What are your areas of strength?

I believe my strengths include: CSTP 1.2,1.3, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.4. This year I really focused on creating a curriculum that would serve students whom have never been exposed to dance in an organized and professional manner. Therefore, I really tried to connect lessons to students' cultures and backgrounds to make trying something new relatable and comfortable. Enjoy an example of a culture lesson above..

Where are your opportunities for continuous improvement?

I could improve on incorporating the use of technology in class. However, because this is a Physical Education class, there are other requirements that need to be met in order to receive PE credit. Therefore, exploring how I can incorporate said technologies without taking already precious moving time will need to be explored in year 2.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of creating content that opens the door to many performance opportunities on campus, such as the after school Dance, Cheer, and Color Guard team, the school musical, and the school's show choir group. Enjoy some examples of this work in action above.

Student quote: "I was nervous to start learning a dance to perform in front of my class mates and friends, but after practice in dance class I got better and more confident. I did really well in my fall concert performance and had fun."

Educational Leader Statement: "Mrs. Aranda fosters student success by creating a safe and positive learning environment for her students.  She creates opportunities for students to explore and develop their creative talents through the use of dance, drill team, and collaborating with the show choir. By identifying and supporting students facing challenges, she is able to help them find solutions while maintaining a growth mindset. Mrs. Aranda’s efforts are acknowledged and appreciated by staff and students alike." 

-Pete Fotia, Beattie MS Physical Education Dept. Chair

Students in MDC Show Choir were able to learn and perform a song and dance for the first time for their Fall Semester. Some of the students have never had the challenge for doing both singing and dancing simultaneously. You can see the "Monster Mash" song and dance below.