ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
AND MRS. SHARON MARINE
Special THANK YOU to Principal, Mrs. Marine, for taking time to answer our Q&A!
Q. Tell me about your family. Where are you from and how did you decide to move to Estrella?
A. I was born and grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where I attended elementary school, junior high, and high school. I moved to the West Phoenix area when I was in my 20's. I graduated from Grand Canyon University, and started teaching 3rd grade at Estrella Mountain Elementary School, [EMES]. I taught 3rd grade for 10 years, a K-2 multi-age class one year, then I became the Reading Specialist for 3 years. I went to ASU and got my Master's of Education in Literacy and my leadership degree, which allowed me to begin my administrative work as TOSA (teacher of special assignment) and assistant principal at Freedom Elementary School for 3 years. I have been principal at EMES for 7 years. I am married, and my husband and I have 7 children between us. All but one attended Estrella Mountain Elementary school. I knew that Estrella would be my future home the first time I drove through the neighborhood, and have lived in Estrella off and on for over 15 years.
My hobby is playing competitive women's softball. I usually play at least one tournament each month, most recently, competing in the National Senior Olympics with Ladies’ Choice Softball in Minnesota in July. My team brought home the silver medal! I also enjoy working out and running. |
Q. Please tell us about Estrella Mountain Elementary School. How long has it been serving students and how long have you been at the school? (I can add the photo of the three principals to this.)
A. Estrella has been serving kids for 26 years, for which I have been a part of for 20 years.
A. Estrella has been serving kids for 26 years, for which I have been a part of for 20 years.
Q. What is unique about your elementary school?
A. EMES is unique as it offers a world class education to all its students. We are an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) school for grades K-8. We believe in creating leaders of tomorrow by teaching all students Spanish, global connections, self awareness and citizenship. All 6-8 students receive Spanish instruction daily, in addition to reading, writing, social studies, science, and design. Design is a class that allows students to research and implement an action that students brainstorm together.
A. EMES is unique as it offers a world class education to all its students. We are an accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) school for grades K-8. We believe in creating leaders of tomorrow by teaching all students Spanish, global connections, self awareness and citizenship. All 6-8 students receive Spanish instruction daily, in addition to reading, writing, social studies, science, and design. Design is a class that allows students to research and implement an action that students brainstorm together.
Q. With the first day of school coming up, what advice do you have for parents of nervous students with first day jitters?
A. The staff at EMES is excited to start another school year. We understand that there are always the first day jitters, so we are having our Open House on Friday, July 31st, from 4:00-6:00. We encourage parents and students to stop by during this time to acclimate to the school setting and to drop off school supplies. Remember that parking is at a premium, and the ball field parking lot will be open as well. Don't forget to visit the gym to get information on sports, clubs, and other activities that are student related.
First day jitters can be alleviated by having a positive attitude, and a new outfit can't hurt. Children take notice of their parents' actions, so be encouraging, supportive, and positive.
A. The staff at EMES is excited to start another school year. We understand that there are always the first day jitters, so we are having our Open House on Friday, July 31st, from 4:00-6:00. We encourage parents and students to stop by during this time to acclimate to the school setting and to drop off school supplies. Remember that parking is at a premium, and the ball field parking lot will be open as well. Don't forget to visit the gym to get information on sports, clubs, and other activities that are student related.
First day jitters can be alleviated by having a positive attitude, and a new outfit can't hurt. Children take notice of their parents' actions, so be encouraging, supportive, and positive.
Q. What is one thing you’d like to see in Estrella over the next 10 years?
A. I would love to see more community events in Estrella, such as 5Ks, triathlons, safety and health classes for children, and events that bring neighbors together. It would be nice to see more shops succeed that are run by residents, that is for sure.
A. I would love to see more community events in Estrella, such as 5Ks, triathlons, safety and health classes for children, and events that bring neighbors together. It would be nice to see more shops succeed that are run by residents, that is for sure.
CONNECT WITH ESTRELLA MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Estrella Mountain Elementary is located on the southeast corner of South San Miguel and West Elliot Road. In 2008, The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation selected Estrella Mountain Elementary to receive a new baseball field. It has lights, a scoreboard, outfield fence and stadium-quality grass. The "Field of Dreams" project got support from a partnership with Estrella Youth Sports. Dale Kamarata, executive director of EYS, said the district will work with Goodyear and Newland Communities to partner on the maintenance and use of the new field.
THE LIBERTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Liberty Elementary School District
19871 W. Fremont Road Buckeye, AZ 85326 |