SECOND Grade Team
Ms. Arooj
2A Teacher
My name is Arooj Imran and I am excited to be the 2A homeroom teacher for the 23-24 academic school year. I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States at the age of 5. I have lived in the Bay Area for more than 25 years and grew up around the MCA community. I am a mother to two beautiful children, a 12-year-old daughter, and an 11-year-old son. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2019 with a bachelor's in Integrative Biology. I am also a Granada Alumni and know the value this school holds for me and my family which is why I am honored to be educating the future leaders of the ummah inshAllah.
Ustatha Dania
Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies Teacher
My name is Dania Alghazouli and it is an honor to be your child’s Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies teacher for this school year. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Arabic from Damascus University. In addition, I earned my Early child development degree from Miramar College San Diego. This is my sixth year at Granada Islamic School. Alhamdulillah, I have- ten years of teaching experience. I’m very enthusiastic about your child's social and emotional development throughout the school year. I believe that every child brings his/her own talents, and experiences with them, and I am looking forward to working with all of the students. I will work tirelessly to help your child achieves success. I believe in the statement “Prepare your child for the road not the road to your child”. Together we can provide an optimal learning experience for our children InshaAllah!
Ms. Cha
Librarian
My name is Judy Cha, and as the GIS Librarian, I will insha'Allah be sharing wondrous stories through picture books with your child this year. In our weekly library classes, when we read and recall text, we will be delving into the author's purpose behind their stories, as well as doing activities to reinforce learnings. My goal with each lesson is for your child to gain newfound life perspective from their point of view. We also relate relevant story themes to our deen, and students share their takeaways, giving their insights to ties to a moral Islamic character as seen in the Prophet (saw). I have been working at GIS for the past six years as the librarian, in addition to teaching research to middle school for the past four. I have my BA in Sociology from UCLA, and my Master's in Library and Information Science from San Jose State University. I love to play basketball, read, do creative writing, and study the Quran. I look forward to meeting new students in my class, and I hope to connect with your child on all levels on the GIS campus. Looking forward to another fantastic year!
Coach Fatima
P.E Coach
My name is Fatima Abdel-Wahab, your son or daughter's PE teacher for this year! My years of experience as a student-athlete and teacher allow me to create a dynamic and diverse physical education curriculum that instills the love of play, practice, and partnership in every activity. My educational mantra is 'teach as you would like to be taught.' In other words, I combine the technical skills of movement and motor skills with the joy and spirit of childhood fun. On a personal note, I graduated from CSUEB in 2015 with a B.A. degree in Human Development. Since then, I have led youth groups for Muslim girls and taught P.E. at Islamic schools. My hobbies include walking on the beach and watching dazzling sunsets with my husband and two little girls.
Ms. Sanam
2B Co-Teacher
Assalam Alaykum,
My name is Sanam R. I will be a homeroom Co-Teacher for Grade 2B this year. In addition, I will be teaching Computer Science to grades 5 through 8. I hold a BS in Business Administration (Accounting), a degree in Computer Information Technology, and General Education. In my professional career, I have worked at the Girls Scouts of America in Administration for over four years. I have taught at multiple Islamic schools for over four years and this will be my second-year teaching at GIS. I have volunteered for various causes to include women empowerment, social work, community projects, and civic duties, and I also served as a Board Member of an Islamic Association. I love nature, outdoors, cooking and learning Quran. With this year’s theme, Perseverance of excellence (Ihsan), I look forward to an amazing school year ahead.
Ms. Ragda
2B Teacher
AA dear parents, my name is Ragda Jabi, and I am looking forward to being the 2B homeroom teacher this year. I am a graduate of San Jose State University, and have a BA in Behavioral Science and an MA in Education (K-8 Multiple Subject Credential with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction). I live in Santa Clara with my husband and 2 children (ages 25 and 18), and have 2 married older children (30 and 27). I have also been blessed with 2 grandchildren (ages 5 and 3), who are my pride and joy. I enjoy hiking, cooking, gardening, reading and being outdoors, and am very passionate about family, health, self care, growth mindset, creativity and positivity. I have been part of the GIS community for over 25 years, first as a parent, and now as a teacher! I have been working with children for over 10 years, and my teaching philosophy revolves around relevance, representation, engagement and social and emotional development. I look forward to meeting you, and being part of your child’s 2nd grade learning adventure!