Tag Archives: Eagle Staff Spotlight

Eagle Staff Spotlight: Mr. Ray Niemann

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By: Edmund Shryock

This month’s staff spotlight focuses on Mr. Ray Niemann, who teaches at both John Glenn and Southeast Academy. Mr. Niemann has been a teacher at Glenn for 22 years and has not lost his passion to help his students succeed in anything they do. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Niemann and was able to get a true sense of how much he cares for his students. 

When asked What is your favorite part about being a teacher? He was quick to express how much he loves the students. He would go on to explain that his love for the students encouraged him to be a part of numerous activities at Glenn throughout his teaching career. Some activities that Mr. Niemann has been a part of include ASB coordinator, Head Wrestling and Football coach, Athletic Director, Renaissance committee, TCAP, and ACE.  

When asked if he always wanted to be a teacher? Mr. Niemann would explain that he went to school to become an archaeologist. However, it took a former high school teacher to help him find his love for teaching.

Mr. Niemann would express how he loves listening to classic rock, naming the group Journey in particular. He also said that one of his favorite all-time singers is Sam Cooke, sharing a connection to the song “A Change is Gonna Come.”

Mr. Niemann was asked what he loves to do in his free time? He smiled and answered that he loves to spend time and travel with his wife, be in the company of friends and family, and loves cooking barbecue. Also, he expressed that some of his favorite movies include Glory, The Green Mile, and The Godfather. Finally, Mr. Niemann expressed his love for Notre Dame Football and the Raiders as some of his favorite sports teams to watch. 

Mr. Niemann was asked at the end of our interview: Any advice that you would like to give the student body at Glenn? Which he responded: “Don’t sell yourself short, and start developing a plan now to be successful in the future. This involves getting over roadblocks that present themselves, however do not be stopped by these roadblocks as they are steps to help you reach your goals.” 

It was a great pleasure to interview Mr. Niemann, his passion and care for Glenn truly shows both inside and outside the classroom!

Security Guard Louie Esparza: Classified Employee of the Year

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By: Jacob Miranda

Louie Esparza is probably one of the most friendly and recognizable staff members here. He is also one of the best, as he was recently voted in by the rest of the classified staff as “Classified Employee of the Year” for 2021-22. He is usually stationed near the 1000s building, and welcomes anyone to hang out there. Luckily for me, he was also willing to provide some insight on his life, both in and out of school.

Q1: Where did you go to High School and College? What type of degree(s) did you get?

I went to Franklin High School in Highland Park, and then went to Rio Hondo College. Specifically, the Rio Hondo Police Academy, where I got my diploma and my concealed carry permit.

Q2: What did you originally plan to do as a career?

I originally wanted to have a job that works with kids. 

Q3: Where have you worked previously?

I’ve worked for companies like Coca-Cola and Naked Juice as private security. I’ve also been hired by celebrities like Kobe and Beyonce as a private bodyguard, and have been hired by Coachella for the past 10 years.

Q4: What do you believe is your favorite part of Glenn? 

The students, working with students and giving them a safe environment. My strongest belief is having a bully-free campus and providing a safe area for the students to hang out. I sometimes find kids by themselves, and I tell them that, “You can come hang out in my area, you don’t have to talk to me but just feel safe.” They come and sit around where I’m at, and I just kinda keep an eye on them. Knowing I have a safe environment for the students brings me warmth to my heart.

Q5: What is your average, out-of-school life like? Do you have any pets, children, etc?

I have 2 daughters, 16 and 18. I have 3 pets; I have Lucy, a 12-year-old turtle, who has been with us since she was a baby. She’s a tortoise and she’s huge. And we also have a dog and a cat. I also love the outdoors and like to do hiking.

Q6: If you could give the students one piece of advice (Life, School, etc.), what would you say?

Say no to drugs, and Yes to hugs.

Q7: Any final comments or statements?

Don’t be a fool, stay in school!

Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Savala-Lee

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By: Orion

Mrs. Savala-Lee has been selected as teacher of the year, and I had the pleasure of sitting down with her to make conversation and discuss some questions I had for her.

How long have you been teaching at Glenn and in general?

