RBUSD Recognizes Teachers, Employees

The following is a press release from the Redondo Beach Unified School District. RBUSD employees were recognized Tuesday night:

TEACHER OF THE YEAR
MATT KEYE, Science, RUHS

Mr. Keye is a model teacher – one we wish we could clone!  Mr. Keye uses project-based and inquiry-based learning models to connect physics concepts to students’ lives.  He starts his lessons with a demonstration that sparks curiosity and intrigue. Mr. Keye’s demonstrations and thought-provoking questions make his students want to know and learn more. They naturally begin hypothesizing and discussing the topic with each other. As Mr. Keye begins to explain the physics concept behind the demo, students immediately make a connection to the real-world, their life experience, and why things act or react as they do. Mr. Keye brings physics to life in his classroom. We are impressed by the numerous activities he has created that allow his students to make a tangible connect to the physics curriculum. Mr. Keye has a fun, positive, and energetic personality.  He is highly respected by his department chair and colleagues.  He has been instrumental in helping RUHS begin the new Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program by introducing the Digital Electronics class. He participated in an intensive two-week Project Lead the Way (PLTW) training and has begun planning for the implementation of the new AP Physics B class in 2014-15. In addition, due to his vision for teaching applied physics, Matt applied for and received a $50,000 grant from Chevron. This grant is what allowed RUHS to begin its new STEM Engineering program.  Mr. Keye makes learning physics fun!  We are proud to have Mr. Keye as a member of the RBUSD team. 

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
CLARA KAHAN, Administrative Assistant, RUHS

Clara Kahan is a remarkable employee who goes above and beyond on a regular basis.  Her positive and upbeat personality is very much appreciated, as she manages to spread her positive energy even in the most stressful times.  Clara is extremely organized and dedicated to her work.  Her daily routine is very fluid, and the students and staff can always rely on her.  Perhaps most impressive is Clara’s ability to handle difficult situations.  When she approaches a counselor, administrator, or any other staff member, she brings potential solutions.  Her dynamic style and vast knowledge lend to her ability to manage many tough scenarios.  In addition, Clara truly appreciates the art of collaboration and makes sure to utilize all of the resources available to her.  Not only does Clara assist counselors and administrators, she is very involved with other members of the school community.  She meets with parents and students in her office, and she consistently assists families in making surequestions are answered and concerns are resolved.  Always a smile on her face, Clara is an exemplary employee and demonstrates all of the qualities one would expect from the “Classified Employee of the Year”.   

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER TEACHER OF THE YEAR
BLANCA ARENCIBIA-KAMPA, Tulita CDC

Mrs. Kampa embraces every opportunity to encourage and support her colleagues. She reminds herself that each day is the most important day of the year for her students. Not only has Mrs. Kampa impacted the lives of so many children, but the community as well. Each year she facilitates the Tulita CDC Preschool donations for the Redondo Beach Animal Shelter. When representatives of the animal shelter visit the preschoolers to talk about the importance of taking care of animals, the preschoolers present them with donations. This year Mrs. Kampa, with her zest and her compassion for animals was able to get the entire Tulita CDC involved in helping the animals. Mrs. Kampa’s hard work and motivation aided Tulita CDC with donating a truck full of food, blankets, toys, towels, etc. to the Redondo Beach Animal Shelter. In addition, each day we hear students who are walking through the preschool playground reminiscing about what a great time they had when they were in preschool.  A 4th grade student, Sarahi G., remembers that “Mrs. Kampa got me to try strawberries and now I love them.” Mrs. Kampa is adored and respected and continues to go above and beyond for her CDC families, her peers, co-workers and students alike. 

Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities
Javier Marquez           

The job title of custodian doesn’t even come close to describing the impact Javier has on a typical day. He’s more like a custodian/counselor/security officer/green team coordinator—the list is endless. Everywhere you look, there are signs of the care and commitment Javier has for his job. He completes his custodial assignments with ease and uses a variety of methods, materials, tools, and equipment to complete each of his daily tasks. Custodians often get the worst of the worst jobs, but Javier never complains and does everything with grace and the utmost of care. And we are proud of the commitment Javier has to the most important people in our schools, the children. There is no doubt that Javier is one of our brightest stars. 

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Mr. Frank DeSena, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

The person we are here to recognize and honor this evening has served the Redondo Beach Unified School District for over 40 years. Although his service has evolved in various capacities throughout his work within RBUSD, making a positive difference in the lives of children has always been at the forefront of his decisions and daily work. Beginning as a site School Psychologist Intern, his career advanced quickly, involving into three pertinent positions within the district. First, in the position as a School Psychologist, this individual teamed with fellow educators, parents, and other professionals in order to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for students, while at the core strengthening connections between the home and school. After several years he then transitioned into a position at the intersection of disciplines between special education, general education, and administration as the Director of Special Education. For ten years this individual served in this leadership capacity, balancing student advocacy, staff development and support, and the implementation of key district programs. Through his work he became recognized as a model for his guidance and counsel, decision-making, and for a composed disposition. In 2006 these qualities and professional attributes became substantiated in the transition into his current position today as our Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. As Assistant Superintendent, this employee established a reputation as a leader focused on student learning and achievement. He possesses and exhibits the critical skills essential to understanding and meeting the needs of all students in addition to staff, and parents. He is committed to excellence and believes that all students should be provided the highest quality of education in a safe and secure environment. A highly respected employee throughout our school district and community, one could never argue that this employee always brought both his mind and his heart to the job daily. Known for his strategic approach to problem-solving, and his communication with all stakeholders, no matter how lengthy in nature, his efforts always worked to build a collaborative culture where individuals cared about each other, resulting in a noteworthy difference for our students. The employee I have just described to you, and ‘am honored to celebrate this evening, is none other than Mr. Frank DeSena. I encourage my colleagues and audience to join me in thanking and congratulating Mr. Frank DeSena for his many years of outstanding service to our District, community and to our young people, and wish him many happy years of retirement.