Saratoga High School Community Based Instruction teachers Sara Buffey (left) and Christine Carlos Quiggins (right) have been recognized as "Teachers of the Season" by Special Olympics Northern California. The Teacher of the Season recognition honors educators who demonstrate exemplary commitment to their students, their schools and the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Partnership Program. (Courtesy photo)
Special teachers recognized
Saratoga High School Community-Based Instruction (CBI) teachers Sara Buffey and Christine Carlos Quiggins have been recognized as Fall Semester 2025 Teachers of the Season by Special Olympics Northern California.
The Teacher of the Season recognition honors educators who demonstrate exemplary commitment to their students, their schools and the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Partnership Program. Nominations are submitted each semester, celebrating educators who go above and beyond to foster meaningful inclusion and engagement on their campuses.
Buffey is described as an energetic and dedicated special education teacher who brings enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson. She actively supports student participation in Special Olympics goals, teaching teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Quiggins is recognized as a CBI teacher who connects special education classroom learning to real-world experiences. She integrates academics, social skills, vocational readiness and self-advocacy into her program and supports student involvement in Special Olympics goals.
Both Sara’s and Christine’s nominations will also advanced to the 2025 Person of the Year selection process in the Educator category.
Persian New Year celebration
The Saratoga Library is hosting a Persian New Year celebration on March 15, 3-5 p.m., as part of Silicon Valley Reads’ “Bridges to Belonging” programming. All ages are welcome.
The event features Persian dance performances and an interactive workshop by Beshkan Dance Academy, children’s story time, hands-on arts and crafts and a kid-friendly symbolic “fire-jumping” activity. Attendees can explore a traditional Haft-Seen table and enjoy Norooz-inspired snacks and photo opportunities.
Wearing of the grin
SASCC is holding a St. Paddy’s Day Wine and Comedy Jam on March 20, hosted by Rob Block—aka Irony Man—and featuring Karen Buchanan.
Showtime is 3-5 p.m. at the Saratoga Senior Center, 19655 Allendale Ave. Tickets are $5 at https://bit.ly/4b6uUAv. For more information, call 408-868-1257.
Originally published at Anne Gelhaus