Sofia Alvarez Velazques graduated from San Jacinto Leadership Academy with a deep desire to support multilingual learners. Born in Mexico and once an English learner herself, Sofia was inspired by supportive teachers who helped her find confidence and belonging as she struggled to learn her new language. Sofia plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College, where she will major in Early Childhood Education then transfer to Cal State San Bernardino and pursue an English Language Development certification. Her goal is to become an ELD teacher who creates that same sense of encouragement for her students that she received and to give back to the San Jacinto community that shaped her.

Daisy Campa completed her senior year at Alessandro High School with a reputation for resilience and steady academic growth. Teachers described Daisy as personable, supportive, and consistently prepared, noting her “willingness to engage in discussions” and “positive influence” on campus. Daisy plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College to major in Education and become a special education teacher. Inspired by her younger brother, who has autism, she hopes to help children improve their communication skills and gain confidence.

Mckenzie Harnit made quite an impact at Hemet High School through her boundless energy and wide‑ranging involvement. A four‑year cheerleader and three‑year STUNT athlete, she also served as the school mascot while excelling in academic clubs and maintaining a 5.0 GPA. Her commitment to community service further strengthened her record of leadership. Mckenzie will attend UC Santa Barbara, where she plans to major in Applied Mathematics and become a high school math teacher.

Nicholas Hockman, a recent graduate of the Western Center Academy, was an exceptional scholar and campus leader whose discipline and kindness shaped every part of his high school experience. With a 4.40 GPA, he excelled in AP Biology, Biotechnology and Marine Biology and helped lead hands‑on STEM activities for elementary students. As a two‑year Link Crew leader, he designed and taught lessons that strengthened his passion for education. Nicholas plans to attend CSU San Marcos with a major in Biology and wants to become a high school biology teacher who inspires students to love science and believe in themselves.

Silvia Sandoval graduated from San Jacinto High School as a scholar known for intellectual drive and outstanding leadership. With a 4.1 GPA and advanced coursework in mathematics, she earned multiple honors, including the Tiger Excellence Gold Medal. Silvia also served as a math tutor for Upward Bound and held leadership roles in AP Club, Tiger Den, and Paws and Claws. Her future plans are to study Mathematics at Mt. San Jacinto College then transfer to UCLA to become a math teacher and inspire future students.

Yesenia Sandoval completed her studies at Nuview Bridge Early College High School with a relentless academic drive and a strong commitment to young learners. She even earned two associate degrees while still in high school. Her involvement in theater, cheer, and as track manager, highlighted her dependability and leadership. Yesenia will attend CSU Fullerton, where she will major in Child and Adolescent Studies and eventually teach kindergarten.

Madison Surritt emerged as one of West Valley High School’s most influential student leaders, known for her compassion and ability to bring people together. A multiyear ASB officer and Senior Class President, she also contributed significantly to FFA, Ballet Folklorico, athletics, and numerous campus programs. Her kindness and determination left a lasting mark on her school community. Madison plans to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and major in Agriculture Education, with the hope of becoming an agriculture teacher who empowers students to grow with confidence and purpose.

Lizette Garcia Vargas excelled at Tahquitz High School, maintaining a clear focus on her academics and a deep commitment to serving others. With a 4.0 GPA in rigorous AP and dual‑enrollment courses, she also devoted her time to ASB, AVID, cheer, and the AP Calculus Club. With more than 130 hours of community service, Lizette also demonstrated her desire to give back. She will major in Education at Cal State San Marcos and become an elementary school teacher who is dedicated to helping young students build strong foundations for their futures.

Carolina Vasquez approached her senior year at the Academy of Innovation with a clear sense of purpose and a growing passion for helping others succeed. With a 3.71 GPA, she explored both education and finance, inspired by the importance of financial literacy and the influence of great teachers. Carolina intends to study Education and Finance at Mt. San Jacinto College and plans to become either an elementary teacher or a CTE/finance educator.

Jaidyn Waysack brought dedication and deep commitment to her years at Hamilton High School. With a 3.76 GPA and involvement in ASB, CSF, Friday Night Live, and yearbook, she contributed significantly to student life and campus events. Inspired by teachers who supported her and lifted her up during trying times, she has chosen a path in education. Jaidyn plans to attend UC Riverside, major in Liberal Studies and become an elementary school teacher, continuing the cycle of support she experienced.

