Aloha! My "real" name (that's what the little ones always say) is Jamie Okasako :) I am a transplant from Honolulu, Hawaii. Born and raised on the island of Oahu :) Yes, I grew up on spam, rice and soaking in Waikiki Beach :D My husband, who is also a teacher at Woodcreek Highschool (Math) and I made the big move to Roseville, California in 1999.
Every summer we would visit the Happiest Place on Earth ;) and then drive up to visit his sister, brother-in-law and two nephews who lived in Granite Bay. They LOVED Greenhills and its community. So rather than flying up every June, we decided to relocate and spread our roots in Rocklin, California, our second home. Time sure flies when you're having fun! It's been 18 years! Amazing! :D
I received my Education in Teaching degree from The University of Hawaii~ Go Bows! I student taught under an amazing mentor teacher, Mrs. Takai, First Grade, Kapalama Elementary in Kalihi. Followed by my first official teaching position: Kindergarten, Honowai Elementary in Waipahu. What a class it was! I took over half a year for a veteran teacher going on maternity leave. Her parting words to me were "Get ready. I'm leaving you with the hardest class I have ever had in my teaching career." I learned A LOT that year :) The following year, I moved to Fern Elementary back in Kalihi where I would spend three years as a Chapter 1 Reading Intervention teacher servicing students grades 3 through 6. A third grade classroom position finally opened up and that's where I stayed for the remaining five years.
Here at Greenhills, I was very fortunate that a half-time third grade position opened up. I shared a contract with Mrs. Belinda Sanchez. I taught Reading in the morning and she taught Math in the afternoon. The following year, a Kindergarten position opened up. At the time, The Eureka School District had what was called Early/Late. I shared a classroom with the MARVELOUS! Mrs. Lori Schaeffeur. She was the AM teacher and I was the PM teacher. LOVED HER! Learned A LOT about five years old from her. We taught together for two wonderful years :) I then moved classrooms and was on my own for a couple years. The following year, I partnered with another fabulous teacher, Miss Shannon Feider (now Penders :) for another couple years. She later recruited me to do Multi-age K-2. We spent seven years building up the program. She left to become a full time mom :) Another incredible teacher, Mrs. Kim Gerould who started the multi-age program at Greenhills returned and we partnered for two years. Loved the program, however decided to go back to the traditional classroom teaching Kindergarten :) Did two years and then was presented with the TK grade level opening up. It would be BIG shoes to fill! Mrs. Jennifer Maris who started the TK program with Mrs. Caitlin Brown, Oakhills and Mrs. Ashleigh Hoslett, Maidu was retiring! Do I dare take on four going onto five years old kiddos! :D Thanks to all my classroom experiences, phew! And, taking an amazing class every year for the past five years and counting, Education Through Music by The Richard's Institute. Learning A LOT about nurturing young children and the importance of play! :)
So here you are :) My third Owl Family class! Very excited to learn and grow with all of you :D Both Little AND Big Owls ;) Looking forward to our Back-to-School night, Wed., Aug. 24th. At this time, if you have any questions about TK or wanting to connect with alumni Greenhills families, veteran Pre-K or preschool families~ Wonderful opportunity to attend :)
Cheers to a great TK year! :D
With Warmest Regard, Mrs. O
