Faces of Fresno Unified Spring 2023 | Page 53

Growing up , Kirk Elementary School staff member Karen Arevalo attended seven different elementary schools in Madera . Two more , and she would have attended every elementary campus in the district .

She knows what it ’ s like to feel disconnected from school .
“ The kids I work with , that was basically me ,” Arevalo said . “ I connect with a lot of kids here .”
Arevalo is a Tier 2 intervention specialist at Kirk Elementary , working with students as part of the district ’ s multi-tiered system of supports for academic , behavior and social success .
Given her background , it ’ s especially important to Arevalo to close those gaps for students who are struggling with attendance and other issues that keep them from doing well academically .
Arevalo is in her first year as the Tier 2 intervention specialist at Kirk , but she feels she is already making a difference with the students , and Principal Tobaise Brookins agrees .
“ Karen Arevalo , or Ms . Karen as she is so affectionately referred to at Great Kirk , is a wonderful contributor to all things ‘ joy ’ at Great Kirk ,” Brookins said . “ Some people go to school for years to try to acquire what she does naturally – love people .
“ Not only does she work tirelessly at maximizing her job duties , but she goes above and beyond to be on the climate and culture team and student store host . The staff , families , and community love Ms . Karen at The Great Kirk Elementary School .”
FACES : LETANYA PATILLA 15