Ta’niah Willis graduated from San Jacinto High School as a dynamic leader whose creativity, resilience, and academic strength shaped her many contributions. With a 3.94 GPA and honors such as the Silver GPA Award and National Society of High School Scholars membership, she excelled academically while leading Theatre Club, BSU, and AFJROTC events. As President of Theatre Club and Vice President of BSU, she demonstrated strong communication, artistic vision and service.  Ta’niah will attend California Baptist University, major Child Development and become an elementary educator. Her goal is to “become the teacher I needed most growing up.”

Each year, CalRTA offers up to 14 $1000 scholarships to qualifying seniors who plan to pursue a career in education.  Part of CalRTA’s mission is to support public education, and Division 33 does just that through its scholarships and “no strings attached” teacher grants for current classroom teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, visit the state website at calrta.org or the Division 33 website at div33.calrta.org.

The post CalRTA Division 33 Honors Eleven Outstanding Future Educators appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

A central feature of the celebration was the recognition of Division 33’s past presidents and Board members, as well as its “longevity” members, retirees who have maintained CalRTA membership for 20 years or more. The Division now has over 80 such members, with fifteen honored in person at the luncheon, including centenarian Margaret Bagby, Rosemary Sears and Virginia Sisk, all with over three decades of service. Their decades of dedication reflect CalRTA’s enduring mission: safeguarding earned benefits, advocating for fair retirement policies, and uplifting public education throughout California.

Guests enjoyed a catered meal from Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant before being treated to a vibrant performance by West Valley High School’s Ballet Folklórico dancers and Mariachi ensemble under the direction of teachers Oscar Rivas and Maria Leon-Batres. Their colorful presentation added a joyful cultural highlight and underscored the strong connection between retired educators and the students whose futures they continue to support.

Serving Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Romoland, and Nuview, Division 33 remains one of CalRTA’s most active Divisions. In addition to its advocacy work, it provides sixteen $100 teacher grants each year and offers fifteen $1000 scholarships to qualifying local high school graduates.

As Division 33 marks this milestone year, its members reaffirm their dedication to the mission that has guided CalRTA since its inception in 1929: protecting hard-earned pensions and benefits, supporting public education, promoting health care and healthy living and ensuring that the voices of retired educators remain strong across the state.

The post CalRTA Division 33 Celebrates Seven Decades of Advocacy appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

At Sally Buselt Elementary School in Menifee, third‑grade teacher Lesley Stevens plans to transform her students’ reading experience by adding flexible seating to the school’s large collaborative learning space. “With my $100 check I am going to purchase some comfortable seating to use with my students during reading group time,” she explained. “Our school has a unique and large collaborative space to use, and the comfortable cushions will make this space during our reading time so much better!”

At Tahquitz High School in Hemet, biology teacher Anne Rizzacasa will use her grant to enhance hands‑on science learning. The award will cover much-needed technology essentials and supplies her classroom has been missing. “Thank you so much, CalRTA! I plan to buy chargers for our Chromebooks and biotech supplies to study genetics, along with headphones to help students concentrate,” she said.

Fourth‑grade teacher Lorena Roberts of Nuview Elementary School expressed her enthusiasm for expanding both math and literacy resources in her classroom. “I am so grateful to have received a CalRTA Division 33 Teacher Grant,” she said. “I am excited to buy math manipulatives for my students. I also plan on buying more books for my classroom library. My students are going to love all of the new books. Thank you for continuing to support educators!”

At Park Hill Elementary School in San Jacinto, K–2 special education teacher Mai Eickman will use her grant to purchase essential classroom supplies tailored to her students’ needs. She emphasized the importance of sensory tools in supporting young learners, helping them focus and spurring engagement. “Thank you so much for the $100 check! I’m planning to use the money to buy school supplies for my classroom, especially sensory toys for my students!”

At Fruitvale Elementary School in Hemet, reading intervention teacher Jenna Spinali received $200 in grant funds — presented by Division 33 Co‑President Sue Breyer and Secretary Amy Helm at a recent staff meeting — after Division 33 matched the CalRTA state’s $100 Teacher Grant with an additional $100. Ms. Spinali explained that the funds will directly support the intensive reading intervention she and her co‑teacher provide to students who struggle. She also said that “with this money, I think I might buy another weighted lap pad. Many of our students have ADHD or anxiety and find it very difficult to calm their body and mind down so they can focus on learning.”  She also intends to purchase the new phonemic‑awareness book “Sounds of Success” and a subscription to a website offering instructional materials for struggling readers.

