Community welcomes new teachers

The Shafter Kiwanis Club welcomed

the new teachers in Shafter schools with

its annual New Teachers Luncheon Friday,

August 13 at the Shafter Veterans Hall.

Each year, the organization hosts the

local schools and their new teachers, introducing

them to the community.

Several council members were on hand,

as well as local business owners and community

members.

Kiwanis President Phillip Jimenez introduced

the administrators of each school

district, allowing them to speak on each of

the new employees.

Diane Barnett, principal at Golden Oak

Elementary, introduced her new teachers,

who were very excited to begin their school

years in Shafter.

Barnett welcomed Jose Montelongo,

who is the new vice principal at Golden

Oak. She also introduced two new second

grade teachers, Ashley Mireles and Cecilia

Arellano. Arellano is the new Dual Immersion

teacher. Vanessa Martinez is Golden

Oak’s newest fifth grade teacher. Martinez

attended Shafter schools throughout growing

up. She is excited to be giving back to

the community.

Sinay Serrano was introduced as a Special

Education teacher. Golden Oak also

has a new Preschool Special Education