
Dennis Ortwein Elementary School
Home of the Olympians
We are victorious!
Meet Our Gold Medal Staff!

Principal- Mrs. Holloway
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: My husband and kids, our 3 dogs (Boxers and a Bulldog), The Dodgers, The Lakers, The 49ers, UCLA, coffee, cheeseburgers, breakfast, and Jeopardy
My favorite things about being an educator: Teaching and learning with joy and love!
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Assistant Principal- Ms. Synold
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Tennis
My favorite things outside of school: My husband and two daughters, our “pugrador” Annie, travel, Target, Amazon, iced coffee, home decor, and Bravo
My favorite things about being an educator: Building relationships with students and their families!
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Kindergarten- Mrs. Evans
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Kindergarten- Ms. Coe
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with family, friends, and my maltipoo-Levi, music, Target, mini-erasers, Soy chai lattes, crab legs, Batman, and Leopard print
My favorite things about being an educator: Getting to hang out and learn with a bunch of cool humans who are just as excited as I am about learning. Also, the breakthrough that occurs as the year progresses is indescribable!

Kindergarten- Ms. Hanevold
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Figure Skating
My favorite things outside of school: My husband and family, my Aussiedoodle, the Minnesota Vikings, the Golden Knights, paddle boarding, puzzles, Dutch Bros, and concerts
My favorite things about being an educator: I get to spend every day learning with future veterinarians, firefighters, ballerinas, superheroes, etc. who get excited about finding a ladybug outside at recess! What's not to love?

Kindergarten- Mr. Houchins
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Soccer
My favorite things outside of school: Reading, traveling with my family, drinking coffee, and supporting THE Ohio State Buckeyes
My favorite things about being an educator: Building long-lasting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
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Kindergarten- Mrs. Goins
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Traveling and spending time with my family, coffee, reading, and Target
My favorite things about being an educator: Spending my day learning with my students!
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Kindergarten- Ms. Perillo
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Alpine Skiing
My favorite things outside of school: The Golden Knights and Chicago Cubs, traveling, concerts, Diet Dr. Pepper, and Panda Express
My favorite things about being an educator: When a child learns how to read. A little light bulb seems to go on in their brain and the excitement is so electric!
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1st Grade- Mrs. Luque
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my husband, two boys, and chihuahua, Cha Cha. going to the beach and Disneyland, and reading
My favorite things about being an educator: Creating a classroom family, seeing students learn new concepts, and watching the amazing growth students make in a year
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1st Grade- Mrs. Nadeau
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Family, friends, fun times, good food, shooting, frogs, love Summer and swimming, Golden Knights Hockey and shopping
My favorite things about being an educator: The joy on their faces when they enjoy their learning and when they gain a new understanding that they never had before!

1st Grade- Ms. Pearson
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Tennis
My favorite things outside of school: Shopping, traveling, reading, entertaining, The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Broncos, spaghetti and meatballs, any island, New York City, and Savannah, Georgia
My favorite things about being an educator: Making learning fun, seeing my students get excited about learning, and watching their confidence grow as they finally "get it."

1st Grade- Mrs. Seybert
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Softball
My favorite things outside of school: Hanging out with my family, coaching, going to Golden Knights games, and Disneyland
My favorite things about being an educator: Making my students laugh every day and building their love of learning!
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1st Grade- Ms. Vance
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Reading and traveling, Mexican and Italian food, Target, Khol’s and Starbucks, the beach, and my family
My favorite things about being an educator: Seeing a student’s reaction when they grasp a new skill or learn something new
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1st Grade- Mrs. Van Hoose
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Reading mystery books, playing with/watching my son play basketball, shopping with my daughter, the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, cheering for the University of Kentucky basketball team with my husband, my dog Cubbie, Disney trips, and enjoying yellow chicken curry
My favorite things about being an educator: Building a classroom community where students care about each other and providing an environment where students are excited to come to school and LOVE to LEARN.

2nd Grade- Mr. Cooper
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Table Tennis
My favorite things outside of school: Reading a good book; watching the 49ers; eating street tacos in San Francisco; and being with family and friends
My favorite things about being an educator: The more I teach the more I learn from the little humans in my classroom!
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2nd Grade- Mrs. Sanchez
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my family and my new puppy Maya, traveling, hiking, trying new foods, chocolate, coffee, Star Wars, The Twilight Saga, superheroes and cheering on our Las Vegas Aces!
My favorite things about being an educator: Meeting new students and their families, and together witnessing the growth that happens over the course of the school year.
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2nd Grade- Ms. McIntosh
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Tennis
My favorite things outside of school: My family and friends, my cat Teddy, traveling the world, animals (especially penguins, alpacas, polar bears, and sloths!), Harry Potter, Disney, Star Wars, VGK, theater, French fries, smoothies, nature, hiking/camping, Taylor Swift, and sunflowers.
My favorite things about being an educator: Building relationships with my students, seeing the students not afraid to make mistakes, seeing them believe in themselves, their uniqueness, and their dreams, and reminding them that they are loved and matter- always!