CalRTA and its local Division 33 remain deeply committed to strengthening public education by advocating for retired educators, supporting active teachers, and investing directly in classrooms through grants like this one. Their ongoing efforts help ensure that students, teachers, and schools across the Hemet–San Jacinto Valley continue to benefit from resources, expertise, and a strong community of educators dedicated to learning. For more information, go to calrta.org.

The post From Cushions to Chromebooks: Division 33 Grants Impact Students appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Kristal Smith, a 7th-grade English Language Arts and Special Education teacher at Monte Vista Middle School in San Jacinto, plans to use her grant to create ecosystem dioramas with her students as part of their science curriculum. “This will be a great way for them to demonstrate their learning using a hands-on approach,” Smith shared, adding that students will present their work to classmates and families.

At Hemet Elementary School, Stephanie Brundige, who teaches Special Education for grades 3-5, will establish a class library and a “calm down corner.” Her vision includes a bean bag chair and leveled books to support students of varying reading abilities, offering a comfortable space where they can relax or take a break when needed. “Thank you so much for your support for us teachers!” Brundige said.

Michael Armstrong, a 6th and 7th-grade Social Studies teacher at Acacia Middle School in Hemet, intends to invest in basic classroom supplies, restock art materials for projects, and introduce new resources to facilitate discussions and debates using primary sources. “How exciting! Thank you!” Armstrong said upon receiving the grant.

Meanwhile, Miranda Houwaart, who teaches an intensive autism program at Mountain View High School in San Jacinto, plans to use her grant to purchase sensory items and cooking supplies for her students. The funds will help enhance engagement and provide valuable hands-on learning experiences. “Thank you so much!” Houwaart expressed.

The CalRTA Division 33 “no strings attached” $100 grants continue to make a difference in local classrooms, allowing teachers to fund their classroom needs and support their students’ learning journeys. Since its grant program’s inception in 2019, Division 33 has awarded $10,000 worth of grants to local classroom teachers.  CalRTA’s mission is to protect and advocate for retired and active educators’ pensions and other retirement benefits and to support public education in our communities.  Local CalRTA Division 33 offers fifteen $1000 scholarships to local seniors each year in addition to its sixteen $100 teacher grants.  For more information about CalRTA, you can access their website at calrta.org.

The post Local Teachers Receive CalRTA Division 33 Grants to Enhance Learning Experiences appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Lorena Roberts, a 4^th grade teacher at Nuview Elementary School, said, “I am so grateful to have received a CalRTA Division 33 Teacher Grant. I am excited to buy more books for my classroom library. I also plan on buying more prizes for my monthly Scholar Dollar store. My students are going to love all of the new prizes. “

Another Nuview Elementary School 4^th grade teacher, Natalie Ogle, said her class was so excited when she told them about winning the grant. “We are out of Expo markers, highlighters, mechanical pencils and a group set of books. We have had parents donate these items a few times already this year, but now we are in need of replacement supplies. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s donation and I’m so glad I entered the contest,” Ogle said.

“Thank you so much for this $100 grant,” said Guillermina Casarez, who teaches 3^rd grade at Hemet Elementary School.  “I will be using the money to buy seat pockets for my classroom,” Casarez said.  She explained that seat pockets help students by providing easily accessible storage space on the back or sides of their chairs to keep their school supplies organized and desks tidy.

Cassy Taylor-Campos, a 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade ES teacher at Hamilton High School, said she plans “to purchase resources for Yoga exercise and sitting balls for my classroom.” Sitting on stability balls (exercise balls) in a classroom can benefit students by allowing them to move and fidget while still focusing on learning.

Ron and Sue Breyer, CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents, presented a $100 State-level CalRTA teacher grant to Master Gunnery Sergeant David Mendez from Tahquitz High School at their recent staff meeting.  As a surprise, Division 33 matched that $100 grant with a crisp $100 bill for a total of $200 to use in his classroom!  Mendez heads up the Tahquitz High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, one of the biggest and most influential leadership programs in the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley.

One of the missions of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) is to support public education, and its popular teacher grant program is just one way in which local retired teachers can support and show their appreciation for local educators. In addition to teacher grants, CalRTA Division 33 also offers up to 15 $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Hemet, San Jacinto and Nuview School Districts who plan to become public school teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, go to calrta.org or div33.calrta.org.  

