On Monday, August 7, Artesia Public Schools administrative staff, representatives from local businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations, and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce gathered for breakfast before the new staff orientation at the 2023 Bulldog Breakfast to welcome this year’s additions to district staff.
Superintendent Darian Jaramillo led the event, personally introducing the 76 new hires with a brief description of their respective backgrounds and aspects each found exciting concerning the upcoming academic year.
According to Jaramillo, the breakfast is designed to bring the district together and promote a “sense of belonging” among employees by fostering a welcoming atmosphere. More than 60 local businesses and organizations sponsored Artesia themed gift which included customized engraved pencils, orange tumblers, gift cards to local coffee shops and restaurants, and more.
New hires included individuals who have been promoted to full-time from less permanent positions, such as substitute teachers, Artesia natives who are returning to the district, and some who are calling Artesia home for the first time. The employees will fill roles that vary from D Level educational assistant to maintenance and groundskeepers to an assistant principal, with experience ranging from 0 to 24 years of teaching.
Jaramillo stated from the podium during the introductions that two of the recent additions in attendance had been hired the night before, and that the administrative staff is working diligently to fill the few remaining open positions. She explained that many school districts suffer from numerous vacancies but that Artesia does not, which she attributes to the overwhelming support APS receives from the community, as evidenced by events such as the Bulldog Breakfast.
One notable addition to APS staff is Ciadary Rodriguez, P.h.D., who has relocated to the area from her home country of Puerto Rico, where she was a principal. Though nervous to “start again” in a new district, Rodriguez shared with the Press that the community’s palpable passion for education has made her “excited to be a bulldog.”
This sentiment seemed shared by all in attendance, aligning with Superintendent Jaramillo’s vision for the breakfast, when she shared with the Press, “I just want to bring energy to our staff and students.” From the opening prayer to the finishing flight of a room full of paper airplanes, all in attendance spoke to one another with animation and evident excitement for the 2023-2024 school year.