2nd Grade- Ms. Naughton
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Snowboarding
My favorite things outside of school: My 7 rescue pets, volunteering, animals, travelling, country music, being active, and the Hamilton Tiger Cats
My favorite things about being an educator: Helping my students to build confidence in their abilities and having fun while learning.
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2nd Grade- Mrs. Comia
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics or Figure Skating
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my family and friends by traveling, eating, or shopping, all things Disney, Hello Kitty, Dallas Cowboys, University of Hawaii, and UNC-Chapel Hill
My favorite things about being an educator: Everything!
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2nd Grade- Mrs. Koehler
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Freestyle Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: My high school sweetheart husband, our 12-year-old daughter Ally, our Dollface Persian Sophia Loren, Astrophysics, Astrobiology, Graphic Design, and podcasts
My favorite things about being an educator: Helping my students understand the importance of hard work and supporting them as they become motivated, independent citizens of society.
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3rd Grade- Ms. Resener
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Martial Arts
My favorite things outside of school: Alice in Wonderland, Disneyland, X-Men, X-Files, physics, philosophy, science, alchemy, art, acupuncture, flowers, cathedrals, the beach, colors and creativity, black coffee, heavy music, my kitty cat and my sisters and nieces
My favorite things about being an educator: Being with kids, supporting their superpowers, and being creative while learning
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3rd Grade- Stay Tuned!
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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3rd Grade- Mrs. Agatone
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Soccer
My favorite things outside of school: My husband and two kids, Dutch Bros, traveling, Mexican food and reading
My favorite things about being an educator: The look on a student’s face when they finally get a concept!
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3rd Grade- Mrs. Dapello
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my husband, my son and 2 dogs, watching Supercross and Motocross, Disneyland, Harry Potter, and Star Wars!
My favorite things about being an educator: Forming relationships with my students and families, seeing students believe in themselves and using that self confidence to have their aha moments.

3rd Grade- Ms. Homen
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Tennis
My favorite things outside of school: Reading, spending time with my family and friends, my doggy (Jasper), my mom and Asian food.
My favorite things about being an educator: When students find the love of reading!
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3rd Grade- Mrs. Wolf
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Bowling
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my husband and fur-baby, listening to music, watching Netflix and Amazon, and cheering on the Golden Knights and Red Wings
My favorite things about being an educator: Our "aha" moments; especially after much determination, persistence, and perseverance.
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4th Grade- Mrs. Spittell
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my husband and two daughters, being a dance mom, attending VGK games and Starbucks
My favorite things about being an educator: Watching my students learn and grow and become the best individuals they can be
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4th Grade- Mrs. Guerzon
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Traveling with my four kids and husband, trying new foods, watching my children play sports, beaches, sunsets, photography, coffee, sushi, and Amazon
My favorite things about being an educator: Building relationships with each of my students, watching them learn and grown, and seeing them smiling and laughing because they are having fun!

4th Grade- Mrs. Dziedziak
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Pickle Ball
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time hiking, watching movies and playing board games with my family
My favorite things about being an educator: Igniting the spark of learning with my students!
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4th Grade- Ms. Bell
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Snowboarding
My favorite things outside of school: Watching sports, baking, coding, and spending time with my family
My favorite things about being an educator: I love to experience the art of learning with my students. With knowledge comes empowerment, and it brings me joy to watch their confidence build in so many different ways.
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5th Grade- Mrs. Bowsher
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Gardening, dogs, hanging out at my pool, and having lunch with friends
My favorite things about being an educator: Meeting a new group of students at the beginning of the year and helping them learn as much as they can by the end of the year.
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5th Grade- Ms. Valdes
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Skating
My favorite things outside of school: My three grandchildren, walking, cooking, writing, crochet, reading, my pug Pelly and Sookie the rescue cat
My favorite things about being an educator: Creating lessons that my students can really relate to and get excited about.
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If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Volleyball
My favorite things outside of school: Camping, hiking, reading, sewing, VGK, Aces, Korean BBQ, Sushi, and spending time with family, friends, and my 2 Goldendoodles named Drama and Bravo
My favorite things about being an educator: Helping students discover the "gifts" of mistakes in the learning process, building confidence and agency in their learning, and the importance of taking risks

5th Grade- Mrs. Cobos
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: My husband, Steelers football, Golden Knights, coffee, Amazon, Italian food, and going to the gym
My favorite things about being an educator: When students realize they can overcome academic and social challenges through determination, coaching, and persistence
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If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Balance Beam
My favorite things outside of school: University of Michigan, Golden Knights, scrapbooking/crafting, camping, Coca Cola, reading, and traveling
My favorite things about being an educator: Being an educator is such a gift! I love that we get to know so many kiddos throughout our career and watch them learn and grow educationally and as amazing little humans!

