This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Lisa Reina from Sierra Vista Middle School in California. Nominator Ryan Price writes:
Lisa Reina is a force of nature! She has been the ASB and Renaissance advisor at Sierra Vista Middle School for 25 years. This year she and the school are celebrating their 50th Renaissance Rally under her leadership. Along with the initial team (who have all moved on to retirement or other adventures), she started the Renaissance program at Sierra Vista 25 years ago. Since then, year after year, she puts on an amazing Renaissance Rallies that celebrate students’ success. She does a great job at training her students to lead the program. They create the themes and scripts, design the shirts, choreograph dances, and create an upbeat celebratory rally all students can enjoy. Over the past 50 rallies, not ONE theme has been repeated. Each one remains fresh and exciting. In addition to that she leads her ASB students, teaches four periods of history, and is a mentor to other teachers. To add to all of this, she is also dealing with her daughter’s battle with Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. Despite these difficulties, she manages to give her best self to her students and the school community. When I say she is the heart of the school culture at Sierra Vista, it would be an understatement.
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
25 years
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
Our first rally that was completely student created and driven!
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
First, the numbers – every year we see an increase in student success being celebrated at our rallies. Second, creating a culture of success and celebrating our students regularly throughout the year, which has given students a powerful sense of belonging.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
One of my greatest joys has been celebrating student success over the years. I have been blessed to see my leadership students develop new ways to bring Renaissance principles of respecting rewarding and reinforcing positive results at Sierra Vista Middle School.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
Build a team of positive, motivated students and staff to create your Renaissance program. Have your second year students mentor the first year students – the skills achieved are powerful.
Lisa will receive a tote bag and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievement.