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Meet Ms. Simental
Welcome terrific third graders! My name is Mrs. Simental; I am pleased to be your third grade teacher this school year.
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX where my family still lives, so I go back often! I moved to Austin after graduating from Texas State University in San Marcos (Go Bobcats!) in 2004. I currently live with my beautiful family: my husband, Gustavo, my daughter, Brianna, and our two dogs, Frida and Rockstar. We love to explore Austin and spend lots of time with family and friends.
¡Bienvenidos estudiantes maravillosos de tercer grado! Yo soy la Maestra Simental; Es un placer ser su maestra de tercer grado este año escolar.
Nací y me crié en Dallas,TX donde todavía vive mi familia,¡así que regreso frecuentemente! Me mudé a Austin después de graduarme de la Universidad de Texas State en San Marcos (¡Vamos Bobcats!) en el 2004. Yo vivo con mi familia hermosa: mi esposo, Gustavo, mi hija, Brianna, y nuestras dos perritas, Frida y Rockstar. Nos encanta explorar nuestra ciudad, Austin, y pasar mucho tiempo con nuestra familia y amigos.
Favorite Things/Cosas favoritas:
Color/color: Hot Pink / Rosado fuerte
Book/Libro: The One and Only Ivan and Wonder / El único e incomparable Ivàn y La lección de August
Food/Comida: flautas, enchiladas, pupusas
Hobbies/Pasatiempos: read, swim, collect plants / leer, nadar, coleccionar plantas
SportsTeam/Equipo de deporte: Dallas Cowboys
Music/musica: All types / Todo tipo
Subject in school as a child/Materia favorita de niña: Reading / Lectura
Meet Ms. Martinez-Medina
Welcome!
My name is Maria Martinez-Medina and this will be my 7th year teaching at Blazier. My teaching experiences have been in fourth grade and third grade levels. I was born and raised in Austin, TX. I’m a first generation college graduate from Texas State University. I love spending time with my siblings, parents, husband, and daughter. I'm pleased to be here at Blazier Intermediate! I know this year will be filled with many adventures, learning experiences, and new memories. I'm looking forward to another successful school year.
¡Bienvenidos!
¡Hola! Mi nombre es María Martínez-Medina y este año será mi séptimo año en Blazier. Tengo experiencia enseñando tercero y cuarto grado. Nací y fui criada en Austin, Tx. Me gradué de la universidad estatal de Texas State en San Marcos, TX. Me encanta pasar mi tiempo con mis padres, hermanos, esposo y mi hija. Yo estoy entusiasmada de estar en la escuela Intermedia Blazier. Este ciclo escolar será un año exitoso para todos los alumnos.
Meet Ms. Tucker
Hello Blue Jays! My name is Julia Tucker, and I’m very excited to be your third-grade teacher this year. This will be my third year teaching at Blazier and I couldn’t be more excited! I was born in Austin and have spent most of my life here. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where I received my Bachelor’s in anthropology and a minor in Mandarin. I love reading, running, and traveling when I have the chance.
I love working with third graders as they develop their independence and learn to take risks. Because of this, I have high expectations for all learners in my classroom and hope to foster a genuine love for learning among my students. I always strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels welcome and comfortable.
Meet Ms. Montez
Howdy! My name is Ariana Montez. I am so proud to be a Blazier Blue Jay. I was born and raised in Southeast Austin and am a product of AISD schools! I received my Bachelors in EC-6 Education from The University of Texas at Austin. Hook ‘em Horns! This will be my second year at Blazier, and I cannot wait to continue growing alongside your learners. I enjoy trying new restaurants and food trucks in Austin with my partner, Franklin. I also like traveling to various places like Colorado and El Salvador. Fun Fact: I love plants and coffee!
