Students at Westpark Elementary School received a pretty big surprise earlier this week.

Sultan Kösen, recognized by the Guinness World Records organization as the tallest living man at 8 feet 3 inches, stopped by for a visit with some much shorter second- and fourth-graders to field questions, pose for photos — like the one on the right with Westpark Principal Ann Marie Simmons – and even dunk a basketball.

A resident of Mardin, Turkey, Kösen was in town for the Anatolian Cultures and Food Festival in Costa Mesa. Turns out he’s friends with a Westpark family and was amenable to meeting some of the children’s classmates on Tuesday.

Kösen doesn’t speak English, but he did have an interpreter on hand to help him chat with the Westpark students, who had plenty of questions, including:

“How much do you eat in a day?” (Kösen said he eats about twice as much as a man of average height.)

“Do you like being tall?” (It’s fun to be tall, he said.)

“How do you travel?” (Small vehicles can be difficult, but he said he can generally squeeze into a car and have someone else quickly shut the door.)

A special thanks to Westpark parent Michelle Greenwalt for sharing this story and the photos.

An experienced educator with an extensive background in alternative and special education programs has been selected to serve as the Irvine Unified School District’s next director of special education, Superintendent Terry L. Walker announced Thursday.

Mark G. Miller, who currently oversees Creekside and San Joaquin high schools as the district’s director of alternative education, will succeed Mary Bevernick, who has announced plans to retire later this year. Pending approval by the IUSD Board of Education, Miller will begin on July 1.

“We could not be more excited to secure a leader of this caliber for such a critical role,” Superintendent Walker said. “Mark embodies each of our district’s core values. He is a highly collaborative leader with great integrity, committed to working closely with the educators in our organization and the parents of our community to meet the needs of each student.”

“Mark also has a breadth and depth of experience that few can match,” Walker said. “Not only has he led a model alternative education program, he has developed and implemented core curriculum for students with special needs and assisted with the opening of a new high school.”

Indeed, Miller began his career as a special education teacher in 1998 at La Costa Canyon High School in the San Dieguito Union High School District. He continued in that capacity at San Clemente High in the Capistrano Unified School District from 2004 to 2006, and two years later he was tapped to help open CUSD’s San Juan Hills High School, where he served as special education department chair, athletic director and, ultimately, assistant principal.

In 2008, he joined IUSD as Irvine High’s assistant principal, and he was hired as the district’s director of alternative education in 2010.

“I am incredibly honored to be selected to lead this district’s efforts to provide the highest quality education for students with special needs,” Miller said Thursday. “Most of all, I cannot wait to begin engaging with parents, students and staff as we pursue this meaningful work.”

A resident of San Clemente, Miller is married with three children. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Chapman University and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in special education from San Diego State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from University of the Pacific.

You may remember that in February IUSD announced its Elementary, Middle and High school Teachers of the Year. Well, today’s the day the district does the same for classified employees.

The classified ranks include secretaries, custodians, paraeducators, bus drivers, maintenance technicians, clerks, food services staff members and all the other non-certificated workers who make IUSD tick. Most are represented by the California School Employees Association, and this morning five of them will be surprised at their work sites as this year’s Classified Employees of the Year.

Word will travel via a caravan of well-wishers that includes board members Sharon Wallin and Lauren Brooks, Superintendent Terry Walker, district staff and CSEA representatives. We’ll also be tagging along to post live dispatches from each location, so be sure to check back with us throughout the morning. (And please forgive any typos.)

This year’s Employees of the Year were selected by a committee comprising local CSEA President Janelle Cranch, IUSD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Eamonn O’Donovan, Human Resources Director Rena Thompson and the five winners from last year.

In all, there are approximately 1,200 classified employees in the district. To honor their contributions, IUSD’s Board of Education recently passed a resolution proclaiming this week “Classified School Employee Week.”

OK, that’s enough background for now. Here we go.

***

8:25 a.m., Maintenance and Operations

Our first stop of the day is IUSD’s Maintenance and Operations facility, where paint foreman Isaac Indich has just been named a 2013 Classified Employee of the Year.

