FACULTY LOUNGE edgewood librarian keeps it light

"Hey Friends!" or "Don't aggravate my liver!" are common phrases you will hear from Mrs. Ginger Liess, the Edgewood campus librarian and ASB advisor.  Ms. Liess has been working at Fairmont for 10 years now. Her career at Fairmont began at the Anaheim Hills campus about five years ago. In addition to her current role, Ms. Liess has also taught Junior High Study Skills. Her passion for working with children has landed her a BS in child and adolescent studies and a Master's degree in education. She has been working with children for 16 years now and not a day goes by without a smile on her face. In her spare time, she loves frequenting Starbucks, traveling, spending time with family and playing with her puppies. 

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT edgewood fourth grader races toward success

Some people stroll through life, while others race toward the finish line.  Megan Trivedi, a fourth grader in Ms. Del Carmen's class, pushes herself to work hard at her new favorite sport, track.  Megan has been with the running club, The Equalizers, since August 2010.  Since then she has grown to become a well-rounded and successful student athlete.  Megan meets at Citrus Grove Park in Irvine four times a week to train with her coaches and other runners ranging from 6-15 years of age.  Megan is able to run an average of five miles each practice!  She says her favorite part of running is that she pushes herself every day, and that every day she runs a little faster.  Her longest run was 8 miles straight without stopping!

 

Since beginning in August, Megan has already competed in five competitions.  Her favorite one was when she received third place at the Junior Olympics Regional Competition and won her first medal.  On Saturday, December 10, she traveled to Alabama to compete in the National Junior Olympics!  Megan says running helps her feel healthy and proud. Megan is a great example of how hard work and perseverance pay off.  Her parents, teachers, and friends are very proud of her. 

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus 

BOOK REPORT edgewood shares amazing animal tale

Noah and the Bunnies

This is a heart-warming story of Noah, a racing pigeon who discovers a new "profession" after injuries prevent him from  ever racing again. While recovering in the home of a wildlife rehabilitator, Noah discovers he has a knack for helping other injured animals get well.  He forms a bond with some sick baby bunnies, literally taking them "under his wings" as he nurses them back to health.  Noah comes to the aid of many other critters in need in this story for all of the animal lovers out there.

For book orders or to donate to Wild Rose Rescue Ranch, contact:

903.839.8948

Wild Rose Rescue Ranch

P.O. Box 278

Whitehouse, Texas 75791

Submitted by Diana, Edgewood campus

FACULTY LOUNGE edgewood acknowledges maintenance man

Thanks to Camerino Esquada in Fairmont’s maintenance department, teachers and students can focus on learning and leave the “dirty work” to him!  We are very thankful to him for everything he does to keep our campus looking great year round.  Mr. Esquada is a native of Mexico City and has lived in the US for the past 17 years.  He and his wife, Leticia, have three children: two sons and a one year-old daughter.  When he’s not hard at work helping keep the Edgewood campus in tip-top shape he enjoys playing the guitar, playing soccer, swimming, hiking and spending quality time with his family.

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT edgewood third grader dances bollywood style

When Shalini puts her mind to something she sticks with it.  Shalini Patel, a third grader in Mrs. Lottes' class decided to join the NDM Bollywood Dance Studio when she was only six.  Every year since, she has had Bollywood dance practice once a week at the Artesia NDM Dance Studio. 

Her performances are bi-annual; one in March and one in June.  Shalini mostly performs in a group, although she has done a few solos and a duet for private functions.  In addition, her dance group has been selected to compete in various dance competitions.  Later this year, her dance team will be competing in the Neema Dance Competition in Artesia.  They will also be performing at the Ford Amphitheater with some of NDM's other dance teams.

Shalini has the privilege to study under the instruction of Nukul Dev Mahajan, who has just recently choreographed dance routines for the Nobel Peace Prize Gala in Norway for the very famous Indian composer and singer, A.R. Rahman.  Mahajan is known for his role on "So You Think You Can Dance" as the Bollywood choreographer for the contestants for the last four years.

Through dance, Shalini has made many friends.  She says that she enjoys every minute of her Bollywood dancing mostly because the teacher is so fun and it's entertaining and fast paced.  Her goal is to be an instructor one day.  Shalini's parents, friends, and teachers are all very proud of all her accomplishments.