NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
October 17, 2014 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut Valley Salutes 2014 Teachers of the Year
District Teacher of the Year Sherry Robertson challenges audience to make special connections and post photos at #WVconnections
WALNUT, CA—Walnut Valley Unified School District paid tribute to the 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year during the 17th annual Salute to Teachers held October 15.
Over 250 teachers, staff members, administrators, family members, and local officials attended the celebration recognizing excellence in teaching held at the Walnut High School Performing Arts Center.
The fourteen outstanding educators were selected for putting “Kids First” each and every day.
Congratulations to the following 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year: Jody Brown - Castle Rock Elementary, Sherry Robertson - Chaparral Middle School, Carol Martindale - C.J. Morris Elementary, Scott Jones - Collegewood Elementary, Janna Lindenberg - Diamond Bar High, Lynn Otsu – Evergreen Elementary, Kristin Thomas - Maple Hill Elementary, Jodi Yim - Quail Summit Elementary, Ann Schnoor - South Pointe Middle School, Susan Warren - Suzanne Middle School, Amy Smith - Vejar Elementary, Krystin Wong - Walnut Elementary, Jennifer Nicholls - Walnut High, and Susan Tang - Westhoff Elementary.
“I truly understand what a team effort it is to be an effective teacher. I want to congratulate our 14 teachers and thank families, friends, and colleagues as well,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Michelle Harold and Director of Human Resources Robert Chang hosted the recognition ceremony that included personalized tributes, awards and wonderful student entertainment by the WHS Rhapsody in Blue and Chamber Singers choirs under the direction of Lisa Lopez.
The program culminated with recognition of Sherry Robertson as the 2014 District Teacher of the Year.
Robertson is celebrating her 15th year in Walnut Valley and joined the Chaparral staff in 2007.
She puts 100% of herself into teaching and believes “it’s not the time you give that defines your contribution, but rather the amount of heart you give.”
The top-notch teacher strives to create special connections with her students. During the event, she shared several examples of how the other Teachers of the Year make amazing connections with their students.
“I know everybody makes those connections in Walnut Valley, that’s what makes us special,” Robertson said.
Then she gave the audience some homework!
Robertson asked everyone to make a special connection, take a picture, and post it on a social media site labeled with #WVconnections.
“Let’s plaster social media with the positive things we do here,” she exclaimed.
And then she took the first step by taking a “selfie” with the entire audience.
You can check out that #WVconnections photo on the District’s new Twitter page at WVUSD_Tweet.
Robertson created #WVconnections in honor of her former student Darren, who lost his battle with cancer last year.
Robertson is dedicated to engaging Chaparral students in service projects and started the HUMANitarian Club in 2007 to help teach the campus about giving back. One of the annual activities is focused on reaching out to the area homeless. They sign up at a local shelter and prepare a complete dinner and dessert. The entire school also makes 250 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless to have the following day.
Last year, she introduced Cougar Challenge Day to create connections with students and staff, break down barriers of “cliques,” and celebrate diversity on campus. Robertson’s kids also sing holiday songs to seniors, participate in random acts of kindness on campus, and volunteer as buddies at the Special Olympics.
Each Teacher of the Year received a personalized golden apple bell award courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and a rolling cart filled with gift cards and school supplies. A special thanks to our event sponsors LifeTouch Photography, Benihana Restaurant, Chick-fil-A, Diamond Bar International Deli, Pieology Pizzeria, Henry Woo Architects, In-N-Out Burger, Alamo Car Wash & Detail Center, Complete Business Systems, Roule Construction, and Konica Minolta Business Solutions.
Honorees also received certificates of achievement from Congressman Ed Royce, Senator Bob Huff, Assemblyman Curt Hagman, City Council of Diamond Bar, and City Council of City of Walnut.
District Teacher of the Year Sherry Robertson was presented with an engraved award and additional gifts including a ticket package to the Staples Center.
Shown:
Walnut Valley Unified School District paid tribute to the 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year on October 15. Shown with Board Members Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, Dr. Tony Torng, Helen Hall, and Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
The 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year were honored on October 15 during the Salute to Teachers recognition held in the Walnut High School Performing Arts Center. Shown: Front Row: Carol Martindale, Jody Brown, Amy Smith, Sherry Robertson, Kristin Thomas, Janna Lindenberg, and Jennifer Nicholls. Back Row: Susan Tang, Krystin Wong, Susan Warren, Jodi Yim, Ann Schnoor, Scott Jones, and Lynn Otsu.
Sherry Robertson was recognized as the 2014 District Teacher of the Year. Shown with Superintendent Dr. Bob Taylor.
The 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year saluted Sherry Robertson who was named the District Teacher of the Year.
Entertainment was provided by two of Walnut High’s outstanding choirs – Rhapsody in Blue and Chamber Singers under the direction of Lisa Lopez.
District Teacher of the Year Sherry Robertson challenged the Salute to Teachers audience to make a new connection, take a photo, and post it on social media using the label #WVconnections. She made the first connection by taking a “selfie” during the show. That photo can be seen at WVUSD_Tweet.