• Welcome to First Grade!

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Denae Boston
1st Grade Teacher

 
Lunch Period: 11:07-11:37
Planning Period: 1:20-2:10

I am so excited to start my teaching career at Roberts Elementary! I graduated from the University of Houston, and I had the privilege of completing my year long student teaching experience at Roberts Elementary last year. I spent one semester with 5th grade and one semester with 2nd grade. I loved both grades equally, but I am so thrilled to be a part of the 1st grade team this year. I enjoy traveling and recently visited Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I stayed at a beautiful resort on the beach but also made time to parasail, zip line, snorkel, and sightsee while I was there. I look forward to teaching, and learning with, my first graders this year!
 
Mary Estrada
1st Grade Teacher

 
Lunch Period: 11:01-11:31
Planning Period: 1:20-2:10

Originally from upstate New York, my family moved to Austin in my teens and I now consider myself a Texan. I graduated from UT with a business degree. Although this is my second career, it is definitely my first love. I started in Special Education and have been teaching first grade over 5 years. I am honored to work with young children, and truly enjoy seeing them develop into "lifelong learners." My husband and I have two wonderful children. I look forward to another year at Roberts Elementary.
 
Susan Sheets
1st Grade Teacher

 
Lunch Period: 11:16-11:46
Planning Period: 1:20-2:10

Hello! My name is Susan McAuliffe Sheets. I received my B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and my J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. After teaching first grade for five years, I spent twelve years in a second career as a trial attorney. My heart remained in first grade, so I happily returned to teaching. I am now well into my third decade of teaching at Roberts Elementary! Each year, I try to inspire students to share my enjoyment and appreciation of reading and writing.
 
Rhonda Vanunu
1st Grade Teacher

 
Lunch Period: 10:58-11:28
Planning Period: 1:20-2:10

My name is Rhonda Vanunu. I am a native Houstonian. I graduated from Texas A&M with a BS degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have taught first grade at Roberts for many years. I am married and have an adorable daughter. I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy helping children become stronger readers, writers, and thinkers.
 
Kelly Woods
1st Grade Teacher

 
Lunch Period: 11:04-11:34
Planning Period: 1:20-2:10

Hi! My name is Kelly Woods and I teach first grade! This will ­be my first year teaching at Roberts Elementary and my sixth year teaching. I love first grade and all of the exploring, learning, and fun we get to have! I have a bachelor’s degree of science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education). I love to teach reading… I could teach it all day. I can’t wait to help your child become a better reader and expose him/her to lots of new reading adventures! On October 4, 2014 I got married to the greatest man in the world!! My husband and I currently live in the med center in Houston, TX. I grew up in Pasadena, so I love being close to my family. My husband and I have two cats (Marshmallow and Leo) and one dog (Toby). Your child will hear all about them. They have more energy than a classroom full of first graders. This summer was the first summer I didn’t travel. My husband and I spent lots of time outdoors- swimming, jogging, playing frisbee golf, and walking the trails of Hermann Park. I can’t wait to spend this year learning and growing with your child!
 
May Wu
1st Grade Teacher

 
Lunch Period: 11:13-11:43
Planning Period: 1:20-2:10

After receiving M.D. from China, I came to the U.S. for graduate study. I had studied and worked at MDAnderson Cancer Center for twelve years before going on a life-changing journey, teaching. It started with receiving Master of Education in Early Childhood Education at UH. I am thrilled at teaching Roberts where both my children are alumni. When not teaching, I enjoy reading, traveling, hiking at the National Parks, wandering in the museums.