Soledad USD Newsletter
February 4, 2022
February 7-11, 2022 is National School Counseling Week
We are celebrating National School Counseling Week from February 7 to 11, 2022!
We would like to express our gratitude for the Soledad USD counselors who help our students and families with a wide variety of needs. They are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents. They work in a partnership with families as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world—and focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development.
School counselors also work with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system in which students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic, and optimistic aspirations for themselves.
Thank you, school counselors, for all you do!
MEET OUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS!
Mercedes Pinedo, Frank Ledesma Elementary
It is my pleasure to write a note of gratitude to highlight Frank Ledesma Counselor, Ms. Pinedo. Ms. Pinedo joined the Frank Ledesma Family after supporting the Soledad Unified School District as a substitute Counselor. Her colleagues within the district and site look to her as an asset, and as someone who will rise to any occasion to identify resources for those in need. Her kindness and readiness to respond do not go unnoticed. She offers personalized support to students, grade appropriate lessons to classes, and provides all around guidance to our scholars supporting social emotional needs and strong behavior expectations. We are extremely grateful for Ms. Pinedo, and the countless ways she supports our site. Happy Counselors’ Week, Ms. Pinedo! Thank you for all you do for every student, every day!
Jeannine Hunter, Gabilan Elementary
Miss Jeannine Hunter is an amazing asset to Gabilan Elementary!
When asked to share a little about herself, Miss Hunter stated,
“I have been an elementary school counselor for 15 years. When I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up and “help children.” I didn’t know what that job was called when I was little. I just knew that I would be good at this, because I like to help people feel better. As a school counselor, I get to teach lessons to prevent bullying, teach kindest, help children learn about careers and a lot of other need stuff.
Some of the things I do are simple, like helping a child tie their shoes or giving someone a hug. Other times, my job is complicated. Everyday that I come to work, I feel lucky to work with the best teachers, staff, children and families! I love my Gabilan Family!
I love dogs, learning Spanish, watching movies, art, painting my nails and going hiking. I am tall, silly, covered in freckles and I like to see people smile.”
Jeannine’s bio that she shared does depict her quite well but one thing is important to share from other’s eyes. That is the fact that Miss Hunter makes a HUGE impact on the Gabilan family daily. Her desire to help others is felt deeply on our site. She is a strong advocate for our students and always puts them first. Her energy is contagious. She does everything in her power to ensure that kids get what they need! We are so fortunate to call her part of the family here at Gabilan!
*Included is Jeannine’s favorite photo of herself with her pup Tanna.*
Maricela Chavez, Jack Franscioni Elementary
Marisela Chavez is our school counselor and definitely deserves some special kudos for all of the amazing work that she does for JF!!
The week of the school counselor is next week and she is always there to offer support to all of us!! She is always present in the morning checking in with students to make sure they have a great start to their day, she is constantly checking with students throughout the day, contacting families to provide them resources, and working with outside agencies to support students at every tier. Thank you for all of your support and please remember to take some time next week to show your appreciation to our ROARTASTIC school counselor!!
Malena Schoch, Rose Ferrero Elementary
The Basics: Malena Schoch has worked in the Soledad Unified School District since August of 1998, and she has served as Rose Ferrero’s School Counselor since 2012.
Childhood: Malena was born in Morelia, Michoacan Mexico. Her father was a Bracero and immigrated his family to the USA in 1968. She grew up in a farm working family that worked the fields of the Southern Salinas Valley. She attended elementary school in Greenfield and went on to graduate from King City High School in 1985.
Education: Malena received her AA degree from Hartnell College, then transferred to U.C. Santa Cruz where she received a B.A. in Psychology in 1998; On Dec. 2002, she earned her Pupil Personnel Services Credential; and on December of 2002, she received her M.A. in Education (Counseling & Student Personnel).
What Inspired Her to be a School Counselor: When asked, Malena will tell you that during her early college years, she worked as a tutor for California Mini-Corps. In this statewide program, she was trained to provide instructional services for migrant students. As she worked closely with students and teachers, Malena says that she was able to see how much of a difference a caring person could make. Therefore, she was inspired to want to advocate and help those who need just “a little more”.
Now as a School Counselor, Malena provides counseling services to all students - from teaching students to develop resiliency skills, to being able to provide a safe place when they need it. Finally, Malena has been Rose Ferrero’s School Counselor during the seven years I have been here at Rose Ferrero, and it would be an absolute understatement to simply say that I have “learned a lot” from her. Malena is, and has been, much more than our school counselor … what she does/the service she provides for everyone on our site – students, teachers, and her administrator – is much more than priceless … she is our go-to for everything SEL and so much more. I often say, at the end of such recognition pieces, how we could not do what we do here at Rose Ferrero without you. Never have I meant that statement as much as I do now as I refer to you. Thank you so much for being you and doing everything you do.
Yesenia Velasquez-Arreola, San Vicente Elementary
My name is Yesenia Velasquez- Arreola “Mrs. A”. I received a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor's of Science in Victimology. I continued my education and received my Masters in Science focusing in Higher Education with my Pupil Personnel services (PPS) Credential from California State University, Fresno as well. As a School Counselor, I will ensure equitable access to academic achievement, college and career readiness, social and emotional development. As a key stakeholder, it is my responsibility to promote a safe and supportive environment to all students to encourage personal growth in a diverse and changing world.
MAIN STREET MIDDLE SCHOOL
Elena Moreno - 8th Grade Counselor
(Bio in her own words)
My name is Elena Moreno, and I am a School Counselor, What's your superpower?!
I was born and raised in Soledad, CA. I attended Gabilan Elementary, Main Street Middle School Class of 1999, and Soledad High School Class of 2003. I am a first generation college student. I attended California State University Monterey Bay where I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Humanities and Communications in 2008. I also attended San Jose State University where I earned my Masters of Arts in Counselor Education in 2015. I was first hired as an Intern Migrant School Counselor at Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas in 2013. It was an amazing experience, but my goal has always been to serve my community of Soledad. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to do so while working at Main Street Middle School for the last several years. When I am not working, I am coordinating activities for my 2 year old son, Alfredo Javani. He is a future All Star Athlete and Valedictorian of his class. Happy National School Counseling week to my fellow colleagues! We are the heart of Soledad.
Ruby Carrillo - 7th Grade Counselor
Hello! I'm Ms. Ruby Carrillo, and I am currently the 7th grade school counselor at Main Street Middle School.
I grew up in Gonzales, and South Monterey County holds a special place in my heart. I am a first generation college student and was raised in a migrant farm-working family similar to many students. To further my education, I attended UC Santa Cruz and earned my BA in Sociology in 2014. I also attended San Jose State University and graduated with an MA in Counselor Education in 2020. Early on, I worked for the Monterey County Department of Social Services for 7 years, helping families reach self-sufficiency. While this was very rewarding, my passion has always been in education. Fast forward to now...I am grateful to have the opportunity to work directly with students! As a counselor at MSMS, I hope to use my experiences to build connections and help students discover their potential, achieve their goals, and strengthen our community. Happy National School Counseling Week!
SOLEDAD HIGH SCHOOL
Sandra Moreno
(Pictured below)
Bio: Sandra attended SJSU for my undergraduate degree BA - Sociology with a Minor in - Mexican-American Studies. Continued at San Jose State for my graduate degree - Masters in Counseling Education.
Fun Fact - Education was never my intention but for one reason or another, life always brought me opportunities to this career. I love being back in the high school that I graduated from. Being a school counselor has allowed me to interact with so many students and families
Diego Ortiz
(Pictured below)
Education:
CSU Monterey Bay - Human Communications/Chicano Studies
San Jose State University - Counseling & Guidance
As a school counselor, I have the opportunity to interact with students. By creating a safe space for students by assisting them in developing confidence in their abilities, emphasizing the importance of hard work and education, and assisting them in setting future goals.
