Top Teachers
Saturday, March 28, 1998
Name: Priscilla Magallanes
Age: 42
Position: In-school suspension teacher
Education: University of Hawaii, University of North Florida
Pastimes: Beach, surfing
Juvenile delinquents and truants beware: "Officer" Priscilla Magallanes is on the loose. Helping those at risk
As the in-school suspension and after-school detention teacher, Magallanes can be considered "the law" at Wahiawa Intermediate School. Break a rule or two, and you will find yourself spending time in her company.
A day filled with homework or completing informational packets on banned activities -- such as smoking, fighting and truancy -- keeps students busy. That may be followed by a period of trash policing around the school. Students also attend a counseling session within a day or so of landing in detention or in-school suspension.
"I did this job because nobody wanted to do it," said Magallanes, who volunteered for the post two years ago. Lack of school funding derailed a previous suspension/detention program, but teachers fought for its return.
School Vice Principal Deborah Voorhies said Magallanes, a former social studies instructor, does an excellent job and goes beyond her expectations.
"It's a very demanding position," Voorhies said. "She puts in a tremendous amount of work on this campus, a lot that goes unrewarded."
Magallanes said she deeply enjoys her work with at-risk students and giving them the help they need, adding that she hopes to be with the school for at least 20 more years. "I like it. I'm enjoying myself ... (and) I'm always busy," she said.
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
