THIS WEEK AT THE COVE

Dear Cove Community,

Please join me in congratulating three fabulous Cove employees who are retiring from LCMSD in June - Cathleen Acheritogaray (Campus Support Para and Secretary), Vincenza Costa (Paraprofessional) and Liza Mathews (Cove EL teacher and Neil Cummins Art teacher). After years of dedicated service and countless contributions to our school, we will bid them farewell as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Cathleen has been with LCMSD for 16 years, and during that time she has worn many, many hats. As a reading intervention and English Learner support para, she worked alongside our literacy specialist. In 2014, she moved to Cove and began her role as classroom aide. She skillfully teaches small groups and works with students who need extra support. She is a lunch supervisor extraordinaire, finding humor and delighting in the boisterousness of lunch time. She also began her role as secretary in 2014, and she has been my consistent partner through several transitional periods. She flexed her hours, worked extra time, learned new tasks and trained new partners who subbed in the office role. Cathleen goes above and beyond in so many ways. She is a Union leader and has been a Site Council representative. She takes extra care to ensure that all of our students have snacks, lunches and all the supplies they need for success.

Vincenza has been a devoted paraprofessional in LCMSD for 8 years, 5 of which have been at The Cove School. Ever since I first met Vincenza, it was apparent that she loves to connect with others. She is always cheerful, smiling and greeting our office team each morning. Vincenza goes above and beyond for our school community. She has joined several district and site committees including District Advisory Panel, Equity Leadership Team, and Cove’s Site PBIS Team. She is so clearly a lifelong learner. Becoming a para was a whole new world for Vincenza and she participated actively in trainings, sought feedback and always strives to do better. Most importantly, it is evident that Vincenza loves children. She has worked with a variety of students with a variety of needs. The care and compassion she shows for our Cove Coyotes is beautiful to witness. 

Liza has been a teacher in LCMSD for 31 years…all of them at Neil Cummins but a portion of her time this year was also at The Cove School! During her 31 years, she spent 16 teaching kindergarten, and the other 15 years teaching 3rd grade, 4th grade, art, reading support and English Learners. In addition, she was the summer school Principal for 5 years. She has served on just about every committee in the district and is truly a lifelong learner. She has a knack for building strong relationships with students and their families and stays in touch with them for years after they leave her class. In her classroom, she skillfully integrates art in a plethora of ways and is known for her production of The Wizard of Oz with her classes. Liza loves what she does, and brings such energy to the classroom.

Please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Cathleen, Vincenza and Liza for their years of service, their unwavering dedication, and the countless lives they have touched along the way. We wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirement and know that they will continue to inspire and uplift others wherever their journey may take them.

Sincerely,

Michelle Walker, Principal

Board Updates: On May 15, 2024 the Board met and celebrated 2024 Golden Bell Awards and retirees. The room was packed and we appreciated all who joined the celebration. Congratulations Golden Bell awardees and retirees! Trustees engaged in a discussion regarding the Local Control Accountability (LCAP) draft, as well as the 2024-25 draft LCAP annual update. The Board approved district-wide common assessments (iReady) in mathematics and literacy, as well as a National Gun Violence Awareness Day Resolution. All agendas can be found here.

Preview of We are One: Social Justice Lesson #4: Stereotypes will be available on May 22 in all school offices for parents to review either before or after the district-wide lesson on May 28. Standard 11 will be explored: Students will recognize stereotypes and relate to people as individuals rather than representatives of groups. (Learning For Justice Social Justice Standards 2022). On May 15, teachers were trained to facilitate this lesson. We look forward to another very positive classroom experience aligned with our commitment to inclusive spaces for all students, staff, and parents. Please be on the lookout for a follow-up email with questions and talking points you can use at home. This program has been generously funded by Schools Rule Marin - thank you!