May Matters: Celebrating Diversity, Resilience, and Excellence
May offers us the opportunity to honor the diversity, resilience, and excellence of our students, staff, and community – with events like Teacher Appreciation Week, National School Nurse Day, Asian Pacific Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and more! These celebrations and others remind us of the wide range of experiences within our community. As we honor these occasions, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
Catch Up on Dr. Coakley’s Podcast!
Packed with informative discussions and important updates, each episode explores the experiences, insights, and strategies of exceptional leaders in education. By subscribing to the podcast, you'll gain valuable insights into our district's ongoing efforts to provide a high-quality education for all students.
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Arata & Burlingame Creek Schools - The Outdoor School Experience
By Kim Richmond, Arata Creek School, Special Education/Case Manager
Last year, our mission was clear: make Outdoor School (ODS) a reality for 7th graders from Arata and Burlingame Creek schools. It took research, proposals, and teamwork. With Principal Timothy Rodgers' support and advocacy with Lyon Benno, Regional Coordinator of Extension Service Outdoor School, our vision expanded to include all three Creek schools.
Securing funding was just the start. Challenges arose, but with Noa Martinsen and Andrea Hussey on board, we persevered. Thanks to meticulous planning, a grant was secured, funding 24 students for the ODS adventure.
As the experience unfolded, it was evident our collective efforts paid off. Witnessing our students thrive and find joy in ODS was heartwarming. This success underscores the power of collaboration in education. Let's continue to unite for enriching experiences that transcend classrooms, shaping brighter futures together.
Diana Shukri has seven years of Human Resources and Administrative experience under her belt, including a Human Resources department at an early childhood education company, policy and administrative work in insurance and finance, and now as a Benefits and Leaves Specialist with MESD.
She was born and raised in Portland, OR. As the youngest daughter of two immigrant parents from the Middle East, she learned at a young age that hard work, integrity and determination are major key factors to achieving success. She was a double Business Major at Portland State University and earned her Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Business Management and Human Resources Management.
She became inspired in Business and Education at an early age. "I was always surrounded by hard working people. My grandfather was an Administrator at a school before he immigrated to America. He valued education more than anything. This has continued to stay with me.''
Her work at MESD fosters a need to assist and advise our employees in all facets regarding Benefits and Leaves. "I am incredibly optimistic about MESD's growth and my own growth here."