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2B Daily News – Friday, December 27, 2013 Education in Tehama County Feature Teacher: Alethea Vazquez KEEP ON LEARNING Gerber School celebrates seniors Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Gerber SERRF students enjoyed chocolate chip cookies, hot cocoa and a movie with family members Dec. 6 in celebration of SERRF's Up Community Senior Day. Audrey and Bailey Aulabaugh teamed up with their grandmother to complete a Christmas themed activity. The classroom was filled with love and warm cheer for seniors, sharing the holiday spirit. Jackson Heights food drive Why become a teacher? "Because, as a teacher, you have the opportunity to change the way kids view school," said Alethea Vazquez, who was honored with the Feature Teacher award in December. "When I took my first college class towards my teaching credential, I knew I was in the right place," she said. "It just felt right. I loved my classes, my teachers, and working with my peers. I was like a kid in the candy store. I was in awe. I was so excited about the change I was about to be part of. I was going to be a teacher. I was going to make learning fun." "Alethea's dedication to outstanding teaching and 21st century skills is truly great for students," said Red Bluff Elementary School Superintendent William McCoy. Over the course of her 12 year teaching career, Vazquez said she has had many memorable moments but there is one in particular that stands out. "I would have to say that my most memorable, unforgettable, moment came from a fourth grader in my first year of teaching," she said. "He came into my classroom around the second trimester. I'll never forget his nervous face, or the worried face of his mother. He has just moved from another school, and mom tells me that he has been 'labeled' as a problemkid and he needs a fresh start. I showed him to his seat and introduced him to his fourth grade peers. He was accepted right away, and made friends. He was, in fact, what his mother said…a nice boy. He had his moments, but all in all, he was sweet, caring, and smart. The moment came on the last day of the year. It was an emotional time for me as a first year teacher. I was going to miss these guys. I received great 'end of the year' gifts. Your typical coffee cards, Barnes and Nobles gift certificates, and chocolate. But the gift I remember the most, and still have today, is the gift from this young man. It was a plastic apple with a removable lid. I said, 'Ahhhh...thank you.' He replied, 'Open it. There's something inside.' I carefully removed the lid, and inside the apple was a little handwritten note, which read: 'Thank you for helping me.' It went on to describe his fear of not passing had he stayed where he was and how I was able to get him through that. The note spoke to my heart and reminded me how a teacher can impact their students in profound ways." Over the years, Vazquez said she has learned and grown a lot and attributes her successes to the staff and leadership at Jackson Heights School. "They have supported me, given me advice, and challenged me to improve my skills as a teacher," she said. "Most importantly, they listen." When asked what makes an exemplary teacher Vazquez said, "Build relationships with your students — It's not an option. It's amazing what you can do when you have their trust. Embrace fear — I wouldn't be where I am today if I did what was comfortable and safe. Be a life-long learner - Seek professional development opportunities whenever you can. Be curious. Learn new things, explore ideas, seek out the unknown. Have high expectations. It's amazing what students will do if you just raise the bar. And finally, make teaching a hobby." The Feature Teacher award, presented monthly by Larry Champion, Tehama County Superintendent of Schools, Charles Allen, Deputy Superintendent and Tyler Smail of Edward Jones, honors teachers like Alethea, who promote excellence in the classroom, and are dedicated to helping all students achieve their personal best. For more information, visit www.tehamaschools.org. Students give back to community Courtesy photo Courtesy photo Jackson Heights Elementary School proudly shared food items gathered as a No Excuses University community service project. Pictured are Major Kit, Marty Bloxham, Abby Bentley, Helyn Garber, Fran Fazio and Pat Patteson. University to offer new Spanish major in 2014 REDDING — Simpson University is pleased to announce the addition of a four-year bachelor's degree in Spanish Language and Culture to its traditional undergraduate studies in fall 2014. The program is designed to help respond to growing demand from businesses, schools and governments for employees proficient in Spanish, administrators said. The university has a Spanish minor, which has grown to nearly 20 students in six years. A proposal to turn it into a major was submitted by the Communication Department and underwent a rigorous research and review process before it was approved this fall by the President's Cabinet. Simpson also offers a Spanish journalism concentration within its communication major. The Spanish major's 2014 roll-out will coincide with a revised general education curriculum for all traditional undergraduate students, who numbered 787 in fall 2013. The restructured general education courses mean students will have more room in their schedule for a double major, said Dr. Ann Miller, associate provost. "A Spanish major combined with another major such as business, communications, or even cross-cultural studies could certainly enhance the job prospects for our graduating seniors," she said. "We are hopeful that more students will decide to double-major and that this will, in turn, increase their chances of moving into the workforce sooner." The new major also will complement the university's service-oriented programs and activities, said Debora Rager, assistant professor of Spanish. Founded in 1921, Simpson's longstanding motto has been "Gateway to World Service." Each year, dozens of studentled teams travel around the world on service trips. "So many of our mission trips are to Spanish-speaking countries," said Rager, who will oversee the major. "Spreading God's word in the language of the people is so much more meaningful." Core courses in the Spanish Language and Culture degree will include Film in Spain and Latin America, Oral Communication in Spanish, Advanced Spanish Grammar (and Composition), Civilization and Culture of Spain (and Latin America), Literature of Spain (and Latin America), and Communicating Cross-Culturally. For more information about the program, visit simpsonu.edu/spanish. The Red Bluff Union High School District`s teen parenting program Cal-SAFE gave back to the community this holiday season by sponsoring a sock and slipper drive for residents at Brentwood Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. Teen parents, Cal-SAFE staff, students, and staff at REACH and Salisbury collected socks, slippers, pajamas, sweaters, and robes to give to the residents at Brentwood Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation. The Cal-SAFE students and staff delivered the items to the residents on Dec. 19. The donation drive was a big success and the RBJUHSD Cal-SAFE program would like to thank all those who donated to this wonderful program. Students stage Wizard of Oz Courtesy photo The Jackson Heights Players presented Frank L. Baum's The Wizard of Oz on Thursday, Dec. 20 to a packed multi-purpose room. Thirty four 4th and 5th grade students participated in this after school theater opportunity. This is the fifth season for the program, directed this year by teachers Debbie Ross and Trixine Peart. The 4th-graders are looking forward to next year's production of A Christmas Carol.