By Mary-Justine Lanyon
The teachers and staff of the Rim of the World Unified School District were warmly welcomed back to the new school year by Dr. Paul Sevillano, the Rim superintendent, at a breakfast hosted by the PTA on Aug. 9.
The theme for the 2024-2025 year, Dr. Sevillano said, is “Inspiration.”
“It took one person to make an impact on me,” he said, sharing that he had been adopted by a teacher. That led to his wanting to serve underserved students. “Everyone can inspire,” he said. “Build relationships with people. As educators, we are in the people business.
“Build trust with one and you inspire many. Why are we in public education?”
The superintendent invited the teachers and staff to talk among themselves at their tables about their purpose, about what drives them. After a few minutes, he invited them to share their “why.” One bus driver said his why is to “create core memories for the kids.”
The speakers at the breakfast included Amanda Markovich, president of the Rim Teachers Association; Suzanne Grow, president of Rim’s California School Employees Association; Jo Bonita Rains, president of the Rim of the World Educational Foundation; and Kimberlee Shefts, president of the Mountain Council PTA.
“Every teacher at Rim works hard,” Markovich said. “We need solidarity.” She recognized the classified employees, saying that “we are all on the same team. We want to do right for our students.”
Speaking to her colleagues, Grow told them, “You make a difference in the lives of our students, our co-workers and the community. You matter to that student who is hungry. Reach out to new employees. Be the person you wish was by your side on the days you struggle.”
Speaking for the Rim Ed volunteers who were passing out pencils and stickers to the teachers and staff, Rains said, “We believe in what you do every day. We do our volunteer work so your children and grandchildren can have the best education possible.”
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