11/22/16 – As an English Language Learner tutor, Martha Mendoza supports Howell High School students who are learning English as a second language. However, Mendoza goes above and beyond this role each and every day. She has been known to purchase school supplies for students, assists their families by translating documents and helps ensure that parents who may not be fluent in English can communicate with their child’s teachers. Mendoza works with her students to help them complete their assessments for each class and teaches them various organizational skills that help each student find success. It is for these reasons and
many more that Mendoza was selected as the 2016-2017 Howell Public Schools Service Person of the Year.
“Martha is an amazing individual who truly cares about each and every student,” said Jason Schrock, Howell High School principal. “She works tirelessly to ensure that her students reach their full potential.”
“Martha could truly be two or three people for the amount of work that she accomplishes,” said
Kailea Marrocco, Howell High School English teacher. “Even when she is pulled between classes and different school buildings, she stays in contact about her schedule and helps to come up with solutions for her students' success.”
“Martha is committed to helping every student complete all of their work for all seven classes,” said Monica Hacker, Howell High School world language teacher. “More importantly, Martha coordinates with all of the high school teachers to help each student succeed.
“I am overwhelmed and humbled. I never thought that I would be recognized for doing something that comes from my heart,” said Mendoza. “Thank you for this honor. I am proud to be part of this community and feel honored to work with the ELL students and the staff at Howell High School.”
Mendoza was surprised with her award by Erin MacGregor, Howell Public Schools
superintendent and Schrock on Nov. 22. Additionally, Margaret Adrian, Howell High School assistant principal; Brian McCarthy, Howell High School assistant principal; Amy Pashak, Howell High School assistant principal; Mark Sharp, Howell High School assistant principal; Lisa O’Connor, Howell High School dean of students; Liza Kelly, Howell Public Schools executive director of labor relations and personnel; Michael Yenshaw, Howell Public Schools Board of Education president; Gregg Gilligan, Howell Public Schools Board of Education trustee and Mendoza’s son were part of the surprise.
A selection committee comprised of a central office administrator, a principal, staff representing each school and a board of education member met on Nov. 15 to consider 11 nominees for Service Person of the Year. Many of the nominees had multiple nominations.
Please join the entire Howell Public Schools community in congratulating Martha Mendoza on her exceptional work with and dedication to the students and staff of the district.