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Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Child Development and Liberal Studies from Chico State University MA in Education Leadership from San Jose State University
Mrs. Allison Moon- TK
This is my 17th year at Vargas Elementary, and I love being a Transitional Kindergarten Teacher. I’m passionate about teaching my students to draw, and to introduce them to learning through play-based centers.
I attended California State University, Chico for my undergrad and San Jose State University for my masters. My family enjoys going camping every summer, weekly trips to the library and doing crafts together. I have two little boys who love books and cooking. (My oldest son is now a Vargas first grader.) I am also an active knitter and enjoy listening to audiobooks during my commute to work.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Jennifer Morgan- TK
Hi! I'm Mrs. Jennifer Morgan and I grew up in Santa Rosa, California. I like to go to the beach, build sandcastles with my kids and spend time with my family. I like to go to the movies, take my dog and two sons for long walks and go to the driving range to swing at golf balls. I love to learn and play in Transitional Kindergarten and to see students try new things, especially in science.
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Phone: (408) 522-8267
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Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Mary Jo Anderson- K
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Ms. Veronica Arcos- K
My name is Veronica, and I was born and raised in Southern California. I moved to the Bay Area in 2000. I have been an educator for 22 years, and have been teaching at Vargas School for 14 years. I love to teach students how to read! The best thing about teaching science is instilling curiosity about the world around us through hands-on projects, and art.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mr. Jeff Betz- K
I attended San Jose State and Fresno State University. I like to work out, play guitar, and spend time with my family. My favorite thing about science is doing experiments in biology, botany and studying physiology. I also enjoy watching all the things happening with Space X.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Shannon Gordon- 1st
I grew up in Dallas and came to the Bay Area to attend Stanford for my undergraduate education. I majored in Human Biology, and then attended San Jose State to earn my teaching credential. I live in Sunnyvale with my husband and daughter. We have two amazing dogs. We love all outdoor activities: hiking, biking, swimming, and so much more.
I have been teaching for 15 years, and this is my 2nd year in first grade. I love teaching first graders how to embrace their curious natures around science and develop their ability to carry out inquiry based experiments. I also enjoy helping beginning readers learn the skills needed to become independent readers.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
AS in Business Administration from Evergreen Valley College BS in Business Administration - emphasis in Accounting from San Jose State University MA in Education and California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University
Miss Jacquelyn Fortuna- 1st
Hello Vargas! My name is Jacquelyn Fortuna. I spent the previous year as a student-teacher and a sub here at Vargas. I am very excited to be joining the 1st grade team! I was born and raised in San Jose and just so happened to attain all of my degrees there as well. In my free time, I love reading, traveling, going to the beach and visiting family.
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BS in Early Childhood Education from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Miss Jennifer Ring - 1st
Hello Vargas, my name is Jennifer Ring and I am a first grade teacher here at Vargas Elementary. This will be my 6th year teaching and my 3rd year in the district. I am originally from New York City, but moved to the Bay Area in 2021. When I am not teaching I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, reading, and playing board games.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Ashley Bondi- 2nd
I grew up in Merced, CA and went to college at Santa Clara University. I've been a teacher at Vargas since 2005 and my favorite thing about Vargas is that everyone feels like family. When I'm not at Vargas, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Music from Notre Dame de Namur University Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University Masters in Educational Leadership from Framingham State University
Mrs. Katie Moorehead- 2nd
Welcome to 2nd grade! I grew up in Santa Cruz and love the beach and exploring tide pools to find interesting ocean animals. I am entering my 16th year as a teacher and I absolutely love my work. I have taught kindergarten and 2nd grade at Ellis Elementary in Sunnyvale and recently returned from teaching at The International School of Panama, where I taught kindergarten for 6 years.
After spending last year as the full-time substitute for Vargas, I am so happy to be joining the Vargas community as a classroom teacher. When I am not at school, I love singing, reading, and being a mom to my one year old son.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
AA Liberal Arts (Santa Monica College); BS Production Operations (Fresno State University); MBA (Cal State LA); clear teaching credential (National University)
Mr. Dennis Vaughn- 2nd
Welcome to 2nd grade. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching at Vargas School since 2000. During this time I’ve taught 2nd through 5th grade. I’m the first person in my family to attend a 4 year university and graduate with a degree, and proudly attended a community college before transferring to complete my BS degree. Each day seeing children grow and learn are the great joys of teaching. Throughout my time at Vargas I’ve seen so many students enjoy science and continue to learn more about this amazing field of study.
