S E P T E M B E R
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CUSD
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Upcoming events and
reminders:
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• Board Meeting on Tuesday,
September 27 at 6 p.m. in
Board Room
• Board Meeting on Tuesday,
October 11 at 6 p.m. in Board
Room
• Board Site Visits on Friday,
October 14 at 8:30 a.m.
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District Update
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This document is to keep you abreast on upcoming items, current issues, and
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Optimism
Lessons from the Stockdale Paradox adapted from: http://ulink.utah.edu/s/1077/newsletter/index.aspx?sid=1077&gid=1&pgid=923
“Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time confront
the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.” —James Stockdale
Vice Admiral James Stockdale was the highest-ranking naval officer held as a prisoner of war in
Vietnam. He spent seven years as a prisoner of war, most of them in the Hỏa Lò Prison (Hanoi Hilton),
where he endured and survived unspeakable conditions. Years later, Jim Collins, who was a business
professor at Stanford University, interviewed Stockdale for a book, Good to Great: Why Some
Companies Make the Leap ... and Others Don't. Stockdale, when asked how he coped during those
dark, painful years, said: “I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in
the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not
trade.”
• Take Care When Uploading:
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check first with your parent.
• Shout Out: If you see someone
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something. Tell the person
being bullied that you support
them and report the incident to
an adult.
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When Collins asked who didn’t survive the grueling ordeal of years
in prison in Vietnam, Stockdale responded: “The optimists. They
were the ones who said, ‘We’re going to be out by Christmas.’ And
Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say,
‘We’re going to be out by Easter.’ And Easter would come, and
Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be
Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.”
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Stockdale approached adversity with a very different mindset that never minimized his current situation
and its brutality. Rather than bury his head in the sand, he stepped up and did everything he could to lift
the morale and prolong the lives of his fellow prisoners.
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Lesson 1: Blind optimism is not the path
Admiral Stockdale: Absolute blind optimism was the undoing of some of those prisoners who didn't
survive. Stockdale makes it clear that you must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—
which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current
reality, whatever those facts might be. You must have faith that you will prevail, plus discipline to
confront the most brutal facts of your current reality.
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Applied to Education: Just being “nice” to kids and patting them on the head hoping they will get it
some day hurts kids much more than it helps them. We are all optimistic about our students’ future, but
without making the necessary changes to ensure their success, optimism’s temporary smile ends up as a
smirk in face of the reality of an education without rigor and challenge.
(To be continued in next newsletter)
Every Corcoran Student Can Achieve!
Quotes & Proverbs
“Good things are coming down the road. Just don’t stop walking.”
~ Robert Warren Painter, Jr.
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We have so many good things in place, and we are going to stay focused on our initiatives and
improvement processes. Hard work, commitment and perseverance will bring our students opportunities
for more and more achievements and successes in the classroom and in life.
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Here is an apropos quote about Samuel Goldwyn the
famous Hollywood producer:
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Sam had enormous faith in his own future. But to insure
that it be a rosy one, he let his life be guided by the old
credo: “The harder I work, the luckier I get." (Marx 1976)
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Marx, A. (1976). Goldwyn: A biography of the man behind
the myth. New York: Norton.
$$$ Mindset
Many people do not realize that most of our school dollars throughout the state are spent on people. We are in a people business,
and schools and school districts invest heavily in the adults who teach and support our kids. More than 80% of district funds pay
for salaries, benefits and professional development.
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This is why I think it is to Corcoran Unified's credit that our kids are being
well cared for with:
• Technology devices and infrastructure that is nationally rivaled
• Buildings and classrooms that are being improved and modernized
• Modern 21st Century Learning classroom furniture that is being fitted
and ordered
• State of the art and relevant Core Curriculum and supplemental
resources
• Food services program that feeds a vast majority of our students and
meets their needs morning, noon and after school.
2015-2016
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It is important to recognize our school district not only draws talented staff
from all over the valley (and across the state) because of the culture and
opportunity to grow, but the District also is very competitive with Valley
districts in salary and benefits.
All of the above is funded through a variety of funding streams and takes literally millions of dollars to implement and maintain.
It is through the wise use of resources driven by our District commitment to follow our mission and vision:
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Our Mission: We are improvement driven - Mind, Character, and Body
Equal Opportunity: The Corcoran Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free
from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual
orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or
more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
New Administrators: Laurie Haas…
New Bret Harte Principal Laurie Haas has 21 years educational experience with a background as an
elementary school teacher, BTSA coach and middle school teacher as well.
