Farewell
Mira Costa High School’s orchestra director Christopher Schwabe was honored on June 16 as he retires after seven years with the district. The orchestra program began in 2002 with merely a dozen students when Schwabe was coaxed out of retirement and asked to become the director. He expanded the program tenfold and directed the Mira Costa Symphony when they performed at Carnegie Hall in 2006. Schwabe has directed the only two California high school symphony orchestras ever invited to Carnegie Hall, Mira Costa and Santa Monica High School.
School Board President Nancy Hersman said Schwabe brings students to an even higher musical level when they enter high school. Superintendent Bev Rohrer called him the “conductor of conductors.”
After receiving a standing ovation, Schwabe commended the district for its support of music education.
“It was such a privilege and real pleasure knowing and working in this community,” he said.
His wife, Janet Schwabe, the deputy superintendent, will also retire in August.

Teachers of the Year
On June 16, the school board recognized the 2008-09 Site Teachers of the Year.
Grand View Elementary first grade teacher Joanne Guelff was applauded for her caring, dedication and professionalism. She’s well known for the amazing job she does in training parents to be role models, school officials wrote in her nomination papers.
Meadows Elementary School second grade teacher Renee Sokol scrutinizes every district assessment for information to guide her in making inroads in her instruction, the school wrote. She is also known for her expertise with children suffering from anxiety.
Pacific Elementary School had a creative way of explaining the talents of first grade teacher Mariah Cooley. L is for the love she gives that comes straight from the heart, E is for enthusiasm that we’ve never seen fade, and Y is for yay that she’s in first grade, the principal wrote.
Pennekamp Elementary’s 13-year fourth grade teacher Sandra Rumble is well liked, respected, bright, caring and infinitely patient, the school wrote. She is a partner, mentor, inspiration and true friend to colleagues.
The lessons of Lisa Tanita, a second grade teacher at Robinson Elementary, focus on the highest California teaching standards and top research on best teaching practices, the school said. And she’s patient, kind, thoughtful, tenacious, animated and brilliant.
Manhattan Beach Middle School teacher James Locke has earned the love and devotion of parents, teachers and staff as he incorporates his unique experiences to increase students’ love of science, the school said.
Mira Costa High School teacher Shannon Vaughn stands out as a star in a group of amazing teachers by helping students regardless of their ability or motivation. Students adore her, the school said.
Vaughn was also chosen as the District’s Teacher of the Year. ER