Dear Encinal Families,

 

With the close of the school year, the Encinal staff has an opportunity to reflect on the successes of the year. Celebrating the completion of our beautiful facilities, launching the Eagle Express Post Office and learning in the "Pacific Islands" at our recent Cultural Arts Day are only a few of the many highlights. As we think back on this school year, we are thankful for the incredible support of our parents as well as the inspirational creativity, curiosity and commitment to learning evident in our students each day. On behalf of everyone at Encinal, I would like to thank you for sharing your children with us as well as your contributions in making this a wonderful school year.

 

This time of year also is when we make staffing plans for the coming school year. Our most current announcements are listed below so that you can join us in saying goodbye and extending welcomes and congratulations. Hiring will continue throughout June.

 

Goodbyes

In June, we will say goodbye to Heather Davidson, Ana Dominguez, Mary Calabria, and Gillian Parkhurst who are moving on to new personal and/or professional pursuits. In addition, we will wish Emily Getchel the best as she joins the Laurel staff. We are thankful for their collaboration, hard work and dedication to our students and school community.

Kindergarten
Petrina Jonas will be joining our kindergarten team. Prior to teaching third grade at Encinal, Petrina taught kindergarten in the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District. Petrina is eager to return to the early primary classroom and utilize her strong early literacy skills with our youngest eagles!

Second Grade
Sydney Bienaime will be joining our second grade staff. In addition to her experience as a dynamic kindergarten teacher, Sydney completed her student teaching in second grade at Laurel. Sydney's outstanding rapport with students as well as her enthusiasm for teaching will be assets on our second grade team. 

Third Grade
Our third grade team will welcome Sue Peterson this fall. Mrs. Peterson has been teaching first grade at Laurel and Encinal. Mrs. Peterson is diving into curriculum preparation and eager to bring her passion for science to third grade. 

We look forward to welcoming Sasha Vargas to our third grade Spanish immersion team. Sasha received her dual language certificate and bilingual credential from San Diego State University and has been teaching fourth grade immersion at Nestor Language Academy in San Diego for five years. Sasha's principal describes her as an exceptionally strong, organized teacher who is well loved by parents and students. Joining Sasha on the third grade Spanish immersion team is Esme Collier. Esme received her B.S. and M.Ed. in Human Development, and Education Studies from The University of San Diego. Esme has been teaching second grade Spanish immersion in the Lemon Grove School District for the last five years and comes to us with high praise from both her principal and the District Superintendent. Esme's supervisors noted her exceptionally strong instructional skills and her passion for the immersion philosophy.

Fifth Grade 

We will welcome Charlene Mattos, Marisyn Camper and Jessica Schmidt to the fifth grade team. Charlene is moving into fifth grade after teaching fourth grade at Encinal. Due to the size of the grade level cohort, our fourth grade staff will be decreasing by one teacher in the 2011-2012 school year. Although Mrs. Mattos loves teaching fourth grade, she viewed this change in staffing as an opportunity to grow as a teacher. She looks forward to the rigor of the fifth grade curriculum, the experiential learning provided through Outdoor Education and Ship Trip, and the opportunity to work with new colleagues.  

Marisyn Camper began this school year as a student teacher in Mrs. Mattos' classroom and then was hired to serve as a long term substitute in fourth grade for Maggie Sanchez. Our community valued Marisyn's thoughtful, clear approach to lesson design as well as her warm smile and rapport with the students.

Jessica Schmidt also has been on campus this year serving as Sydney Bienaime's long term substitute in kindergarten. Jessica also taught at George Hall School in San Mateo and worked as the Assistant Program Director for fourth and fifth graders at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Staff and parents have commented on Jessica's exceptional interpersonal skills, her positive personality and her strong instructional skills. 

Please enjoy the special events and celebrations during this final week of the school year. Best wishes for a relaxing summer!  

 

Sincerely,

Allison Liner