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Superintendent Rich Merlo commented, “Her recent administrative experience has been at the middle and high
school, but her passion and curriculum expertise equip her to be a strong educational leader at the elementary
level. She has a depth of understanding in elementary literacy and using empirical data to improve student
learning.”
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Laurie went to high school in Canada and attended Trinity Western College in Vancouver, British Columbia,
and Fresno Pacific University on basketball scholarships. It was at FPU that she met her husband, who was a
soccer player. After marrying, they first settled in Bakersfield and she was a stay-at-home mom to their two
daughters and son. Once her last child was in school, she returned to school herself, earning a degree and
credential through National University. Her first teaching job was at an elementary school in Perris for six
years. The family then moved and she taught in the Menifee school district (northeast of Murietta) for eight
years, teaching middle school in a variety of subjects. During this time, she attained her administrative credential through Cal State San Bernardino.
After moving to Fresno, Mrs. Haas was an instructional coach in math for Cooper Middle School for two years before taking an Assistant Principal
position at McFarland High School for two years. The past two years were spent as Assistant Principal at Golden West High School in Visalia. She
was drawn to apply for the Corcoran position by John Muir Principal Dave Whitmore. The two had worked together at Golden West and she has a
great deal of respect for him. He spoke very highly of CUSD and encouraged her to apply.
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Laurie’s husband is a 30-year teaching veteran who currently teaches Algebra at Roosevelt High School in Fresno and is a dedicated volleyball
coach of both their boys’ and girls’ teams. Education seems to run in the family as one of their daughters just finished her first year of teaching,
while their other daughter is a paramedic who is in the process of getting her teaching degree and credential. Their son is a helicopter pilot and
instructor who, after four years in the Air Force, is attending South Utah University as well as an aviation school.
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Family is Laurie’s primary focus and an added bonus is that one of her daughter’s marriage came with the addition of two grandchildren. She is
really enjoying being a grandma. She loves to travel, from Alaska (she grew up just three miles from the Alaskan border) to San Diego, where her
husband has family. Musical theater is another favorite of the family, which is perfect for someone who grew up playing several instruments.
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Mrs. Haas is very excited to be taking on her first principalship at an elementary school. She believes that is where the majority of learning occurs
and feels it is her mission being at that level helping students. She loves being in a small district where there is a family atmosphere. She is looking
forward to being with teachers and back in classrooms. Her philosophy is that every child is capable of learning and that it is our responsibility as
educators to make it a priority to help students find their way. She likes the quote “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much
you care.” She adds that it is all about building relationships.
…and John Arriola
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John Arriola is the new Assistant Principal for Kings Lake Education Center.
“John is an experienced proven educator and leader with a heart to see every student grow and excel,” says Superintendent
Rich Merlo. “His perspective and enthusiasm add a great deal to our District and will add to our professional team's growth
and success.”
Mr. Arriola is a native of Tulare. He received his A.A. from College of the Sequoias prior to entering the Air Force and being
stationed at Travis Air Force Base. He toured the Pacific for six years and then left the military so he could donate a kidney
to his sister 30 years ago. She is still doing great and will soon become the longest kidney transfer patient.
He returned to school and received his B.A. in Education from Fresno Pacific University in 1987. He taught elementary
grades in Porterville Schools, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2001. Following Porterville, he taught at John C.
Fremont for a year prior to taking a position in the Delano school district, where he stayed for 10 years. During that time, he
earned his Administrative Credential from Cal State Bakersfield in 2009 and then was appointed an Assistant Principal in the
Richland School District for three years. He also taught eighth grade in Ducor.
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Mr. Arriola returned to Corcoran two years ago to teach fourth grade at Mark Twain. This past year he taught Math and
Science at John Muir Middle School.
For relaxation, John likes to fly airplanes on weekends and enjoys photography and traveling. While he has traveled and explored many places, the Native American’s
favorite trips are to return to Arizona where he renews his soul by visiting friends on reservations (he is from the Pima Tribe of southern Arizona). He especially loves
going to the Grand Canyon and Navajo areas. Keeping him company at home is a rescue cat named Tiger.
At Kings Lake, Mr. Arriola is looking forward to helping kids to move forward with their lives and hopefully show them how they can be successful. He likes to share
ABC News Person of the Week with his students, as he believes they are inspirational stories that can put humanization back in kids. He strongly believes that all kids
can learn.
Caught in the Act
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Norma Osorio Ruelas
What is your work history, including at CUSD? This is my second year teaching, I worked last year
for FUSD and this is my first year working with the Corcoran community.
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What is most rewarding to you when working with students or in your job? I love when students
feel pride of their accomplishments. I teach a foreign language and feel happy when students praise
their own accomplishments in the target language.