Art- Mrs. Mealus
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Surfing
My favorite things outside of school: All foods. When my family travels, we plan our trip around the places we are going to eat at!
My favorite things about being an educator: Inspiring kids!
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STEM- Mrs. Marcotte
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Artistic Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Spending quality time with my family, trips to the beach and Disneyland, cheering for the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Cowboys
My favorite things about being an educator: Making connections with my students and their families and watching the students' excitement as they learn new skills.
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If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Musical Theater, Crafting with my Mom, Fishing with my Dad, Quality time with my husband and family, watching Sci-fi movies, soaking in the sun, loving on my cats and dog
My favorite things about being an educator: I love that our Olympians know that if at first they don't succeed, they try again, otherwise known as 'The POWER of YET!' I love their can-do spirit, and their willingness to always try something new!
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Physical Education- Ms. Turner
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: My pooches Xanadu and Xaylee, yoga, exercising, soaking in the sun, sandy beaches, Italian food, spending time with family and friends, sparkly things, Valentine's Day, manicures and fireworks
My favorite things about being an educator: Making students smile, seeing student laugh, helping students build relationships with respect and teamwork, building confidence, and creating amazing sportsmanship skills ​
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Early Childhood- Mr. Hill
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Discus
My favorite things outside of school: Playing Disc Golf, watching TV and movies, hiking with my family, reading (Fantasy, sci-fi and historical fiction, and eating BBQ, Thai food, and Mediterranean food.
My favorite things about being an educator: I love watching these little people grow and figure things out through interactions.
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Early Childhood- Ms. Pacheco
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Archery
My favorite things outside of school: My husband, 2 kids, my dog, travel, hiking, trying new foods, cooking, eating, coffee, tea, dark chocolate, karaoke, and picnics
My favorite things about being an educator: Getting kids excited about learning
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Early Childhood- Mrs. Kelly
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Cross-stitching, coloring, the Golden Knights!, The Miami Dolphins, camping, my husband, and my doggos!
My favorite things about being an educator: Watching my student's growth throughout the year, and seeing their determination and dedication to learning
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Special Education- Mrs. Valdez
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Volleyball
My favorite things outside of school: Reading inspirational books, cooking, and traveling
My favorite things about being an educator: Being an educator gives me an opportunity to be part of a student’s life especially in giving inspiration to make right choices.
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Special Education- Ms. Amulong
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Badminton
My favorite things outside of school: My family, travel, the beach, movies, carbonara, and Korean foods
My favorite things about being an educator: The students' progress, communicating and building relationships with each student, their smiles, and the parents' appreciation and compliments
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Special Education- Ms, Arvizu
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: 100 meter race
My favorite things outside of school: My dogs, watching basketball (Golden State Warriors) and playing video games
My favorite things about being an educator: Being there for my students when they need help, seeing my students accomplish goals.
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Special Education- Mrs. Klein
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Ice Hockey
My favorite things outside of school: My husband, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Mets, petting dogs, teaching, learning, reading, beach vacations, pizza, fresh flowers, and watching any hockey game
My favorite things about being an educator: I love experiencing students' "ah-ha" moments, getting to know students as individuals and supporting them in the ways that work best for them, collaborating with families and colleagues, and learning new teaching strategies.

Special Education- Ms. Escario
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Synchronized Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Crafting, Sushi, Ramen, Nature, and Family
My favorite things about being an educator: The daily hugs, smiles, and unexpected comments or things kids say, changes in students and sense of fulfilment at the end of the day.
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Speech and Language- Mrs. De Jesus
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Tug-of-War
My favorite things outside of school: Vacations, Travel & Eating Adventures, Photography, Documenting & Living Life with my friends, family and dog, and shopping
My favorite things about being an educator: Working with kids and watching them grow.
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Speech and Language- Mrs. Rodriguez-Nguyen
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Taekwondo
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my family, watching movies, traveling and trying different ethnic food
My favorite things about being an educator: Making a great positive impact in students' live
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Special Education Facilitator- Mrs. Scrofani
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Dance
My favorite things outside of school: Golden Knights, Mexican food, salted caramel, and traveling
My favorite things about being an educator: Seeing kids make progress and the excitement when the light bulb turns on
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Psychologist- Mrs. Flemister
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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GATE Specialist- Mrs. Breslin
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Softball
My favorite things outside of school: My family, dog, Starbucks coffee, playing games and being creative
My favorite things about being an educator: Seeing kids accomplish something they thought they couldn’t.
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Math Specialist- Ms. Araujo
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Boxing, martial arts, UNC, VGK, coffee, sushi, the beach, my dog Rex, my family, God
My favorite things about being an educator: Making a difference in a child's life. Most days I'm helping a child grow academically, but some days I'm also able to help a child grow emotionally and mentally.

