(CGUHSD) Rhonda Carter, IEP Writer, was recognized as the October Employee of the Month at the Governing Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 26. “I was joking with Rhonda the other day and told her I was happy the day I found out she was leaving Villago. She looked at me with a bewildered gaze. But you see, when Rhonda left Villago, it opened the opportunity for me to step into her shoes. I took over her classroom. And, here I am, all these years later, following her footsteps again into the high school setting. This year, I have quickly learned that following her footsteps will not be an easy endeavor. Last week, I asked her if she had mentioned her award with Mr. Carter, to which she replied, ‘No, I am still waiting for them to tell me it is a mistake because it is Mr. Carter who is involved in everything at school.’ Well, Rhonda, let me tell you why you deserve to be recognized. You are humble that you don’t recognize or boast about the things you do daily: 1) When you call me or our psychologist, because you know a student needs to speak to someone and you know they are not themselves. You SEE them. 2) When I call you on a Monday night after 9:00 because a teacher will be out for the rest of the week, and I have no idea what lesson plans to give. You stay til past 10:00, ensuring that students will be receiving meaningful lessons while the sub is here. You KNOW them. 3) When I bring a new teacher to you and say, this is Mrs. X starting today and has nothing to go on. Your response: My plan time is 4th period; we can meet then. You CARE about them. 4) The weekly emails when you are checking on students on your caseload and find something that is negatively impacting them and want it addressed. You UNDERSTAND them. I could go on and on. Rhonda, we want you to know that we VALUE you!” For past recipients, visit https://www.cguhsd.org/doEmployeeOfMonth.aspx.