Newport-Mesa Unified School District Announces Classified School Employees of the Year

Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) announces the 2022 Classified School Employees of the Year. The award program recognizes employees that go above and beyond the expectations of their job duties to provide exemplary service to students, families, and colleagues. “While we have many exceptional employees in our District, I am honored to recognize Caren and Lupe for their contributions in supporting the health and success of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith. “Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to each other and our students,” he said. The 2022 NMUSD Classified Employee of the Year winners are: Caren Weir, Health Assistant Caren Weir has served as health assistant at l for 12 years. Caren is a calm and reassuring resource for students and parents. She provides her full attention to each person and contributes to fostering a positive school culture, even amid a global pandemic. Caren is quick to volunteer for recess duty or serve as chaperone on field trips. She fully participates in the school’s spirit days, events, and celebrations. She serves as a mentor to colleagues and helps train new team members within the department. She also takes time to welcome new students and provide an empathetic ear to parents, instantly placing them at ease with the transition of their child’s health. Maria “Lupe” Cuin Martinez, Nutrition Services Assistant II Maria “Lupe” Cuin Martinez has served as a Nutrition Services Assistant II at for nearly 30 years. She is the epitome of a student-first approach. In March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sudden closure of schools, many families were concerned for their food security While food pantries and businesses were temporarily closed, Lupe came to work and provided meals to students and their families, Lupe came to work and provided meals to students and their families. Lupe considered it a privilege to take care of her students and their families. While our schools closed, a few selected kitchens remained in operation to provide grab and go meals for all children in the community, not just those that attended our schools. Though Lupe admits that she was worried about COVID-19 she knew her students had to eat. With the school principal’s help she prepared more than 500 meals daily. Lupe’s kitchen is the heart of her school campus, making her visible to all the students as she prepares and serves meals. She greets each student by name. She takes the time to get to know their stories and their families. Thanks to her commitment and awareness of students’ needs, she helps students and their families thrive, even in the most difficult situations. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Board of Education will recognize the 2022 Classified Employees of the Year at a future Board meeting.
Source: CDM High School New