Hello My Name Is...
Ms. Duke
Hello! Since we will be spending quite a bit of time together, I thought I'd introduce myself to you. First of all, I a a mother of two wonderful adult children. They both went to Carrillo and have now graduated from SDSU and UCSD. My daughter is a graphic designer and my son works in a lab. I live nearby with my partner, Paul, who works for the city of Oceanside as a mechanic who repairs the city's vehicles. My family likes to go swimming, watch movies, go to the beach, and just spend quality time together.
I have been teaching for 19 years, but have been working at Carrillo for over 22 years (I was an aide in kindergarten and a reading teacher before getting my credential). I have taught kindergarten, first, fourth, and fifth grade. I love upper grade students because they are still like sweet little kids in bigger bodies! I also love that they laugh at my jokes! My biggest goal for my students is for them to get excited about learning and for them to see their own progress!
Finally, here are a few fun facts about me...
*I love outdoor activities! I run, cycle, paddle board, go to Crossfit classes, throw a football, and play basketball.
*I recently became a CrossFit Level 2 trainer and have been coaching part time at CrossFit FlxR in Carlsbad (email me if you are interested in trying a class :).
*I am a part of a running group called Run North County that gets together for group runs and races.
*I am an art lover! I read about artists, visit museums, and I draw portraits-whenever I have the time!
*I am an animal lover. I have 2 pets: A cat named Tofu and a dog named Auggie.
*I am a goal setter! I love to challenge myself to learn new things and, when I set a goal, I get really determined (some call it obsessed) about meeting those goals! My current goals are to develop my artistic abilities by drawing regularly and to learn how to be handy around the house.
*I am very sentimental (I cry sometimes when reading the sad part of a book to the class), and can also be a goofball at times! I'm especially hyper when I drink coffee in the morning!
*I expect a lot from my students, but I will be their biggest ally and cheerleader as they struggle through tough things.
I hope this introduction has helped you get to know your teacher! I look forward to knowing more about you, too! It's going to be a great 5th grade year!!