At USD's annual employee recognition event on May 15, 2024, USD colleagues gathered to honor team members for reaching big milestones in their years of service. We also celebrated our classified employees and teachers of the year for the 2023-24 school year, and said a bittersweet goodbye to those who are retiring from Union School District after many dedicated years.
We are wishing a bittersweet farewell to eighteen USD team members who have retired or will be retiring at the end of the school year. Our retirees are a dedicated group of individuals, and while we are all sad to see them leave, they will always be a part of our USD Community, and we wish them all the best in retirement. Best wishes to our 2024 retirees!
Pictured: Elizabeth Shaw, Cathy Welply Aveni, Sheila Saunders, Jennifer Catuna, Gaylene McGowan, Colleen Thompson, Nina Lamour, Mary Ann Meisenbach, Carole Lynne Brasher, Maria Volz, Kimberly LaFleur; Not pictured: Yuelan Alayoubi, Tracy Bunger, Antonio Garcia, Tammy Houser, Jeannine Krepelka, Karen Papesh, George Sparks
Congratulations to our 2023-24 Classified Employees and Teachers of the Year!
Alta Vista: Valerie Rokes & Soraya Binesh
Carlton: Sean Goehner & Jennifer Catuna
Dartmouth: Stephanie Villegas & Jonathan Pwu
Guadalupe: Nathan Barbara & Kandice Harmon
Lietz: Liz Montano-Langer & Danielle Alongi
Noddin: Nick Silva & Jackie Knudson
Oster: Rosa Cooksey & Shannon Rendler
Union: Elena Valdez & Vanessa Starr
Maintenance & Operations: Darby Young
District Office: Dennis Phan
Liz Montano-Langer is USD's Classified Employee of the Year for 2023-24!
Liz is a valued instructional assistant at Lietz Elementary. She is known for her warm smile and ability to connect with both staff and students. Her creativity shines through in her interactions with students, always finding ways to engage them and support their learning. She is proactive in maintaining a safe and structured classroom environment, taking the lead on morning talks and establishing routines. Always a team player, she readily assists her colleagues and provides valuable resources for the students.
Kandice Harmon is USD's Teacher of the Year for 2023-24!
Guadalupe 3/4th Grade Combo Teacher Kandice Harmon is a well-respected and experienced educator with seven years in Union School District. Colleagues describe her as a supportive, optimistic leader and a dedicated, creative teacher. She has participated in many professional development programs, incorporates coding into her STEAM curriculum, and serves on leadership and English Language Development teams. Mrs. Harmon is committed to meeting the needs of all learners and is an asset to the school community and USD community.