With SCHS online for the majority of the school year, staff and students have faced trials and tribulations. Some SCHS students submitted shoutouts to thank their teachers for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have been edited for grammar and/or spelling. 

Hanna Ley Anderson, English

• She’s kept class engaging and always keeps it real with us. Her down-to-earth personality makes her approachable and motivates us to do the work. (Raidyn Garrett, freshman)
• They always (ask) how my mental health is, and they make me see that they care about how I’m doing. overall they just make me feel like I’m doing a good job and they seem to really care. (L’breeyah Jones, junior)

Bob Ansaldo, English  

• They always (ask) how my mental health is, and they make me see that they care about how I’m doing. overall they just make me feel like I’m doing a good job and they seem to really care. (L’breeyah Jones, junior)

Ji Bae, math

• They always (ask) how my mental health is, and they make me see that they care about how I’m doing. overall they just make me feel like I’m doing a good job and they seem to really care. (L’breeyah Jones, junior)

Hannah Blue, English

• She has dedicated her time to at least three meetings with me to help me with my college waitlist statement which was initially a really stressful experience for me, but with her help it was really enjoyable. At first, I was so lost and I felt like I had no resources and no way of getting outside help on my writing until I realized I could go to her, and as an English teacher and graduate from the college I needed help with, she was the best help I have ever received regarding college. She was there for me when I was lost and she gave me confidence in myself. (Whitney Songer, senior)

Christine Byerley, social science

• She is always very helpful to me and other students, no matter the question. It makes learning so much more enjoyable. Also her dogs are adorable. (Helena Rudolf, junior)
• They always (ask) how my mental health is, and they make me see that they care about how I’m doing. overall they just make me feel like I’m doing a good job and they seem to really care. (L’breeyah Jones, junior)

Sara Carvalho, science

• She was incredibl(y) understanding and accommodating for the new environment while still trying to make it as interactive as possible and I always looked forward to her class. (Aryanna Gregoire, senior)

Julie Chen, math (and the TEALS Volunteers)

• Ms. Chen’s CSA has been my favorite class throughout distance learning. The teacher and volunteers are incredibly friendly, while the lessons are rigorous and well-organized. It’s clear that they put a lot of intention into every minute of class, which makes it so much more enjoyable. It’s difficult to maintain an academically challenging and engaging course online, but Ms. Chen and her volunteers have done a fantastic job. (Gina Choi, Senior)

Bill Cheney 

• They all helped me in many ways and always amazing in teaching classes and when needed to take a break always had that and needed someone to talk to, I can definitely count on my teachers (: (Guadalupe Razon-Barragan, senior)

Burt Codera

• Mr. Codera has made Distance Learning a great way to interact with your friends and classmates through a computer. He also makes his PE Classes very fun. (Matteo Carlini, junior)

Lindsey Couto-Mohamed, English

• Ms. Couto is such an amazing teacher in so many ways. She’s super funny and the way she teaches is so interesting that it keeps me focused and prepared for more. I really wish that it was normal and that I could experience her class in its original glory 🙂 (Karsen Ferreira, senior)

Richard deLorimier, math

• They always (ask) how my mental health is, and they make me see that they care about how I’m doing. overall they just make me feel like I’m doing a good job and they seem to really care. (L’breeyah Jones, junior)

Lizzy Estes, science

• Ms. Estes has always been so kind and welcoming and she makes sure her students are learning and progressing. She has been very motivational and helpful throughout the school year. (Semra Hidic, freshman)

