Mark McLaughlin, Principal of Alder Middle School, has been selected as a 2009 VIP Recipient of the California League of Middle Schools Region 10 Educator of the Year award.

Interim Superintendent Oscar Dueñas had high praise for Mr. McLaughlin.  "Mr. McLaughlin and his staff have done an outstanding job moving Alder Middle School forward," said  Mr. Dueñas.  "This past year, their Academic Performance Index gained 80 points and they made all their sub-group targets, which is an incredible achievement.  This recognition is a direct result of Mr. McLaughlin's hard work and dedication making Alder Middle School the very best school it can be and a school that the students and staff can be proud of."

This is only Mr. McLaughlin's second year at Alder.  Previously, he was Principal of Maple Elementary School where he was instrumental in leading the school out of Program Improvement, Year 4 - another amazing feat.

"What a great way to end the 2009 calendar year," said Mr. McLaughlin.  "Receiving the VIP Educator of the Year Award is a great honor.  I know there are many of my colleagues who could have been standing in my place at the Awards Ceremony.  I would like to thank the California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) for nominating and giving me this award.  I would also like to thank all of the Alder staff and District Office Personnel who attended the dinner.  It truly means a lot to me that so many people took time out of their busy lives to spend it with my family that evening.  I can proudly say, 'I am honored to be the Principal at Alder Middle School where the teachers and staff are so dedicated to our Alder students.'  Alder is a great school and a great place to work."

While Mr. McLaughlin remains humble by this recognition, his staff is proud of their principal and quick to praise him.  "It is very rare, if at all, that one person can bring an entire staff together so fast and effectively," said John Peterson, a special education teacher at Alder.  Dr. Rhonda Melrose, a Resource Specialist at Alder, agrees, " Mark is the best thing that has happened to Alder in a long time.  Thanks, Mark, for making Alder that place I always knew it could be!"

Please address questions, comments, and suggestions regarding this web site to: webmaster@fusd.net