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Sam Ung, ESC Science, Bio

Mrs. Ung earned a degree in Biological Sciences at UCI and entered the biotech field where she promptly realized that though she loved science, the corporate world wasn’t for her. After earning her Master’s in Education at Pepperdine University she exchanged her goggles and lab coat for a roomful of students and lots of laughter 5 years ago. Mrs. Ung strives to bring abstract science concepts to life in hands on experiments in the science lab. She emphasis learning through exploration and discovery and students do so by blowing marshmallows up with air pressure, building volcanoes, squid dissections, mealworm races, and building and maintaing a living terrarium to name a few.

Erin Zoumaras, ESC Music, Bio

In music class, Ms. Zoumaras encourages all students to express themselves musically by singing, rhythm workshop creations and playing instruments. Students apply their musical expressions to classroom activities and grade level performances. Fifth and sixth grade students have an opportunity to extend their musical knowledge by learning a band instrument in the after-school Stallion Beginning Band or Stallion Advanced Band. Ms. Zoumaras received a Bachelor of Art in Music, emphasis trumpet performance, from Central Bible College and a Master of Music in Conducting and Master of Art in Teaching from Missouri State University. During her education, Ms. Zoumaras enjoyed performing with and conducting many of the university ensembles. From 2007-2011, Ms. Zoumaras taught general music and instrumental and vocal music in the San Dieguito Union High School District. In her free time, Ms. Zoumaras enjoys spending time with her family and friends and her dog Scooter and volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a child in foster care and is an avid baseball fan and in the spring and summer can be seen along the first baseline at Padres games.

Jennifer Oliveira, ESC Technology, Bio

Working with the classroom teachers, Mrs. Oliveira plans project-based activities based on classroom content to enhance learning. Knowing our kids are Digital Immigrants, Mrs. Oliveira provides opportunities for kids to learn productive and responsible use of Technology Tools to create podcasts and animations. Students also use tools like Google Apps for Education to collaborate on writing assignments, peer edit, and get feedback from their teachers. Mrs. Oliveira also supports classroom teachers using technology productivity tools like our Student Information System, building classroom web sites for communication, and creating student products with video or digital images. With a Masters in Educational Technology and an Administrative Services Credential, Mrs. Oliveira wears many hats on campus. She is the Administrative Designee when Mrs. Morris is off campus, she advises Student Council, PeaceCoaches, and GEEK Squad. She often attends Technology Conferences to expand her knowledge of how other power users are supporting 21st Century Skills.

Catherine Gilbert, ESC Art Teacher

In the Stallion Studio, Mrs. Gilbert strives to provide an environment that balances intellectual growth and creativity. She designs lessons that not only meet the California Visual Arts content standards, but also provides enriching experiences for each child. Students explore a variety of mediums and techniques; experimenting with materials not typically found in the general education classroom. Students gain a foundation in art history and develop analytical skills while looking at and discussing the work of famous artists, as well as their own work. They put their problem-solving skills into action, and experience the excitement of seeing multiple approaches to the same assignment in the work of their peers. Each child also has opportunities to share their work through art displays, collaborative art projects, and individual student portfolios. http://sandbox.dmusd.org/teachers/catherinegilbert/Sycamore_Ridge_Art/Home.html