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What special project(s) are you working on with the students or in your job? My colleague Mr.
Ochoa and I will start planning on a great project for the “Day of the Dead” where students will learn
about the culture and relate to it.
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Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? My parents have taught me to fight and follow
my dreams. My children inspire me everyday to do my best and set a good example for them.
Tell us a little about yourself: I’m a teacher who is patient and a good listener. I learn from my
mistakes and I always try my best on everything I do. I like to do things out of the box. I love change and I’m always looking to do
things differently. I love my culture and I want students to learn not only the language but also the magic of it. I love Frida Khalo
who is a Mexican painter/artist. She is well know for her self-portraits and personal quotes. My favorite quote is “ Feet? What do I
need them for, when I have wings to fly.” I think of this quote as an inspiration for daily life and for my teaching as well. With
imagination you can go anywhere and overcome barriers.
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If the world were listening, what would you say? Do your best today, learn from yesterday’s mistakes, change, and keep looking
forward.
CHS Principal Antonia Stone says, “Norma has only been a CHS panther for a few short weeks, but she has already established
herself as a model teacher. She has incorporated Kagan structures, the intervention clipboard and has taken charge of some large
classes. We are very fortunate she is a part of the CHS family now.”
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Steve Dias
What is your work history, including at CUSD? I built trailers for Faria Trailers and I had a dairy for
20 years. I also worked as a hay hauler, fabrication and maintenance worker for Paul Nunes Hay Co. I am
now enjoying my position as bus driver and maintenance employee for CUSD.
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What is most rewarding to you when working with students or in your job? I am the first one to see
the kids each day and I like giving a hearty good morning to start their day well. They are getting to know
me. I like working with a great bunch of guys and learning something new every day. I help in the
warehouse and get to meet other staff as we deliver mail and packages.
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What special project(s) are you working on with the students or in your job? Being the first of the year, I am making sure
students are seated properly to keep them safe while on my bus.
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Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Ray Faria was a big mentor in my life. He taught me many things, including
when you are building something, it might be overkill, but build it to last. And to always take pride in my work.
Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Tulare. I am married to Shellene Santos and we have two boys aged seven and five. (My
mother-in-law is Cheryl Santos.) I am currently coaching their soccer team and they play T-ball. Shellene and I build wood furniture
and welded barbecues through our company S&S Creations. We love going to Cayucos because it is quiet; you can relax and enjoy
your family. We take the boys out to the beach and build sandcastles.
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If the world were listening, what would you say? Treat everybody like human beings. It would make the world a lot easier to live
in.
MOT Director Marty Raeber says, “Steve is a new addition to the CUSD bus drivers and Maintenance Department. He is always eager
to help or lend a hand whenever and wherever needed. We have high expectations for Steve and welcome him to our working team.”
New to the District
Jessica Bribiesca hails from Southern Oregon and moved to Lemoore in 2001. She received her Associates degree
from West Hills College and went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Social Science from Chapman University and is
currently obtaining her credentials through Brandman University. Prior to teaching, she ran her own successful
daycare business in Hanford from her home. In her daycare, she incorporated preschool learning to prepare her
students for preschool. Her business allowed he to be a stay-at-home mom until her own children started
elementary school.
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Jessica and her husband, who also works in Corcoran, have four children aged four, nine, 16 and 17. She enjoys
organizing, being with her family and taking her kids on adventures to new places to create everlasting memories.
Mrs. Bribiesca currently teaches first grade at Bret Harte School. She looks forward to becoming part of the
Corcoran community by teaching its future generation basic principals that will set them up for their future
education with CUSD. She wants to deliver education in a way that is invigorating and inspires children to want to
learn and enjoy coming into her class each day. She strives to find ways to guide her students into their roles of
being responsible, respectful and valued citizens through positive role modeling, encouragement and dedication.
Haley Highfill grew up in neighboring Stratford before moving to Lemoore. She earned a B.A. in
Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Multiple Subject Teaching and a Minor in Sociology from
Brandman University. She is currently working towards her completion of a Masters in teaching
Elementary Education. Prior jobs included working in a movie theatre, as a barista at Starbucks and
substitute teaching.
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Haley is a newlywed still and she claims she is a “dog mom” to a Brindle Boxer named Remington. Her
hobbies include completing DIY projects she finds on Pinterest. She enjoys playing CoEd Softball and
trying new recipes.
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As a fourth grade Mark Twain teacher, she is looking forward to all the great opportunities CUSD has
to offer! Her ultimate goal as an educator is to create a lasting impact on each child that she teaches.
She notes that he or she will always know that they matter, they are loved, and that they are successful!
Erick Mancillas is a native of Clovis (though born in St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno). He attended
California State University - Fresno where he garnered a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology. He
worked five years each at Sweet River Grill and Bar in Clovis and FedEx Ground.
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Erick has a dog named Champ and enjoys any outdoor activity that get him out of the house.
Mr. Mancillas is the new P.E. teacher at John Muir Middle School He is looking forward to connecting
with his students. As for a teaching philosophy, he believes if you get a connection with your kids, they
are likely to learn from you; they will not learn from someone they do not like.
Keylee Navarro is a Corcoran girl, who graduated from CHS in 2002. This is her ninth year with the
District as she was a Paraprofessional in Bret Harte’s Preschool for three years, Yard Duty/
Paraprofessional at Kings Lake for three years and the last two years was the Reading Intervention
Paraprofessional at Bret Harte. During that time she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts
from Fresno Pacific University in Visalia.
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Keylee and her husband have three children: Marina, 21, Michael Jr., 18, and Marc, 13. Her top hobby
right now is being a supportive sports mom. She enjoys spending time with her family while away from
work.
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Mrs. Navarro is teaching eighth grade Math/Science/ELD at John Muir middle School. She looks
forward to seeing her students academically this school year. She believes all students have the ability
to grow academically with the assistance of someone who refuses to give up on them.
New to the District
Ivan Arce Martinez claims Tulare as his hometown. He graduated from California State UniversityFresno with a degree in Kinesiology: Exercise Science. He was a substitute teacher in Farmersville
prior to coming to Corcoran.
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A single guy, Ivan shares his home with his Chihuahua “Brownie.” He loves working on cars and
playing sports. A favorite thing to do is hiking and his goal is to hike every trail at Yosemite National
Park.
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Mr. Martinez is a biology teacher at Corcoran High School, his first full teaching job. He is looking
forward to getting to know his students, the community and helping to make it a better place. He wants
his students to enjoy coming to class. He carries the teaching philosophy of being fair with students. His
biggest goal for his students is for them to improve. He says that no one has to be perfect, but we can all
improve from where we are.
Melissa Orique came to CUSD in the middle of last year. She is a native of Bakersfield, then attended
California State University - Fresno where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a
Single Subject Social Science Teaching Credential. Prior to Corcoran, she was a student teacher and
substitute teacher.
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Melissa and her husband enjoy their home life with a dog and a turtle. Her hobbies include traveling,
reading and baking. She enjoys taking her dog on walks and spending time with her nephews and niece.
Currently, Mrs. Orique is a History teacher at Corcoran High School. This year she is looking forward
to coaching the freshman volleyball season and is excited to see how the program grows throughout the
Fall season. As a teacher, she feels her role is to inspire the curiosity of students to think critically about
the world around them. “It is important that students learn practical skills and knowledge in order to
prepare them to be active members of society,” she says.
James Jay might have a little bit of an accent, but he comes by it honestly as he was raised in Texas and
graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas. He attended both The University of
Texas and Chapman University, earning a B.A. in History and M.A. in Educational Leadership. This is
his 10th year of teaching and prior to that spent 13 years in ministry.
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James and his wife have three children aged 10, seven and four years. He is a lifelong fan of prowrestling. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys watching wrestling on television and
n person when he can.
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His current position is seventh grade Math and Science teacher at John Muir Middle School. Mr. James
looks forward to working in a student-centered district with an excellent staff. His teaching philosophy?
“Keep the kids first in everything you do and what you do will make a difference.”
Small towns are in Kayla Smith’s blood. She started life in one in Texas, then moved to Corcoran in the
seventh grade, attending John Muir and Corcoran High schools. She says, “It is an awesome feeling to
be working for the community.” Following CHS, she attended West Hills College-Lemoore prior to
Fresno Pacific University where she completed her Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts. She is currently working
on her credentials and a Masters in Special Education.
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Kayla has a menagerie of pets, including six lizards, three cats, a Mojave Desert tortoise and a German
Shepherd. She enjoys working with her animals, camping and traveling throughout California.
Ms. Smith is the RSP teacher at CHS and is looking forward to making a connection with her students
and watching their academic growth throughout the year. She states her teaching philosophy boils down
to communication. “I try to create a creative environment where all can contribute and inspire each
other to learn,” she says. “By making a connection with my students, they feel safe enough to leave
their comfort zones and explore their full potential.”
Constitution Day
Corcoran Unified students celebrated Constitution
Day at all campuses on September 16.