Isaac was called out of a meeting for the announcement, which took place in front of his coworkers and his wife of 36 years, Marina Indich.

“I’m very surprised,” he said, “and I appreciate every one of you.”

A district employee for nearly 32 years, Isaac oversees the paint shop and two paint technicians. He has a reputation for eliminating graffiti almost immediately, and he even introduced a special coating to protect murals and other campus assets. He also seeks out the latest decking materials to keep surfaces safe, as well as protective coating to prevent corrosion.

Colleagues say he has dedicated his life to ensuring that Irvine’s schools look exceptional, maintaining the highest of standards despite IUSD’s rapid growth.

Isaac said he had no idea the honor was coming, despite an unusual request made a day earlier.

“My wife said yesterday, ‘Make sure your uniform is clean,’” he said.

***

9:16 a.m., Westpark Elementary School

Moments ago we learned that Ingrid Green, an instructional assistant at Westpark Elementary School, is IUSD’s second Classified Employee of the Year.

Westpark used a routine fire drill to deliver the good news in front of the entire student body and staff.

“I’m just surprised and shocked,” Ingrid said. “Speechless.”

In her role as library/media specialist, Ingrid manages the check-out system, coordinates guest readers, organizes book fairs, works with teachers to ensure library materials align with the curriculum and utilizes technology to support learning. Yet her impact on Westpark goes far deeper. She also coordinates many of the school’s signature events, including Westpark’s talent show and spring musical, creating extraordinary opportunities for students.

Coworkers say she remains quiet and humble about her work despite her many contributions. But her students were wiling to speak up on her behalf Wednesday.

“You have to confirm that she deserves this by making a lot of noise,” Superintendent Walker quipped to the crowd, which responded with a howling chorus of approval.

***

10:00 a.m., South Lake Middle School

We’re now at South Lake Middle School, where instructional assistant Vanessa Byrne was just announced as the third Classified Employee of the Year.

South Lake teachers and support staff packed into the staff lounge for this announcement, joined by Vanessa’s husband, James; her mother, Annabel Garcia; and her sister, Amanda Garcia. After a few congratulatory words, cake was cut and passed around the room.

“I’m at a total loss for words,” Vanessa said. “I mean, this is my job, and to get an award for doing what I do is just awesome.”

A member of the South Lake staff for about a decade, Vanessa works with students with special needs, and she has been uncompromising in her commitment to their academic, social and emotional success.

She is considered a model instructional assistant who possesses a great insight into why and how students succeed, and her expertise is highly regarded among certificated staff members. Indeed, teachers at South Lake say Vanessa is a gifted collaborator who brings new and innovative ideas to the classroom, merging warmth and compassion with high expectations.

***

10:30 a.m., Lakeside Middle School

Lakeside Middle School is our next stop, and head custodian Jesus Cazares is in the spotlight. He’s just been named IUSD’s fourth Classified Employee of the Year.

Jesus’s wife, Mely, and the couple’s three children joined the celebration on the playground, where Lakeside students and staff had gathered for another fire drill. The announcement ignited a raucous round of applause.

Jesus enthusiastically lifted his gift basket over his head.

“Only took 25 years but it was well worth it,” he said.

Not only does Jesus keep the campus immaculate, he provides an extra set of eyes for student supervision and even offers to assist with cafeteria duties.

When students are preparing to take exams or drama performances are coming up, Jesus is one step ahead, doing whatever it takes to ensure a smooth event. And when campus fixtures are in need of repair, he takes care of them immediately.

Members of the Lakeside staff say Jesus has a tremendous attitude and consistently goes above and beyond in service of his school.

So that’s four down and one to go. And where are we headed for the final stop? We’re thinking maybe an elementary school. Maybe one with “Stone” in the name.

***

11:00 a.m., Stone Creek Elementary School

And IUSD’s fifth and final Classified Employee of the Year is … Anne Melanson, administrative assistant to the principal at Stone Creek Elementary School.

