• HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
      • Summer Intern Insights Blog 2024
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Awards & Honors
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E and Q Parcel Tax
    • 2024 Parcel Tax
    • Measure E Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Steps to Resolve a Concern
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • LCAP
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • Find Your School
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Handbooks
    • World Languages Program >
      • World Languages Program
      • Dual Immersion Program
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Educator Workforce Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Staff Training
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Staff Resources
    • Organizational Charts
  • SCHOOLS
    • Summer Programs
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas >
        • MHS Extension at MUSD Innovation Campus
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
    • Graduations & Promotions
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AASC
    • Attendance >
      • Showing Up Matters!
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign >
      • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Campaign Donation
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Let's Chat
  • Immigration Support
  • MUSD Apparel Store!
MILPITAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
      • Summer Intern Insights Blog 2024
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Awards & Honors
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E and Q Parcel Tax
    • 2024 Parcel Tax
    • Measure E Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Steps to Resolve a Concern
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • LCAP
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • Find Your School
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Handbooks
    • World Languages Program >
      • World Languages Program
      • Dual Immersion Program
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Educator Workforce Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Staff Training
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Staff Resources
    • Organizational Charts
  • SCHOOLS
    • Summer Programs
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas >
        • MHS Extension at MUSD Innovation Campus
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
    • Graduations & Promotions
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AASC
    • Attendance >
      • Showing Up Matters!
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign >
      • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Campaign Donation
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Let's Chat
  • Immigration Support
  • MUSD Apparel Store!

36-year ‘magical career’ with MUSD coming to close for Diana Orlando

5/5/2023

 
Picture
When the 2022-23 school year comes to an end in June, elementary school educator and teachers’ union leader Diana Orlando’s “magical career” in education will conclude after 36 years with Milpitas Unified School District.

“It truly is a family here,” said Orlando, who started as a substitute teacher for Rose Child Development Center (CDC) in March 1987. “I have made some of my closest friends here in the District. They are now my family.”

Orlando’s educational pathway quickly went from part- to full-time when she was hired September 4, 1987 as a preschool teacher and head teacher for the what was referred to as the “latch-key programs” before being hired as a Science Specialist, splitting her work day between Sinnott and Curtner elementary schools.

“MUSD has always been a cutting-edge District and always puts students first,” Orlando said. “We give out staff freedoms some Districts would never allow. We have been a collaborative District whether that be between teachers, between admin and teachers or between the association with the District.”

Board President Chris Norwood recalls first meeting Orlando while on the 2014 campaign trail at Peet’s Coffee in Milpitas. “Her passion and care for MUSD teachers, staff, students and families was evident throughout the conversation,” he recalled. “She wears her heart on her sleeve and is unapologetic about it. Fast forward nine years and numerous conversations later - her approach, care and passion are still very much the same. … She is always the champion for educators, friends and family.”

After remaining at Curtner for a year as a science specialist in 1990, Orlando transferred to teach 1st Grade at the same school and did so until 2000 when she moved to Pomeroy to teach 1st grade, where she remained until this school year’s end. “I looped between 1st and 2nd with my students until 4 years ago,” she shared. “I ended my teaching career in 2023 in second grade.”

“Leading from the heart, that’s what I’ve known Diana to do throughout her career. She is about people and strives for the best education for all learners,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan of her longtime MUSD colleague. “Diana has been an integral part of shaping our work together, especially in building a Culture of We; her love for kids reverberates throughout and will continue to do so for years to come.”

Colleague Laura Polden, now at Zanker Elementary, shared: “When I was a student teacher at Pomeroy, Diana always made me feel supported and loved. She is great for a warm hug and an ear to listen to everything you have going on in your life, not just at work.”

What has made MUSD so dear to her heart: “The people,” she said. “MUSD is my second family. I raised my girls in this District and I am proud of the education they received here. The lifelong friendships mean everything to me.”
Colleague Ashley Grilli, currently at Rose Elementary who established a strong, lasting bond with Orlando and her family over the years, shared: “Whether the occasion was celebratory or full of grief, Diana has always shown me what it means to be a caring mother, a committed teacher, and a person who stands up for what she believes in.”

Orlando, an active member of the Milpitas Teachers Association who has held officer roles of site rep, negotiator, lead negotiator, vice president and eventually president, stepped outside the classroom and dedicated 2022-23 as the first full-time released MTA union president. She fondly remembers fun times at the Benevolent BBQs up at Ed Levin Park at the end of the school year as well as The Sharon Smith Unity picnics. “It brought us together to celebrate the school year and wish everyone a wonderful summer,” she noted.

Some more of her most memorable moments/events throughout her storied career are playing in a bowling league with her MUSD colleagues, other staff bonding events, including trips to horse races, hockey games, baseball games, football games, “and who can forget the Perotti staff bus trips. Lots of good times in MUSD over the years.”

