Together, we are a group of Highly Qualified professionals, with a sincere desire for encouraging success, for all students, in all areas of life, through a love of knowledge, learning and curiosity. Our role is to guide each child towards self-discovery, relevant and authentic learning, while providing access to information. Each of us has the goal to inspire our students to develop a greater understanding of themselves as individuals and the world around them. We strive to help each child have ownership of their education, be motivated to work and to learn, and to master the skills necessary for life-long successes.

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  Mrs. Sandra Griswold (HQT)ICE: Independent Continuing Education
  Grades 9-12

  Mrs. Griswold has been working for the Morongo Unified School District since 2010 as a substitute teacher upon receiving her B.A. English degree. She completed the credential program at CSU San Bernardino, then taught 7th and 8th grade English at La Contenta Middle School for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school year. In February of 2018, Mrs. Griswold completed her M.A. in Curriculum Instruction and Design and also obtained a Multiple Subject Credential. Mrs. Griswold is excited to have the opportunity to work with the students, families, and faculty here at the Student Achievement Center and to help students reach their academic goals.

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  Jennifer Sands (HQT)Administrator - Independent Instruction
  Grades K-12

  Mrs. Sands grew up and went to school here in the MUSD graduating from Yucca Valley High School. She started working in the District in 2002. Mrs. Sands has had the privilege of teaching at Joshua Tree Elementary school, Friendly Hills Elementary School, Vice Principal at Twenty-nine Palms Junior High School, Principal at Friendly Hills Elementary School, and Principal of Black Rock High School and The Student Achievement Center.

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  Mrs. Dawn Schooler (HQT)ICE: Independent Continuing Education
  Grades 9-12

  Mrs. Schooler, a YVHS graduate, has enjoyed working in the field of education for over 30 years mainly teaching at the secondary level. She has credentials in mathematics, physical education and holds a master’s degree in educational counseling. Her teaching career began with substituting and coaching at YVHS in the 80’s. She has taught in Orange County, Joshua Spring Christian School and La Contenta Middle School. Mrs. Schooler loves her job and feels blessed and honored to work with students and their families at Student Achievement Center.  

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  Caitlin McConnell (HQT)ICE: Independent Continuing Education
  Grades 9-12

  Caitlin McConnell has worked in education at both the high school and college level, and is very excited to teach and learn from the amazing staff, parents and students in the district, particularly with those of the ICE program. She brings with her a B.S. in Physics, an M.A. in Astronomy, and a desire to help all her students on the road to success.

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  Mr. Ed Lynch (HQT)ICE: Independent Continuing Education
  Grades 9-12

  Mr. Lynch has proudly taught in the district for ten years. The first six years were at La Contenta Middle School and the last four years have been at ICE. Mr. Lynch was born and raised in the state of Washington and is proud to now call the beautiful high desert home. Mr. Lynch will gladly divulge any additional information to interested parties.

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  Mrs. Michelle Maresh (HQT)Hi-Lite: Home Instruction-Learning Is a Team Effort
  Grades K-8

  Mrs. Maresh is a teacher of almost 30 years and is still honored to have the privilege to work with so many wonderful children and their families. Mrs. Maresh is a strong advocate for home schooling and works hard to help each family become successful as home educators. She has a B.A. in Liberal Studies with an English emphasis and a master’s degree in Environmental Education.

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  Mrs. Margaret Reed (HQT)Hi-Lite: Home Instruction-Learning Is a Team Effort
  Grades K-8

  Mrs. Reed has been teaching for 33 years. She started in her career in Downey, and after moving to the Morongo Basin in 1990, has taught at Yucca Mesa and Friendly Hills Elementary and Jr. High Schools, working with students in grades K-8. Mrs. Reed is very excited to work with students and their families at the Student Achievement Center-West.

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  Susan Walls (HQT)Hi-Lite: Home Instruction-Learning Is a Team Effort
  Grades K-8

  Ms. Walls began teaching the in Morongo Unified School District in 1988. She was assigned to Friendly Hills Elementary School and remained there until February 2015. Throughout her twenty-seven years at FHES, she taught grades 1 – 8. She loves teaching at SAC- West and is looking forward to a terrific year.

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