School Counselor- Mrs. Castle
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Volleyball
My favorite things outside of school: My family and friends, the outdoors, relaxing on the beach, learning new things, Target, Starbucks and Dutch Bros, and Chick-Fil-A
My favorite things about being an educator: Watching my students grow emotionally and academically and seeing them challenge themselves to be the best they can be!

Literacy Specialist- Mrs. Zaccagnino
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Figure Skating
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my husband and family, reading, swimming, shopping, crafts, festivals, traveling, beach, movies, Buffalo Bills, Vegas Golden Knights, Target, Starbucks, and taking classes to learn something new
My favorite things about being an educator: Teaching the students and seeing them excited about reading and learning and building relationships with my colleagues, students and their families.

Site Based Technician- Mx. Vazquez
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Rowing
My favorite things outside of school: Playing pickleball, going to Disneyland, and spending time with my family.
My favorite things about being an educator: Supporting students through their challenges and witnessing their perseverance.
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Physical Education Assistant- Coach Jones
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Golf
My favorite things outside of school: Family, Golf, Detailing Cars, Yankees, Penguins, Orange Fanta, Tacos, Cheese-Its (white cheddar)
My favorite things about being an educator: Making an impact on children. One conversation can change the way a child thinks about life. Seeing the smiles on the faces of kids and the excitement they have when you walk into a room is priceless.
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Library Aide- Ms. Bellamy
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Rowing
My favorite things outside of school: Spending time with my family and pets, traveling, camping, the Pacific Ocean, crafting, puzzles, pens that write nice, brunch, sushi
My favorite things about being an educator: Helping children discover and explore their interests through books and reading
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Early Childhood Assistant- Ms. Fezel
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Track
My favorite things outside of school: Fishing, Seattle Seahawks, taco, California, and family
My favorite things about being an educator: Working with children
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Early Childhood Assistant- Mrs. Zaragoza
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Early Childhood Assistant- Ms. Gonzales
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Discus
My favorite things outside of school: Outdoors, Starbucks, Beach , my family
My favorite things about being an educator: Helping a child learn something new!
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Special Education Assistant- Ms. Blake
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Special Education Assistant- Mrs. Kogos
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Downhill skiing
My favorite things outside of school: Travel to beaches, watching the Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights and my family
My favorite things about being an educator: Inspiring kids to work hard and help them meet their goals.
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Special Education Assistant- Ms. Howard
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Special Education Assistant- Ms. Watanabe
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Special Education Assistant- Ms. Malendres
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:

Special Education Assistant- Mrs. Serpas
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:

Special Education Assistant- Stay Tuned!
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Special Education Assistant- Stay Tuned!
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:

School Aide- Ms. Hicks
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Relay Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: The Green Bay Packers
My favorite things about being an educator: Getting a chance to inspire kids
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School Clerk- Ms. Ayala
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Track and Field Relay
My favorite things outside of school: Hiking, Sushi, the beach and the outdoors
My favorite things about being an educator: Welcoming the parents and students to our school and assisting with the enrollment process.

Office Manager- Mrs. Nixon
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Softball
My favorite things outside of school: New Orleans Saints Football, Jamaica, and my family is EVERYTHING to me
My favorite things about being an educator: Meeting new people and watching the students grow.
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Student Health Assistant- Ms. Royal
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:

School Nurse- Mrs. Chaney
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Cafeteria Manager- Ms. Sandra
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Gymnastics
My favorite things outside of school: Crafting with my Cricut, milk chocolate, and Italian food
My favorite things about being an educator: I love working with the children!
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Head Custodian- Mr. Jeff
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Custodian- Ms. Macias Martinez
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in:
My favorite things outside of school:
My favorite things about being an educator:
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Custodian- Mrs. Booth
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Swimming
My favorite things outside of school: Movies, hiking, traveling, and Disneyland
My favorite things about being an educator: Keeping the space ready for learning!

Custodian- Ms. Chan
If I was an Olympian, I would compete in: Soccer
My favorite things outside of school: Sushi, baking, sleeping, watch tv
My favorite things about being an educator: Making our school a clean and organized place to learn!