Celebrating Success
Even as we continue to navigate uncharted waters, I’d like to take a moment to congratulate some exemplary Carlsbad Unified schools, programs, and people for the honors and accomplishments they have achieved this year. We are proud of all you do for the students of Carlsbad Unified.
Aviara Oaks Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Only 312 public schools across the country received this prestigious designation for overall academic success and progress in closing achievement gaps.
Jefferson Elementary School received the Gold Level award as a 2020 California Green Ribbon School for teaching students to become effective environmental stewards, reducing environmental damage, and improving the health and wellness of students and staff. Jefferson was the only public school in San Diego County to earn this distinction.
Carlsbad High School received the College Board’s Female Diversity Award in Computer Science for working to engage more female students in AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A. Out of 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, only 818—just 4%— were selected for this recognition.
Eight Sage Creek High School twelfth graders were recognized as National Merit Program Scholarship Finalists by the College Board.
Eight Sage Creek High School twelfth graders were recognized as National Merit Program Scholarship Finalists by the College Board.
Carlsbad High School, Sage Creek High School and Carlsbad Seaside Academy received national rankings by the U.S. News and World Report as Best High Schools in America.
The Student Television Network recognized Valley Middle School and Carlsbad High School’s broadcast journalism programs with its prestigious STN Award of Excellence. CHSTV won in the competitive “Daily, Live” category—its 13th win— and VMSTV won in the ‘Middle School’ category for the ninth time.
Also, for its work in providing music access and education to all students, Carlsbad Unified School District was among 20 school districts in California named Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. Besides honoring our music educators, the award acknowledges the collaboration and support of parents, staff, and the community—including PTAs, PTSAs, PTOs and foundations, music boosters, and the Carlsbad Educational Foundation.
Also, for its work in providing music access and education to all students, Carlsbad Unified School District was among 20 school districts in California named Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants. Besides honoring our music educators, the award acknowledges the collaboration and support of parents, staff, and the community—including PTAs, PTSAs, PTOs and foundations, music boosters, and the Carlsbad Educational Foundation.
Many of our teachers and administrators also have been recognized this year for their contributions to our students’ education.
Jennifer Bannock, a Special Day Class teacher for kindergarten through 2nd grade students at Hope Elementary, was selected as the Carlsbad Unified Teacher of the Year. “Ms. Bannock is an incredibly hard working teacher with a big heart,” said Principal Ashley Rossiter. “She has a wide range of abilities in her class, and is skilled at creating activities to meet the diverse needs of her students both in and out of the classroom. Ms. Bannock never gives up until she finds a way to help her students succeed.”
Kevin Simonds, Carlsbad High School’s (CHS) Associated Student Body Accounting Technician, was named the CUSD Classified Employee of the Year. He was nominated by CHS student Sage Lesueur, who said “Mr. Simonds is a hardworking and caring employee who makes CHS a better place because of all he does for our school and our students.”
In February, two of our outstanding District Office administrators were honored by their peers by the Association of California School Administrators, Region 18 (comprising all of San Diego and Imperial Counties). Carlsbad Unified Director of Pupil Services Tim Evanson was named Administrator of the Year for Student Services, and Director of Classified Personnel Rachel Austin was selected Administrator of the Year for Personnel/Human Resources.
District Nurse Julia Hart-Lawson was chosen by the California School Nurses Organization (CSNO) for the Excellence in Nursing Award by the San Diego Imperial section. “Her dedication to student health and expertise with medically fragile students is an inspiration to her peers and colleagues throughout the state,” says CSNO State Awards Chair Sherri Vitali.
Sage Creek High School Biomed Pathway teacher Valerie Park was recognized by NBC 7 San Diego and San Diego County Office of Education as the Inspirational Teacher of the Month for February.
Jennifer Bannock, a Special Day Class teacher for kindergarten through 2nd grade students at Hope Elementary, was selected as the Carlsbad Unified Teacher of the Year. “Ms. Bannock is an incredibly hard working teacher with a big heart,” said Principal Ashley Rossiter. “She has a wide range of abilities in her class, and is skilled at creating activities to meet the diverse needs of her students both in and out of the classroom. Ms. Bannock never gives up until she finds a way to help her students succeed.”
Kevin Simonds, Carlsbad High School’s (CHS) Associated Student Body Accounting Technician, was named the CUSD Classified Employee of the Year. He was nominated by CHS student Sage Lesueur, who said “Mr. Simonds is a hardworking and caring employee who makes CHS a better place because of all he does for our school and our students.”
In February, two of our outstanding District Office administrators were honored by their peers by the Association of California School Administrators, Region 18 (comprising all of San Diego and Imperial Counties). Carlsbad Unified Director of Pupil Services Tim Evanson was named Administrator of the Year for Student Services, and Director of Classified Personnel Rachel Austin was selected Administrator of the Year for Personnel/Human Resources.
District Nurse Julia Hart-Lawson was chosen by the California School Nurses Organization (CSNO) for the Excellence in Nursing Award by the San Diego Imperial section. “Her dedication to student health and expertise with medically fragile students is an inspiration to her peers and colleagues throughout the state,” says CSNO State Awards Chair Sherri Vitali.
Sage Creek High School Biomed Pathway teacher Valerie Park was recognized by NBC 7 San Diego and San Diego County Office of Education as the Inspirational Teacher of the Month for February.
The sixteen members of the Student-Superintendent Advisory Council were recognized by NBC 7 San Diego and San Diego County Office of Education as the Inspirational Students of the Month for April.
Katie Browne, Director of Bands at Aviara Oaks Middle School, received the Artful Advocate Award at the Arts Empower Ovation Awards for San Diego County, Region 5, recognizing her work to strengthen arts education.
Carlsbad High School teachers Dale Hendricks and Jeffrey Spanier received the University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award. The university invites entering first-year students to nominate an educator who has influenced them, challenged them, or helped them along the path toward intellectual growth.
And, finally, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce honored three of Carlsbad Unified’s stars during their CBAD Awards Week: Carla Bos, Principal and Cedric Hart, part time PE teacher, from Jefferson Elementary; and Patti Langen, science teacher at Calavera Hills Middle School.
We commend these schools, students, programs, teachers, and administrators for their outstanding accomplishments. They all represent Carlsbad Unified at its finest.
Katie Browne, Director of Bands at Aviara Oaks Middle School, received the Artful Advocate Award at the Arts Empower Ovation Awards for San Diego County, Region 5, recognizing her work to strengthen arts education.
Carlsbad High School teachers Dale Hendricks and Jeffrey Spanier received the University of Chicago's Outstanding Educator Award. The university invites entering first-year students to nominate an educator who has influenced them, challenged them, or helped them along the path toward intellectual growth.
And, finally, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce honored three of Carlsbad Unified’s stars during their CBAD Awards Week: Carla Bos, Principal and Cedric Hart, part time PE teacher, from Jefferson Elementary; and Patti Langen, science teacher at Calavera Hills Middle School.
We commend these schools, students, programs, teachers, and administrators for their outstanding accomplishments. They all represent Carlsbad Unified at its finest.