Anne was also celebrated on the playground of her school by the entire student body and staff, who promptly outfitted her with a crown and a set of wings. At about that time her husband, Dan, emerged from the crowd along with her daughter, Susan Adams, and her sister, Mary Clarke, who is a kindergarten teacher at Canyon View Elementary.

“I was totally shocked,” Anne told the NewsFlash. “They kept it an amazing secret. My family and everything — I had no clue.”

The honor was especially timely considering her plans to retire at the end of this year.

“This is my Stone Creek family,” she said. “I’m going to miss them all.”

Considered the heart of Stone Creek, Anne is the consummate problem-solver and the go-to person for questions and urgent demands, responding to each with patience, compassion and wisdom.

A leader by example, she often works nights and weekends to ensure her school runs smoothly, and she pursues professional development opportunities for the benefit of Stone Creek.

Anne is also credited with exceptional organization skills. Coworkers say she has developed a number of effective strategies to make their jobs easier, including a year-end checklist for teachers.

***

So that’s it from the field, but before signing off we’d like to congratulate this year’s Classified Employees of the Year.

We should note that each will receive $1,000 courtesy of CSEA Chapter 517, as well as a jacket and commemorative plaque. They’ll also be honored at an upcoming meeting of the IUSD Board of Education, and we suspect they’ll receive more than their share of high-fives this week.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it to this year’s BryWorld Multicultural Festival, but Brywood Elementary parent and coordinator Vida Gotico was kind enough to share a few photos and a rundown of the popular event, which drew some 1,500 students, staff, parents and community members.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on May 3, the Brywood campus was transformed into an international festival of food-tasting, art, crafts and cultural performances, punctuated by the “Parade of Nations,” featuring students in traditional costumes.

Organized by Brywood’s PTA, the ninth annual event was “a way of opening the community’s minds to the beauty and treasures each culture has to offer,” Gotico said.

“Students from many and diversified cultures attend Brywood,” she said, “and the festival is a chance to experience all of them within their very own school.”

We’re told face-painting, a photo booth, a cake walk and teachers’ raffles were also part of the fun.

Photos courtesy of Vida Gotico

IUSD’s four comprehensive high schools have earned spots on yet another list of the nation’s best.

Earlier this month, we told you about the U.S. News & World Report breakdown. Well, this time around it’s the merged forces of Newsweek and The Daily Beast, which recently ranked the 2,000 public high schools they consider the best at producing college-ready graduates.

What’s most impressive is that Newsweek’s lineup of “America’s Best High Schools” places all of IUSD’s comprehensive sites within the top 600. University High School leads the way at No. 102, followed by Northwood High at No. 156, Woodbridge High at No. 231 and Irvine High at No. 585.

Published on May 6, the Newsweek/Daily Beast list is said to be based on a formula that factors in graduation rates, college acceptance rates, advance placement tests and college-entrance exams. You can read the full methodology here.

To check out the list, click here.

Meadow Park Elementary is turning 25, and school leaders are inviting students, staff, families, community members and alumni to come celebrate with an ice cream social and a night out on Friday, May 31.

The event is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. with historical displays, activities for kids and food trucks serving dinner and ice cream. A special 25th anniversary ceremony is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Meadow Park has much to be proud since opening in 1988, receiving a national Blue Ribbon in 1999 and twice earning California Distinguished School honors. In 2011, M.P. was even named the best elementary school in the county by the Orange County Register.

Organizers say a number of booths will be set up on May 31 to highlight the last quarter-century, allowing current and former Mustangs an opportunity to gather with friends, flip through yearbooks and share memories.

Meadow Park is located at 50 Blue Lake South. For more information, contact the school at 949-936-5900.

A couple weeks ago we told you about a pair of University High students who advanced to the semifinal round of the Vans Custom Culture art contest by designing their own custom Vans shoes.

Well, we just learned that Uni junior Aki Barbar and senior Katherine Wang have won their regional showdown, and that means they’ll be traveling to New York along with four other finalist teams for a big grand prize announcement.

