The Riebli Record
August 7, 2020
Dear Riebli Families,
Ever feel like you're living on a different planet?! Especially these days. It's hard to know where reality stops, where fears start, and all the emotions in between. This week, as excitement and anxiety of the school starting ramps up, I want to encourage you to take some time to connect with your child. Like REALLY connect. I'm talking no distractions, eye contact, the good stuff. BE PRESENT!!!
Take a quick break from the routine, do something silly or spontaneous, maybe even surprise your child with something out of the ordinary: a drive to the beach, a long walk in nature, camping in the backyard on a school night, a family movie night, eating dinner outside, just anything to spice it up. With all the rigor of school, the numerous Zoom meetings and online expectations that are coming, it's important that your child FEELS human connection to you and other family members. If your family is safely enjoying the company of other close relatives or friends, make sure you facilitate play and exercise whenever possible.
Please keep in mind that if something isn't working for your child, your teachers are ready to listen and PIVOT with you as needed. Although we are intentional and strategic in our teaching, we're learning as we go also and we aren't afraid to make changes when needed. Your feedback is valued and appreciated.
Have a great rest of your week, Panther families!
From our planet to yours,
XOXO,
Mrs. Todd
The offfice is almost complete!
Mrs. Johnson- 4th grade
Hi! My name is Amanda Johnson, and I am so excited to be a part of the Riebli family. I am the former GATE and intervention teacher at Mark West and have worked with students at every grade level. I was born and raised in Sonoma County, and I am happy to call the Larkfield community my home. I have two daughters, Baylee who is a second grader at Riebli, and Brooklyn who will start kindergarten next year. I love to be outdoors, and in my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, snowboarding and wake surfing.
My goal as a teacher is to create an environment in which my students are engaged and excited to learn. I believe in challenging my students to achieve their goals by using creative thinking, exploration, problem solving techniques and reasoning. I love the enthusiasm and sarcasm that fourth graders possess, and I can’t wait to meet my new students and families.
Mrs. Black- 1st grade
I am thrilled to be joining the Riebli Staff! I’ve been a part of the MWUSD community for 10 years as a parent and 9 years working on staff in a variety of different positions. Most recently I was teaching 4th, 5th and 6th grade GATE/Enrichment. I have also taught 2nd grade and PE for TK-6, and substituted for every grade TK-8. My very first job in education was as a paraeducator in 1st grade, so I am very excited to get back to my roots.
In my free time I enjoy indoor spinning, hiking with my family and our dog, watching my 2 boys play sports, camping, and reading.
Mrs. Somawang- School Psychologist
I am so excited to join the MWUSD staff this year! I am a California native and have been a school psychologist in Sonoma County since 2012. Before that, I worked in education in the Los Angeles and Tulare County areas after graduating from Fresno Pacific University. I have a dinosaur obsessed son who will be joining the Riebli family as a kindergarten student this school year! I enjoy hiking, playing soccer, gardening, traveling, and talking about wine. The best part of my job is working with families and staff to problem solve together and make successful learning plans for students. I get so much joy from watching students who once struggled start to make academic connections and begin to enjoy learning! Cheers to a great school year!
Ms. Haviland- 1st grade
Hi! My name is Melissa Haviland, I am so excited to be joining some fantastic first graders this year at Riebli! I have been an educator for the past four years teaching at the second grade level but first grade has always held my heart. I love to see the spark of understanding in my student’s eyes and strive to nurture their personalities and passions within the classroom. When I’m not in the classroom you can find me enjoying time with my fiance, three step-children, and dog who always keep me on my toes. I love to garden, and enjoy traveling to new places to see what our wide world has to offer. I can’t wait for the year to officially begin to become a part of the Riebli family!
Mrs. Zagacki- 4th grade
I am a Sonoma County native and am excited to continue my career in the district where I too went to school as a 5th and 6th grader 20 years ago! After Mark West, I stayed local with my education ultimately attending Sonoma State University, where I earned my teaching credential. It is a privilege to now be one of them! I have taught grades 3rd, 4th, and 7th. While I find joy in teaching all grade levels, I do have a particular fondest for 4th grade. It is always exciting assisting students as they navigate between primary and upper elementary.
When I am not on campus, I am most likely on a hike with my dogs and husband, crafting, or doing some home improvements on our newly purchased “fixer upper.” During any of these activities, you will likely find me with my headphones on listening to an audio book. In the off chance I don’t have a book going, I am most likely watching a Giants baseball game!