Best Wishes to our Retirees

La Jolla Country Day School honors longtime Lower School educator Maribel Bueno (13 years of service) and staff member Roxanne Walker (22 years of service), who have dedicated their lives to serving students and the community at LJCDS. 

Maribel Bueno is described by her colleagues as kind, creative, well-read and adventurous. Students describe Sra. Bueno as fun and caring. Since 2009, she has infused a sense of joy and enthusiasm for learning the Spanish language and Hispanic culture in her students from junior kindergarten through fourth grade.

Step into Sra. Bueno’s class and one will witness students are actively engaged in growing their language skills through reading, art, music, movement and other interactive activities. Through her multi-dimensional teaching approach, students gain an appreciation for being bilingual and begin to see the world through different lenses. 

“Maribel has a quiet confidence, built upon a love of children and seeing their passion for language grow,” says Marsha Poh, assistant head of Lower School. “She epitomizes the pursuit of excellence by demonstrating a growth mindset—always looking to refine her craft of teaching and push the boundaries to improve the classroom experience.” 

In addition to teaching Spanish as a second language, Sra. Bueno began the Spanish Heritage program in the Lower School for fluent Spanish speakers to deepen their written and verbal skills and love for reading. 

“The Spanish language program expanded significantly under Maribel’s tutelage,” shares Margi Bingham, Lower School educator. “She sought out a new curriculum, including materials from the Mexican and Spanish consulates. Two children told me they love all of Sra. Bueno’s songs, especially ‘Mi Casa.’ Another first grader told me that he loved learning how to make guacamole and being able to teach it to his mom. I adored watching the first and second graders perform the dance moves that Maribel taught them.” 

When she’s not teaching, Sra. Bueno takes pleasure in the arts—attending the opera, art exhibits and shows at the La Jolla Playhouse and the Old Globe—and traveling the world. She looks forward to spending time with her three children and eight grandchildren in retirement. 

Roxanne Walker has been the accounts receivable in the Business Office since 2000. She works behind the scenes managing student accounts, including maintaining and administering all aspects of family and student billing accounts. 

“Roxanne is the first person everyone sees when they come to the Business Office,” says Kelly White, controller. “She is always friendly and welcoming to everyone. Roxanne is responsible for all student accounts. She works with the parents to ensure their account is correct and is very helpful when they have questions.” 

Described by her colleagues as a “doer,” Ms. Walker is always ready to support the team in various ways, from stuffing envelopes to filling supply orders to assisting with financial assistance and even proctoring in classrooms as needed.

But she is not all business. Ms. Walker’s colleagues call her the baby whisper—to human babies and kittens! When her colleagues need a trusted caretaker to hold their babies while in meetings, Ms. Walker is there for them. When a feral cat delivered two litters of babies near the Business Office, she helped re-home them. 

Outside the office, Ms. Walker is an avid tole painter and scrapbooker. She will relish the opportunity to work on more creative projects while in retirement.