HBCSD Celebrates September Shoreline Standouts: Minami Tani and Amanda Hart

Posted Date: 10/08/26 (03:00 PM)

The Huntington Beach City School District is proud to honor Minami Tani and Amanda Hart of Moffett Elementary as the September Shoreline Standouts, recognizing team members who exemplify the District’s core values and commitment to excellence.

As Shoreline Standouts begins its second year, the District is grateful to everyone who helped make the inaugural year such a success. Each month, the program celebrates employees who go above and beyond to support HBCSD’s mission of empowering all learners to achieve their full potential. Honorees are selected for their dedication to District goals, demonstration of the HBCSD Learner Profile traits, and the positive impact they make on students, colleagues, and the community.

Minami Tani – Office Manager, Moffett Elementary

As Moffett’s office manager, Minami Tani is the first person families, staff, and visitors meet when they walk through the door, and she makes every one of them feel welcome. With a new TK class and a wave of incoming kindergarten families this year, she personally guided parents through registration, led campus tours, and followed up on their questions. Behind the scenes, she keeps the school running smoothly, from thoughtfully researching purchases and ordering classroom supplies to making sure teachers are prepared to support every student before the first day. Minami embodies the District’s focus on Supportive School Environments, Engaged Community, and Responsible Use of Resources, along with the Learner Profile traits of being Caring, Resourceful, and Responsible.

Her nominator described her impact on campus:

“Our office manager, Minami Tani, is the heart of our campus. For students, she is a safe, familiar face who makes school feel welcoming from day one. For parents, especially those entering our school system for the first time, she turns what can be an overwhelming registration process into a reassuring, positive experience.”

Another colleague highlighted her dedication to the start of the school year:

“She has gone above and beyond to order classroom supplies, make sure new students and families have everything they need, and support teachers and staff with any requests or needs that arise. Minami consistently makes herself available to help others and approaches every situation with a genuine desire to make things easier for those around her.”

Another staff member added:

“Her hard work makes the ‘behind the scenes’ school stuff run smoothly. We are lucky to have her!”

Getting to Know Minami

What does your role involve on a typical day?

No two days look the same, and that’s what keeps me on my toes and makes it fun! My role shifts based on the needs of our staff, students, and community. On any given morning, I might be tracking down supplies for a classroom, helping a student find their student council speech, and then answering emails about facility reservations and purchases.

What do you enjoy most about working at HBCSD?

I love our Moffett family the most. We take good care of each other, and we have very strong relationships among our staff. It has also been fun getting to know District personnel, since in my prior positions I didn’t have the opportunity to work closely with all of them.

What did it mean to you to be nominated by a colleague or family member?

I was very touched. A little embarrassed, but very touched!

What’s a moment at work that made you feel proud?

Anytime I make a kiddo laugh or smile is always a good moment.

Amanda Hart – 2nd Grade Teacher, Moffett Elementary

Amanda Hart brings patience, encouragement, and a genuine love of learning to her second-grade classroom at Moffett Elementary. Known for noticing when a student needs extra support, she takes the time to help children build confidence and grow into eager readers. Her care extends well beyond her own classroom, whether she is checking in on former students or serving as the teacher liaison for Moffett’s Best Food Forward program. Amanda reflects the District’s focus on Academic Achievement, Supportive School Environments, and Engaged Community, as well as the Learner Profile traits of being Caring, Resourceful, and Responsible.

A parent shared how she made a difference for her family:

“She recognized that he was behind on his reading level and she immediately took extra time to help encourage and support him, and not only bring him up to speed but also instill a love for reading in him. Now both of our older boys are avid readers and are thriving in third and sixth grades.”

Another parent described a moment on the first day of school, when her son, a former student, was feeling overwhelmed:

“She came over to him, gave him a hug, and talked to him about his teacher and his summer and got him settled and excited and ready. He isn’t even in her class anymore, and she went above and beyond. This teacher has a heart of gold and deserves to be acknowledged for all her hard work!”

Getting to Know Amanda

What does your role involve on a typical day?

My days are full of learning, laughter, and lots of little moments that make teaching so special. Along with reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and PE, I help my students grow in confidence, independence, and kindness.

What do you enjoy most about working at HBCSD?

The sense of community. It’s especially meaningful that my own children are part of HBCSD, and sharing this special place with them makes teaching even more rewarding.

What did it mean to you to be nominated by a colleague or family member?

It meant so much to me. It was a wonderful reminder that the little things we do every day really can make a difference.

What’s a moment at work that made you feel proud?

Working with parents, teachers, our principal, and support staff to grow our BFF reading program. It has truly been a team effort, and I’m proud of how it’s helping students build confidence and a love of reading.

Each honoree received a Shoreline Standouts Challenge Coin and a certificate of recognition as a token of appreciation for their outstanding contributions.

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