by Anne Gibson
There was an unexplainable light shown over the Vail School District on Monday, July 30th, as 1,900 Vail School District employees and a handful of lucky guests filled Pantano Christian Church for the district’s annual “All Staff” program. “We do All Staff because it makes us better. We cheer for employees who have received recognitions and milestones in terms of years of service. We look to the future. We come together so we can help students come together,” said Vail School District Superintendent Calvin Baker.
A buffet breakfast was served at 7:30 AM in the patio area, after which the staff began filling the chapel until every seat was taken. The opening performance was the Northwest Firefighters Pipes and Drums that brought all 1,900 staff, plus guests, to their feet in a salute to first responders. Superintendent Calvin Baker welcomed the crowd and governing board member Clerk Allison Pratt pointed out the importance of every staff member, regardless of their position in nurturing the students Vail serves.
The Vail School District is fortunate to have international teachers from the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico and elsewhere. The eighteen international teachers, in a moving performance, sang “Together We Are One,” which expressed their hardships to get here and how they are now part of us; there were few dry eyes.
The Vail NJROTC Color Guard under the direction of LCDR George Murga presented the colors and Cienega drama teacher Jessica Armistead in perfect pitch sang the National Anthem at Vail School District’s All Staff. Photo by Darcy Mentone.
Calvin Baker, a 30-year veteran as Superintendent of the Vail School District, spoke of the days immediately prior to becoming superintendent when there were board recall elections when all five members of a governing board were recalled and how there were five different superintendents with some only serving for one year. He talked about what makes the Vail School District different from all others through programs and the lack of fear to try something new and innovative. Among the examples he cited were Beyond Textbooks, an academic curriculum program utilizing technology and shared with school districts in several states and the inclusion of special needs students into the regular classroom.
Performances as “This is Vail” by the Vail Chorale and district staff; “A Journey Through the School Year” by the staff from Desert Willow Elementary; and demonstrating their dance skills performing to “The Vailla’s” were the staff of Vail Academy and High School.
Associate Superintendent John Carruth recognized the many staff members and students receiving state and national awards for achievement in the past year. Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Deborah Penn spoke to Vail ‘s grading scores measured by AzMerit continuing to rank Vail among the top districts in the state.
Staff members were recognized for their longevity. Sixty-nine members crossed the stage for ten years of service, 35 for fifteen years, and 14 for twenty years. Having worked for the district for 25 years were Jacqueline Hail, Linda Kubiak, Carolyn Reynolds, and Tina Williams. Recognized for 30 years of employment were Deborah Clark with the transportation department, Leslie Shechter cherish teacher at Acacia and Ocotillo Ridge Elementary Schools, and Ron Haymore, an administrator in the district facilities department.
This year’s planning committee took the motto “Together We Shine” to heart and did shine. The committee included Justin Anderson, Calvin Baker, Jonelle Bankemper, Jayme Bernet, Karen Brandt, Jason Campos, Kevin Carney, John Carruth, Megan Cloud, Heather Cooper, Matt Emory, Kendra Forgacs, Katie Griffin, Renae Howell, Ethan Hurley, Erica Irby, Shannon Jelle, Shannon King, Linda Kubiak, Raylee May, Darcy Mentone, Kim Middleton, Anka Mischel, John Mros, Debbie Penn, Kate Robold, Della Ruiz, Pam Scanlon, Carrie Schreiner and Michelle Wood.
There is little doubt that together your Vail School District does shine and shines brightly.
Picture Below: The Vail NJROTC Color Guard under the direction of LCDR George Murga presented the colors and Cienega drama teacher Jessica Armistead in perfect pitch sang the National Anthem at Vail School District’s All Staff. Photo by Darcy Mentone.
