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Hello Students and Families. My Name is Joan Garcia and I will be your fifth grade teacher this year. I am excited to have all of you as part of our class this year. As the year begins I am looking forward to getting to know you and helping the students grow academically in preparation for sixth grade. As I am eager to learn about you I would like you to know about me too. This is my seventeenth year teaching for LAUSD. I have taught fifth grade, first grade, second grade, third grade and kindergarten. My home state is New Mexico, and I come from a small town called Taos. After graduation from the local high school I attended New Mexico Highlands University and received my BA degree in Elementary Education. I moved to Los Angeles and became a teacher for LAUSD. I obtained a Masters Degree in Elementary Education in 2006. I am not only a teacher, but a wife and mother as well. I have two children, Diego is 9 and in 4th grade, and Mia is 16, an eleventh grader this year. My husband, Mr. Garcia and is a Captain for Los Angeles County Fire Department. You will see my family members from time to time as I hope to see yours too. Mr. Garcia is looking forward to visiting our class this year to read to you and present his fire gear while we learn about community workers and fire safety. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family, skiing, hiking, watching movies and traveling to New Mexico. Chocolate is my absolute favorite and my morning coffee is a close second. As we grow and learn together this year you will learn much more about me. I have an open door policy and will always make time for your questions, comments and concerns. Let's work together to make your fifth grade year at Sendak a great success.