Team Extreme

Ms. Simmons English 7 & Achieve

Welcome to English 7! I am Ms. Simmons and I am so excited to be your English teacher this year! This is the start of my 24th year of teaching and my 12th year at Seco. Over the years, I have taught all of the grades from K-8 as an English teacher, English Language Development teacher, and special educator. I love being an English teacher and I love teaching 7th grade! I studied literature and poetry at UCSC(Go Banana Slugs) and I love sharing my passion for reading and writing with exceptional students like you.

When I am not at school, I love spending time with family including my two children, portly kitty, and spunky pup. My daughter, Madeline, is a senior at West Ranch this year and my son, Ian, is starting fifth grade. We love to go on hikes, watch movies, listen to music, and of course, read great books! I hope you will enjoy learning with me this year. Please know that I am always here to help you reach your goals.

Together, we can create a fun and successful 7th-grade year!

Ms. Lisa Simmons

[email protected]

Hello to my new amazing 7th grade students. I am your 7th grade math teacher on Team Extreme this year. This will be my 28th 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 I and have two beautiful children, now all grown up. Our son Blake, is 24 and a full time beach lifeguard in Oceanside, CA. Our daughter Kayla, is a senior at the University of Oregon, GO DUCKS. My children thrived as Arroyo Seco as students and went on to enjoy high school at Saugus and West Ranch.

My new hobby is crocheting. I have made over 37 blankets in 2 years.

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 wall 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,

Mrs. Lise Choate

[email protected]

"Work hard in math, learn more about one another and have fun doing it."

Mrs. Erika Garcia - Science 7

Hi, I am Mrs. Garcia and I am looking forward to having you in my science class this year! I have been teaching at the middle school level for 19 years, 6 1/2 of them with the Hart School District. Before joining the Hart District, I taught with LAUSD for 12 1/2 years. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Cal Poly Pomona University, and my Teaching credential and Master’s degree in Education from National University.

I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, then I moved to Santa Clarita to start a family of my own 16 years ago. I am married and I have a 13 year old daughter in the 8th grade here at Arroyo Seco.

When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, listening to music and audiobooks, and going on walks with our 4 year old boxer. I am excited to work with you this year and help you think like scientists!

Kind regards,

Mrs. Erika Garcia

[email protected]

I am excited to welcome you and your child to a new school year! My name is Ms. Stephens, and I will be your child’s 7th grade history teacher this year for Team Extreme. This is my first year at Arroyo Seco and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with you and your child. I look forward to a productive and rewarding year ahead.

A bit about me: I hold a B.A in History from California State University, Northridge, and a Single Subject teaching credential from California State University, Bakersfield. I have one dog named Boone; I love to cook and bake in my free time; and my favorite movie is Remember the Titans.

I have had a passion for teaching and knew I wanted to be in the education field since I was five years old. I strive to foster a learning environment that is positive and supportive for every student. I want every student to feel engaged in course work and encouraged to learn in my classroom. I am dedicated to helping your child succeed in every aspect of their time here at Arroyo Seco. 

I can’t wait to meet all of you!

Ms. Makenna Stephens

[email protected]

• NO HATS (hoods, beanies) in class
• NO GUM at all at SCHOOL anywhere!                   
• Cell phones: turned off & in backpack all day.
• NO Air pods at school "do not wear headphones on shoulders or in ears when not in use"
• No grooming in class
• Bathroom – emergency only! (Use the bathroom pass)