Congrats, November MPS Shines winners!

Each month, staff have an opportunity to nominate their colleagues for MPS Shines. Winners are randomly chosen from the nominations and receive recognition across MPS newsletters and social media, a coffee mug and other prizes.

Help us congratulate our November MPS Shines winners:

Camilo Caro, English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Andersen United Middle School 

“Camilo is my co-teacher in sixth-grade ELA and works tirelessly to support sixth-grade team staff discussions, creating specific curriculum planning and implementing‬ assessment and rubric programming with choices for all students to be able to achieve‬ success with reaching academic standards. In addition, Camilo works hard to build‬ strong relationships with students calling families when it works for their schedule to get to know how to support our students better.

Camilo's kind, well-balanced approach and high set of values, coupled‬ with his high expectations for meaningful participation, make him a valuable asset to MPS. It is clear to me that Camilo has proven himself as an excellent employee with an ability to‬ build a natural rapport and lasting relationships with both students and colleagues alike. Camilo is one of my favorite things about coming to work each day, he is an amazing colleague and together with the curriculum we develop and the young people we serve, we make an impressive duo here at Andersen United Middle School.”

- Freda Caldwell

 

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Patricia Pendleton, first-grade teacher, Whittier International Elementary

“Patricia works hard to make her room a space where children and adults feel welcome. She has created an environment of fun and rigorous learning. Her commitment to her students and our school community is amazing to watch.”

- Sarah Anderson

 

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Lulu Regules Verduzco, civil rights compliance investigator, MPS Office for Civil Rights 

“I am pleased to nominate Lulu Regules Verduzco for the MPS Shines Award in recognition of her exceptional professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

I began serving as Lulu’s manager on September 30, 2025. From day one, she demonstrated an extraordinary level of preparation and thoughtfulness. Upon my arrival, Lulu had developed a comprehensive two-day onboarding agenda that included documents, forms, templates, training materials, and other essential resources. I was genuinely impressed by the care and detail she put into ensuring I had everything I needed to step confidently into my new role.

As a manager, my goal is always to lead, empower, and encourage my team. Lulu made that transition seamless. She approached my arrival with professionalism and a genuine desire to support my success. In the weeks since, I have continued to see the depth of her work ethic, empathy, and commitment to the mission of our department.

Lulu’s investigative skills are truly outstanding. Her dedication to the investigative process, paired with her eagerness to grow and learn, has been both refreshing and invaluable. She consistently goes above and beyond, and her work not only reflects her own excellence but elevates our entire team. Simply put: she makes me look good!

Lulu is an asset to MPS and a shining example of excellence in civil rights compliance work. She is highly deserving of this recognition.”

 - Rosalind Sullivan

 

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Congratulations to all of our November nominees:

• Monica Avila
• Melinda Brown
• Teri Carter
• Jeffery Carlson
• Jessica Chicaiza
• Katherine (Katie) Fernandez
• Justin Greif
• Sheri Harris
• Opal Kotler
• Gloria Mendiza
• Fanny Newton
• Casey Strecker
• Diane Thorpe
• Sherman Walker