Sarah Brown
Music Enrichment Teacher
A native of Encinitas, Ms. Sarah Brown grew up following in her father’s footsteps as a pianist, flutist, and music teacher. She has taught upper elementary, middle school, and music in North County since 2008. Playing music throughout the world has given Ms. Brown a unique
appreciation of other cultures that she shares with her students.
Ms. Brown holds two Bachelor’s degrees in Music – Jazz Studies and Geography from SDSU, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Montessori Elementary teaching credentials, and is currently working on her Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology at CSU Fullerton.
As a skilled composer and arranger, I am able to write and arrange simple melodies and music to meet the needs of each class. Some older classes are split into separate instrumental groups like in a band or orchestra. This strategy allows me to build on the diverse musical levels of my students and teaches valuable skills such as listening to and working with each other. I reiterate to my students that in a musical group it’s not about how good you sound or how fast you can play a song by yourself; it’s about how well you listen to and work with those around you to create the best collective sound possible.
Music is something I’ve been immersed in since childhood. Sharing music with others inspires my own musical creativity and learning. I’ve had the opportunity to watch my dad inspire students and see how their success in music translates to success in other areas of life. It’s a universal language and is something that brings people together despite language barriers and cultural differences.
Every student at Mission Estancia will be learning to play at least one musical instrument this year. Kinder/1st are starting the year learning bells and percussion, 2nd-4th are learning barred instruments (xylophone, glockenspiel, metallophone), 5th is learning barred instruments
and ukulele, and 6th is learning barred instruments, ukulele, and bells. Music theory, history, and ear training will be incorporated into their instrumental training.
I’m excited to make music an integral part of the school culture by building a program that is both sustainable and impactful for all grade levels. Learning an instrument is hands-on, challenging, and fun. I am establishing a foundation of fundamental music knowledge that can build on year after year.
Tracy Borin
Technology Enrichment Teacher
I have been teaching for ten years, including three years of Science, and the past seven years teaching Technology. This is my second year at Mission Estancia and I love the students and the culture here! I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Ergonomics, went to San Diego State University for my Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology, and got my Teaching Credential from Cal State Los Angeles. I live in Carmel Valley and have two children and two golden retrievers. My daughter Taylor, is attending graduate school for her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and my son Spencer, is an eighth grader at Carmel Valley Middle School. My dogs Bodie and Sierra keep me busy walking and running at the beach, and playing many hours of fetch! My husband Wayne is a college professor and he teaches at La Sierra University.
One of the things I love about teaching Technology is that the students are so creative and they are able to express themselves through the projects we complete. Students are quick learners in the area of Technology because of so many digital options. I enjoy teaching on both the iPads and the Desktops so that the students learn skills they can use now, and as they move on to middle school. For most grades, I link to the grade-level curriculum when appropriate so that projects will emphasize and expand upon what students are learning in the classroom. Technology is an ever-changing field, which keeps us all focused on being life-long learners!
In addition to teaching Technology, I am one of the Film Guild Mentors for Mission Estancia and work with the students to make top notch films! Film Guild meets during lunch once per week, and once per month on Fridays. The students learn skills for creating a film such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming and editing. They work in small groups to create a film on a topic of their choice, that will hopefully be an IVIE or EUSD award winner! Students spend many hours working on these films, and it is well-worth the time and energy. Their work is amazing!
Lastly, I am also in charge of the Broadcast program, or ME TV. I have been working with Mrs. Chonka this year to restructure the ME News Program, to provide an opportunity for our second and third graders to be involved with this fabulous broadcast. Be on the lookout for our broadcasts just after the first of the year!
Heather Creighton
Science Enrichment Teacher
I am excited again, for the opportunity to not only enrich science for ME students, but to get them excited about learning more. I have a Life Science & Biology Credential & Master’s in Education from UCLA. I have had experience teaching Life, Earth & Physical Science to grades K-12, and substitute taught K-6 in EUSD. I love being ME’s Science Enrichment Teacher! I have 3 children that have gone through the Encinitas schools, a dog, 2 cats & 3 goats!
I design & align lessons with the New Generation Science Standards (NGSS)- an inquiry based, more student-driven approach, integrating science with other disciplines & the Engineering Design Process (EDP). Life, Earth & Physical Science concepts will be taught through hands-on investigations, demonstrations & activities. These include (varies by grade):
- Habitat & Adaptation
- Organisms- Structure & Function
- Plant & Animal Life Cycles
- Variation of Traits (Biodiversity)
- Food Webs & Ecosystems
- Natural Resources & Conservation
- Force & Motion
- Energy, Light & Sound (Waves)
- Physical & Chemical Properties/Change
- Earth & Space
- Weather & Climate
The ME Giving Garden & hydroponics greenhouse will be an important & integral part of science rotation & has great value for hands-on learning. If you’d like to know more, volunteer or have a science profession or area of expertise you’d like to share, please feel free to contact me.