Favorite Things
Color: Pink
Book: The Little Prince
Food: Pasta and Seafood
Hobbies: Reading and building Legos
Sports Team: Texas Longhorns
Favorite subject in school as a child: Reading and Writing
Meet Ms. Pilkinton
Welcome third graders! My name is Candice Pilkinton, or Ms Candi! This will be my second year at Blazier, but my 7th year teaching and I am so excited to join the Bluejay Familia! I've taught 4th grade and 3rd grade in the past 5 years in Northeast Austin.
I was born and raised here in South Austin, have a huge family right here in town and currently live with my partner and 3 giant dogs! I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2013 with a Double Bachelors in Linguistics and Italian. I thoroughly enjoy all things autumn as well as the mystery and magic behind Halloween and Harry Potter. In my free time, I love creating things, dancing, cooking and gardening.
Meet Ms. Castaño
Welcome to third grade!!! My name is Ms. Castaño; I am overly excited to be your teacher this year. This is my second-year teaching at Blazier. I have been teaching for 11 years as a bilingual teacher with Austin ISD. I have taught kindergarten for 2 years, second grade for 6 years and this is my 3rd year in third grade.
I was born in Monterrey, Mexico, but was raised in Edinburg, TX. I moved to Austin 14 years ago to attend school here in Austin. I graduated from Texas State University in 2013 and have been teaching ever since. I currently live with my family: my husband and two daughters, Sofia, who is 7, and Victoria, who is 5.
¡¡¡Bienvenidos a tercer grado!!! Yo soy la maestra Castaño y estoy muy emocionada de ser su maestra este año. Este es mi segundo año de enseñanza en Blazier. He estado enseñando durante 11 años como maestra bilingüe en Austin ISD. He enseñado jardín de infantes durante 2 años, segundo grado durante 6 años y este es mi tercer año en tercer grado.
Nací en Monterrey, México, pero crecí en Edinburg, TX. Me mudé a Austin hace 14 años para asistir a la escuela aquí en Austin. Me gradué de la Universidad Estatal de Texas en 2013 y he estado enseñando desde entonces. Actualmente vivo con mi familia: mi esposo y mis dos hijas, Sofía de 7 años y Victoria de 5.
Favorite Things/Cosas favoritas:
Color/color: Hot Pink / Rosado fuerte
Book/Libro: Esperanza Rising / Esperanza Renace
Food/Comida: flautas, enchiladas and tostadas
Hobby/Pasatiempos: swim and collect plants / nadar y coleccionar plantas
Meet Ms. Samuels
Hello Bluejays! My name is Grace Samuels and this is my first year at Blazier. I was born and raised in Plano, Texas and have lived in Austin for 3 years.
I attended UT Austin where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In my free time I love exploring Austin, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with my loved ones.
I’m excited for a great school year filled with learning, growth, and fun!
Meet Ms. Molencupp
This is my second year teaching 3rd grade, and I'm excited to continue growing with my students.
I graduated from Texas State University and have a passion for creating a positive, engaging classroom where every student can thrive. Outside of school, I love spending time with my pets and going to concerts.
I'm looking forward to a great school year filled with learning, laughter, and new experiences.
Meet Ms. Tovar
Welcome Blue Jays! My name is Hailey Tovar and I am overjoyed to be your third grade teacher this year. This will be my fourth year teaching at Blazier with experience in both fourth grade and third grade.
I was born and raised in Seguin, Texas and am a first generation college graduate from Texas State University with a Bachelors in Education. Eat em up Cats!
I enjoy spending time with my partner, friends and cat Stella. I love to travel, hike, craft and listen to music. I am looking forward to a great year of learning, growth and new memories!
Meet Ms. Martinez
Hi there Blue Jays! I’m Amanda Martinez and I’m so excited to be your 3rd grade teacher. This will be my 5th year teaching and my 3rd year at Blazier.
I was born in San Juan, Texas and graduated from Texas State University, with a Bachelors in Animal Science.
Favorite things:
Color: pink and purple
Book: Charlotte’s Web
Food/ Drink: Pasta and Coffee