating opportunities for discussion and reflection in their class. They are unbelievably patient and caring. This changemaker has some of the strongest relationships with scholars within their grade level and exemplifies what it means to be a no-nonsense nurturer. This teacher has been such an asset to every team they have worked on at Valence.”

Congratulations!

November 2024: Mikayla Hubner

We are excited to highlight Ms. Hubner, our 8th Grade Science Teacher, for the month of November!

Mr. Hubner’s colleague wrote…

“Congratulations! This colleague is 100% all in 110% percent of the time. They work beyond the clock on a daily basis. They go beyond their direct duties to give our scholars opportunities and outlets they would otherwise not have. They engage their colleagues to do the same. Their energy is transformative and VCP would not be what it is without them!”

Congratulations!

October 2023: Lisa-Marie Ludford

We are excited to highlight Ms. Ludford, our 7th Grade ELA Teacher, for the month of October!

Mr. Ludford’s colleagues wrote…

“This colleague is the epitome of dedication and diligence. Their use of questioning techniques demonstrates a remarkable ability to engage students actively. Their commitment to scholars' success is evident in the individualized attention and support they give to each scholar in their classes. The consistently high academic performance among students in their class demonstrates the positive impact of their teaching on scholars learning outcomes.”

“This colleague has put 110% effort into everything they do in their time at Valence. They are a rock star! I admire how far they are willing to go to make the content accessible for all students. In addition, this teacher goes above and beyond to get to know the students' interests and cultures, and incorporates this into the classroom. The drive and determination this person has shows in their interactions with scholars. They give the tough speeches when they need to be had, and they are always a no-nonsense nurturer. I appreciate how safe and loved the students feel with this teacher.”

Congratulations!

September 2023: Crystal Burdiez

We are excited to highlight Ms. Burdiez, our Science and Social Studies Learning Specialist, for the month of September!

Mr. Burdiez’s colleagues wrote…

“This colleague is the epitome of perseverance for our school building. They show up to work, early and dedicated, with a heart full of joy ready to service ALL scholars. Any challenges they have faced, they have greeted it with a smile. This colleague truly loves Valence and is always super kind to everyone on staff. If you’ve spoken to them for just a minute, you can tell the drive they have in their hearts for every single person, adult or child, in our building.”

“This Change Maker is compassionate towards our scholars making them feel seen, heard, and understood. Their ability to address scholar's social and emotional needs is a sight to be seen. A true inspiration.”

“This is one of the first teachers I had the pleasure of working with in my first year at Valence. Immediately they made me feel like one of the team and were always willing to guide me. Observing their gentle but firm approach with our scholars is a beautiful exemplar for any new teacher. Their dedication to ALL students is heartwarming and inspirational, always going above and beyond to help them be successful. They are always positive, inclusive, and kind to scholars and staff. I have watched them push scholars, provide scaffolds, and never give up on them. There are days I have seen scholars come to them with academic and personal concerns because they make scholars feel safe and loved.”

Congratulations!

April & May 2023: Paul White & Shahana Munmun

We are highlighting not one, but two amazing change makers for the months of April and May.

Mr. White’s colleague wrote, “This colleague is passionate about their content and about holding scholars to high expectations in their class. They build strong relationships with scholars, are always kind and collegial with adults on the team, and hold scholars accountable to being their best selves in class while still being beloved by their scholars. They stand in the gap with a smile and always bring a positive attitude even when things are hard. I am grateful to get to work with them every day!”

Ms. Munmun’s colleague wrote, “This person has showed consistently growth as an educator since they came into the space. They are excellent in their craft and create rigorous work that contributes to the value of our classrooms. This educator has stepped into the gap as Valence has undergone shifts in staff, this individual has gone above and beyond to bridge the gap for our scholars and support other educators. Where they could be stretched thin they show up each day with a smile on their face and a positive attitude. I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to directly work with them and I know our scholars have been impacted by them being here.”

Congratulations to these amazing educators!

March 2023: Arminey Ellison

A colleague nominated Mr. Ellison, our PE teacher, for always ensuring that they are always their best self for our scholars.

