1. Where are you from?
I grew up in the San Jose/Campbell area.
2. Where do you teach and what grade
do you teach?
I teach 2nd Grade at Primary Plus at Amber.
3. How long have you been with ADPP?
I have been with Primary Plus at Amber for 18 years; 5 years as a 1st
Grade teacher, 6 years as principal, and now 7 years as a 2nd
Grade teacher.
4. What is your teaching background
and experience?
I spent 8 years as a kindergarten co-teacher, 2 years as a public school
substitute and 1st Grade teacher, and my 18 years here at Primary
Plus.
5. What do you like most about your
job?
I really enjoy the flexibility to add to the lesson with my own
creativity and to make it fun for the students. This adds more interest and
confidence for the students to participate and retain the concepts being
taught.
6. What do you think is special
about Amber?
Many students and families have been with us for so many years that it
is a community. I really get to know and help the students and their
families when I see them before, during and after school.
7. What is your favorite part of the
day at Amber?
I really enjoy reading the textbook stories with the students during
Language Arts. We get to have fun with the story, talk about it, write about
it and use the new words in many different fun activities.
8. What is the last book you read
out loud?
I read 'Fiesta' for Cinco de Mayo. Then, we
made quesadillas!
9. What is the funniest thing a
child has said/done in your class?
One 1st Grade student ran up to me, very upset, and said
another child said a bad word, the 'E' word. I was perplexed and asked the
child to whisper to me the 'bad word'. They said it was "idiot".
10. What do you do in your spare
time?
I would really like to golf more. I do play softball and run
occasionally but most of my time is spent on my daughter's many activities.
11. What achievement are you most
proud of?
Getting my teaching credential was a special achievement for me.
However, my daughter is also my special achievement. I have been very
fortunate to see her grow and achieve here at Action Day and then to Primary
Plus at Amber from 8 weeks through 4th Grade.
12. What is the single best piece
of advice you can give parents of a 2nd Grader?
Read, read, read! Reading is the basis for all areas of the curriculum
and bringing the enjoyment to them, and with them, helps them excel in all
these areas.
13. Do you have any websites you
recommend for second graders?
Sheppardsoftware.com is a great site with many fun and educational games
and activities.
14. Do you have any secrets about
the upcoming Cinderella show?
It will be great! I had both Cinderella and the Prince in my former
classes. Shhhhh...There is a character who has been in past shows as the
King, Gaston, Genie, Wizard of Oz, and many other characters. Look for him!