Daniel Eaton, English

• Mr. Eaton has always listened and gotten to know his students even through distance learning. At the beginning of the school year, he asked us during class what he can do for us to be more comfortable and have something to look forward to. I remember typing in the chat, “Maybe we can have a certain time or day where we can have a mental health break? I feel that many students’ mental health hasn’t been doing well during quarantine, and it would be nice to have a break.”. Since the day I said that, every Monday, Mr. Eaton has had us listen to short mental health podcasts to help us clear our minds and relax. He also interacts with us during class, letting us speak our opinions when he puts up warm up questions. I appreciate Mr. Eaton very much, and I am more than happy to have him as my teacher this school year. Mr. Eaton, if you’re reading this… Thank you. (Shelby Munoz, junior)
• Ever since the start of the year, I could tell that Mr. Eaton cared very much about the mental health of his class. Every Monday he asks us to participate in an activity he calls “Mindfulness Monday.” This is basically a group meditation in which we hear about various ways in which we can unload our stress and, in general, improve our mental health. On Mondays, instead of warm ups, Mr. Eaton gives us this survey asking us to rate our last night’s sleep, our breakfast, and our moods on a scale from 1-5. And at the end of these surveys, he asks us if there is anything else that he should know. While I have been in relatively good shape throughout the year, I know full well that a lot of other students are having a much harder time with the new conditions. This is why I really like the fact that Mr. Eaton has given students the opportunity to share their problem with him, because I also know that he cares about what his students go through and that he will do what he can to help.
• On Fridays Mr. Eaton gives us a google document and asks us to write about whatever we want on it. I always enjoy writing about something that matters to me, whether it is a topic that bothers me, or a favorite hobby of mine. Especially if the rest of my day is not so great, it always lifts my spirits to write about something of my choosing. After we complete these warm ups (on both Mondays and Fridays), Mr. Eaton doesn’t say “Okay, time’s up; onto the next thing!” No, he has a friendly interest in what goes on in our lives, the good and the great and the bad. Mr. Eaton always asks “Is there anything that anyone wants to share from their warm up/free write?” And after that, there is always a get-to-know-you type of question that he asks the class (i.e. Who is your favorite fictional creature?). The fact that he is interested in getting to know that much more about us really strengthens that friendship that forms between teacher and student, especially during these times. The more I think about it, the happier it makes me to know that he tries to create an environment which separates us from our troubles, even if only for a short while. It is for these reasons and many others that I look forward to 4th period (the period I have Mr. Eaton’s class) approaching. (Matt Nystrom, junior)

Christy Gutierrez, English

• Ms. Gutierrez goes above and beyond to grab our attention and assign creative projects that help me enjoy learning. She tries to connect with and help students that need help. One example of this is implementing the use (of) daily warmups that get us excited for class and make us look forward to it. She also loves to hear our opinion and perspective in class and the conversations we have in class give (us) help (to) come up with ideas for our assignments and learn from everyone else. She is also understanding and responds to emails on weekends and very close to deadlines. Overall, Ms. Gutierrez makes class enjoyable and worthwhile. (Pavan Golla, freshman)

Mary Haddad, science

• She has always made me look forward to going to her class since I feel like it has a very positive and welcoming vibe. She is a biology teacher and biology is not my favorite subject, but she makes me more interested in science. Even though I have not met her in person, she is one of my favorite teachers by far and I am really glad I am in her class. (Vanessa Delgado, freshman)

Brett Hall, physical education

• Mr. Hall has been an amazing P.E. teacher this year. He checks up on us each week, encourages us to do our best, and wants all of his students to succeed. The exercises he chooses for us are fun and give me a good workout. (Sean Webb, sophomore)

Emily Haven, social science

• She’s understanding of what’s like to be a student at this time and adjusts her plan to create a healthy learning environment for everyone. (Ava Razon, junior)
• She is such a caring person and her teaching style shows that. She makes me feel comfortable to a point where I can talk to her about stuff I am not too open about. I was able to learn a lot in her class because of how fun and engaging she makes it, and I am forever grateful for that. (Jasmine Mencia, senior)

Aimme Hurtado, ASL

• They all helped me in many ways and always amazing in teaching classes and when needed to take a break always had that and needed someone to talk to, I can definitely count on my teachers (: (Guadalupe Razon-Barragan, senior)

Chima Ikeme, social science

• He has always made sure that we are okay and that our stress levels are manageable. If we are having a rough day he’ll lessen the load. (Faye Jensen, sophomore)
• They all helped me in many ways and always amazing in teaching classes and when needed to take a break always had that and needed someone to talk to, I can definitely count on my teachers (: (Guadalupe Razon-Barragan, senior)

Paul Jacquard, math 

• He helped me get a good grade by giving lots of extra credit for my outstanding participation and I get to save more paper since he writes problems on the Jamboard. Whenever he made some mistakes, I corrected him and became better at math. (Justin Whang, senior)

