Team Extreme

Hello to my new amazing 7th grade students. I am your 7th grade math teacher on Team Extreme this year. This will be my 30th year teaching at Arroyo Seco. I have taught both 8th and 7th grade math over the years, 7th grade is my favorite.

I grew up in Minnesota loving the lakes in the summer and snow in the winter. When I graduated from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD I took a job teaching in California. My parents drove me across the country to help me start my career. I quickly fell in love with California and stayed. I earned my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Cal State Bakersfield in 2003.

My amazing husband, Mike Choate and I have two beautiful children, now all grown up. My children thrived at Arroyo Seco as students and went on to enjoy high school at Saugus and West Ranch. Our son Blake, is 26 and a full time beach lifeguard in Oceanside, CA. Our daughter Kayla, is a graduate of the University of Oregon, GO DUCKS. She is now a marketing director and event coordinator for Portland American Business Journal. She will finish her masters degree at the Portland campus at U of Oregon by next spring 2027.

My new hobby is crocheting. I have made over 80 blankets in 4 years. I encourage students to join my crochet club.  We will meet at lunch in my room when clubs begin.

I am the person you can trust to help you succeed in school and in life. So let’s get to know each other this year, while we learn math together.

My goal is to create meaningful relationships with each of you. I strive for a classroom with positive interactions. I want you to think of me as your math coach this year. We will use my whiteboards, group activities as well as the textbook and IXL program to do our math practice together each day. 

Parents please be your child's guide to success, but leave the hard learning stuff up to them, they can do it if they put their mind to it.

I look forward to a great year,

Lise M. Choate

Welcome to Team Extreme!

My name is Erika Garcia, and I’m so excited to teach your child science this year. After 21 years of teaching middle school, what I love most is helping students build confidence, think critically, and find joy in learning about the world around them.

I earned my Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly Pomona, followed by my Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education from National University. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and moved to Santa Clarita 18 years ago with my husband. We have a 15-year-old daughter who is currently a sophomore at Saugus High School and competes on the Track and Field team.

When I’m not in the classroom, I love cheering on my daughter at her track meets, spending time with family and friends, getting lost in a good book, listening to music, watching Netflix, and going on walks with our 7-year-old boxer.

I’m looking forward to working together as a team to make this a successful year for your student!

Kind regards,

Mrs. Erika Garcia

Hello Team Extreme 7th Graders!

My name is Leslie Witz and I am the ELA/DLI and ELA teacher on Team Extreme. I am excited to help you develop a love or appreciation for ELA and literature.

I have been in the education field for well over 12 years, the last 5 years as a junior high teacher in the Santa Clarita valley.  I earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Literature (English degree) from UCLA with a minor in Music History. I earned my teaching credential and Masters in Education from the University of La Verne. I also earned CLAD authorization from the University of San Diego and RLAA (Reading and Literacy Added Authorization) from Cal State Bakersfield. I have a passion for learning and I will strive to help you grow as a lifelong learner. ELA provides access to life long skills that transcend across all content areas. 

I have a wonderful husband and two school aged children that are my world. I grew up in Hollywood and was raised by a single mom, she is one of my heroes. I love to listen to music, read & watch TV while I snuggle with my kiddos. Disney movies and K-dramas are my jam! 

I am so excited to work with and to get to know you all. Learning takes a village and I am honored to be a part of your growth and development.

Thank you! Gracias!

Mrs. Leslie Witz

Team Extreme Expectations & Policies 2026–2027

1. Classroom Rules at a Glance

• Phones, AirPods & Meta Glasses: Must be turned off and stored in backpacks all day. Any unapproved or recording devices will be confiscated per district policy.
• Smartwatches: May be worn for checking the time only (no texting or app use).
• Hats, Hoods & Beanies: Must be removed upon entering the classroom.
• Food & Drinks: Water is allowed; no food or gum in class.
• Grooming: No hair brushing, makeup application, or spraying of perfumes/colognes indoors.
• Restroom Passes: Reserved for emergencies only (pass required unless a medical note is on file with the health office).

• 2. Homework, Grades & Late Work 
• Google Classroom: May be used daily for Math, Science, English, and World History weekly agendas and/or assignments.

• Homework Calendar: Check the Team Homework Calendar to stay on track.
• English: Read an independent novel for 15–20 minutes daily.
• Math: Up to 20 minutes per night (rarely assigned on Fridays).
• All Core Subjects: Finish any incomplete classwork, review vocabulary and notes, work on projects, study for quizzes or tests.
• Assessment Retakes: Math test corrections and retakes are always allowed. All other core subjects may be granted case-by-case at teacher discretion.

• Grade Book Updates: Grades in Infinite Campus are updated at least once every two weeks (or more frequently).
• Late Work: Assignments may be turned in up to one week late for partial credit.
• Hard Deadline: After one week, any missing assignment becomes a permanent 0 in Infinite Campus and can no longer be submitted.

3. AI Guidelines

• STOP 🛑: STOP and do not use any AI or Internet help to do this assignment.

• CAUTION💡: A little hint or guidance would be OK on this assignment. Especially if you do not have your teacher nearby, you are completely lost, or you do not have a trusted adult who could help you get started.
• GO ✅: Don't let AI or Google do your thinking for you! However, using AI to help draft a polite email to your teacher is a great tool. Just remember: only use AI when your teacher gives you permission, and use it wisely.

• Teachers are available during nutrition or lunch by request.
• Students can ask teachers directly, or parents/students can reach out via email or ParentSquare.

• 5. Supplies for Success

• Pencils & sharpener (or mechanical pencils)
• Black/blue pens + 1 red pen (for corrections)
• Highlighters (4 colors for note-taking)
• Colored pencils (10–12 pack)
• College-ruled lined paper
• Wired headphones
• Basic 4-function calculator (phones are not allowed)
• English: 1 composition book and 1 plastic folder
• History: 1 one-inch binder and 1 single-subject college-ruled notebook
• Math: 1 plastic 3-prong folder
• Science: 1 plastic folder

6. Support Team Extreme

We’re excited to make this school year the best it can be for our students, and your support makes a huge difference.  We’ve created a Team Extreme Amazon Wishlist with items that will help our classrooms run smoothly and give students the tools they need to succeed. If you’re able, we would truly appreciate any donations from the list.

Thank you for your generosity and for being such an important part of the Extreme community!