2021 Classified of Year

Pauline, who has served as a Categorical Specialist for six years, supports the development of the District’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), English Learner program, military families, foster families, Youth in Transition Homeless Program, District Advisory Committee, and more. Pauline previously served PUSD in the Testing Department, where her appreciation for data and accuracy ensured district and site documents align with the District’s mission and vision. The desire to support others extends to supporting classified staff district-wide. This is most clearly evidenced through Pauline’s involvement on the Professional Learning Advisory Board, where she authors and facilitates professional learning opportunities that maximize staff potential every school year.

As a first generation college student and an immigrant to the United States, Pauline holds a great value for education and the opportunities it can provide. This commitment to improved student outcomes makes her a wonderful representative of Learning Support Services, and truly deserving of this merit.

Dion Navarrette, Custodian Crew Chief II, Del Norte High School

In the five-and-a-half years he has served as a custodian in PUSD, Dion Navarrette has embodied what it means to be a member of #TeamPUSD. He makes student and staff wellbeing his top priority by ensuring the school site is clean, functioning, and beautified for all to enjoy.

Since being promoted to Crew Chief II, Dion’s has had a positive and uplifting effect on the entire custodial team. Dion is known to take on more shifts when staff is shorthanded so as to not put extra weight on custodial crews, attends all district training sessions that are offered, and is the first to offer words of encouragement to boost morale and keep his crew in good health. Other school staff have felt the effects of his positive attitude on campus, as well. Thanks to Dion, staff have an outdoor lounge that is now a small oasis of potted flowers, cacti, and plants. Del Norte administration routinely receive positive comments from staff and students about Dion’s work and his willingness to help others. He cheerfully maintains the ebb and flow of campus, and is giving in both nature and spirit.

When he is not serving the Del Norte High School community as a custodial Crew Chief, Dion volunteers his time at the Ronald McDonald House by helping with property maintenance and assisting with patient wellbeing. On top of this, Dion manages to deliver food from food banks to those in need, including families and the elderly in San Diego. Dion is a true community advocate, and an exceptional asset to Poway Unified.

A graduate of PUSD herself, Kim is known to lend an open ear to classified and certificated staff in need of moral support, and often mentors other Registrars throughout the District. Her ability to think out of the box is a quality that Westview administration values deeply, especially during COVID times. Kim wears many hats on campus, and dedicates her time to committees and groups such as robotics, STEM workshops, Girl Scouts, New Directions, AP testing, and the site Equity Team developed in the 2020-21 school year. A tireless work ethic, steady leadership, and passion for student achievement is the embodiment of the “Wolverine Way.”

In addition to her advanced problem-solving skills, Kim’s capacity to collaborate and apply new knowledge to daily tasks is what makes her a vital component of the Westview community and PUSD as a whole. She does all of this with encouragement and diplomacy that is second to none.