Fifth graders at work: Yesenia Gonzalez, Jennifer Rivera, Mr. Birkimer, and Arturo Botello.

We are proud to applaud Mark Birkimer as the recipient of the 2008 Masons Outstanding Employee Award. Mr. Birkimer teaches at Art Haycox Elementary in the Hueneme School District. He has worked miracles with the fifth-grade students who arrive daily in Room 16.

Colleagues state that Mr. Birkimer integrates technology, delivers lessons in a structured, organized manner and is a positive male role-model for his students. He has a calming effect upon students. Mr. Birkimer capitalizes on teaching every single moment of the school day. He was overheard saying to his students while escorting them to the recess area, During recess, think mixed numbers.

When you walk into his classroom, right away you notice how organized and neat the room setting is. Walls proudly display student achievement and accomplished goals. There are charts, graphs and student art proudly displayed.

Every day without fail, Mr. Birkimer allows his students to complete class work before school beginning 40 minutes before the actual bell rings. They are dedicated to working on the computer or completing tasks at their desk. In room 16, it always seems to be a working atmosphere.

Mrs. Lee, the schools principal, states Mr. Birkimers class exudes enthusiasm for learning. This esprit de corps makes each student excited to reach his or her personal best.

Mr. Birkimer is respected by other Haycox teachers because they see him teaching and re-teaching before school, during lunch and after school on a daily basis. Mr. Birkimer visibly locates his students in their after school program and helps in anyway he can with teaching concepts and practice problems.

A secret reported by his students: whenever the computer lab is free or a class doesnt show up at the designated time, Mr. Birkimers class goes in for extra practice. All of his students have reached their goals because Mr. Birkimer conferences with each student on a weekly basis reiterating goals and accomplishments. In fact, the class has exceeded sixth grade level in both reading and math.

Brian Du beams, Thank you, Mr. Birkimer. Youre the best! Without you, I wouldnt have gone this far. I learned so much because you have a way of teaching thats more enriched.

There is never an admonishing tone. Mr. Birkimer is always encouraging, praising. The students always do their best because they respect their teacher.

Many students replied that they respect him so much because of the way he gives everyone several chances and the way he treats every student. For example, during math time, he always helps students with the lesson while the others are doing their practice problems.

Jocelyn Herrera is happy to relay, Thank you, Mr. Birkimer for being the greatest teacher ever! And if it werent for you, I wouldnt have accomplished all that I have this year. Jocelyn is proud of earning her goal of over 60 points in reading so far. Every extra moment we have, we spend reading.

Room 16 contains the most prolific reader in the school. Rosio Villapando was the first student to read over 1 million words this year! Mr. Birkimer notes that she was struggling with English just two years ago. She has amazing drive to accomplish goals. She pushes herself to study math and constantly read. She values Mr. Birkimers integrity and imitates his behavior. I learned a lot from him. Hes nice to me.

From the first day of school, Mr. Birkimer set the tone for the year. He told the students that they were going to be the best: as a class. That each student would contribute their part to the whole. Already, they have earned top prizes from the school: as a class. Mr. Birkimer rewards students at lunchtime with Million parties. Every time the class reads 5 million words, the class celebrates their achievement.

Mr. Birkimer is married to a teacher and has two sons in middle school and high school. Students remark that they enjoy Mr. Birkimers lessons enhanced with slide shows taken from family road trips. Says fifth grader Eduardo Coyotzi, He makes learning exciting- not boring.

When interviewed, his students feel ready for 6th grade. They will be going on to Blackstock Jr. High School. Alan Ayala, a current student, wants to say, Thank you, Mr. Birkimer. Youre the best teacher I ever had because youre always encouraging us.

Mrs. Lee and all of Haycox is proud to know such a teacher with excellent character and devotion to his duty as a teacher as well as being a solid role model for all. Thank you, Mark, for the vital role you play in the acquisition of a solid education for all Haycox students who are touched by your spark.

Says Brian Du, He truly wants us to have a good day.

Finally, when it is time for dismissal, each student in Mr. Birkimers class will line up to receive the Math Challenge of the Day from their teacher. Whatever concept the fifth graders are working on, they willingly have to answer a problem to leave school. If they struggle or miss a problem, then they get back in line. Each and every day.