What I love about teaching is that at the end of each day I believe I’ve helped contribute to a better world.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Ms. Pamela Alvarado- 3rd
I've been teaching 20+ years at this wonderful school. I went to San Francisco State University where I got a degree in International Relations (which comes in handy at Vargas). Teaching under the science umbrella enables me to see growth and excitement on a variety of levels.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Susie Herrera- 3rd
I grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from San Jose State University with my bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development, teaching credential, and master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending time with my family. I love teaching science because it encourages my students to be creative, resilient, and curious about the natural world around them.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Jessica Prettol- 3rd
Hi! I’m Jessica Prettol and I grew up here in Sunnyvale. I attended U.C. Santa Barbara for my degree and San Jose State for my teaching credential. I have been a teacher in this district for 20+ years, teaching 2nd to 4th grade. I enjoy reading, walking my dogs, watching my boys play baseball, and spending time with friends. I love teaching science because it gives my students a chance to explore the amazing world around them!
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA History & Educational Sciences MA Education
Mr. Gregory Daniel Herron- 4th
Greetings! My name is Gregory Herron (he/him), also known as Mr. G, and I teach fourth grade here at Vargas. I graduated from the University of California, Irvine (Zot! Zot!) and Stanford for my MA and teaching credential. My favorite part about being a teacher at Vargas is the supportive community and our awesome Maker’s Lab where our students build and create to their heart’s content. Science fact: Did you know that tarantulas use their silk to make cozy burrows rather than to catch prey? All they need to eat is their large fangs, trust me I’ve had one as a pet!
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Liberal Studies; emphasis in Mathematics from San Diego State University MA in Education and California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University
Miss Karen Tseng - 4th
Hi Vargas! My name is Karen Tseng and this will be my 4th year teaching 4th grade. I was born and raised in Cupertino, then moved down to San Diego to attend San Diego State University. There, I received my B.A. in Liberal Studies- Elementary Education then I moved back home to get my Master’s and teaching credential at San Jose State University. I have always loved working with kids and guiding them to wonder and explore the world and believe in themselves! In my free time, I love to dance, sing, and play pickleball with friends.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Ms. Julie Maddox- 4th/5th
Teaching children is a passion of mine. I grew up in Carson City, NV and received my teacher credential at the University of Nevada, Reno. All of my family still lives there and I enjoy going home to visit. I also enjoy reading, exercising, traveling, and hanging around with my husband and my two very busy daughters. I love to see the wonder and excitement in my students' eyes when cool things happen in science.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Sheena Jacobson- 5th
I was born and raised in Cupertino. I attended both San Francisco State and San Jose State. When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, get outdoors and read a good book. What excites me most about teaching science is the opportunity to let kids explore the world. I love to teach them about ways we can become more environmentally conscious and I love to see their enthusiasm for it!
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Communication from the University of Colorado Denver MA in Education from the University of Pennsylvania Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University
Ms. Jingxi Wu - 5th
I’m so excited to be a part of the Vargas family and the 5th grade team! I earned my B.A. in Communication from the University of Colorado Denver, my M.S.Ed. in Education from University of Pennsylvania, and my teaching credentials through San Jose State University. I enjoy working with 5th graders and promoting learning in creative ways!
I moved to the Bay Area 5 years ago and am still exploring the area. When I’m not teaching, I like to play guitar, sing, go to the gym, play boardgames, and spend time with my dog.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mr. Joseph Ernst- SDC K-2
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA Social Science San Jose State University Education Specialist Credential Moderate/Severe Disabilities Multiple Subjects Credential Single Subject Credential History/Social Science
Mr. Jaromy Calvert- SDC 3-5
I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Vargas and support our students! I am a California native! I enjoy exercising, listening to music, reading, and hanging out with my family.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Miss Jasmine Rodriguez- Resource Teacher
Hello! I'm Jasmine Rodriguez, a Resource Specialist at Vargas. I am a Sunnyvale native and attended Fairwood Elementary, Columbia Middle School, and Fremont High School. I earned my bachelor's degree in Child and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University. Currently, I'm enrolled in a special education credential program and will begin an internship this fall. This will be my seventh year working at Vargas. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, traveling, and exploring new cuisines.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Ms. Jasmin Roley- Resource Teacher
Hello there! I grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from UC Riverside with a background in sociology and law. I earned my teaching credential from San Jose State and have worked in Sunnyvale School District since 2016.
I enjoy exercising physically and mentally: reading, making art, cooking, traveling, spending time with loved ones, and working out. It is my goal and passion to teach students a growth mindset. As a famous scientist once said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake never tried anything new.” -Albert Einstein
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mr. Manveer Dulai- Physical Education Teacher
Hello! My name is Manny Dulai and I'm a first-generation American from Turlock, CA. I've been teaching Elementary PE for the past 5 years. I earned my BS degree in Kinesiology and Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. I enjoy building my students' socioemotional, physical and cognitive skills by participating in fun physical activities that promote teamwork and health. When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, go on adventures and watch sports.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Psychology from UC San Diego MA in Psychology from San Diego State University Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University
Miss Heather Willhalm- Science Instructional Coach
Hello/Hola! I am Heather Willhalm and I am one of the instructional coaches at Vargas. I also run and teach in our science lab. I grew up in Sunnyvale and am raising my 2 children in the Vargas community. We also have a dog. Since we live in the neighborhood, you may run into me at the park, local events, or shopping- please say “Hi”. I am looking forward to you visiting the science lab to do hands-on investigations. You will also get to visit our Maker Lab and Garden Lab.
My favorite quote about science education is by Dr. Frances A. Córdova “Science is too wonderful for it to be exclusive, and too important to leave anyone out.”
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mr. Julio Delgado - ELD Instructional Coach
This is my 11th year working at Vargas and my 3rd year working as the ELD instructional coach. I live in East Palo Alto with my amazing wife, adorable pitbull, and active and adventurous 15 month old you will meet.. I grew up in Los Angeles and enjoy all sports as well as playing board games! Spicy food and boba keep me going. I am ALWAYS up for trying new things so I am open to ideas :) I believe that science brings out the curiosity in students and pushes their imagination.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor's in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Spanish & Master’s in Teaching
Mrs. Angie Cordova- Teacher on Special Assignment - Direct Student Services
¡Hola! I grew up in Orange County where I attended Chapman University. After teaching in Southern California for a few years, I relocated to the Bay Area to join the loving Vargas family in 2010.
My husband loves science and continues to open my eyes and mind to the world around us. My gentle, 8-year-old, daughter helps me slow down and take the time to craft and make cards to spread love and cheer. My fun-loving, 4-year-old, son keeps me on my toes as we play with rockets and build innovative structures. We love spending time together and doing archery as a family.
Vargas has a special place in my heart! I enjoy building relationships with our students and their families. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Vargas community.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA in Psychology from Bucknell University Masters in Social Work (MSW) from San Jose State University Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Mrs. Rachel Boone- Social Worker
I grew up in the Bay Area, and went to college in Pennsylvania. I then taught kindergarten for a year in Thailand before earning my Masters in Social Work from San Jose State. I am now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and have been a School Social Worker at Vargas since 2018. I love being a supportive person on campus for our students, families, and staff, and helping students learn more about their feelings, how to manage their emotions, and develop coping skills to help them be more successful at school. My wife and I became moms in December 2021, and will be welcoming our second child in September 2023! We are also pet moms to our dog, Frankie, and two cats, Jax and Leia.
Phone: (408) 522-8267
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BS from SJSU 2005 MS from CSUEB 2008 Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate program 2017
Mrs. Danielle Lowry- School Psychologist
Became a school psychologist in 2008 and started my career at FUHSD. Worked in several states and moved back to the Bay Area in 2016 to be close to family. I have been at Sunnyvale School District since 2017.
I have two kids and a golden retriever. My husband and I first met in middle school.
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Degrees and Certifications:
BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders MA in Speech Language Pathology
Mrs. Rayna Steffl- Speech Language Pathologist
Hi Vargas! My name is Rayna Steffl and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). I grew up in South Dakota and have lived in California for 5 yearsI I enjoy the sunshine, being by the water, and spending time with my husband and our two cats. I love being a part of the Vargas community and my passion is supporting inclusion for all of our students!