High school report: recognitions and a 4% raise
Showing appreciation for teachers and students as the school year winds down
Three Analy teachers who are retiring at the end of the school year were acknowledged at last Wednesday’s WSCUHSD meeting, kicking off a number of near-year-end recognitions.
Ellen Houlemard, social science at Analy for 13 years
Kate Oitzinger, science teacher for 16 years at Analy, El Molino and Laguna HS)
Julie Kellogg, math teacher for 7 years at Analy
Analy Principal Chuck Wade said that Ellen Houlemard was “the ultimate team player,” who was willing to take new assignments and fill in as needed. “In addition to her adaptability, she was also a bit of a curriculum wonk, reading up on new materials.” Wade said that the legacy of math teacher Julie Kellogg “is the hundreds of kids who are better academically and personally after learning with her.” Kate Oitzinger was known for her passion for the environment and the environmental science classes she taught. Wade said that “Kate has been one of the district's most valuable utility players, holding and consistently utilizing all three of the high-need science credentials.” He said that she plans to sail around the world.
Sherry Ponzo, a food service worker for Analy High School, is also retiring but was unable to attend the meeting.
Heidi Mickelson and Clay Pafford with Analy’s CTE program recognized 80 students who had earned certificates. Fourteen of them were on hand at the board meeting.
Reps of the most important constituency
Analy’s school board representative Alina Petersen was recognized for her service this year.
Board President Lewis Buchner thanked her. “What you have to say and what you bring is really important. You represent maybe the most important constituency, which is the students.”
Analy principal Chuck Wade said: “I've really appreciated Alina's energy and fearlessness this year and her willingness to bring her voice into the room to express opinions on all topics.”
(Alina was also a terrific lead performer in the school’s production of “Mamma Mia.)
Laneyjah Hayden, who is the student board representative for Laguna High School, was not at the meeting. “Laneyjah has been a strong voice for our students at the district level, demonstrating the kind of poise, responsibility and advocacy that sets the tone for what civic involvement can and should look like,” said Laguna Principal Greg Anderson.
Analy takes on the world
Analy’s Academic WorldQuest Team, coached by teacher Rachel Ambrose, was recognized for competing in the finals in Washington, DC. It was the first time that Analy competed, and their trip was funded by the World Affairs Council of Sonoma County. The team members were Chris Nelly, Amani, Melissa. Dylan Lamb, Luca Pecora, and Drew Horick. The team was covered in a Press Democrat article in April. Two members of the team were recognized at the board meeting.
Other upcoming events:
Senior Awards & Scholarships at Analy High School Theater, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Graduation:
Laguna High School, June 5, 2025, at 10 am
Analy High School, June 5, 2025, at 5:30 pm
District and teachers agree to new contract
The district and its teachers reached an agreement on a new one-year contract in March, and the members of the West Sonoma County Teachers Association (WSCTA) approved it in April. The new contract comes with a 4% salary increase that is effective July 1, 2025. In addition, teachers will have up to 10 days of injury and illness leave that they can also use for their own personal business.
Both sides remarked that the negotiations were friendly, like last year, and that neither the district’s lawyers nor a union representative were called in.
Arts & Music Accomplishments
Teacher Casey Jones attends almost every board meeting to keep everyone informed about the music and art programs at Analy. At this meeting, he came up with a new way to describe the impact of these programs. “If my step counter is right on my phone, then the Analy band and I marched a total of 37 and a half miles in preparation for the Apple Blossom parade, including the parade itself.” The band marched in their “awesome new uniforms and looked fabulous.” They got an award for first place.
He offered some “random facts.”
If you take all of the hours of the dance shows that have happened, that would be a solid 12 hours of dancing.
The visual arts teachers have created about 4,250 pieces of visual art and mixed media with students, including six murals.
The ceramics teachers estimated that their student made 3,500 different pieces of ceramic art that includes mugs and plates.
“I'm just so proud of the art that we create in our department for the community, not only our student community but the West County community as well,” said Jones.
Dale, a great article, but when you use a term like "CTE program," it would be nice to know what CTE refers to.