“I started teaching in Norwalk-La Mirada in 1987 at Edmondson, I taught third grade for three years, then fifth grade for two years. And when Waite opened up as a middle school, I taught Eighth grade for three years. And in 1997, I came to Glenn to do a program called Puente, it was to help students get into college, it was like AVID but a little different ya know. So, I’ve been here since ‘97.”

Did you plan on becoming an English teacher or a teacher at all?

“No. I didn’t plan that, my major was liberal studies and while I was in liberal studies classes, I heard other people talk about what they were gonna do, and they talked about being a historian, a librarian, a lawyer, or a teacher. And none of those sounded good to me except a teacher, and I went and got a teacher’s aide job and I liked being in the classroom. And I got a substitute teaching job, and that’s when I realized that this is what I’m gonna do, I’m gonna be a teacher.”

What did you originally want to do?

“I think I just wanted to be a wife and a mom, an educated wife/mom, maybe go to a community college, take some art classes, ceramic, and just have a good/proper family. (Jokingly) And in the end I have no children, things don’t turn out the way you plan, ok.”

What are your alumni?

“Cal State Fullerton and Cyprus College”

Retirement plans/parties? 

“Throw parties, yes, I’ll have several. Small groups ya know I’ll have a special one with my teacher friends, one with my family, just friends from the past that don’t fit either group, but ya know I’m close to them. So ya I will celebrate. But as far as I’m going to tour the world or bucket list, I don’t have any, I am very content with staying at home, taking care of the house, making it pretty aesthetically beautiful.

I have my two dogs Violet and Olive (pictured, left), I wanna take care of them. I still have my mom, I can drive her to Mervyn’s/Kohls if she can’t, but yeah if someone invited me to Italy I would go. I like being athletic, workout, running, whatever comes my way I’ll make use of it or not.”

Hobbies? Goals?

“I wanna play the guitar, I bought one eight years ago when my husband passed away because I didn’t know what to do that summer. I thought I’d learn how to play but instead it’s been a piece of art hanging on my wall, no not here, at my house, and I look at it, I have music, it sometimes I pluck on it to have fun, I wanna do gardening in my yard, running, working, might even learn to bake some bread.”

How was online teaching for you? Would you do it again?

“I would only do it again if I had to, it was … terrible, I never knew if my students were with me, I couldn’t really see my students doing the work and I like to be watching them. I couldn’t do my spelling tests and that’s a big deal to me that kids know how to spell. I couldn’t teach cursive and that’s important to me that students know how to handwrite, I couldn’t be how I really wanted to be as a teacher, and I don’t think students really gained much from it and that bothers me too. So only if I have too.”

Are you hopeful for the future?

“For my own life I am very healthy and feel really good on how I lived my life up to this point, that I feel going into retirement, I still feel very young, even though my age says I’m old. But I think that’s what I’d recommend to everybody to take care of their health while they’re young and that way when the time comes you can be free from work and you’ll be able to enjoy whatever lifestyle you want. But as far as education goes, I don’t wanna say this to sound terrible, but it’s not what it used to be. I would love to see be 1987 again, I’m not crazy about the laptops and computers and all that, I think they’re good for one reason and they’re entertaining and fun, but in another way it’s made kids antisocial and too dependent on immediacy, I mean I dunno, I’m old fashioned.”

What do you think of all the dad joke posters around the school, do you know who does them?

“I love them, I think they’re great, I like clean humor, I think it’s more creative than dirty humor, and no I don’t know.”

Staff Spotlight for December: Mr. Johnny Brown

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By Naidy Cuadras

Many students and staff at the school have had several questions about new Southeast Academy teacher Mr. Brown. Mr. Johnny Brown is an African-American man who was born and raised in California. He is a teacher at Southeast Academy and he teaches Academic Enrichment. He enjoys being active, listening to music, watching sports, and enjoys the company of his friends and traveling.

In an interview, Mr. Brown said, “To me being a successful teacher involves putting students first, having a desire to grow and evolve and the rest will fall into place.” After working with children in an after-school program, he decided to pursue a career as a teacher. His desire to work with children began there, and he chose to pursue a career as a teacher. He’s always been curious about what it’s like to teach in our district. He was thrilled when the chance arose.

Evan Patino, a cadet who has Mr. Brown as a teacher said, “He is very funny and kind. He knows different subjects and is really helpful. He takes the time to help each and every one of us and even asks the other teachers at the school for clarification.” Friendly, funny, respectful, outgoing, and resilient were some of the adjectives Mr. Brown used to characterize himself. Furthermore, Southeast offers structure and discipline, which he appreciates.

