Linda Schlenz, Chyna Hite and Monica Tevis Named Employees of the Month

Longtime teacher Linda Schlenz, instructional aide Chyna Hite, and office clerk Monica Tevis were honored as Employees of the Month at Thursday’s regular meeting of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. A sizable and enthusiastic crowd of supporters was on hand to watch  Superintendent Peter Livingston hand out the awards.

 

“Linda Schlenz, February certificated employee of the month, was an easy choice,” Mr. Livingston said, sharing her nomination letter from Lucerne Valley Middle High School administrators.  “She is the type of teacher that works tirelessly, without complaint, and in the service of our kids. Not only is she teaching a full schedule, but she is also our on-site independent study teacher. In the time of quarantining left and right, 10 days to 5 days, constantly changing guidelines, Mrs. Schlenz has had well over 200 students in her independent study case load.”

 

Mr. Livingston added that at more than 200 students times seven classes per student that is 1,400 class sessions of work being collected from Mrs. Schlenz, given to the student, collected back from the student and given back to the teacher for grading and collecting countless signatures the entire time!

 

“And the constant in this situation, the thing you can depend on, even more than changing guidelines and more required county plans is Mrs. Schlenz’s eternal optimism that we are all going to be ok and her unwavering belief in her students and their self-driven success.”

 

Co-Principal Kelly Boeing wrote:
“The first time I met Linda Schlenz was my first day working for Lucerne Valley Unified and it was my first day as an administrator. I was afraid to even speak, that the audible beating of my heart would escape trampling any timid words, revealing my fear and insecurity on my first day. The first thing that I noticed about Linda was her smile, so completely genuine and comforting and contagious that for a good long moment all my trepidations fell by the wayside and I had no choice but to smile back. As I sit here and try to put to paper all the reasons why Mrs. Schlenz deserves this recognition, I wonder to myself, how many countless students has she done this for? On the first day of school, the first or last big game, waiting on college acceptance letters, holding the hands and hearts of our kids through the best days of their lives and for a few, the hardest days of their lives.”

 

The nomination continued: “It is because of teachers like Linda that we will have another generation of educators that when asked, Why did you decide to become a teacher? They will think back to their time in A101, they will recall the way she smiled at them, empathized with them, and calmed them. And they will say, Because Mrs. Schlenz.”

The Elementary School recognized Chyna Hite as the classified employee of the month.

“Chyna currently works as an instructional aide and does many duties along with working with students in a one-on-one capacity,” the superintendent said, quoting from Chyna’s nomination letter from LVES administrators. “She always comes to work with a smile on her face, and the compassion she displays for all students is apparent. When speaking with the head of Special Education Services, Vici Miller, she also confirmed that Chyna is reliable, compassionate, flexible accepting new duties assigned to her, and always a great listener for students. She has gained a rapport with LVES students and is well-liked by staff members. It is with great pleasure that we recognize the hard work and dedication of Chyna Hite.”

The Middle High School nominated Monica Tevis as the January Classified Employee of the Month. She was unavailable to attend last month, so the district presented her award this month.

“Ms. Tevis has done an exceptional job working as an Office Clerk at Lucerne Valley Middle High School this school year,” according to her LVMHS nominators. “Monica exhibits enthusiasm for the daily projects and assignments that she is challenged with. Additionally, Monica is always striving to improve her knowledge, skills, and abilities. Her bi-lingual (Spanish) skills have been monumental to the over-all operation of the front office. Recently, Monica took on the challenge of assisting our school nurses in the COVID-19 testing process.

 

“By being highly knowledgeable and committed to the ideals of professionalism and hard work, Monica has made a tremendous mark on our staff and stakeholders. Because of the respect others have for Monica, she has had an influence on everyone with whom she has had contact students staff, teachers, and administrators alike. Monica is an inspiration in always being ready to help others and to take more than a fair share of the load.

 

“Working along side of Monica, it has become apparent that she possesses the following qualities of excellence: Professional, Passion for helping, Caring, Coachable, Committed Monica has initiated a number of great ideas for the department this past year and has excelled in nearly every aspect of the job.”