FACULTY LOUNGE edgewood teacher strikes a chord

Junior High English teacher Ms. Denise Miller was born and raised in Portland, Oregon.   She was involved in many different clubs and organizations growing up, including soccer, basketball, Girl Scouts, and band.  Not only was she a part of her high school marching band, but for three summers in high school she was part of a band from the Northwest called Northern Lights. She has visited most states in the country as a result and has participated in the Portland Rose Parade, Starlight Parade, Junior Rose Parade, and Disney Magic Music Days at Disneyland.

Ms. Miller earned her BA in English from the University of Oregon where she was part of the Oregon Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. While at UO, she participated in many activities, including the Holiday Bowl and Parade, Fiesta Bowl and Parade, the Sun Bowl, and the Seattle Bowl. After graduation, she enrolled in Pacific University’s Masters in Teaching program, graduating in December 2004 and spent the next six months in on-the-job training as a substitute teacher in Eugene and Springfield.

The summer of 2005, she relocated to California where her brother was living. Her first job here was in Riverside County at a school called Harvest Valley Elementary. She taught junior high English and computers there. In 2006, she began here at Fairmont teaching computers K-8. In 2007, she added junior high English to her responsibilities.

On weekends and holidays, Ms. Miller enjoys watching college football and basketball games, visiting Disneyland with friends and family, and watching movies. She enjoys reading and watching most genres, but science fiction is her favorite. Ms. Miller still visits her family in Oregon and Washington once or twice a year, but she also loves to travel to other states.  Her next goal is to visit either Florida or Hawaii.

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT edgewood dancers take center stage

First graders Kyra, Ankhita and Alyssa have been studying Indian dance for three years.  They started out with Bollywood-style techniques and are now beginning to learn styles which have more classical Indian influence. Their dance school,NDM,is one the largest of its kind in the US and is directed by Nakul Dev Mahajan. Mr. Mahajan is world famous and has choreographed award-winning dance sequences on such popular shows as "So You Think You Can Dance". The girls are in the youngest troupe at NDM and  have won hearts with their eight stage performances in this short time.  They have also performed at senior communities in Anaheim Hills and Yorba Linda. 

When asked what they like best about dancing, the girls all agreed, "definitely the competitions."  I thought it would have been dressing up in costumes, however, they all disagreed with me because "the costumes are always too itchy."  Keep up the good work girls!

Contributed by Jonna, Edgewood campus

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