Jean Liao, social science

• Been rad. (Omri Shoshani, senior)

Ian Martin-Fodor, science/ AVID

• He has been so positive and helpful to me, and so approachable and easy to talk to about anything. The entire avid community would agree, he has always been there for us and is the only teacher i could talk to about anything. He created bonds with us that no teacher has ever done, and has been an incredible role model for many. He never gave up on me and my growth, and led… me to getting all A’s and wanting to change thanks to his great guidance, support, and for me growing overall by making friends with good influences on me! (Alessio Hesa, sophomore)
• He understands when a student is having trouble with internet or other problems (Hrishita Malhotra, sophomore)

Saheed Mohamed, science

• He always brings energy each and every day. When he makes mistakes, he acknowledges them, and tries to grow as a teacher. He’s fun, energetic, and you can tell that he’s there for and cares for each and every one of his students. (Tyler Louie, junior)

Cory Morbo, English

• She actually makes pe fun and she’s really fun to have as a teacher (Crystal Aguilar, freshman) 

Hao Pham, social science

• They all helped me in many ways and always amazing in teaching classes and when needed to take a break always had that and needed someone to talk to, I can definitely count on my teachers (: (Guadalupe Razon-Barragan, senior)

Mitch Posey, construction

• He is just such a great guy, very kind and understanding, a great teacher that really helped me through it all and the only class I really enjoyed going to. He really made me want to learn and not fear my failures.  (Joseph Nevarez, junior)

Sara Silverman, English

• Ms. Silverman is my favorite teacher! I love being in her class and listening to her talk about logical fallacies, nuanced arguments, the importance of understanding purpose and audience, Socrates (her favorite philosopher), and all sorts of other interesting topics! But more importantly, she has pushed me to work harder as a reader and writer, and I thank her so very much for that. She has guided me when I needed help and has always been willing to explain certain concepts to me during office hours. She is lively and always so fun to talk to, and she has this magical ability to lift your spirit and help you recognize your true potential, which is absolutely incredible! Thank you for everything you have done for me, Ms. Silverman! Thank you for being you! You have made this year so exciting!  (Maia Kumar, junior) 

Daniel Skapinsky, social science

• I look forward to Mr. Daniel Skapinsky’s History club meetings on Mondays, they give me time to associate with the bois (sic) and I also get to hang out with the G himself. (Marcel Murgallis, junior)
• (He provides an) online place for people (Arav Sarma, junior) 

David Smedley, English

• They all helped me in many ways and always amazing in teaching classes and when needed to take a break always had that and needed someone to talk to, I can definitely count on my teachers (: (Guadalupe Razon-Barragan, senior)

Pilar Svendsen, social science

• Ms. Svendsen has made distance learning a great experience because she is very understanding about our needs. She is very understanding and she is very helpful whenever I need help on an assignment. She is also very kind and has a great personality. (Matteo Carlini, junior)

Brain Van Dyck, digital media

• He’s cool (Alan Ortiz, Junior)

Jonathan Wilson, social science

• Mr Wilson has always made my school day that much better when I have him , there’s never a day where I don’t enjoy going to his class to join in on some conversation or when the class work is genuinely interesting, Mr. Wilson keeps it 100 all the time! (Nicholas Ragone, senior)

The Roar staff shoutouts:

Lizzy Estes, science 

• Ms. Estes has constantly checked in me throughout this year. She works with everyone’s needs in the classroom, whether you have terrible wifi, you’re having a bad day, or you want to talk about the latest basketball game. She constantly jumps through hoops and obstacles to help us at home and on campus! (KennedyRose Stiver, freshman)

Carol Schmale, social science

• Constantly always offering help, accepting late work, always is willing to answer any type of question. She is just very understanding of the situation we are all going through (Jennifer Baker, senior)

Risha Shah, science

• Ms. Shah has helped me overcome adversity during distance learning. As a great teacher and AVID mentor, she does her very best to support her students and I. For me, she has helped me progress through my college applications process. I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to be guided by an amazing teacher and I cannot thank her enough for helping me through this difficult time. (Maya Louise Dagdag, senior)