The post Local Teachers to Use Grant Funds for Classroom Supplies, Incentives appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Retired teachers have not only spent decades helping future generations, but they continue to make a difference in the lives of others long after leaving their teaching careers. In 2023, CalRTA members statewide donated more than $40 million worth of time to their local communities. Members of local CalRTA Division 33, which serves Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Nuview and Romoland, volunteered nearly 12,000 hours in the same year, with a value of over $437,000.  Retired teachers can often be seen volunteering their time and skills in community centers, libraries, schools, and local organizations. Their time enriches the lives of both children and adults, and their pensions uplift their local communities. Because retirees spend their benefit checks in their local community, their spending ripples through the economy as one person’s spending becomes another person’s income.

CalRTA members are part of that pool of retirees whose pension checks help stimulate and boost California’s economy. Members statewide also donated more than $750,000 in grants, scholarships and donations last year.  Division 33 also offers 11 $1000 scholarships annually to seniors planning to enter the teaching profession and awards 16 $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants to local teachers to use in their classrooms.

CalRTA highlights retired teachers’ contributions by celebrating Retired Teachers Week during the first week of each November. This year’s event, November 3-9, marks the 26th year the celebration has been held during the organization’s 95-year history. In 1929, as the country entered the Great Depression, a small group of teachers banded together to fight for retirement security. In addition to helping California’s educators, early CalRTA leaders went on to form other retiree organizations. One such leader was Ethel Percy Andrus who formed AARP.

“Our early leaders showed us what dedication, compassion and determination can accomplish,” noted Susan Dixon, CalRTA State President. “Today we’re trying to live up to their example as we continue our fight for retirement security while also giving back to our local communities and protecting public education.”

The post Retired Teachers Donate More Than $40 Million Worth of Time to Local Communities appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Two teachers – Jessica Sotelo from West Valley High School in Hemet, and Heather Goka from Lisa Mails Elementary School in Murrieta – each received a $100 check from the California Retired Teachers Association State Teacher Grant program.  Then each teacher was pleasantly surprised when CalRTA Division 33 matched their $100 check with a crisp $100 bill, for a total of $200.   

Jessica Sotelo, who teaches AVID 11, and IB Psychology at West Valley, said, “I am so grateful to have received the STATE teacher grant. I wasn’t expecting our local division to match the state grant with another $100, so that was an amazing surprise! I plan to use the funds to restock my student supply/resource station with such items as lint rollers, Kleenex, band-aids, hygiene products, mints, and granola bars to provide to students if they need a snack during the school day.”

Heather Goka, a third grade teacher at Lisa Mails Elementary School said, “I plan to use the $200 for basic supplies like paper and markers as well as some new classroom decorations to make the room feel warmer and create a more positive learning environment for my students.  Thank you!”

Another four $100 teacher grant winners were randomly selected at the April 9^th luncheon meeting of CalRTA Division 33.  Nicole Hernandez, third grade teacher at Megan Cope Elementary School in San Jacinto, plans to put the funds toward improving her students’ math skills.  “Thank you for the $100 grant!” Hernandez said.  “I plan on using the money on math manipulatives for my classroom, specifically fraction cubes. Many of my students can struggle with the concept of equal piece and how a larger denominator means a smaller piece. These manipulatives will benefit them greatly. “ 

Teri Perez, who teaches Moderate and Severe Special Education classes at DeAnza Elementary School in San Jacinto, says, “Thank you so much for this $100 grant. I plan to use the money to buy some laminating materials, some incentives for my classroom, and Play Doh!  Laminating things allows reuse, incentives help my students remain motivated to work hard on their goals and Play Doh is one of their favorite items to decompress with. Thank you again from me and the De Anza Tigers!”

Tahquitz High School teacher Anne Rizzacasa, who teaches a wide variety of science classes at her school site in Hemet, says, “Thank you so much for the support. I will be using the funds to purchase an electric vehicle kit from Forward Education. The kit guides students to build computer science skills while addressing energy solutions to address climate change.”

Holly Baird, a Nuview Elementary School Kindergarten teacher, received the exciting news of her $100 grant on her birthday.  “I was super excited to receive this classroom money on my birthday!” Baird says.  “I plan to buy more ELA and math games and activities because I only have a few.  I also want to buy batteries for my voice amplifier. The kids are going to love this! Thank you!”

