Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten *

Linda Blount, Kindergarten

linda.blount@simivalleyusd.org

I am originally from Dallas Texas and I moved here with my husband 25 years ago for his job. I live in Moorpark and I have three amazing sons, three beautiful daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. I also have four dogs! In my free time I love reading and jigsaw puzzles. Teaching is my passion and I love seeing little Kindergarteners grow and blossom. Teaching  brings me so much joy and when you teach kindergarten, you laugh every day!

I attended Texas Tech and I earned a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood and a Masters Degree in Reading Instruction. I have taught Kindergarten for 15 years and I have taught at many different schools in Simi Valley. I have enjoyed all of my different school experiences but Sycamore Elementary School has been my favorite. Our school is like a family where we are working together to teach all of the Sycamore children. It is such a supportive, encouraging environment full of educators who love children and love their jobs. Our Sycamore students and families are also the best!

Cynthia Rice, Kindergarten

cynthia.rice@simivalleyusd.org

My name is Cynthia Rice and this will be my 17th year of teaching in Simi Valley! I have attended school in Simi Valley, including Sycamore Elementary School, from Kindergarten through third grade. I graduated from University of California-Riverside with a degree in English Literature and attended California State University-Northridge for my teaching credential. I came to work at Sycamore after Lincoln Elementary closed. My hobbies include reading, crafting, gardening, and hanging out with my two dogs. One thing most people don't know about me is that I was in Marching Band at Simi Valley High School with our current principal, Mrs. Miner!  Working with kids is a true joy, and their smiling faces are what drive me to come to work each and every day.

Judi Muniz, Kindergarten/1st Grade (SDC)

judisue.muniz@simivalleyusd.org

I was born and raised as an only child in sunny, San Diego. I moved to Northridge after high school where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Deaf Studies at California State University-Northridge. Shortly after, I began my teaching career in the Los Angeles Unified School District. During this time, I earned my Masters Degree in Moderate/Severe Special Education. I took a break from teaching to raise my children for several years, but missed the joy I find working with students, families and my colleagues. I have been a part of the Sycamore Elementary School family for 11 years now.

My SDC Kindergarten room is a busy room filled with active movement, hands-on activities and lots of learning. I value working closely with my general education Kindergarten team to encourage inclusion and exposure to the same general education curriculum.

In my free time I enjoy long outdoor walks, cooking and watching my children’s extra curricular activities (lots of baseball).

Jessica Beck, Transitional Kindergarten 

jessica.beck@simivalleyusd.org

I am thrilled to be at Sycamore Elementary School as I attended Kindergarten here years ago. Since then, I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and also hold a Masters of Education. Both degrees I obtained from the University of La Verne. In addition I have two daughters, Milana and Jadelyn, who both attend school in the Simi Valley Unified School District. I am a child advocate and respect the rights of all children. I am excited to work with your child as he or she will be teaching me too!