In the upcoming years, Orlando plans to spend more time with her daughters and boyfriend, traveling and working out. She also is interested in volunteering with Mental Health and Suicide Prevention groups and substitute teaching “to get my kiddo-fill and see all my friends and colleagues.”

For the younger generation of educators, Orlando said: “Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a career. Find your passion within teaching and follow it. Always remember the reason you became a teacher because that will keep you moving forward even in the toughest of times.”

“Make sure you find balance between work and home because this profession can consume your every waking moment,” she continued. “Be creative, be silly, be the person you wanted as a teacher and never forget our kiddos need us and we need them. Teaching is hard but it’s so rewarding. Stay strong and enjoy this magical career we call teaching.”


Comments are closed.
    NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
    The governing board of Milpitas Unified School District will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. 

    Media Resources

    Press
    ​Campus Connections

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    September 2014

    Categories

    All
    Event
    Media & News
    News
    Public Hearing

    RSS Feed

Picture

Milpitas Unified School District
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd. 
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.635.2600

​Staff Resources 
Join Us 
Contact Us 
​​Feedback?
​Non-Discrimination Policy
Title IX    
Accessibility 
​Copyright © 2020 Milpitas Unified School District
​Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Photo from Jeffrey
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Board of Education >
      • Meet the Board/Board Policies
      • State Board Member of the Year >
        • State Board Member of the Year Blog
      • Board Resolutions
      • Meetings and Agendas >
        • Written Public Comments
      • Board Meeting Videos
      • Board Highlights
      • City and MUSD Communications Subcommittee
    • Superintendent >
      • Superintendent Blog
      • Summer Intern Insights Blog 2024
    • District Calendar
    • District News >
      • Press
      • School LIFE E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us >
      • Public Records Request
    • Awards & Honors
    • Bond + Construction >
      • Bond Measure AA Construction Updates
      • Bond Measure E
      • Measure B 1996 GO Bond
      • Current Bids
      • Developer Fees
      • State Matching Funds
      • CBOC Meetings & Agendas
    • Measure E and Q Parcel Tax
    • 2024 Parcel Tax
    • Measure E Parcel Tax Oversight Committee
    • MUSD Video Series'
    • MUSD Priorities and Mission
    • Policies + Procedures >
      • Steps to Resolve a Concern
      • Bullying
      • Handbooks
      • Title IX and Gender Equity
      • Website Accessibility
    • ACADEMICS >
      • Programs >
        • Independent Study Program
        • Math Program
        • Music Program
        • Pathway to Career
        • Personalized Learning
        • Title I
      • AB 104
      • Assessments
      • CalSCHLS Survey
      • Common Core Standards
      • MUSD & SJECCD Joint Use Program
      • Transitioning Grades
    • LCAP
    • Federal Programs
  • ENROLLMENT
    • Find Your School
    • District Boundary Map
    • District Transfers
    • Handbooks
    • World Languages Program >
      • World Languages Program
      • Dual Immersion Program
  • DISTRICT TEAMS
    • Human Relations >
      • Human Relations- Join Our Team
      • Educator Workforce Housing Opportunities
      • Certificated Employees
      • Classified Employees
      • Management Employees
      • Mental Health Resources (Staff)
      • New Teacher Induction
      • Staff Training
    • Business Services >
      • Meet Our Team
      • Payroll and Benefits
      • Facility Rental
    • Learning & Development
    • Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation
    • Student Nutritional Services
    • Technology
    • Staff Resources
    • Organizational Charts
  • SCHOOLS
    • Summer Programs
    • Child Dev. Center
    • Elementary >
      • Burnett
      • Curtner
      • Mattos
      • Pomeroy
      • Randall
      • Rose
      • Sinnott
      • Spangler
      • Weller
      • Zanker
    • Middle >
      • Rancho
      • Russell
    • High >
      • Calaveras Hills
      • Milpitas >
        • MHS Extension at MUSD Innovation Campus
      • Milpitas Middle College High School
    • Adult Education
    • EducatEveryWhere Virtual Pathways Program
    • MetroED
    • SARC Reports
    • SPSAs
    • Graduations & Promotions
  • GET INVOLVED
    • AASC
    • Attendance >
      • Showing Up Matters!
    • MUSD Innovation Campus Campaign >
      • MUSD Alliance Partners
    • CBAC
    • DELAC
    • Digital Citizenship
    • Mental Health Resources
    • Milpitas Elementary Olympics
    • MUSD Culture of WE Equity Team
    • Project Cornerstone
    • PTA | Milpitas Council
    • Campaign Donation
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Let's Chat
  • Immigration Support
  • MUSD Apparel Store!