CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
March 22, 2024
2024 Teacher of the Year and 2024 Classified Employee of the Year!
Carlsbad Unified is pleased to announce that our Teacher of the Year for 2023-24 is Peter Manzi, Director of Bands and Chair of Visual and Performing Arts at Carlsbad High School; and that our Classified Employee of the Year for 2023-24 is Marichu (Meg) Chua, Instructional Assistant - Special Education at Poinsettia Elementary.
Read more about these two amazing staff members below!
Classified Employee of the Year!
Marichu (Meg) Chua, Instructional Assistant-Special Education, Poinsettia Elementary School
“Ms. Chua supports special-needs students all day, every day with patience and unwavering kindness,” said nominator Erin Farnaes, Speech-Language Pathologist. “She radiates positive energy and professionalism as she interacts with students and staff members.”
In her 15 years at Carlsbad Unified School District, Ms. Chua has supported students in special education at Hope Elementary, Aviara Oaks Elementary, and, for the last six years, at Poinsettia Elementary. She provides teacher-directed instruction in small groups and helps students meet their goals throughout the day. Ms. Chua’s professionalism, passion and patience make her integral to the success of the foundational program at Poinsettia Elementary School” said Program Specialist Julie Spanier. “She is a role model for all instructional assistants in the district. Her positive attitude and work ethic is contagious. She is a team player and can pivot at any moment without being directed. Her instincts are spot on which is due to her 15 years of working in education.”
Ms. Chua's commitment to collaboration is evident in her interactions with her Poinsettia colleagues. Active in team meetings, she contributes valuable insights and ideas to enhance student outcomes. Her colleagues see her as an invaluable resource and team member.
Ms. Chua embodies the core values of inclusivity and equity, making a lasting impact on the lives of our students. She also invests time and shares resources to help to empower her colleagues with the knowledge and skills needed to maximally support students. She backs up the classroom teacher in training new staff members so the flow of instruction continues smoothly.
“She always has a smile on her face and kind words for everyone,” said teacher and nominator Joyce Lee. “Her sense of humor and empathetic nature allow her to win over the toughest of students. She not only has an amazing work ethic, but she also has a heart of gold. She is always the first to volunteer, takes initiative without being asked, and strives to do better at her job.”
"I am deeply humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Classified Employee of the Year Award,” said Ms. Chua. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and my Poinsettia family, led by Joyce Lee, for the nomination. Their guidance, mentorship, and teamwork have been invaluable to my professional growth. I am proud to be part of a team that values excellence. It is truly a privilege to be working with the BEST! Thank you, team!"
Carlsbad Unified appreciates and congratulates all of our exemplary school site-nominated Classified Employees of the Year:
Mark Casillas, Custodian, Aviara Oaks Elementary
Leticia Agado, Attendance Assistant, Aviara Oaks Middle
Adrian Escalera, Lead Custodian I, Buena Vista Elementary
Maria Alcaide, Custodian, Calavera Hills Elementary
Daniela Carrillo Lopez, Instructional Assistant-Special Education, Calavera Hills Middle
Anu Lakshmin, Instructional Assistant-Special Education/Moderate to Severe, Carlsbad High
Daniel Delgado, Systems Support Technician, District Office
Maxine Eghtesadi, Instructional Assistant-Special Education/Behavioral Intervention, Hope Elementary
Carolina Murman-Smith, Instructional Assistant-Transitional Kindergarten, Jefferson Elementary
Pamela Turrell, School Administrative Assistant-Elementary, Kelly Elementary
Rebecca Ogden, Library Media Technician, Magnolia Elementary
Madilyne Rodgers, Instructional Assistant-Special Education, Pacific Rim Elementary
Marichu “Meg” Chua, Instructional Assistant-Special Education, Poinsettia Elementary
Carol Fredericks, Instructional Assistant-Special Education, Sage Creek High
Gena Hornung, School Office Assistant, Valley Middle
Teacher of the Year!
Peter Manzi, Director of Bands, Carlsbad High School
As the band teacher and director at Carlsbad High School (CHS), Mr. Manzi has demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion, and skill in nurturing the musical talents of his students.
The Illinois native has been an integral part of our school community since he arrived in 2014. He has gone above and beyond in fostering a love for music – and discipline and commitment – in his students. He has created an environment where students not only develop their musical abilities but learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
Whether working with beginners or advanced musicians in our marching band, Mr. Manzi demonstrates a remarkable ability to connect with each student, providing the necessary support and encouraging them to reach their full potential. He collaborates equally well with student leaders, such as ASB, to bring to life, with the help of the band or drumline, their vision of enhancing the game-day experiences.
