About Mr. Rojas

The Rojas Family

Raimer & Linda
Amanda (10) & Josiah (8)

    I was born and raised in Colombia, South America, until my family
    moved to Pasadena when I was 10 years old. I attended Madison
    Elementary and Marshall Fundamental - both Pasadena public
    schools. My family moved to Georgia during my junior year of high
    school, where I lived until I moved back to Pasadena for the beginning
    of my second year of college. I graduated from Cal State Northridge
    with a B.A. in Music Education. I also have an M.A. in Theology from
    Fuller Seminary.

    I first taught one year of special education (severely handicapped) and
    I am now beginning my tenth year teaching fifth grade. Fifth grade is a
    great school year to teach as all the subjects excite me.

    I have been married for 16 years and have two lovely children. My
    daughter is now in sixth grade and my son is in fourth grade at
    McKinley. My wife continues to volunteer her time at McKinley, and
    also substitute teaches here. It's nice to see the whole family nearby
    on a daily basis. It makes going to school a family affair. This fall
    Amanda and Josiah are continuing to  play AYSO soccer. I am a
    referee for Josiah's team.

    For our 2009 summer vacation, we visited family in Lexington,
    Kentucky (my brother and his family live there, as does one of my
    sisters). We also went camping to Carpinteria two different times with
    family and frieds..

    As always, I try to learn new things, in the summer, that will enhance
    my classroom instruction. This summer in particular  I read a book
    entitled, "Enriching the Brain". It highlighted seven research-based
    maximizing factors that can create an enriching experience, over time,
    for the students involved. I will seek to apply these practices into my
    classroom environment in order to bring out the best in every student.
    I am excited and ready to begin a new school year. I am looking
    forward to what this year holds!