On May 22, along with all sites, Rolling Hills recognized its valuable contributors... Ms. Kimberly Thompson, Mrs. Mary Pereyra, and Mrs. Rosa Hellen.
Ms. Kimberly Thompson:
Kimberly Thompson has a wealth of knowledge with thirty years of teaching experience at Rolling Hills… and she still embraces learning. Whether it’s the implementation of Writing with Design, a new social studies adoption, or Continuous Improvement Modules, Kimberly is still learning. She opens her room early every morning to support children… with a warm place to hang out or receive extra academic help. And Kimberly puts people under her wings, both colleagues and administrators helping to simplify processes and clarify expectations. Somebody commented, “She works behind the scenes to have “things” in place so that “things” don’t get overly complicated.” And for those reasons, Kimberly Thompson is our Teacher of the Year.
Mary Pereyra:
Mary is an essential member of the RHMS team, known for her reliability, consistency, and dedication to student success. As an instructional aide, she brings a calm and supportive presence to every classroom she enters. Her collaborative spirit makes her a trusted partner among teachers and staff alike. Mary consistently goes above and beyond her role, including staying after school to support students. She communicates clearly and honestly, building trust with both students and colleagues. Students know that Mary truly cares about them, not just their academics but also their well-being. She is deeply committed to helping every student access learning, regardless of their starting point. Mary is often the bridge that connects struggling students to the skills and confidence they need to succeed. She works tirelessly to build foundational skills that empower students to transition from Special Education. Her impact is long-lasting, and her students often leave her care more independent and equipped for success. It’s a question often asked: why isn’t Mary teaching? Her natural ability, compassion, and instructional skill make her more than qualified. Mary’s contributions are invaluable, and she truly exemplifies what it means to be Classified Staff of the Year.
Rosa Hellen:
When we speak of a diverse site, RHMS is just that. With four cities and six zip codes, decisions have to be made that meet many needs. Our PTA president of the last two years does just that. What I most respect about Rosa Hellen is that while she has a daughter who is now a freshman and a second who is currently in 7th grade, she asks questions through their eyes while being mindful of other perspectives. Rosa is reflective, builds consensus, pushes me to think more deeply, and has revived our PTA from where it was upon her arrival. While she’d be upset if I didn’t publicly acknowledge her entire board, we want to recognize Rosa Hellen for all she’s done for the equivalent of 1100 students over the last two years. For those reasons, Rosa Hellen is our Volunteer of the Year.