This colleague consistently shows up for their scholars and seeks to help them grow in their content as well as to grow as people. They build relationships with the scholars in their classes and their Advisory, get to know what they're interested in outside of school, and see misbehaviors as opportunities to help them make better choices. They have grown in their practice as a no-nonsense nurturer this year and are continuing to grow every day.

Congratulations — keep up the amazing work!

February 2023: Mathew McGuire!

A colleague nominated Mr. McGuire, our music teacher, for his commitment to being a positive role mode and team member.

This colleague is always working to do the right thing for scholars and for their colleagues, whether it's the way they always pitch in for a scholar shout out or the way that they always speak about their Advisees with love and compassion after they have held them accountable for a bad choice. They are passionate about their class and make scholars passionate about their class as well in a way that extends beyond school. This colleague creates true positive, lasting change.

This colleague consistently goes above and beyond for our scholars. They commit to tons of research and content creation for their curriculum, build in scaffolds to meet the needs of all our scholars, and are always practicing a strong growth mindset. They are a positive, joyful, and encouraging presence for both our scholars and staff to be their best selves every day!

Congratulations — thank you for all you do!

January 2023: Anthony Mercedes

A colleague nominated Mr. Mercedes, our Associate Dean of Students for always putting scholars first.

This educator deserves to be Changemaker because changing kids lives is the essence of their work. Every day this person comes to work assuming the best of our scholars and their intentions. When scholars make mistakes, they use it as a learning opportunity to help them grow and really build strength of character. For adults, this colleague is always readily available and willing to step in and fill any gaps. Their approachable nature makes the school feel safe and welcoming, and our community is better because they’re a part of it.

Congratulations to our double Changemaker!

December 2022: Cindy Gonzales & Jennifer Bautista

This month, we are pleased to highlight two well deserving change makers. Both Ms. Gonzales and Ms. Bautista were nominated by their colleagues for their selflessness when it comes to putting scholar needs first.

See what colleagues had to say about them:

This colleague is A-MA-ZING! They are laser-focused on scholar development, both academically and socially, and hold an incredibly high bar for the scholars they teach. They lead with love and empathy, and are adored by our scholars and their families as a result. - About Ms. Gonzales

They put scholars' success at the center of everything they do, and they are a tireless advocate for each and every scholar they teach. Whether it's communicating with parents over the weekend, pulling scholars during PMA to have tough-love conversations, or bringing a ton of energy and enthusiasm to their content classes, this teammate doesn't shy away from the myriad challenges of being an all-in educator. - About Ms. Bautista

Keep up the excellent work! We need educators like you both!

October 2022: Kelly Ruiz-Diaz

A colleague nominated Ms. Ruiz-Diaz, our 8th grade Social Studies teacher, for her ability to engage scholars and bring out their love for learning!

This teacher does an amazing job holding a high bar for our scholars while also explaining the reasons behind their high expectations. As a teammate, they are always willing to help their colleagues on their grade level team in order to come up with the best strategies to meet our scholars' needs.

This honor is well deserved. You are a rockstar Ms. Ruiz-Diaz!

September 2022: Henry Hunter!

Colleagues nominated Mr. Hunter, an 8th grade ELA teacher, for his daily drive and dedication to our scholars.

This person has truly embodied what it means to “dive in” with our scholars. From the first day of school, they’ve made it evident how important our scholar’s success is to them, and they have gone out of their way to offer their services and time in additional ways to help our scholars. They treat our scholars with respect, and have established a classroom culture that’s efficient and productive.

We are lucky to have you Mr. Hunter! Thank you for all you do.

June 2022: Nicole Liuzzo!

Colleagues nominated Ms. Liuzzo, a 6th/7th grade ELA teacher, for her drive to make scholars better as readers and writers, as students, and as people every day:

This colleague is a rock and a rockstar for our scholars. They bring their years of experience into everything they do, and their dedication and passion for our scholars' learning and success is clear every day.

