Welcome Families!!

I am Ms. Shabestari! I am so excited to see little people again!!

For 19 years I taught grades 1st-4th and Transitional Kindergarten at Mary Fay Pendleton School. I was THRILLED to be joining SAN ONOFRE SCHOOL in 2021! I have worked for 7 principals and 7 vice-principals, mentored 3 student teachers, and worked in a variety of Professional Learning Communities. I believe strong, collaborative relationships are the key to creating a positive climate within a school and with the home-school connection. I am always eager to learn new information or strategies to help me improve my craft, which is why I worked hard to earn a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also hold a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a CLAD certification from the State of California.

I have also served on several school and district committees and attended numerous seminars related to the ever-changing curriculum and standards, as well as attended trainings focused on student engagement, Direct Interactive Instruction, and Common Core implementation.

Please know that a high priority in my general philosophy of education is to maintain consistent communication with the parents of my students. I want to ensure that you, (parents and caregivers) know that I value your role in your child’s education! You will always be the most influential person in his or her life, and what you say and do for your child’s education has a huge impact. I want you to feel empowered and informed about what your child is learning in class, as well as how to help your child be successful. Parental support and involvement is extremely important to me!

Most important of all, I promise to work hard to foster an environment in which each child feels valued, successful, and safe. I spend a lot of time pinpointing students’ individual strengths, as well as their areas of struggle, so I can not only nourish his or her talents and interests, but also improve his or her proficiency in all the core subjects.

On a personal note, I am single with no kiddos of my own, so your children are extra special to me! I do have one big fat cat named "Gigi" who keeps me company in my condo in Oceanside. In my free time I love to travel, go to concerts and movies, and go hiking, boating, and camping with family and friends.

Sincerely,

Catherine Shabestari