By Minh Ngoc Le
Everyday, students on campus work hand-in-hand with teachers, coaches and staff members to create a thriving learning environment. But have you ever wondered what the Supervision team does on our campus?
According to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the California Department of Education, the role of a supervision team is to ensure the safety of students in and around school campuses as well as manage a program to reduce chronic absenteeism and dropouts, thus improving graduation rates.
The Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) Supervision team features nine dedicated staff members: Chris Alonso, Omar Alvarez, Dawn Basquez, Jon Beasley, Susan Feltman, Nina Glover, Brian Knott, Linda Muhleman and Kevin Murphy — all headed by Assistant Principal of Supervision and Special Education, Elliot Skolnick.
Below, Baron Banner highlights two of these exceptional supervision members — Dawn Basquez and Brian Knott — and the amazing things they do to make our campus a better place.
Dawn Basquez
With nearly 20 years of experience under her belt, Dawn Basquez is a cornerstone of the Supervision team. Often found diligently working in the supervision office within the administrative building, she is a familiar and welcoming face on campus.
Her favorite part about being a supervision member is talking with students on campus, with graduation being her favorite event of all.
Apart from her principal position, Basquez also serves as the advisor for Peer Assistant Leadership and played an instrumental role in organizing events such as Baron Play Day (now led by the Associated Student Body). An advocate for mental wellness, she also leads lunchtime activities during the Mental Health Awareness Week and hosts presentations during Day of Dialogue.
“I believe mental health needs to be destigmatized. Mental health just means how you feel at that moment — it doesn’t mean if you have mental health that it’s poor. It’s just a state of being and it fluctuates all the time,” Basquez said.
While her busy schedule leaves little time for hobbies, Basquez enjoys yoga, hiking, drawing, painting and doing stained glasses whenever she can.
Basquez hopes that Barons feel welcome coming to school, knowing that there is always a support system for them.
Brian Knott
With four years of experience on the FVHS Supervision team, Brian Knott is a dynamic presence on campus. Though supervision involves traditional security responsibilities, Brain sees his role as much more than that. He prioritizes student safety while also providing mentorship and guidance to students, acting as a bridge to other resources and support systems.
Making a positive impact on campus is Knott’s favorite part. Whether he’s helping students navigate challenges or ensuring they have the tools to succeed, his efforts are rooted in fostering growth and resilience in each student. For Knott, one of the most rewarding moments each year is seeing students cross the stage at graduation, knowing he played a small part in their journey.
“You’ve gotta do the hard stuff. Put the work in, even when you don’t want to. Put down your social media, stay connected to life in the real world and find ways to be of service to others,” Knott said, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and building meaningful relationships beyond the screen.
Knott’s advice for Barons aligns with his own passion for outdoor adventures. Outside of supervision, Knott enjoys backpacking through the Sierra Nevada mountains, running a professional photography business and playing the guitar. His love for exploration has taken him to stunning places like Alaska and he hopes to visit Hawaii later this year.
As part of the supervision team’s goals for the year, Knott highlights the introduction of the Five Star app. This tool is designed to enhance campus safety and organization by ensuring students are where they need to be, contributing to a more productive and focused learning environment.
The supervision team at FVHS plays a vital role in fostering a safe and supportive campus. The team’s dedication, combined with their unique contributions, makes FVHS a place where students can thrive not only academically, but socially as well. Next time you see a supervision member, take a moment to say hello — they’re here to support you every step of the way.
