1. Where are you from?
I am a California girl!! I was born in Southern California, moved here and
there, but I have resided in the Bay Area for over 14 years.
2. Where do you teach and what grade do
you teach?
I teach third grade at Amber Elementary.
3. How long have you been with ADPP?
This is my first year with ADPP, but my children have been in ADPP for about
6 years.
4. What is your teaching background and experience?
I fell in love with third grade during student teaching and have taught it
ever since. This is my 14th year teaching third grade!
5. What do you like most about your job?
I love being able to come to a place every day where everyone is happy to be
at work, and most importantly, loves children!
6. What do you think is special about Amber?
I think Amber is so very special because we teach the whole child. With all
of the electives in addition to academics, we help to create a very well
rounded child.
7. What is your favorite part of the day at Amber?
I love the first thing in the morning because the children are so happy to
be at school. They love to share their previous night and what they are
looking forward to that day.
8. What is the last book you read out loud?
The last book I read out loud was Mr. Lincoln’s Way by Patricia Polacco. She
is my absolute favorite author! This story fit right in with our
anti-bullying curriculum.
9. What is the last book you read to yourself?
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell.
10. What is the funniest thing a child has said/done in
your class?
They tend to be quite hilarious, but on one occasion, a student asked me for
yarn. I told her of course, but asked what it was for. She told me I would
have to wait and see. She then came up to me, turned around, and had made a
mask with eyes that she told me were “eyes in the back of her head!” So
funny!
11. What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time is a luxury, since I have three children at home under the age of
7. I love to work out, shop, see movies, and spend time with my family and
friends.
12. What achievement are you most proud of?
In my career, I am most proud of receiving the Principal’s Award for
Excellence. In my personal life, I am most proud of raising three beautiful
children and being married for 10 amazing years.
13. What is the single best piece of advice you can give
parents of a third grader?
The best piece of advice I can give parents is to prepare them for what is
to come. As third graders, they are capable of so much, and a lot is
expected of them in fourth grade. Help them prepare by sharpening their
study skills, organization, and time management. This will build a
foundation for success in future grades.
14. Do you have any websites you recommend for third
graders?
We have fallen in love with spellingcity.com. Students are able to input
their spelling words and play many different games using those words. This
gives them additional ways to practice their spelling words for the week
that are fun as well!
15. Do you have any healthy lunch tips?
One healthy tip I have is we really should be eating what could have been
“hunted or gathered.” Think fruit, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and
nuts. These will keep you fuller longer until your next meal.
