Welcome to 8th Grade!
July 29, 2024
Dear Bobcat Familes,
We are so excited for this 2024-2025 school year. We can’t wait to meet all of you at the Meet the Teacher night. This 8th-grade year is an opportunity for us to help prepare you child for success in high school and beyond.
Meet your Teachers
Mrs. Mary Ann Cawley- Science
It is my pleasure to be your child's 8th Grade Science and STEM teacher. This year marks my 22nd year of teaching and my 10th year at Sonoran Foothills School. I was born in the Philippines but spent my formative years in the Middle East (Oman), where my parents worked as nurses. I completed my elementary and high school education in Oman before returning to the Philippines for higher studies.
Initially, I aspired to become a pediatrician, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, majoring in Human Biology, at De La Salle University. After graduating in 2001, I started medical school but realized after a year that my true passion lay in education. I shifted my focus, earning a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the same university in 2003. My teaching career began in the Philippines at a private school, where I taught for five years.
In 2008, I had the opportunity to teach at Somerton Middle School in the U.S., southeast of Yuma. There, I taught 8th Grade Science for seven years, including two years in STEM for grades 6 through 8. I also served as a Robotics Coach for three years, a Science Lead Adviser, and developed a science curriculum for migrant students. Additionally, I taught a GED Science class during my final year at Somerton.
Outside of school, I enjoy being a wife to my husband, who is passionate about motorcycling and gardening. As he says, he handles the planting while I take care of the cooking! We also have a 2-year-old kitten named Starling, who brings us a lot of joy.
My goal for your child is not only to grasp scientific concepts but also to develop critical thinking skills, think creatively, and become innovative problem-solvers.
Mrs. Brittney Jensen-ELA
I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT, and I received my B.A. in English Literature from Southern Utah University. This will be my third year teaching 8th grade English, and I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with all of you.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy staying active by teaching High Fitness at Mountainside Fitness. I have also spent several years as a women's boxing instructor, which has been a rewarding experience. I love going to the movies, perusing bookstores, and everything Halloween.
On a personal note, I have been happily married for 20 years. My husband and I have lived in Utah, Colorado, Nevada, California, and Florida, but our home for the past 12 years has been Arizona. We have one sweet daughter, Gwen, who is going to be in 6th grade at Sonoran Foothills. I am excited to be a Bobcat with her, and to see her continue to grow and learn.
This school year is going to be great! I look forward to lots of learning and fun while helping each student achieve their best!
Miss. Robyn Kindell - Math
A little about me, I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, and am a product of DVUSD. I attended elementary school at Paseo Hills and high school at Barry Goldwater. After high school I pursued a degree in secondary education from Arizona State University... go Sun Devils! When I graduated in 2012 I took a job as a high school math teacher at Tolleson Union High School and I taught there for 6 years. After Tolleson, I moved to Dysart Unified School District where I taught 7th grade for 3 years before coming to Sonoran Foothills. I am super excited to be starting my 4th year at Sonoran Foothills!
Mr. Cody Rohlwing - Social Studies
I am a proud graduate of Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. I graduated from Mountain Ridge and received an athletic scholarship to play football. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in History/Government and a minor in Coaching. I coached Varsity football for three years at my alma mater and loved connecting and forming one on one relationships with every kid. This is my second year at Sonoran Foothills and I am excited to meet and form a positive relationship with every student. My goal is to form a lasting relationship so every student can reach their full potential and excel at something they are passionate about!
I have three young boys that go to West Wing School where my wife teaches. I enjoy coaching their sports and we have three spoiled dogs and a turtle that comes in when it gets hot.
Important Reminders!
- 7/30: Meet the Teacher (details below)
- 8/01: First Day of School: Gates open at 8:30 am
Early Release Fridays (dimissal is at 2:00pm. Kindergarteners dismiss at 1:45) :
August 9th
August 16th
August 23rd
August 30th
Supply Lists
General Items:
Kleenex
Clorox Wipes
Loose Leaf Lined Paper
Loose Leaf Graph Paper
Crayons/Colored Pencils
Colored Pens
Highlighters
Markers
Glue Sticks
Pencils (LOTS)
Headphones/Earbuds
Classroom Donations:
Kleenex Tissue
Disinfectant Wipes
Paper Towels (Science Lab)
Reading:
I inch 3-ring Binder
Lined paper
8th Mathematics:
1 - 1 inch three ring binder
Binder separators
Scientific calculator
Ruler
Protractor
Science:
Composition Notebook (100 pages)---No Spiral
Pocket Folder (2)
Social Studies:
Any type of Notebook with lined paper preferably with a pocket inside or pockets for handouts. Can be spiral or one that lined paper can go inside.
*Please keep in mind that there may be additional supplies when we return to in-person learning.
Gifted Information
Finally
*On a side note, Supply boxes are in Ms. Jensen's Room (Room 418)
Email Information
Mary Ann Cawley - maryann.cawley@dvusd.org
Brittney Jensen- brittney.jensen@dvusd.org
Robin Kindell- robin.kindell@dvusd.orgCody Rohlwing-cody.rohlwing@dvusd.org
Website: https://www.dvusd.org/Domain/5737
Location: Sonoran Foothills School, North North Foothills Drive, Phoenix, AZ, USA