Patterson Joint Unified School District recognized two employees of the month at its May 7 board meeting. Susan Ingram, music teacher at Creekside Middle School, and Saberina Reza, administrative secretary at Grayson Charter School, were each honored with a keychain and a gift card.

Creekside Principal Shawn Posey, who nominated Ingram for the award, said he was uplifted by listening to the school band play as he walked across campus. Posey said Ingram made an extra effort to prepare Creekside’s young musicians for concerts and field trips and organize fundraisers so they could gain experience in music.

“She is truly dedicated to the students and the program,” Posey said. “Her job does not stop once she leaves the school campus. I have a music credential myself, and I know the extreme hard work that has to go into these programs.”

Arturo Duran, Grayson principal, nominated Reza as employee of the month. He said Reza had taken charge of Power School, a new student information program, and often helps with duties beyond her job description.

“She is kind and caring for those around her and professional with her peers,” Duran said.

Reza has worked many years at Grayson Charter, and the school’s families are able to relate to her as a familiar presence, Duran said. She finds ways to communicate with the parents and students and shows kindness to all of the school’s staff, he added.