The Riverbank Unified School District welcomed educators back from summer break on Monday, Aug. 8. The annual kick-off event featured a welcome address by school board president Suzanne Dean, and an enlightening presentation by Maribel Garcia from Stanislaus Probation and George Papadopoulos from the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency on the Focusing on Children Under Stress (F.O.C.U.S) program. The F.O.C.U.S. program aims to support students who may have been exposed to a stressful or traumatic situation with first responders in the past 24 hours. School superintendent, Dr. Daryl Camp, gave an opening address and encouraged educators to be the “game changers” for students.

For the second consecutive year, the District held a luncheon for all employees. Employees who have served the District for 15, 20, 25 and 30 years were recognized for their service.

The following employees were recognized: for 15 years of service, John Bartlett, David Howard, Socorro Montez, Deborah Opela-Crume, Tara Sydnor, Karen Conrotto, Exiquia Manjarrez, Gracie Northern, Maria Payvar, Braselina Williams and Mary “Liz” Yamzon; for 20 years of service, Angie Alaniz, Stacy Bauer, Davina Cipriano, Nancy Garcia, Martha Lopez, Ellie Oliveira, and Mary Overton; for 25 years of service, Judy Ensley, Olivia Fernandez, Rosie Ramos, and Rosalind Taulbee; and for 30 years of service, Victoria Rios.

The District is able to provide breakfast, lunch and a small token of appreciation for honored employees due to the sponsorship of the following companies: Lozano Smith, Attorneys at Law, Teacher’s Pension & Insurance Services, Timothy P. Huff & Associates, Inc., Capitol PFG, AFLAC, Save Mart Supermarket, Riverbank, Krispy Kreme, Riverbank, Starbucks, Riverbank, and Starbucks, Modesto.