Mrs. Wright

I've been teaching at Live Oak since it opened in 2007, and I have been part of the 5th grade team since 2010! People who know me know that I love the color purple and animals, especially cats! If someone could invent a purple cat, I would definitely want one. When I'm not at school, I love to relax in my backyard, watch movies, travel, bowl and craft. My advice for 5th graders is "Work hard, and be nice to people." Let's have a tremendous final year of elementary school!

Ms. Putvin

This will be my fifth year working at Live Oak and my third year with the 5th grade team. When I'm not working I am spending time with my friends and family. I tend to spend a lot of my free time outside camping, hiking, swimming, or visiting local attractions. Some of my other favorite things to do include reading, watching movies, crafting, sewing, and attending local arts and craft fairs. My advice for 5th graders is, "Always try to improve at everything you do in life." Overall, I am excited to be rejoining the fifth grade team and can’t wait to learn more about you and your child!

Mrs. Lopez

I'm so excited to be continuing with the 5th grade team this year after 6 years teaching second grade! I've been busy devouring 5th grade literature all summer and I am beyond excited to share my passion for learning with my students. When I'm not teaching at Live Oak, you may also find me teaching with SRVEF's Imagineering program, where I've taught all sorts of engineering, 3D modeling/printing, computer programming, arts and robotics classes. When I find a moment of quiet time, I love to read books, design/craft with my Cricut, spend time with my family and practice Irish dancing! My advice for fifth graders is a quote from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, “Working hard is important. But there’s something that matters even more. Believing in yourself.”

Miss Allender

I am so excited to get to know each and every one of you this fall! This will be my 7th year in 5th grade here at Live Oak Elementary. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy traveling, working out, and spending quality time with my family and friends. One of my absolute favorite places to be is on the lake either kayaking, boating, jet skiing and/or camping! My advice for my 5th graders is a quote from Wonder, “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” Let’s make this year one to remember!


Mrs. Freels

I have been fortunate to have opened Live Oak back in 2007, and love the community we have built. I earned my BA in Social Science with a concentration in Child Development, with a minor in psychology, as well as my teaching credential, at San Jose State University. I earned my Master’s Degree in Integrating the Arts in Curriculum through Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2012. I have been teaching since 1993, and working with children in schools since 1985. My teaching experience has included teaching second – fifth grades, many times as a combination class. Fourth and Fifth grades are my true loves, and I appreciate having the choice of either one in my Live Oak career, and this year, I get to teach both! Each summer I strive to design engaging lessons for my students, as well as work on self-growth. In the summer of 2021, I wrote a chapter book for upper elementary students.