1. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. I am a 4th
generation Californian. I currently live on four acres off of Summit Road
in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
2. Where do you teach and what grade do you teach?
I teach Fifth Grade at West Valley Middle School.
3. How long have you been with WVMS?
This is my first year teaching Fifth Grade at WVMS.
4. What is your teaching background and
experience?
I have a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential form
San Jose State University. I substituted in Grades K – 8 for two years in
the Loma Prieta School District. I also taught First Grade at El Quito
Primary Plus from 1991 – 1999 and at Amber Primary Plus from 1999 – 2007. I
also owned and operated Up and Rising Home Preschool for seven years.
5. What do you like most about your
job?
I like the children and their enthusiasm.
6. What do you think is special about
WVMS?
WVMS is a healthy and happy environment to learn and teach. The
administrators care about the kids and the teachers. They are always
supportive and looking for ways to improve our program.
7. What is your favorite part of the
day at WVMS?
I love Reading. All the stories are new to me. I love Mathematics. I
am smarter than a Fifth Grader! I love Science especially when I can
supplement the lesson with items I found in my yard like rotting wood,
salamanders, and flowers to dissect. I love History and I’m finding it much
more enjoyable as an adult.
8. What is the last book you read out
loud?
We do monthly novel studies. We have read “The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wadrobe”, “Because of Winn-Dixie”, and “Frindle.”
9. What is the funniest thing a child
has said/done in your class?
During the reading of a Mad Lib, one of my students made a high pitch
sound effect. It caught us all by surprise.
10. What do you do in your spare time?
I garden and watch sports, especially baseball. I also read, cook and travel.
11. What achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of my two wonderful children. Sarah is married and just graduated
from San Jose State University with a BA in Liberal Studies. Sean is a
Materials Engineering student at San Jose State University and is an intern
for Cisco Systems.
12. What should children look forward to doing/learning in Fifth Grade?Fifth Grade students will have interesting books, fun field trips, great discussions, and teachers who work with them to succeed.
13. What is the single best piece of
advice you can give parents of a Fifth Grader?
Check and sign off on their homework folder every night.
14. Do you have any ideas so your
students also have fun while doing homework?
I offer a variety of homework assignments. Book reports will have new and
imaginative formats, such as a puzzle format, trading card gods and
goddesses, and tangrams.
15. Do you have any other tips about how to be a
great Fifth Grader?
Do your best. Smile. Have a positive attitude. READ!
16. Do you have any websites you recommend to Fifth
Graders?
Google and www.yahooligans.com.
