Recommendations

"At the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year, I was left with an unexpected vacancy when one of my third grade teachers had to take an unplanned medical leave.  I knew that I needed someone who could come in and form almost immediate connections with students to provide them with cohesive instruction.  I interviewed several candidates, but Amanda impressed me the most with her ‘hunger’ to build a positive classroom experience for her students.  She began work in the Sto – Rox Elementary School in August 26, 2014, and she quickly became an integral part of the third grade team.  She immediately set to work and formed relationships with her colleagues.  She was not reluctant to ask for guidance or suggestions about her practice and took recommendations to heart.  Because of her true compassion and interest in what her students were involved in, it was quickly apparent that her students had a genuine respect for her.  Her classroom was one that welcomed all students and found innovative ways, like the Classroom Dojo, to support positive behaviors.  She was fair and consistent in dealing with students and consistently modeled positive interactions.  Additionally, Ms. Ocando often participated in activities outside of school, such as our Title I Family Nights, to build connections with students’ families."

-Mrs. Rachel Gray

Sto-Rox Elementary Principal 

"I want to touch on a skill Ms. Ocando is particularly strong in.  She has wonderful behavior management.  I worked closely with Ms. Ocando throughout the year in this arena.  She had several students in her classroom with difficult behaviors and mental health issues.  Ms. Ocando did an amazing job with these students.  She gave important input in developing behavior plans and interventions and was diligent in following through with the measures that were put into place.  There is also an intangible quality to the way she interacts with students that minimized behavioral problems in her classroom."

-Mrs. Taylor

Sto-Rox Elementary Guidance Counselor 

"I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Ocando during the 2014-2015 school year. Ms. Ocando was a great asset to our third grade team. She did not hesitate to ask for assistance and suggestions, and she was always willing to help with any activities throughout the school year on grade level and building level projects. Ms. Ocando was adored by her students and she has developed a great rapport with many students in the building. I truly enjoyed working with Ms. Ocando and would be pleased to have her as my colleague."

-Bonnie Harbaugh

Third Grade Teacher, Sto-Rox Elementary School

"I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Ocando when she so effectively stepped into a 3rd grade long term sub position on short notice. Her dedication to each child she taught was remarkable. She always had the best interest of all students in mind and in turn gained respect from even the most difficult students. Her classroom management skills are phenomenal and always had students actively engaged in her lessons.

As far as a colleagues she really was a team player who was always willing to give input and to put in the extra time into finding ways to help her students succeed. These attributes were exhibited through her dedication to the school by attending after school theme nights and volunteering her time."

-Jennine Osborne
Third Grade Teacher, Sto-Rox Elementary School