My favorite aspect of being a counselor is that it allows me to establish relationships with parents, students, and staff. Our position is unique in that we have the ability to influence every student at our school. We get to be there for students and connect families with resources when they need them. There is no greater feeling than having the opportunity that allows you to make such a positive difference in the lives of so many people
Simony Politron
(Pictured below)
BIO:
My name is Simony Politron and I am a new counselor at Soledad High School. I graduated from Alisal High School in Salinas and went on to attend San Jose State University. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development. After 6 years of working for Monterey County Department of Social Services, I went back to school and obtained my Masters in Education Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. I’ve always seen myself working in education and I love being able to work with students and helping them achieve their full potential!
I enjoy watching documentaries on Netflix, working on puzzles, and spending time with family and friends. I love traveling! Especially to my hometown La Sauceda, Jalisco Mexico.
Felipe Maturino
I have had the honor and pleasure to serve many students and families as a counselor. This has been a true blessing in my life to help others succeed. The experience of working with different grade levels and collaborating with faculty, staff, and families has helped me in all aspects of my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve them all.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER
Erica Valdez
Hector Salgado
Hector was born and raised in Gilroy California. He is a graduated from Gilroy High School and earned a B.A. in Ethnic Studies. He obtained a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from CSU Monterey Bay and his M.A. and Guidance from San Jose State University. This is his first year in our District.
SkillsUSA
On Saturday, January 23, several Soledad High School Students participated in the SkillsUSA regional competition. Due to COVID, competitions were held at home school sites rather than a regional location. SHS students are competing in the dental and culinary categories.
Dental Careers
Soledad High School to Host Virtual Parent Night for Incoming 9th Grade Families
Soledad High School will host a virtual parent night for families of students who will be entering ninth grade in the 2022-23 school year.
The event will take place Tuesday, February 8. There will be an English presentation starting at 5:15 p.m. and a Spanish presentation at 6:30 p.m.
The transition to high school is a critically important one for our students, and we want to make sure our families have all the information they need as they approach this milestone. We look forward to holding this virtual event, providing the information our families need and answering any questions they may have!
To access the virtual parent night via Zoom on February 8, please visit https://tinyurl.com/8parentnight.
Mathematics, Rhythm, and Dance
MTC is held the 2nd Tuesday of the month
on Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Register through the MTC Webpage
Soledad Staff to Present at CUE
Soledad USD teachers Amy Bowen and Yvonne Gray have been selected to present at the Spring CUE!
At the event, they will give a shared presentation on effectively manipulating data to improve teaching and learning in the classroom.
The Spring CUE will take place March 17-19 in Palm Springs. The event allows educators to connect with their fellow professionals, learn about the latest ideas in teaching and learning, and explore emerging technologies for the classroom. To learn more, visit www.cue.org/spring.
Celebrating Black History Month in Soledad USD
We are very pleased to join our community in celebrating Black History Month! Each February, we take time to learn about and explore the history and accomplishments of African Americans in the United States.
Originally founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month started with one week in February in 1926 and later became a full month in the 1970s. It was made official by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
Dr. Woodson selected February because it includes the birthdays of Abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
Learn more about Black History Month and its meaning to our country: https://blackhistorymonth.gov.
Salinas Valley Recycles - Assistance for Schools
SVR offers free assistance to schools in the Salinas Valley to implement comprehensive classroom and campus-wide recycling programs as well as bilingual educational materials & resources, presentations, and training for staff, faculty and custodians.
Check out the Monterey County Education Resource Guide for schools and teachers to learn more about what we offer.
Happy Presidents Day!
As a reminder, all Soledad USD schools are closed on Presidents Day, which is Monday, February 21, 2022. Originally established to commemorate George Washington’s birthday, the holiday is now meant to generally celebrate all of our nation’s presidents.
We hope you enjoy the three-day weekend!
DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTERS
Soledad Unified School District - Superintendent's Office
Email: rbangs@soledad.k12.ca.us
Website: www.soledadusd.org
Location: 1261 Metz Road, Soledad, CA, USA
Phone: (831) 678-2909