This week, we’re getting to know our fabulous Teaching Assistants for Student Support (TASS)! At Thornhill, our fundraising efforts help close the gaps left by state and district funding. Recognizing the importance of additional staff for student success, the PFC fully funds SIX Teaching Assistants to support our students.

These Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping teachers manage classrooms and other tasks, allowing teachers to focus on instruction and addressing individual student needs. This teamwork fosters personalized attention, ultimately improving the quality of the learning experience for all students.

9 Ways Teaching Assistants Elevate Student Success:

• They are an extra set of eyes who see a struggling student and can assist while the teacher is teaching

• They offer small group and 1:1 support to students

• They help students with organization

• They pull kids for testing if they need extra time or a quiet space

• They help students organize their thoughts for writing projects

• They oversee math groups and leveled reading centers

• They roam and answer questions during independent work

• They offer supervised breaks to our teachers

• They are FUN!

From L to R: Moises Gonzalez, Mariana Moreno-Hernandez, Chelsea Graf, Vicki MIx-Lopez, Ansel Burnama

Moises Gonzalez

I attended Unity High Charter School and Rudsdale continuation here in East Oakland! I am a musician who loves to spend time with family and who also loves playing sports. I’m also very passionate about helping my community, especially when it comes to the upcoming youth of Oakland because I am a product of these roots. I know how important it is to be a figure to those behind us which is why thankfully I am back for my second year as being a part of the Thornhill family! Very excited to see what this year brings.

Mariana Moreno-Hernandez

I am a second year TASS member at Thornhill, supporting teachers and students. A mother of 4 beautiful children, three boys and a daughter. I also have a fur baby named Abby. During my free time I enjoy going on walks and traveling with my family. 

Chelsea Graf

Originally an Indiana Hoosier, my husband and I packed our car and headed to California in August of 2016. When I am not playing Lego’s, Barbies, or Magnatiles with my Thunderbirds (incoming TK & 1st), you can find me hiking, wading in creeks, or taking care of my 50+ plants. I love the outdoors, the California sunshine, and exploring this beautiful state with my family. We love animals and veggies so much that we’re all vegetarian! 

Rebecca Rivera

Hi, my name is Rebecca, and last year was my first year working at Thornhill as an after school TK teacher. This year I’m excited to work as a Teaching Assistant/Student Support staff member! Outside of work I really enjoy being active such as going on hikes and just being involved with nature. I also really enjoy cooking and baking; it’s one of my favorite things to do while I binge watch a TV show I really love! 

Vicki Mix-Lopez

I am a proud paraprofessional, mom and grandma (Gigi). I have worked as a paraeducator I, II, and III for Washington Unified and as an art teacher for an afterschool program. I enjoy going to the beach, painting, crafting, gardening and watching the local deer. I am returning to my hometown of Oakland to work at Thornhill elementary where I am very excited to help our young Thunderbirds thrive! 

Ansel Burnama

Yo! Go Cougars, Wildcats, and Trojans (Vannoy, Creekside, CVHS)! I am a recent graduate of Castro Valley High School and I am so excited to be part of the TASS team! When not at Thornhill supporting teachers and staff, you can find me giving my all at church, the basketball court or with my dogs. I love to hangout with friends and family *preferably over a competitive activity* and am a huge fan of sports (especially basketball). This is my first year at Thornhill.

Ready to donate? Great! There are a variety of ways to submit your donation:

You can double or triple your contribution by taking advantage of your corporate match benefit. Many companies, both large and small, will match donations made by their employees. To see if your employer offers matching gifts, visit Charity Navigator to submit a match request online. It only takes five minutes.

Here are some companies that offer a matching program: Disney, Pixar, AAA, Expedia, Google, Pandora, Kaiser, Genentech, PayPal, Apple, Salesforce, Williams Sonoma, Microsoft.

Thank you for your continued support!

Selam Brown, Stefani Miller, Deepa Lounsbury & Annie Sartor

Annual Fund co-Chairs

annualfund@thornhillschool.org