We are so proud to announce that Mrs. Araceli Reyes, our Dual Immersion TK teacher, was named as the Little Lake's Teacher of the Year at our district's annual Teacher Appreciation event!
For those of you who may not know Mrs. Reyes well... She joined our Orr family as a teacher just about 10 years ago, although she was already a part of our community as a parent of Orr. She took over and taught our only TK classroom for many years blazing the path until we were able to add a second class. Not only is she a strong instructional leader in the classroom, but she also takes our youngest students and with love, patience, and care, teaches them how to be students for the first time. Two years ago when asked if she would be interested in starting off a Dual Immersion Program for the district, she immediately said yes wihtout hesitation! She was already an amazing TK teacher, but taking on the role as our first Dual Immersion teacher has lit a fire in Mrs. Reyes and she has done a phenomenal job, attending every PD offered to her, visiting other schools, researching on her own, asking questions, sitting with our district TOSAs and planning how we will not only stay true to Dual Immersion, but maintain cohesion with all of our other TK classes in the district, and now helping us plan all things needed to open our kinder DLI class next year. She is so very proud of her students and often shares their successes with everyone she can. Helping students to realize the power and beauty of being bilingual is a passion for her.
Aside from her role in the classroom, she is an active member of our William Orr team. She has served as our PTO President when we didn't think we would even have a functioning PTO, she serves on our SALT team, and she volunteers at most, if not all, of our community events. She is a light of positivity, always willing to help others, and is always humble and full of grace. When speaking at the event and holding back her tears, Mrs. Reyes said, "I can't wait to call my dad. He's going to be so proud!"
For all of you who have had Mrs. Reyes as your child's teacher over the years, I am sure this recognition is of no surprise to you! Congratulations Mrs. Araceli Reyes! Your Orr family is beyond proud of you!