Michael Hendricks - Teacher Who Makes a Difference 2011-2012
Mr. Hendricks is an exemplary educator and a model for good teaching. He has brilliantly designed his multi-grade level classroom where students are immersed into a strong academic program that is engaging, motivating, and hands-on. Character education is a focus in his rich classroom environment where students engage in a structured, relevant and enriching learning experience. His expertise allows him to integrate technology into his daily routine, not only as a method to deliver curriculum, but to differentiate instruction and assess student learning. Mr. Hendricks models the high expectations he holds for his students, and is recognized for his creative teaching techniques, his thoughtfulness, and his dedication to a high quality education for all children. We are so proud to honor Mr. Hendricks at Alta Sierra School – he is a Teacher Who Makes a Difference – every day for every student.
Teresa Zoellin – 2010- 2011 - Teacher Who Makes a Difference
We are proud to honor Mrs. Teresa Zoellin as our Teacher Who Makes a Difference for 2011. Despite district reorganization last year, the stars aligned perfectly in our favor and Mrs. Zoellin landed at Alta Sierra School. Although she has been with the Pleasant Ridge District for five years, it has taken less than a year for her to win the hearts and respect of the students, staff, and parents at Alta Sierra School.
Mrs. Zoellin has been teaching Special Education for fifteen years, serving grades K through 8 in both RSP and SDC programs. Currently she is working with students identified on the Autistic spectrum and has created a phenomenal classroom learning center designed to meet their varied and specific needs. Mrs. Zoellin is a compassionate and loving teacher who couples her educational expertise and heart into her classroom. She is passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated. She is a valuable resource for her colleagues and collaboratively works as a bridge between general education and special education to meet the needs of all students. We are so very lucky to have Mrs. Teresa Zoellin as part of the Alta Sierra family. She truly is a Teacher Who Makes A Difference!
2007 and 2009 Honor Roll School
Alta Sierra Elementary School was honored by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) Foundation and Just for the Kids-California (JFTK-CA) for the second time in as many years. Alta Sierra Elementary School was one of only 569 public schools in California to receive the distinction as a 2007 Honor Roll School, and has once again received this honor for 2009. Schools receiving this distinction from California’s business community have demonstrated consistent high student academic achievement.
Alta Sierra School was awarded the honor of National Blue Ribbon School in 1999.
The program currently cites nearly 300 schools per year out of 133,000 total schools K-12, although only those schools which meet the eligibility criteria and submit applications are considered.
To be selected for recognition, a school conducts a self-evaluation -- a process that allows teachers, students, parents and community representatives to assess their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategic plans for the future. The school then submits a written application, including information on their progress toward achieving the National Education Goals. A review panel selects what they consider the most promising schools for site visits by experienced educators who submit reports on their findings. The review panel considers the reports and makes recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Education, who announces the schools selected for recognition. Alta Sierra received this award in 1999.
Heather Godfrey
Teacher Who Makes A Difference 2009-2010
Miss Godfrey’s kind, caring and gentle demeanor creates an environment in her first grade class where children want to learn. Her devotion to her students and passion for teaching are evident everyday. She incorporates extra projects into her curriculum that enrich the learning experience of all of her students, and she shows great patience and care to make sure that each and every child finds success. Her positive and energetic attitude has earned the respect of students, teachers and parents. We are so proud to acknowledge Miss Godfrey as our 2010 Teacher Who Makes A Difference!
Ann Stanbach
Teacher Who Makes a Difference- 2008-2009
Ann Stanbach, fifth grade teacher at Alta Sierra Elementary, is truly an outstanding educator who cares deeply about her students. She establishes and maintains meaningful relationships with students and their families. Students in her classroom are quiet, productive, and are always attentive and engaged in each lesson. Ann is well prepared and organized each and every day. Her students respect her gentle manner, her sincerity, and her experience as a teacher. Parents of her students know their child will get a top-notch education with a sincere, dedicated teacher.
Ann does everything in her own quiet way. If there is a need, she will just take care of it without hesitation. When we needed a new choir director, she promptly stepped into the position so we could continue this enriching program. Last fall, we needed a coach for the County Math Tournament. Ann took the challenge and immersed herself in advanced math activities, helping students reach their academic potential. In fact, you can always find her in her classroom before or after school, tutoring and assisting students in need.
Ann has a warm heart and always makes people feel welcome. She is well known as a master chef and is greatly appreciated for her delightful sense of humor and her site leadership. Ann is not only a Teacher Who Makes a Difference, but she is an esteemed colleague and a valued friend.
California Distinguished School - 1997
Alta Sierra School was awarded the honor of California Distinguished School in 1997.
A California Distinguished School is an award given by the California State Board of Education to public schools within the state that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs. Approximately five percent of California schools are awarded this honor each year following a rigorous selection process.
Nevada County Administrator of the Year as Elementary Principal 1997-1998
Region 2 Elementary Principal of the Year 2005-2006
Pat Rath, Principal of Alta Sierra School, received top honors when recognized as both the Nevada County and the seven-county Region 2 Elementary Administrator of the Year. She has earned the deepest respect throughout Nevada County since she started with the Pleasant Ridge School District in 1989. Her vision of excellence is communicated in all aspects of the outstanding leadership that she provides at Alta Sierra School. Her clear and concise messages and vision of outstanding academic performance are demonstrated daily as she manages her school with high quality leadership that supports students, staff and parents. As noted in her awards, “Pat’s initiative, energy, and commitment to excellence, combined with her ‘people skills’ provide what is necessary to be one of the best in educational leadership.”
Student Awards and Recognition
At Alta Sierra School, we believe that recognizing students for individual achievement both academically and socially is an important factor in a student's success. We have developed school wide, classroom and grade level incentive programs. See the complete list here.
uctured, relevant and enriching learning experience. His expertise allows him to integrate technology into his daily routine, not only as a method to deliver curriculum, but to differentiate instruction and assess student learning. Mr. Hendricks models the high expectations he holds for his students, and is recognized for his creative teaching techniques, his thoughtfulness, and his dedication to a high quality education for all children. We are so proud to honor Mr. Hendricks at Alta Sierra School – he is a Teacher Who Makes a Difference – every day for every student.
Miss Godfrey’s kind, caring and gentle demeanor creates an environment in her first grade class where children want to learn. Her devotion to her students and passion for teaching are evident everyday. She incorporates extra projects into her curriculum that enrich the learning experience of all of her students, and she shows great patience and care to make sure that each and every child finds success. Her positive and energetic attitude has earned the respect of students, teachers and parents. We are so proud to acknowledge Miss Godfrey as our 2010 Teacher Who Makes A Difference!
t respect throughout Nevada County since she started with the Pleasant Ridge School District in 1989. Her vision of excellence is communicated in all aspects of the outstanding leadership that she provides at Alta Sierra School. Her clear and concise messages and vision of outstanding academic performance are demonstrated daily as she manages her school with high quality leadership that supports students, staff and parents. As noted in her awards, “Pat’s initiative, energy, and commitment to excellence, combined with her ‘people skills’ provide what is necessary to be one of the best in educational leadership.”