One of CalRTA’s missions is to support public education and awarding 16 $100 teacher grants to local teachers each year is just a part of that mission.  Division 33 also offers 11 $1000 scholarships to local high school seniors who plan to become public school teachers.  For more information about CalRTA, go to www.calrta.org or www.div33.calrta.org.

The post CalRTA Awards Teacher Grants to Six Local Educators appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Funds to be used for classroom supplies, incentives

Sue Breyer | CalRTA Div. 33 Vice President

Five local educators were the lucky recipients of the California Retired Teachers Association’s recent teacher grants. Teachers had two different opportunities to secure a $100 teacher grant – the state CalRTA office held its “no strings attached” grant drawing the end of October and awarded 35 $100 grants to teachers across the state.

Angela Mitchell, a first grade teacher from Abby Reinke Elementary School in Temecula, was one of the 35 state recipients. CalRTA Division 33 – which represents Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Romoland, Nuview and surrounding districts – held its most recent teacher grant drawing at their December 5th holiday luncheon, randomly selecting four $100 teacher grant winners: Maria Villegas, Romoland Elementary School; Tim Kurdmisto, Tahquitz High School; Danielle Hearron, Cawston Elementary School; and Rachel Lee, Nuview Elementary School. Maria Villegas, who serves as school librarian for Romoland Elementary School in Romoland, used her $100 grant to “purchase bookmarks and bracelets for our Seuss event for our students.

Our students will be excited and happy to receive these items! Thank you very much.” Hemet’s Tahquitz High School biology teacher and swim and water polo coach, Tim Kurdmisto, says, “The funds are going to be used for lab supplies.

Thank you!” Danielle Hearron teaches third grade at Cawston Elementary School in Hemet. She says that she will put the $100 toward treasure box rewards for her students. When she was notified that she was a $100 teacher grant recipient, Nuview Elementary School 6th grade teacher Rachel Lee said, “I would love to purchase some flexible seating for my classroom and an easel to post my anchor charts on! I might even buy some supplies for our festive holiday stem activities.

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!” Angela Mitchell, first grade teacher at Abby Reinke Elementary School in Temecula, received a $100 check from the CalRTA state teacher grant program but was pleasantly surprised when she was handed a matching $100 bill from Division 33 Board members Tim Mathos and Tom Green, for a total of $200. The CalRTA State office’s next round of teacher grants opens January 24, 2024, and it will randomly draw the names of 35 lucky winners in mid-February.

California public school teachers can access registration information by going to calrta.org/teacher-grants. CalRTA Division 33 will open its next round of teacher grant registrations on January 2, 2024 and will hold its next drawing on Tuesday, February 13th. Teachers in the Hemet, San Jacinto, Nuview, Menifee and Romoland School Districts may access the registration form at tinyurl.com/CalRTADiv33TeacherGrant or div33.calrta.org/scholarships-and-grants.

In addition to protecting teacher pensions and fighting for Social Security fairness, another of CalRTA’s missions is to support public education, and the state and local teacher grant programs provide that much-needed support in the form of “no strings attached” monetary awards to local teachers and classrooms throughout the state. For more information about the California Retired Teachers Association, you can access their website at calrta.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Local Educators Awarded CalRTA Grants appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Sue Breyer | CalRTA Division 33 Vice President

California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) State President and former Hemet High School teacher and coach, Ron Breyer, addressed 40 CalRTA Division 33 members at their recent April 11th spring luncheon at the Seven Hills Members Club in Hemet. Breyer described his experiences over his sixteen years in CalRTA as a Division member, Area Director, and State officer and explained how his perspectives changed with each office he held. From planning and participating in activities at the local Division level, to learning about the corporate fiduciary duties and state level operations at the Area level, to realizing the importance of CalRTA’s activities and efforts on the lives of all California retired educators at the state level, Breyer has refined and sharpened his perspective on statewide issues surrounding retirement, pension protection, Social Security fairness and legislation harmful to California’s educators.

Division 33’s luncheon program also featured the selection of three new teacher grant winners from area schools: Alicia Vaughn, Whittier Elementary School; Michael Abeyta, Tahquitz High School; and Sylvia Valencia, San Jacinto High School. Recipient names were randomly drawn from nearly 140 applicants from area districts for the “no strings attached” $100 teacher grants. CalRTA stresses that funds are intended for use in teacher classrooms, but teachers are free to determine how the money is used.

