May 2026 Employees of the Month
GGUSD’s Employee of the Month program is designed to recognize employees who: put others first; go above and beyond to make a difference in their role; carry out each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic and demonstrate innovation, leadership, and passion for their job.
Christine Pijl
Christine Pijl joined the district in 1996 serving as a Science and Physical Education Teacher at Rancho Alamitos High School through 2002. From 2002 to 2010, she served as Assistant Principal at McGarvin, Alamitos and Santiago. From 2010 to 2014, she was principal at Jordan Intermediate and from 2014 to 2020, she was principal at Alamitos Intermediate. Since 2020, Christine has served as Principal at Santiago High School. In every role, Christine has been a dedicated leader who always centers her decisions on what is best for students. At Santiago, she has strengthened school culture and pride through her steadfast support of programs like Early College Academy, Community Schools, and Athletics, helping the school earn its first-ever California Distinguished School recognition. Known for giving her all, 24/7, she consistently shows up for her students, staff, and community. As Christine prepares to retire next month, she will be deeply missed, and we are incredibly grateful for her leadership and excited for all that lies ahead in her next chapter!
Jamie Wells
Jamie Wells joined the district in 2003 as a teacher, serving at Allen Elementary through 2015, teaching second through fourth grade and GATE classes. From 2015-2018, she was a K-6 Teacher on Special Assignment and in 2018-19, she served as GATE Supervisor. During the 2019-2020 School Year, she was the Assistant Principal at Bryant Elementary, and from 2020-2024, she was principal at Stanford. Since 2024, Jamie has served as Principal at Allen Elementary. Known as an innovative, thoughtful systems-thinker, Jamie consistently works to move TK–6 education forward while ensuring student success remains at the center of every decision. She is deeply respected by her administrative colleagues, goes above and beyond to support both her school and the district, including serving on the negotiations team, and brings a positive energy and warmth that truly lights up every room she enters and uplifts the students, staff and families she serves. Congratulations Jamie.