Celebrating Our Governing Board:
Appreciation and Oath of Office Highlights
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At the January 8, 2025, School Board meeting, Martin Hudecek, Sarah King, and Dan Tankersley took their Board Member Oath of Office. Congratulations, and thank you for your unwavering support of the Altar Valley School District students and staff.
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, Robles Elementary and Altar Valley Middle School celebrated our Governing Board at the meeting. The schools recognized their hard work and dedication to the students, families, and the entire AVSD community. Each board member
received a special Altar Valley mug and keychain as tokens of appreciation.
Thank you, Governing Board Members, for your commitment and service:
Martin Hudecek, President
Shanee Page, Vice President
Chris Isabel
Sarah King
Daniel Tankersley
Below is a message from Altar Valley Middle School:
Dear Altar Valley School District School Board Members,
On behalf of the teachers and staff at Altar Valley Middle School, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your dedication to our district.
Your willingness to attend training and conferences reflects the compassion you have for the students and staff of Altar Valley, and your presence at various events throughout the year demonstrates your steadfast commitment to our community.
As a token of our appreciation, please accept this key chain, inscribed with a message that perfectly captures our sentiments: "May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make."
Thank you for all that you do to support and inspire us. Your leadership and care make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone in Altar Valley.
With heartfelt appreciation,
The Teachers and Staff of Altar Valley Middle School
Congratulations to Rica Arzaga-Benedicto
Three Points VFW Teacher of the Year Nominee
Altar Valley School District and the Three Points VFW proudly recognizes Rica Arzaga-Benedicto as the Teacher of the Year for her unwavering dedication to honoring our veterans and her exceptional contributions to education.
Rica's efforts to instill a deep respect for our nation's heroes include organizing the Patriot’s Pen essay contest, guiding students to express their gratitude and understanding of patriotism. She further demonstrated her commitment by overseeing heartfelt letters written by students for Veteran’s
Day and by transforming the cafeteria into a welcoming space for the Veterans Day luncheon.
As an innovative ELA teacher, Rica inspires her students to engage deeply with their learning. Her creativity and dedication extend beyond the classroom as an active member of the Altar Valley Middle School Leadership Team and the AVMS Guiding Coalition. Additionally, her work with the 21st Century afterschool program ensures students have opportunities to grow academically and personally outside of regular school hours.
Rica, your passion, dedication, and leadership serve as an inspiration to students, colleagues, and the entire community. Thank you for making a difference and for embodying the values we hold dear.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
District Spelling Bee Winner!!
Congratulations to Andrea!
Robles Elementary All-Star Student of the Month
Charlie T., 2nd Grade
Charlie, a remarkable 2nd grader, has truly earned the title of Student of the Month by consistently embodying the qualities of ROAR: being Responsible, Open-Minded, Accountable, and Respectful.
In the classroom, Charlie approaches her learning with dedication, ensuring that her work is always completed carefully and on time. She is eager to listen to new ideas and perspectives, demonstrating an open-mindedness that inspires her peers. Charlie is also a shining example of accountability, taking responsibility for her actions and following through on her commitments. Above all, she treats everyone around her with kindness and respect, making her a joy to have in class.
Charlie’s positive attitude, willingness to help others, and commitment to excellence make her a wonderful friend and an integral part of the Robles community. Congratulations, Charlie, for being a role model and earning this well-deserved recognition!
Robles Elementary All-Star Employee of the Month
Marissa Soto, English Language Arts & Social Studies
Mrs. Marisa Soto truly embodies what it means to be a ROAR role model! From the very start of the school year, she demonstrated her generosity and preparedness by sharing beginning-of-the-year documents and tips with her fellow teachers, setting everyone up for success. Her professionalism, open-mindedness, and supportive nature make her an invaluable mentor to new teachers, who are finding their way during their first year.
As a leader on campus, Mrs. Soto wears many hats with remarkable skill and dedication. She is a pivotal member of the school’s leadership team and serves as the Guiding Coalition member leading the K-2 ELA PLC. In this role, she brings her expertise as a reading teacher to the forefront, ensuring that strategies are both research-based and impactful. Mrs. Soto is consistently brainstorming innovative approaches to enhance student achievement and works tirelessly to implement these ideas alongside her colleagues. Her ability to balance her instructional responsibilities with her leadership duties showcases her commitment to not only her students but also the growth and success of the entire staff.
Robles is incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Soto, a role model for staff and students alike. Her dedication, expertise, and kindness inspire all those around her!
Altar Valley Middle School All-Star Student of the Month
Brayden B., 8th Grade
This month, we are thrilled to honor Brayden as our Student of the Month! Brayden's love for school shines through in everything he does. His perseverance is evident in his classwork, and he always comes to class prepared and ready to learn.
Brayden's kindness is one of his standout qualities. He often asks if he can give a hug, proudly stating, “I give the best hugs.” His positive attitude and willingness to please make him a joy to be around.
He is detail-oriented and enjoys spending time with his many friends on campus, especially during lunch. On the playground, his favorite activity is the swings, where his energy and enthusiasm bring smiles to those around him.
Brayden is a wonderful presence at Altar Valley Middle School, and we will certainly miss him next year when he moves on to high school. Congratulations, Brayden, on this well-deserved recognition!
Altar Valley Middle School All-Star Employee of the Month
Wendy Mattias, 6-8 Grade Social Studies
Congratulations to Mrs. Wendy Mattias, our Staff of the Month! Mrs. Mattias embodies the core values of being Respectful, Accountable, Open-Minded, and Safe, setting a shining example for both students and staff at Altar Valley Middle School.
Students appreciate her kindness and support. One student shared, “She helps me when I don’t understand,” highlighting her dedication to ensuring every learner succeeds. Mrs.
Mattias also provides opportunities for students to complete late work, demonstrating her commitment to helping them stay on track.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Mattias wears many hats. She co-sponsors Student Government, mentors two of our ELA teachers, and plays a key role as co-sponsor for the 8th-grade trip. Additionally, she serves on the Sunshine Committee, ensuring that special moments are celebrated among staff, and represents our school on the Superintendent Advisory Board. Her leadership extends further as the Site-Council Chairman, where she helps shape decisions that impact our school community.
Always ready to lend a hand, Mrs. Mattias is a pillar of support for Altar Valley Middle School, contributing wherever needed to make our school a better place. We are proud to recognize her hard work, kindness, and dedication. Thank you, Mrs. Mattias, for everything you do!
Transportation Department All-Star Employee of the Month
Lili Stooksbury, Bus Driver
In any organization, there are individuals whose contributions stand out, making a significant impact on team dynamics and overall success. The Transportation Department is proud to recognize Lili Stooksbury as our All-Star Employee. Her unwavering dedication, exceptional willingness to help, and unparalleled team spirit make her a truly invaluable asset to our team.
Lili has consistently demonstrated her commitment to her role, often going above and beyond what is expected. Whether it's adapting to last-minute changes in routes or stepping in to cover sports trips at short notice, Lili is always ready to rise to the occasion. Her ability to handle unexpected challenges with grace and efficiency is a testament to her exceptional work ethic and problem-solving skills.
In conclusion, Lili Stooksbury exemplifies the qualities of an All-Star Employee.
We are grateful for her contributions and are excited to recognize her as a shining star in our team. Thank you, Lili, for your dedication and commitment!
Family Fun Night Around the Holidays!
Our next Family Fun Night will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm.
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