Albuquerque Public Schools: November's Outstanding Employees

Press release from Albuquerque Public Schools:

November 10, 2021

If you are employed by Albuquerque Public Schools, you know two things:

• APS is the city’s largest employer and 
• We have some of the most dedicated professionals on our team.

Now it's time to give these employees the recognition they deserve through the Employee Recognition Program in its fourth year. 

APS has about 12,000 employees, including teachers, principals, counselors, nurses, IT techs, bus drivers, education assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, secretaries, coaches, and many more. We have amazing professionals in our ranks who deserve a little attention, gratitude, and star treatment.

• Dana Ball, NM DASH Coordinator

• Gloria Larios, Secretary at Washington Middle School 

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will have an opportunity to lunch with Superintendent Elder or his representative. They also will be recognized by the APS Board of Education and receive a lasting memento of the honor.

Dana is a very dedicated employee and it shows in everything she does. Dana goes the extra mile to ensure that she is providing high-quality customer service and support to schools. She brings kindness and positivity to work each day.

"Dana is one of those people who loves helping others," said Kathy Gall, the Director of Accountability Support. "Whether supporting schools, her team, or our department, Dana is there to jump in whenever help is needed."

What sets Gloria apart from others is her knowledge of her job. She covers all aspects of the front office for her school: registration, withdrawals, discipline, cumulative files. She does it all! Gloria believes wholeheartedly that we are here to serve and she shows it. She gives her school an environment of a positive first impression. She is definitely a team player. She has been described as the backbone of the school.

"Gloria is such a value not only for her school but for APS in general," said Albuquerque High secretary Carla Williams-Beard. "She truly represents the district in such a professional manner, that I think people in the community and at her school come away feeling they were acknowledged, helped, and overall had a positive experience."  

Kim is exceptional at her job and has been an integral part of the schoolteam for five years. She is loved by students and is always ready andwilling to jump in to help anyone with anything. On top of all of her regularduties, this year she has also stepped in to help with behavior redirectionas the school awaits that position to be filled.

"We, as are many schools, are experiencing an influx of behaviors as our students are adjusting to a full reentry into school. Mrs. McClintic is kept very busy with all of these responsibilities. She always handles them with such grace and kindly continues to offer help where needed," said Osuna nurse Molly Covington.

Kim also is an integral part of the District Stress Management and Recovery Team (DSMaRT), responding to almost every DSMaRT call and leading many responses.

"Kim is dedicated to the wellbeing of our students and staff and is a valuable asset to our district," Covington said. 

Zanette is the centerpiece of the district SES 2 Program at Taylor Middle School. She is the lead EA demonstrating the characteristics of a true leader. She is at work every day giving her all for each one of our students.

"I have learned so much from Z," said Jeremy Presser, SES 2 teacher. "Her knowledge of behavior and behavior management along with the willingness and eagerness to continue learning shows that she is an amazing asset to our program."

Zanette has such strong skills that she assists teachers with their planning and coordination of behavior management such as classroom organization and setup. Her knowledge of behavior and behavior management allows her to be the best employee, staff member, and friend in a very difficult yet successful SES 2 Program at Taylor Middle School. 

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee (i.e., no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

 Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.

This press release was produced by Albuquerque Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.