Ms. Bako is currently a special education teacher at Summit High School, where she also serves as the school's JV Girls Basketball Head Coach, Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant Coach, Cheerleading Assistant Coach, and Football Academic Advisory.  She has held in a variety of leadership positions and is currently the Vice-Chairperson of Summit's School Site Council, Vice President of the School Advisory Committee, and School Site Council Bylaw Committee Chair.

A native of southeastern Michigan, Ms. Bako has a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on learning disabilities from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.  She is currently working on a second Masters Degree from National University in Education Administration.  Ms. Bako held teaching positions in Riverside, California and Garden City, Michigan before beginning her career in Fontana.

Before she began coaching, she played basketball and softball in high school, as well as and softball for Madonna University.  The progression from player to coach was a natural one for Ms. Bako, and not just for her love of sports but for the connection she feels with the student-athletes.  Explained Ms. Bako, "My favorite part of coaching is the relationships I build with my players."

Ms. Bako is one of the first staff members to be hired by Principal Victor Uribe for the new high school, scheduled to open in August 2010.  Said Mr. Uribe, "I am extremely excited about having Melissa onboard.  Her passion and excitement will be a great benefit as we look to open our new school and build from the ground up an excellent athletic program.  Together we will establish new traditions that will be the foundation that will make Jurupa Hills High School one of the best." 

But before the school opens, there is much to be done.  Ms. Bako will officially begin working in her new position on January 1, 2010.  As the school's first Athletic Director, it will be her responsibility to lay the foundation for the school's entire athletic program.  Along with Mr. Uribe, she will hire coaches, and order uniforms and equipment for the various sport programs the school will offer.  She will also begin working on athletic schedules for each sport, along with setting-up transportation and referees.  In the meantime, Ms. Bako will be attending CIF Southern Section meetings to determine which athletic league Jurupa Hills will be placed into.

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