Alicia Vaughn teaches 5th grade multiple subjects at Whittier Elementary School in Hemet. She says, “I will be using the funds that I won from CalRTA Division 33 on positive reinforcement for my classroom. It is so important to reward students for positive behavior and academic excellence. I also want to shape the behaviors I wish to see more frequently. Everyone needs positive reinforcement, including adults!”

Michael Abeyta, an AP Spanish teacher at Tahquitz High School in Hemet, says that he “would use the funds to purchase Spanish phonics materials that will support the District’s goals towards literacy and help students acquire both the Spanish and English languages. Mr. Abeyta is also his school site’s World Language Department Chair, Seal of Multiliteracy Site Lead, and Hemet Teachers Association Representative.

Sylvia Valencia teachers 9th grade English and 10th grade World History at San Jacinto High School. When notified of her selection she said, “Thank you CalRTA! I am so fortunate to have been chosen. I plan to use the funds for Chromebook chargers for my students. Oftentimes they lose or damage their Chromebook chargers and I do not have one to lend them. This way everyone learns as a class and there are no excuses. Thank you again!”

CalRTA Division 33 will hold its next luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 6th and will celebrate this year’s 2023 Division 33 $1000 Scholarship recipients. It will be a special time for celebrating the academic successes of these future educators. For more information about CalRTA Division 33, send an email to calrtadivision33@gmail.com or go to div33.calrta.org/ and click on “Contact Us.”

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post CalRTA luncheon features CalRTA State President, teacher grants appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but the sweet sentiments shared in those cute little cards we give and receive each year linger on.  Sometimes those Valentines come with tiny candy hearts that say “Be Mine” or “Crazy 4 U” or other sappy sentiments, but for three local teachers, Valentine’s Day brought them much more than a box of candy.  Kate Paragone and Ginamarie Richards, both of Menifee, and Wendy Lizardi of Romoland, each received notice that their names were randomly selected by Division 33 to receive a $100 Teacher Grant.  And, in a separate drawing, Tahquitz High School teacher, Cheryl Miller, was announced as a recipient of one of the 35 State CalRTA $100 Teacher Grants awarded in February.

Kate Paragone teaches 4th and 5th grade RSP/SDC at Evans Ranch Elementary School in Menifee. Paragone works with RSP (Resource Specialist Program) students, quite a number of whom struggle with math concepts.  “So I turned my attention to that area and bought play money and play cash register and some other supports and work with the students on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing as well as adding purchases and computing the tax to arrive at a total,” Paragone explained.  “I’m trying to make real life application for the students to understand the concepts of managing finances.”

Ginamarie Richards, who teaches 5th grade at Quail Valley Elementary School in Menifee, says, “We usually extend our learning through STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and integrated hand-on activities so this will help tremendously. Our next project is to build/replicate a constellation for our space culminating project. We will be needing beads, metallic sharpies, glue for our student safe glue guns, and pipe cleaners” to complete the project, Richards added. “Now we will be able to have each student make a constellation.”

Wendy Lizardi teaches kindergarten at Harvest Valley Elementary School in Romoland.  When she received notice that she had receive one of Division 33’s grants she was thrilled. “Thank you!! I’m so excited! With the $100 grant, I will purchase math and ELA manipulatives for my students to use for centers and small groups. I enjoy giving my students hands on experiences in order to promote multi- sensory learning.”

When Tahquitz High School biology and botany teacher Cheryl Miller received word that she had been selected to receive one of CalRTA’s state teacher grants, she responded, “I am so excited to get the $100.00!  It will sure help with the purchase of some good topsoil for the garden beds” that her science students have created to carry out their experiments.  “Since COVID, the gardens need a little help and this is a perfect start.”  CalRTA Division 33 Vice President Sue Breyer presented the $100 Teacher Grant check to Tahquitz High School Principal Dr. Kari McGowan at a recent staff meeting, then matched that $100 check with a crisp $100 from Division 33, for a total of $200 to be used in Ms. Miller’s classroom.  Unfortunately, Ms. Miller was unable to attend the meeting to receive the funds in person.

California Retired Teachers Association Division 33 supports public education by offering 11 $1000 scholarships each year to qualifying seniors in Hemet and San Jacinto, and 15 $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants for classroom use.  For more information about CalRTA Division 33, you can access their website at div33.calrta.org then click on Scholarships & Grants to access application forms and information about recent grant and scholarship recipients.

The post Local Teachers Receive $100 Valentine’s Day Surprise appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.