A Culture of Excellence: San Miguel Educators Exemplify Lifelong Learning
At San Miguel School, we take immense pride in our outstanding faculty—a diverse group of 12 mission-driven educators who form the backbone of our transformative program. Our teachers are highly qualified and dedicated to their craft as well as deeply committed to the holistic development of our students. Many are bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English, and most possess or are actively pursuing advanced degrees to further enhance their teaching skills.
Given our school's intimate size and modest budget, our teachers often wear multiple hats, showcasing their versatility and unwavering commitment to student success. From our sixth-grade language arts teacher, Ms. Babcock, who also serves as the librarian and cross country coach to Mr. Fahsel, our PE instructor who teaches social studies and coaches soccer and basketball, our educators go above and beyond their traditional roles. They work nine-hour days and lead various extracurricular clubs, fostering strong, supportive relationships with students—a crucial factor in academic success.
Thank you, Families!
San Miguel family members went above and beyond during this year’s Teacher Appreciation week. The San Miguel staff and faculty was showered with delicious meals each day, floor to ceiling decorations, personalized gifts, and most meaningfully, heartfelt gratitude for all they do each day from the students and their families alike.
We are particularly proud of the advanced degrees held by many of our faculty members, with several currently pursuing further education. Ms. Maria Jardeleza, who teaches religion, social studies, and independent reading, exemplifies this dedication to lifelong learning. Not only does she hold a Master's of Arts and Teaching, but she is also currently pursuing a law degree from American University. This pursuit of knowledge and personal growth is a testament to the caliber of educators at San Miguel.
Mrs. Diana Aguilar (left) has taught at San Miguel since its inception in 2002 and has been instrumental in developing our outstanding arts program. Ms. Jardeleza (right) holds a Master’s Degree and is currently pursuing a law degree from American University, a surefire asset to her students as she teaches them World History in addition to other subjects.
Among our esteemed faculty, Mrs. Diana Aguilar stands out as a shining example of dedication and service. As our longest-serving educator, Mrs. Aguilar has been an integral part of San Miguel School since its inception in 2002. For over two decades, she has taught in virtually every capacity, consistently striving to enhance her instruction and engage students in innovative ways. Her unwavering commitment to the school, its mission, and the success of our students is truly remarkable. Mrs. Aguilar's passion for the arts has been instrumental in developing San Miguel's outstanding art program, which has become a cornerstone of our curriculum. Her tireless efforts have not only enriched the lives of countless students but have also contributed significantly to the vibrant and well-rounded educational experience that defines San Miguel.
Congratulations, Dr. Palank!
Second only in tenure to Ms. Aguilar, Principal Palank has been a pillar of the San Miguel community for 17 years. Starting as a teacher in 2007, he assumed the role of principal in 2014, and has since led the school with unwavering dedication and vision. We are thrilled to congratulate Dr. Palank on his remarkable achievement of earning his doctorate degree for Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. This accomplishment not only showcases his commitment to lifelong learning but also serves as an inspiring example for our students and faculty alike. Dr. Palank's pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth perfectly embodies the high standards of achievement that our educators both teach and model every day.
At San Miguel, we are immensely grateful for the exceptional educators who tirelessly work to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders. We are equally thankful for the incredible dedication and generosity of our students' families. This past Teacher Appreciation Week, the outpouring of love, warmth, and gratitude from our San Miguel community was truly overwhelming. From homemade meals to personalized gifts for each staff member, the affection and appreciation shown by our San Miguel families spoke volumes about the strong bonds that exist within our school community. It is clear that our students are surrounded on all sides by incredible role models—not only their teachers but also their devoted family members. With such a strong foundation of support, our students are well-equipped to embrace the challenges of their educational journey and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.