CONGRATULATIONS

For the past four years, Jenny Morgan has served as Parent Engagement Liaison at Sally Ride Elementary, engaging with students, staff and parents to support school involvement. As one of the first school contacts for families and community members, her natural knack for compassion allows Morgan to ensure everyone feels welcome, encouraged and heard. She firmly believes “it takes a village,” and embraces her role within the village. Morgan continuously fosters partnerships in the community and makes families aware of programs and resources available to them. “Blessings in a Backpack’’ is one of many programs that Morgan has brought to the school. The program provides nutritious and healthy snack packs to students throughout the week at school and to take home. Morgan strives daily to ensure she supports student success academically, emotionally and physically with open communication and strong relationships.

Leaving the corporate world behind for the past six years, Corinne Soares has been able to apply her creative talents beyond a desk. From creating a “learnscape” to painting murals around campus, her genuine care is felt by students and staff. In her role as school secretary at Timber Springs Middle, Soares enjoys being able to step outside her role and has completed substitute teacher training, so she can cover a class if needed. This is the third time she has been named Support Person of the Year at Timber Springs Middle, and colleagues say she is a “gifted multi-tasker” and “strong contributor” toward the school culture. Soares has taken on numerous initiatives, and has been an integral part of boosting both the beauty and morale on campus, leading the Green School initiative, maintaining a school food pantry and facilitating teacher and staff celebrations.

Alex Rodriguez has worked to build relationships with Spanish-speaking students at Vista Pointe Elementary since the school opened two years ago. After growing up with Spanish-speaking parents, Rodriguez is able to quickly perceive when someone needs translation assistance, and he jumps in to help. In his role as a bilingual paraprofessional, Rodriguez works with first- through fourthgrade students on foundational reading skills to ensure they are on grade level. He finds the students’ dedication and hard work both inspiring and rewarding. Rodriguez performs many roles around campus, including leading the News Crew, overseeing bus dismissal and assisting in the cafeteria. Colleagues admire his ability to manage his many duties all while maintaining a positive attitude and calm demeanor. Outside of work, he is also a student in the Pathways to Teaching program at Rollins College, a partnership with OCPS. The program has opened the door for him to earn his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, so he can become a certified teacher.