SJC INTRODUCES OUR NEW TEACHERS

GRADE 2: MRS. PEGGY LIN PACIS

Mrs. Pacis attended the University of San Francisco, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a minor in Theology. She continued her education at USF, earning her Teaching Credential and her Masters Degree in Education.

She taught fourth grade at Holy Name School in San Francisco for three years. She moved to the South Bay when she started her family. She now lives in the Campbell area with her husband, Efren, and two young sons, Patrick and Joshua (Patrick and Joshua were recently Baptized at St. Joseph of Cupertino Parish).

Mrs. Pacis comes to us with the very highest of recommendations from her previous principal and colleagues. We are thrilled to welcome her to SJC.

GRADE 6: MRS. LINDA ANDERSON

Mrs. Anderson received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Diego State University in 1975, and her Single Subject Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University in 1977. However, she then chose to stay home and raise her family. Now that her children, Helen and Nate, are in college and beyond, she is ready to return to the classroom in earnest. She decided to update her skills and knowledge by attending Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, earning her Multiple Subject Credential in 2003.

She has served as a short and long-term substitute in the San Mateo Unified School District since 1999, has volunteered in her children's schools, and has been active in her San Mateo parishes of St. Gregory's and St. Bartholomew's. Everybody with whom she has worked "sings her praises."

Mrs. Anderson and her husband, Marty, recently relocated from San Mateo to the San Jose area. We are excited about welcoming her into the SJC community.

ADVANCED MATH: MRS. DONNA BROCK

Mrs. Brock joined St. Joseph of Cupertino Parish Staff in 1991, serving as the Director of Religious Education for our parish for the past fourteen years. Several years ago, she also joined the school staff, teaching Algebra I to the advanced math students in the eighth grade. At the end of this past school year, she decided to retire from administration, and so we seized the opportunity to ask her to expand our Advanced Math Program. She will now serve as our Advanced Math Teacher for Grades 4-8, taking full responsibility for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of our advanced math students' curriculum. We are excited about the expansion of this program, and are so grateful that Mrs. Brock agreed to serve in this capacity.

Mrs. Brock graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Elementary Education, and earned her teaching credential at Stanford. She taught for six years in the Morland School District. Later, she pursued a Masters Degree in pastoral ministry, which she then put into practice when she became involved in parish work.

MR. STEVE DO

Mr. Steve Do will be assuming the position of Religious Education Coordinator. He recently graduated with a degree in Religious Studies from Santa Clara University. He has worked as a youth minister, and as an aide in an elementary school setting. He comes to us highly recommended. Mr. Do will be working with Sr. Dorothy as she mentors him in this new position.

AN UPDATE ABOUT OUR FORMER TEACHERS

Mrs. Pacis and Mrs. Anderson are taking over for Mrs. Barbara Larson and Mrs. Erin Fuelscher, both of whom had their first babies this past summer. Evelyn Rose Fuelscher was born on June 28 and Rachel Marie Larson came into the world on July 26. The opinions are unanimous - Evelyn and Rachel are beautiful. Moms and daughters (and dads!) are doing great. We look forward to their visits to school during the coming year, and we thank God for the gift of new life in our community.

Sr. Dorothy Nolan is working full-time for her religious community, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. However, her community agreed to allow her to also work part-time for us as an advisor to our Religious Education program. She plans to continue to plan and conduct the class retreat days. In addition, she will be guiding all who will be working with her to ensure that the program she has developed over the past 14 years will grow and flourish.

Mrs. Jan Wedig, former advanced math aide, will be returning to school to earn her teaching credential.

MORE STAFF NEWS

We also welcome several new classroom aides: Ms. Aleta Brodgon Valleau (SJC Class of 1993) in grade two; Mrs. Nancy Shiu in grade three; and Mrs. Yvette Moss in grade six. In addition, Mrs. Terry Hanna, formerly our second grade aide, has assumed the role of on-site tutor, which we know will be a very valuable service for our students and families. More information and pictures to follow soon.