How big? The winning team will earn $50,000 for its school’s art program, while the four runners-up will each be awarded $4,000 for their programs.

“We are so proud of the girls for creating such incredible pieces for the contest,” Uni Principal John Pehrson said this week. “We are also so thankful for all the fans that voted, both within the UHS community and across the county.”

Beginning in February, teams from 1,500 public and private high schools from throughout the U.S. had an opportunity to design up to four pairs of blank shoes to represent the themes of action sports, music, art or local flavor. The contest was billed as a way to promote creativity while drawing attention to the importance of art in schools.

Aki and Katherine went for it, and you can click on the image above to more closely inspect their custom kicks.

That entry placed them among 50 national semifinalists, and an online vote narrowed the field to five. The grand prize winner and runners-up are now set to be announced in N.Y.C. on June 11. Meanwhile, the Journeys apparel company also plans to issue a separate award of $10,000 for the school that produced the best “Local Flavor”-themed shoe.

Way to go, Aki and Katherine. We hope to have more good news to report next month.

Alexander Jow, a senior from University High School, has been announced as one of 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Established in 1964, the highly selective awards program annually honors graduating seniors based on their “academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals,” according to the May 6 news release.

“Presidential Scholars demonstrate the accomplishments that can be made when students challenge themselves, set the highest standards, and commit themselves to excellence,” Duncan said. “I’m honored to celebrate their creativity, hard work, and community service, and I encourage them—and all students—to continue to showcase the capacity for greatness in our nation’s young people.”

That less than 150 earned the honor is pretty impressive considering there are three million prospective graduates in the country. Of those, more than 3,300 qualified for consideration based on their College Board SAT and ACT exams, or through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation.

Selections were ultimately made by The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, which is appointed by President Obama.

Incidentally, candidates for the award were asked to name their most influential teacher. Alexander cited David Knight, named IUSD’s High School Teacher of the Year in 2011.

The Orange County Register has more here. (Subscription required.)

It’s Friday, May 10, the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’ve got a yarn to spin.

A few days ago, some Eastshore Elementary School sixth-graders decided to show their gratitude toward teacher Patricia Goheen in a pretty colorful way — by “yarn bombing” the railing outside her classroom.

For those of you who haven’t heard of it, yarn bombing is a relatively new type of street art in which public structures are wrapped in knitted or crocheted displays. Not only are they pleasant to look at, but they’re also easily removable.

We’re told that Goheen, a sixth-grade APAAS teacher, likes to knit in her spare time, and this year she taught her class how to knit during lunchtime. That gave student Morgan Kopecky the idea, which they carried out on Monday. (Click on either of the photos to enlarge them.)

“With the help of three other girls, they got busy knitting and made an amazing memory for their teacher,” said Scott Kopecky, who is Morgan’s father and Eastshore’s PTA president.

And what was Goheen’s reaction?

“I am utterly delighted, I have to tell you,” she said. “I love it.”

OK, so we’re a little late with this one, but we wanted to share a quick story about Earth Day at Alderwood Elementary School.

Sixth-grade teacher Dan Grubb tells us that volunteers from Cox Communications and OneOC arrived on April 22 to help prep the school’s planting beds with new top soil. Pairs of sixth-graders took it from there, planting zucchini and cucumbers that the students grew from seeds.

Alderwood also expanded its growing capacity by building a special hydroponics system that used coconut coir inside a recyclable plastic bag instead of traditional soil. Grubb called it a “grow wall,” and it took shape with the help of former Alderwood student Clifford Kao, who is now the agrosystems director for AmeriPacific.

The work, Grubb said, was part of a service-learning project that produced food for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and offered a curricular connection.

“There is a direct connection to the ancient civilizations and the agricultural revolution,” he said. “All of these civilizations flourished because of a surplus of crops. … The grow wall is new technology and very different from agriculture in ancient times, like the raised beds we are using now.”

Incidentally, that wasn’t the only way Grubb chose to celebrate Earth Day. He also rode a Pedego electric bike to work from his home in Portola Hills, with the 11.2-mile trip taking him about 30 minutes.