The Round-Up
The Sonoma Ranch Elementary School Principal's Newsletter
Year 2 Issue 66
We Engage We Educate We Inspire
Hello Stallions!
Earlier this year Gilbert Public Schools began a process to select a GPS Teacher of the Year who would participate in the state competition for Arizona Teacher of the Year. Subsequently, each school was asked to identify a Teacher of the Year.
In talking with the leadership team here at Sonoma Ranch, we elected to identify both a Teacher of the Year as well as a Support Staff Member of the Year. Everyone who works at Sonoma Ranch was given the opportunity to nominate someone for both awards. The staff overwhelmingly selected our amazing music teacher, Mrs. Patti Munley as our Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Lori Schuermann, our administrative assistant, as the Support Staff Member of the Year.
Mrs. Munley grew up in Phoenix. Her favorite memory of elementary school was, of course, music class with Mrs. Dee McAllister from Sunset Elementary School in the Cartwright School District. "I was always so very excited to enter her classroom. Her fingers were like magic sliding across the piano keys which made me always want to sing along. Her enthusiasm for teaching music brought life to the notes, rhythms and songs. Music class was my reason for wanting to go to school."
When asked why she chose to work in the schools, Mrs. Munley shared "My father is a retired 5th-grade teacher, and I remember the dedication that he showed to his students. His patience and commitment to their learning made me realize how much I wanted to be like him. When I was in high school, I recall walking in the school hallway with my brother. A tall, strong, intimidating student was walking towards us and shouting "Hey! Are you Peter Torsiello? Is your dad a teacher?" My brother nodded hesitantly not sure of what this kid wanted. He then proceeded to say, "Let Mr. Torsiello know that I stayed in school because of him. He was the only person who ever cared about me and I hope that he is doing well. Tell him I said hello." We were amazed at his comments. My father being a teacher impacted many students which was evident when we would stumble upon them in public places. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the students just like my dad and this is why I chose to work in a school."
Mrs. Munley began working in the schools as an Art Masterpiece volunteer at Islands Elementary School. She then became a substitute teacher for GPS in 2004 and moved into her current position as music teacher at Sonoma Ranch in 2007. On what she enjoys about working at Sonoma Ranch, Mrs. Munley responded "Sonoma Ranch Elementary is a great community filled with awesome students and families. Caring for each of the students is a priority on this campus and I am proud to be a teacher at the ranch. We have a team of dedicated teachers and staff that help to make every day a learning day for the students". When asked how she approaches her job, Mrs. Munley shared: "Plan thoughtfully and be ready to be flexible. Teaching is about meeting EVERY student where they are at every day, which is not always on the lesson plan. My favorite saying is, "Somedays there won't be a song in your heart. Sing anyways." (Emory Austin) I hope I approach my job always ready to "sing".
Mrs. Lori Schuermann grew up in Santa Maria, California. Her favorite memory of elementary school was Finally learning the difference between the greater than and less than signs from the lunch lady, who taught her that "the lion opens his mouth for the biggest amount of food". Mrs. Schuermann began working at Sonoma Ranch in 2007 and since that time has been a parent volunteer, a paraprofessional in our resource department, a crossing guard, a paraprofessional in all day kindergarten, an attendance specialist and finally her current position, administrative assistant!
When asked why she decided to work in the schools, Mrs. Schuermann said, "My daughter started Kindergarten and I was volunteering at the school. There was more satisfaction in the recognition that I got from the students than in the awards I had earned in my professional career." Mrs. Schuermann shared that "The students and their "ah ha" moments. I love their smiles" is what she enjoys most about working at the Ranch and she approaches her job with an "all in" attitude to accomplish whatever needs to be done!
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Patti Munley and Mrs. Lori Scheurmann on this truly deserved recognition.
In early March the district will host the Teacher of the Year dinner, at which each school's designee will be recognized and the GPS Teacher of the Year will be named. Mrs. Munley and her family, as well as Mrs. Schuerman and her family, will attend the event. Our PTSO will provide a centerpiece for the event for each of these wonderful ladies to take home in appreciation of their service to our school.
If you are aware of a business that may be interested in sponsoring the Sonoma Ranch table at the dinner, please contact me.
The Week Ahead
Be Safe,
Principal
About us
Email: lori.schuermann@gilbertschools.net
Website: sonomaranch.gilbertschools.net
Location: 601 N Key Biscayne Dr, Gilbert, AZ, United States
Phone: (480) 497-9343
Twitter: @stallion_strong