RIDGEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

8501 STINE ROAD BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93313-9331 (661)398-3100

KERN HIGH SCHOOL D|STR|CT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
> Bryan Batey Bob J. Hampton Joel Heinrichs Ken Mettler

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FAX (661) 398-9758 www.khsd.k12.ca.us/ridgeview STEVEN D. HOLMES, PRINCIPAL

Chad Vegas SUPERINTENDENT Donald E. Carter, Ed. D.

May 22, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: Stephanie Costigan has been a full-time science teacher at Ridgeview High School since August of 2011 to the present; teaching biology to a diverse population that has included the extremely motivated and severely reluctant. Ms. Costigan has proven effective teaching students requiring remediation and the highest caliber student Ridgeview High School has to offer in her Advanced Placement Biology class. Her commitment to student learning is evident each day, making her a quality teacher; she has proven to be a major asset to the certificated employee ranks and her absence next year will be evident. Ms. Costigan is recognized for her use of a wide range of effective instructional strategies, respectful and patient classroom management technique, and adhering to the established curricular objectives and standards for her classes. Ms. Costigan is recognized for exceeding all professional teaching standards used by the Kern High School District to evaluate teachers; she does things right and is a model of excellence and professionalism. Stephanie has contributed greatly to the culture of professional collaboration to continuously improve student achievement on the RHS campus. Over the last few years, Ridgeview High School teachers have received significant training in the practice of collaboration. Collaborative time has been structured both within the school day and during the summer months. Ms. Costigan has fully participated in the professional development opportunities provided to our teachers, not only as a "participant" but as a key leader; a risky move for one new to the profession, but a risk she was certainly prepared to assume. The focus of her collaborative work has included: developing and refining essential learning targets, creation of assessments to provide student feedback and guide instruction, incorporation of effective research-based instructional strategies and interventions, and the examination of grading practices that focus on student learning; Ms. Costigan is well-versed in these topics. Serious consideration should be given Ms. Costigan for any professional position; she is outstanding in all respects and will make a fine addition to any school staff, or organization, as both a gifted teacher and leader. If ever provided the opportunity in the future, I'd enthusiastically hire her again. Please feel free to contact me if additional information is required. Sincerely,

Steve Holmes, Principal Ridgeview High School

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER