Mrs. Bridge

Teaching is something that has been in my blood since birth.  My dad taught middle school for 30 years, and my mom was an elementary school counselor until she retired several years ago.  Although I truly feel I was destined to be in the classroom, I didn’t realize it immediately.  When I graduated from the University of San Diego in San Diego, CA, in 1999, I held a Bachelor’s degree in sociology with minors in Spanish and business administration.  I moved to Irvine and started a job in marketing.  However, I soon discovered that this would not bring me happiness, and I felt stifled by the rigid office atmosphere.  So, I decided to move back home to my parents' house in Vista and pursue my teaching credential.  Somehow, the teaching career had been calling to me all along, and I just discovered this the hard way! 

When I graduated from Cal State San Marcos in 2002 with my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, I was also two weeks away from getting married. So, within two months of graduating from CSUM, I got married,  moved to Santa Clarita Valley (where Six Flags Magic Mountain is located), and started teaching at Old Orchard Elementary in the Newhall School District!  Whew! 

My first two years at Old Orchard I spent teaching third grade.  In my third year at Old Orchard, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to move to sixth grade - what a jump! It was a wonderful experience, and I enjoyed the independence that the 6th  graders are capable of.   

In January of 2005, we found out my husband had an opportunity with his company to make a job transfer to Austin, Texas.  I stayed in California to finish out my school year, and then my mom and I made the 24-hour drive out here together.  I was thrilled to be settled in Round Rock finally, and soon after, I accepted a 2nd-grade position at Cactus Ranch Elementary. The last 18 years have been filled with many learning opportunities for me,  and I have treasured every moment with my students.  I LOVE teaching 2nd grade!  I am honored to be teaching 2nd grade at such an amazing school again this year.     

Our son, Ryan, graduated from RRHS this past May and will be attending Texas Tech in the fall, majoring in Biochemistry.  We can't wait to see how his first year goes! Emily, our daughter, will be in 11th grade, and we are excited to see the wonderful experiences she has this year.  We feel so lucky to be the parents of two amazing kiddos! We have two miniature Golden Retrievers, Milo and Maisy. They keep our lives interesting, and we love them so much. 

I am a firm believer in working hand-in-hand with you to make your child's second grade experience as positive as possible.  Please know that my door is always open, and you are welcome to contact me at (512) 424-8036 or via e-mail at crystal_bridge@roundrockisd.org  with questions or concerns at any time.  I look forward to a successful and enjoyable year!