Meet the Teachers

Ms. Almanza

Science

Ms. Almanza has 9 years of teaching experience. Throughout the year, students will investigate scientific topics through productive dialogue, inquiry, purposeful reading, and meaningful writing. Both 7th and 8th grades are integrated subjects where students investigate real-world phenomena.

rocio-almanza@scusd.edu

Mr. Carras

Physical Education

Mr. Carras received his Kinesiology Degree from UNC Wilmington, and he has 19 years teaching experience at the middle school level. Throughout the year, students will become aware of the social benefits of activity through participation: individual and dual activities in 7th grade and team sports in 8th grade. 

mike-carras@scusd.edu

Mrs. fong 

Social Science

Mrs. Fong graduated with high honors from the California State University of Sacramento with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in History. She has 8 years of teaching experience with SCUSD. Throughout the year, students will learn about social science through active problem-based learning that includes a strong focus on multiple learning intelligences and collaborative group work.

pamela-fong@scusd.edu 

Mrs. Tateishi

Language Arts

Mrs. Tateishi graduated from UC Davis with a degree in English and an MA in Education. She has over 19 years of experience teaching grades 7-12. Throughout the year, students will use curriculum from the My Perspectives textbook, in addition to reading supplemental novels and participating in an Independent Reading Project.

See what books students are recommending for the Independent Reading Project! Read. Read. Read.

pamela-tateishi@scusd.edu

Ms. Fassiotto

Mathematics 7/8 & 8/1

BS in Mathematics, MA in Education from UC Davis with over ten years of teaching experience from 7th grade math intervention to high school AP Calculus. During Didion’s two year accelerated math program, students master 7th grade, 8th grade, and Integrated Math 1 standards using  Big Ideas Course 2, Big Ideas Course 3, and Walch CCSS Math 1 textbooks. Students experience whole class instruction, collaborative work, and independent assignments. Students also learn and practice productive habits including note-taking, organization, and study methods that they can use as successful math students in the future.

Leigh-ann-fassiotto@scusd.edu

mrs. mcdaniels

Mathematics 7 & 8

MA in Education from University of Nevada, Reno with over 10 years of teaching experience in both Nevada and in Sacramento. Throughout the course, students will master 7th grade and 8th grade standards using Big Ideas Course 2 and Big Ideas Course 3 textbooks. Students also learn and practice productive habits such as note-taking, organization, and study methods for success in future courses. Mrs. McDaniels also teaches Elementary PE classes at Didion.

karen-mcdaniels@scusd.edu

mr. hammond

Band

Degree in Trumpet Performance/Music Education from Sac State with 20 years teaching experience in SCUSD from elementary to high school music. Band students will gain technical experience on their instruments, perform in multiple concerts and develop a deeper appreciation of instrumental music.

jeremy-hammond@scusd.edu 

Principal Eder

Mr. Eder believes that there are few things more important than educating kids and trying to prepare them for their adult lives. As principal, he feels that he has an incredible opportunity to positively impact the world and individual lives through his work. His motto throughout the years has been to work hard and be kind, and he hopes to instill those values in all Didion students. Prior to Didion, Mr. Eder served as Assistant Principal at Sutter Middle School, Rosemont High School, and California Middle School.

james-eder@scusd.edu