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RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood City School District
TRWC Hero Custodian Gives District Heart
he past few years have represented a time of transition for the
Garfield School community. After several years of operating
independently as a charter school, the K–8 school of nearly 700
students rejoined the Redwood City School District and also got a
new principal. One exceedingly popular long-time employee has served as a
comforting constant during this time — custodian Luis Hinestroza.
Hinestroza, who Principal Michelle Griffith refers to as her “rock,” is so
well-liked and respected by the Garfield student body that last year’s eighthgraders
overwhelmingly selected him to address their class at its promotion
ceremony. Recently, during an otherwise typical Tuesday lunch hour in the
cafeteria, he also proved himself a hero.
On Jan. 31, a bustling group of first-, second- and third-grade students was
eating lunch when yard duty staff and Hinestroza were notified of a thirdgrader
struggling, evidently choking on her food. Drawing on his annual
safety training, a requirement for all school staff members, Hinestroza knew
exactly how to respond and did not hesitate when it became evident that the
child was unable to breathe. He deftly performed the Heimlich maneuver,
effectively dislodging the food from the girl’s throat.
To their credit, all 300 children present in the cafeteria at the time remained
seated and remarkably calm, enabling staff to keep everything under control.
Owing to Hinestroza’s quick actions, the student, though shaken, suffered
no injuries. She was taken to the hospital for observation but was soon
released with a clean bill of health.
Hinestroza’s supervisor, Director of Facilities Don Dias, said, “What
happened [that day] was a wonderful thing and lets everyone know what
we have already known — that Luis is a great man and great things happen
to great people. I am so happy for everyone involved, but especially for the
student, who was in the arms of an angel.”
On Feb. 8, the RCSD Board of Education recognized Hinestroza for his heroic
actions that afternoon and, more generally, for his unwavering dedication
to the students of Garfield School. Principal Griffith presented him with a
booklet of handwritten thank-you letters written by classmates of the student.
Community Pancake Breakfast and Open House
Free
Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL)
Community Center
Kids and
Families
Welcome
Saturday March 10, 2012 9:00am to 11:00am
Place: PAL Community Center 3399 Bay Rd (at Taft School)
Program
Free Pancake Breakfast -- 9:00am to 10:30am
Building Tours including our new Digital Creative Arts Studio
Free PAL Program demonstrations 9:30 - 11:00
Zumba for Kids
Karate
Hip Hop Dance
Ballet Folklorico
Zumba Toning
Peruvian Folk Dance
The Spectrum 5