Master Sergeant Allard stated, “He is very professional and looks out for the cadets’ best interests. He is also very approachable and constantly interacts with other teachers.” Because the school is smaller, Mr. Brown feels a strong feeling of community among the Southeast staff and students. He’s impressed by the students’ interactions with one another and how respectful they are to the teachers and campus staff. The teachers he has come into contact with have been really friendly, approachable, and passionate about what they teach. Mr. Brown is a very good teacher that will help cadets grow at this school.

Eagle Staff Spotlight October 2021: Mrs. Maleno Braun

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By Edmund Shryock

Questions:

  1. How long have you been teaching at Glenn?

“I have been a teacher for six years here at John Glenn, I was also an AVID Tutor for 2 years.” Mrs. Braun has been a serving member of the district for 8 years. 

  1. What is your favorite part about John Glenn? 

“I love the community on campus and the family feel from the students. My students go out of their way to make me feel appreciated as a teacher.” 

  1. What clubs and activities are you involved with on campus?

“I participate in the Cinema club!”

  1. Did you always want to be a teacher? 

“No way! When I was younger I did not want to be a teacher.” She realized in her 20’s that she really enjoys helping people. She expressed how, “It takes time to know who you are as a person, and to accept yourself.” 

  1. Favorite genre of music?

Mrs. Braun really enjoys 90s rock. Her favorite band is Weezer.

  1. What do you do in your free time?

“If I am not playing with my kids, I love spearfishing, rock climbing, and rollerskating.” Mrs. Braun is a certified free diver who has the ability to hold her breath for 3 minutes and dive to 60 feet underwater. She is also a rescue certified scuba diver. 

  1. Favorite sports team?

She does not watch professional sports but she follows the Orange County Octopush Team, which is an underwater hockey team. She has played before and was quick to admit that it is a really difficult sport.

  1. Favorite movie?

“My favorite movie is Labyrinth!” she said with excitement. One of her favorite things about the movie is that it had the singer David Bowie which she really enjoys. 

  1. Any advice that you would like to give the student body at Glenn?

“Find what motivates you in life, whether it is a hobby, sport or an idea! However, find something you love to do because doing it will bring you joy in life when things get tough.” 

  1. Anything else you would like the students to know about yourself?

“I have a lot of hidden talents, however if you do not ask me, I won’t end up sharing. I am more than just a teacher, so reach out if you ever see me!” 

Eagle Staff Spotlight: Mr. Derrick Wroten

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By Orion

Meet the Bugle Staff Spotlight member of the month, Mr. Derrick Wroten. Mr. Wroten is a long time Social Studies and Child Development/ACE Academy teacher in room 707.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: This would be my 18th year.

Q: Did you always plan on teaching?

A: I have known since high school that I wanted to work with high school students, but originally I wanted to be counselor. I eventually became a teacher instead.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: I went to Riverside Community College then transferred to Cal State Long Beach

Q: Are you planning on involving yourself in clubs?

A: I was planning on doing a DJ Club but only two people showed up, one of which thought it was the Gamers Club, which is now run by Mr. C.

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Q: What do you do in your free time? Hobbies?

A: I DJ for backyard stuff, birthday parties, quinces, park gatherings, etc.

Q: How long have you been a DJ?

A: About 8 years now, all the stuff is on the computer.

Q: Any favorite sports you are into? What are your favorite teams?

A: Football it’s the Steelers; soccer is the U.S., more international stuff; basketball it’s the Lakers; baseball is the Dodgers, obviously, and I like boxing.

Q: How long do you plan on teaching?

A: Probably for the next ten years or so.

Staff spotlight: Custodians

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By Jimmy Gomez

One year has passed since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and finally, the reopening of schools is starting to become an even greater discussion. Custodians have played an important role in the reopening of schools and are helping prepare for hybrid learning in order for the students and staff to feel safe to return to school.

Even though health workers and law enforcement are crucial during these times, we can not forget about our custodial staff. Our custodial staff consists of: Carlos Feliciano (Head Custodian), Robert Lopez (Day Custodian), Daniel Vargas (Night Lead Custodian), Anthony Zaragoza (Night Custodian), and Paul Galvan (Night Custodian).