Mr. Manzi can be seen at band practice, on the field with the band members, in the evenings long after other teachers, coaches, and other athletes have gone home. Under his guidance, the Carlsbad Lancer Band and drumline have achieved notable success in competitions and performances. Some recent achievements include the SoCal Super Regional Class 3A Champions, WBA State Champs 4th place 3A, and WBA State Champs 6th place overall and the first time as state finalists (2022). The drumline was a SC-PA Scholastic A Silver Medalist that same year. This year, the drumline earned a 2nd place finish at the WGI national regional, finishing with their highest score ever at the competition.
“This is a well-deserved honor for Mr. Manzi,” said CHS principal Julie Redfield. “He does so much for our Carlsbad community and our Visual and Performing Arts programs and has taken our Marching Lancers and Drumline to the next level.”
“Mr. Manzi is an exceptional educator, mentor, and role model for students and staff,” wrote his nominators, CHS teachers Jeff Riccitelli and Lisa Papera. “He instills a sense of pride and camaraderie within the band and Carlsbad High School, fostering an environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging and purpose. His contributions to our school community, dedication to students' success, and passion for music education make him an outstanding candidate for this honor.”
"It's an honor to be named CUSD's Teacher of the Year!” said Mr. Manzi. “CUSD is an amazing place to work, and I'm thankful for all of the support the district gives to the Fine Arts programs that allows me to make amazing music and memories with my students."
Congratulations to our 16 School Site Teachers of the Year:
Carlsbad High - Peter Manzi (Teacher of the Year)
Aviara Oaks Elementary - Jennifer Dunmeyer-Uribe (finalist)
Carlsbad Village Academy - Rachel Newman (finalist)
Aviara Oaks Middle - Sumit Rai
Buena Vista Elementary - Jo Ellen “Ellie” Restivo
Calavera Hills Elementary - Kathy Nienhaus
Calavera Hills Middle - Melissa Martin
Carlsbad Seaside Academy - Susan Ryan
Hope Elementary - Emily Larick
Jefferson Elementary - Tara Ludwig
Kelly Elementary - Kimberly DeMille
Magnolia Elementary - Roberta Schmitt
Pacific Rim Elementary - Scott Southerland
Poinsettia Elementary - Annie Bradshaw Hines
Sage Creek High - Sarah Hunter
Valley Middle - Ryan Bentley
Calavera Hills Middle School Named a 2024 California School to Watch!
On March 8, 2024, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond recognized Calavera Hills Middle School (CHMS) as a “California School to Watch” for 2024. Twenty-two middle and high schools in San Diego County were recognized with this honor.
To earn this designation, schools must complete an extensive application and host a site visit by middle grades experts. To retain the designation, each school is reevaluated every three years.
There are 16 new California Schools to Watch this year. An additional 36 schools reapplied to the program, demonstrated their sustained progress, and have been redesignated as 2024 California Schools to Watch. Altogether, there are 200 California Schools to Watch.
“Congratulations to these exceptional schools for making a great impact on students. I want to thank the staff, administrators, teachers, and families at these schools for ensuring all students get the education they need to realize their potential,” Thurmond said. “These schools are outstanding examples of how educational innovation and a dedicated school community can close opportunity gaps and keep students engaged and learning through a critical stage in their K–12 journey.”
The California Schools to Watch program is supported by the California Department of Education, the California League of Educators, and the California Middle Grades Alliance in association with The National Forum.
Congratulations to the students, staff, and families of CHMS!
Spring Break Safety Tips from the City of Carlsbad:
During spring break, you may notice more kids, teens and families walking and biking around Carlsbad. Here are some tips to help everyone stay safe on the road.
- Talk to your students about the rules of the road, including rules for pedestrians and bicyclists and Carlsbad-specific e-bike rules.
- Anyone under 18 is legally required to wear a helmet while riding a bike. Make sure your student’s helmet fits properly.
- Eliminate distractions. Put your phone away when walking, driving or biking.
- When driving, slow down and allow extra time to get where you need to go.
- Before you head out, remember to review the City of Carlsbad's map of major city construction projects that could impact traffic along your route.
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Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.net
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlsbadUnifiedSchools
Twitter: @CarlsbadUSD