This teacher is hard-working, caring, and overall an exceptional member of our team. They scaffold student lessons to ensure their success and are easy to collaborate with. Every interaction they have with their scholars is meaningful and positive. Even with their years of experience, they are always willing to grow and learn from others. They are a true inspiration to me as a teacher and I have felt so lucky to work with them this past school year.

Thank you for all that you do for your Advisees, scholars, and team, Ms. Liuzzo!

May 2022: Shanely Marmolejos!

A colleague nominated Ms. Marmolejos, our founding Social Worker, for her relentless dedication to supporting scholars and families in every way possible:

This changemaker is someone with a natural ability to calm any situation. They approach each scholar with compassion, and help them to look inward, and find the courage or tools to push themselves to grow and be better people. They are a shoulder to cry on for scholars who have trouble opening up to most people, and an invaluable member of our team.

Congratulations, Ms. Marmolejos, and thank you for being a pillar of our school community!

April 2022: Yesenia Reynoso!

A colleague nominated Ms. Reynoso, our Manager of High School Placement, for her dedication to growing our middle schoolers in their path to become successful high school scholars and people:

They are one of the most supportive and attentive colleagues in Valence. They have high expectations for our students and seek various ways to ensure they will have every single option open for them from high school to college. They implement their own lived experiences and utilize them to build strong relationships with students and families, thus cultivating a community and trust that is exemplary for the staff to follow suit.

Thank you for making a difference every day for scholars and for our community, as an educator, as a role model, and as a teammate, Ms. Reynoso!

March 2022: Anthony Mercedes!

Multiple colleagues nominated Mr. Mercedes, our Associate Dean of Students, for his relentless work to grow our scholars as people:

This staff member holds students accountable, supports them behaviorally and emotionally as well as their families. They go above and beyond for the school and the scholars.

All of our students truly become better people everyday thanks to the work of this colleague. This staff member helps to set our students on the best path and keeps them safe every single day. Their warm demanding personality with our students makes them feel comfortable and motivates them to do better!

Mr. Mercedes helps scholars to see the impacts of their choices each day on themselves and their community, and works with them to become young people of character and intellect. Thank you for making a difference every day for scholars and for our community, Mr. Mercedes!

February 2022: Taylor Janney Rovin!

Multiple colleagues nominated Ms. Janney Rovin:

This colleague does the most for our children. I can see how much of themselves is put into everything they do in our school and for our students. They work hard every day and are extremely helpful to all teachers. Your work is very much seen and appreciated!

This changemaker thinks about scholars and how best to help them succeed at all hours of every day. They strategize ways to crack even the toughest nuts, and create a space for scholars in their advisory to advocate for themselves, and grow into unique individuals with unique perspectives on the world. They speak about scholars with infectious passion and excitement, and inspire other teachers to be just as impactful.

This teacher has been a leader in advocating for each and everyone one of our students. Since day one, they have always been available to other teachers (in all contents) to help them find ways to best support ALL of our scholars academically and emotionally. Whether making slides for scholar team building in advisory or offering learning tools for class, they remind me what it means to do whatever it takes for our scholars.

Thank you for making a difference every day for scholars and for our community, Ms. Janney Rovin!

January 2022: Whitney Blake!

Three colleagues nominated Ms. Blake:

This teacher displays the perfect balance of discipline and compassion. This teacher's passion for education is obvious every time you step into their classroom. They exceed expectations in everything they do and hold the bar high for our scholars at all times.

This person is a consistent and positive presence in the lives of scholars, families, and our Valence team. They give 110% every day to ALL scholars, and work hard to scaffold lessons so that every moment of academic time is focused on student growth. This person helps uplift our whole school, and I'm so grateful that they are part of our school community!

This teacher is extremely dedicated to both scholars' academic and social growth. They spend hours ceaselessly differentiating exit tickets, making differentiated slides about important topics, and worrying about the wellbeing of our scholars. Anytime I bring up a scholar I'm concerned about, they have already submitted a form of concern. They're also an endlessly bright and compassionate member of our community - a real pay it forward kind of teacher who brings joy and good vibes to any environment!

Thank you for making a difference every day for scholars and for our community, Ms. Blake!