At school, they have been preparing and setting up the classrooms and other parts of the campus, which has made it reassuring to return to school. “We have been trying to keep busy setting up for hybrid learning and taking care of other projects that are not possible during regular class hours and days,” says Mr. Galvan. Some of the actions they have taken to prevent more COVID-19 cases from arising at school are setting up each desk with clear plastic dividers, measuring & separating desks to make sure they are 6 feet apart, and having marked stand-by lines for entrances and exits.

The custodians have also made sure that all the classrooms and offices are deep cleaned and disinfected after being used by any staff. They have also been adding air purifiers to all rooms, gyms, and offices and have been removing any extra furniture to make as much space possible. Mr. Zaragoza stated, “As a custodian it’s just preparing for new safety measures we must take to make sure students and staff can return to school and feel safe to want to come back.” 

The pandemic has also affected the custodial staff and the work that they do. They no longer have students to take care of, which is an important part of their job. Mr. Zaragoza says, “Covid has been tough, with the schools being closed and the world being closed, it’s given me little options to do anything.” Others have lost loved ones or family members. I’m sure that most of us, if not all, can relate to this. And it has not been such a grand experience. However, they have found ways to distract themselves and do things that they love.

I am sure that I can speak on behalf of the seniors of this year’s graduating class that we are thankful for them because without our custodians, there wouldn’t be any possibility that we could return to school. Some of us have lost our motivation, but returning to campus as a student for the last time is meaningful to us. It is important that we remind ourselves that our custodians work very hard to make sure that we are safe and comfortable at school. Not only during this pandemic, but also during “normal times.”

The Bugle thanks them all for their work and the actions they have taken in order to make us feel safe.

Eagle Staff Spotlight: Ms. Monica Afshar

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By Aideth Palacios

For this month’s Eagle Staff Spotlight, I wanted to share with you all someone special on our campus, Ms. Monica Afshar. Ms. Afshar is our College and Career Counselor, and this past Friday I had the honor of interviewing her. I learned a lot from her and I would like to inform you guys about someone who you can go to for guidance in your education. 

Ms. Afshar received her Bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Barbara and a Masters degree and P.P.S. credential from Cal State Dominguez Hills. Just like many of us, Ms. Afshar was a first-generation college student with parents who did not attend college. When she was younger, she also struggled in applying for college and figuring out what career she wanted to pursue. Luckily, she received guidance from her school counselor as well, who helped her figure out everything.

Ms. Afshar told me that the reason she decided to become a counselor was to serve others and for students to have someone they can rely on without feeling intimidated. Ms. Afshar is a woman whom students can feel comfortable with.

Many students are afraid to seek help from teachers because they are afraid of feeling intimidated. But I have worked with Ms. Afshar, and she creates a comfortable atmosphere in which you are not afraid to ask for help. Students need this! Students can relate to her and feel comfortable when asking for help. Just like me and many of you guys, Ms. Afshar is Hispanic and understands the struggles we face. It’s nice to have someone on campus that understands you. I personally relate to Ms. Afshar because just like her I am going to be a first-gen college student. It was hard for me to navigate the educational system and apply for college, but Ms. Afshar was a tremendous help! She guided me and was there every step of the way during these hard times of COVID-19. Whenever I needed help, I would email her and she was there. 

A recommendation from Mrs. Afshar to our seniors is to make sure to fill out the FAFSA, PLEASE! If you need help, seniors, Ms. Afshar is glad to help. Just email her at her school email MAfshar@nlmusd.k12.ca.us or you can contact through Schoology as well. She also has a helpful page on the JGHS website that includes helpful information called Afshar’s College and Career Corner.

Besides helping seniors, she would like to let all the freshman, sophomores, and juniors to try and aim for the best grades and try their best. She also recommends for students to start researching colleges and looking for your passion, so that when you get to your senior year you have an idea of what you would like to pursue. High school gives students an opportunity for exploration, says Ms. Afshar, and she is absolutely right.

With that being said I recommend for you all to visit Ms. Afshar and set up a Zoom meeting with her to talk about your college needs. She is extremely helpful and patient when helping out students. Ms. Afshar wanted to let you all know that she is blessed to be at our school and that she is here to help you all!