¡BIENVENIDOS!

WELCOME!

The teachers of the World Language department at RHS pride themselves in working closely to help students succeed and thrive in their classes.  It is through to this collaboration, that grading policies, assignments and projects are built to ensure the curriculum meets state standards and uphold the school's P.A.C.K culture. 

Interesting facts about the department:

Teachers are listed in alphabetical order, by last name.  

If you wish to contact a teacher, simply click on their name and it'll prompt you to their email address.

Betty Castillo = Sra. Castillo

Hi,

I am Sra. Castillo and this year will be my 21 St. year here at Ridgeview High School. I love working here and will not want to be anywhere else. This year, I will be teaching Spanish 2 (Spanish speaking), Spanish 3 Honors and Spanish 3. I am very excited to get to meet my students and I am ready for another great year as a part of the Wolfpack team. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from CSUB. In my free time, I love spending time at the beach and gardening. 

Juan Cubillo Casillas = Sr. Cubillo 

Hi, 

I am Sr. Cubillo and I will be teaching Spanish 1 this year. I love teaching at Ridgeview High School and always look forward into having a successful year. This year will be my 2nd year teaching and my 2nd year at RHS. I obtain my BA and teaching certificate at California State University of Bakersfield (CSUB). I am starting my masters program at CSUB too. 

I really enjoy doing outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hikes, and off-roading trails. I love going to the gym and staying active. 


"¡Sin miedo al éxito!

Yolanda Díaz = Sra. Díaz

Hola, 

Education: I obtained my teaching education at CSUB University and graduated with a double major - Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies and in Spanish and have a Single Subject Spanish Teaching Credential.                                            

Years Teaching and job assignment for this year: This year will be my thirteenth year teaching here at Ridgeview High School. For this school year I will be teaching Spanish 1 CP and Spanish Speaking 1.                                        

Family and Hobbies: I am a wife, mother and grandmother.  I enjoy going to the beach, walking, cooking, and reading books, but what I enjoy the most is spending time with my family.                                                                             

Personal Statement: I love teaching Spanish and am very passionate about finding the best strategies and resources to help my students succeed. 

I Love being part of the World Language Department and Being Part of the Wolf Pack!!!

Sonia García = Srta. García

I am a first-year teacher joining the WOLFPACK and the World Language department at RHS.I recently completed my teaching credentials with the Kern High Teacher Residency Program, in addition, I also hold a M.A in Spanish. For this school year I will be teaching Spanish 1 & 2. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dog, and doing outdoor activities.

Ric Garza = Sr. Garza

I've been teaching Spanish for 21 years. This will be year 22. Every year is unique and exciting. I enjoy getting to know my students as individuals. In addition to teaching Spanish, I like to share experiences, and life lessons with my students. I'm married and I have two kids in High School. I'm a licensed barber and have been for 28 years. I still enjoy cutting hair during summer break. 

In my free time I like to go on trips with my family and watch Football and Baseball. Go Niners, Go Dodgers!!


"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans."

                                            -John Lennon

Bill Leheny (a.k.a. "Don Memo")

Background and Education: As the child of an Air Force servicemember, I traveled all over the country growing up, but we settled in Arkansas when I was 8, where I lived until finishing high school. I received my undergraduate degree in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame, where, during my junior year, I studied for a semester in Cuernavaca, México, which began my love for the Spanish language and the Latino culture. After college, I lived and volunteered in Santiago, Chile, for two and a half years. Upon returning to the U.S., I began teaching in Clarksdale, Mississippi, while also earning my Master's Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi.                      

Teaching Experience and Assignment this year: This year will be my 27th year of teaching, including Mississippi, East Bakersfield High School, Garces Memorial High School and McFarland High School. This year will be my second year at Ridgeview High School and I will be teaching Spanish II College Prep. I will also be serving as the English Language Development Coordinator on campus as well as coaching the Mock Trial team.

Family and Hobbies: I've been married to my wife, Ana, for 15 years. We are the proud parents of a 6th grader at Ronald Reagan Elementary, Declan. Our passion is traveling. We look forward all year long to our family summer trip. (Our hope for the the summer of 2024 is to travel to Japan so Declan can follow in the path of Ash Ketchum.)                                                                  

Personal Statement: I believe that all students can be successful in learning a language, but the most important part of learning a new language is gaining a greater understanding of one's own language while at the same time discovering the rich history and culture surrounding the new language.


"Caminante, no hay camino. Se hace camino al andar." 

-Spanish poet Antonio Machado

José Meza = Sr. Meza

Hola, 

I'm Sr. Meza I will be starting my 17th year here at RHS. This year I will be teaching Spanish 2P, Spanish3 for native speakers and Spanish 4AP Language and Culture. I am also the advisor for the Spanish Honor Society. I have also coached JV boys' soccer in 3 different years and was the assistant coach for the girls' varsity soccer team for one year.

I look forward to working with a new group of students and helping them reach the goals they set for the school year and beyond. 

Patricia Ramírez = Sra. Ramírez

Hola a todos! = Hello everyone! 

I'm señora Ramírez.  I've been teaching Spanish for 20 years, and 6 of them have been at RHS - go WOLFPACK! This year I will be teaching Spanish 1, Spanish 3 CP & Spanish 3H.  

I love teaching. Every year is different and that keeps me motivated to stay abreast of new techniques and technologies in order to remain relevant with the new generation of students.  Some things my students can expect in my classroom: high interaction, projects, and some presentations among other activities. They will also be listening to Spanish music as they trickle into the class and as they're working individually. 

I believe respect is very important and fosters great working relationships so it is always in the forefront of my teaching and student interactions.

I'm a CSUB alumni where I obtained my B.A., teaching certification, and my M.A. in Spanish.  I enjoy spending time with family, listening to music, outdoor activities and traveling.

"Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace." 

Dalai Lama

María Sandoval = Sra. Sandoval

Hola, 

I am Sra. Sandoval.  I was born and raised in Jalisco, México. I went to university in México, then I came to California, where I got my MA in Spanish language and culture. This will be my 25th year teaching at Ridgeview. This year I will be teaching Spanish 2 and Spanish 3. One thing I enjoy about teaching is watching how my students progress throughout the school year. 

I love spending time with my family, walking on warm beaches, reading, and dancing.

 ''Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you´ve got anyway.'' 

Mother Teresa