Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

5/23/07

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors Honors Jose Pulido-Ortiz

The Auburn School District Board of Directors will recognize Jose Pulido-Ortiz, a fifth grader at Pioneer Elementary School, for being an outstanding student on Tuesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Jose has stretched himself academically since first entering Pioneer Elementary School as a kindergartener. Jose has made great gains in his six years at Pioneer. He began his school career as an English Language Learner and now is on the honor roll at Pioneer. Jose’s teacher, Ms. Capponi-Glidewell, says, “Jose always puts forth his very best effort. He is always paying attention, with his materials out, ready for me to start teaching. Jose embodies all that a good role model should be.”

Role model he is. Jose is kind, courteous and a good listener. According to his teacher, “every teacher that he has had wishes their classroom was filled with Joses.” Jose is also a student-leader who is keen on lending a helping hand. In fact, Jose will see a fellow student in need and immediately offer to help him or her. In many instances, Jose helps students translate questions and their answers from Spanish into English. “Students know they can go to him for help,” remarks Ms. Capponi-Glidewell.

School may not always be easy for Jose, but he doesn’t show it. He is a tenacious worker—and it shows. Jose currently is on the honor roll, which means he maintains a GPA higher than 3.2. He has also met his Accelerated Reader goals twice this year.

Jose is also active in Pioneer’s safety patrol morning squad. As a crossing guard, he arrives to school early to ensure his classmates safely cross the street. Jose is also involved in his church, and he plays soccer and basketball. Often Jose can be found walking and playing with his two-year-old brother—no doubt teaching him what it means to be a responsible person.

Ms. Capponi-Glidewell reports that Pioneer is sad to see Jose go but excited for his future all the same.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.