6th Grade Core

Math and Science/Health:

Ms. P. ACEVEDO - A Track - (teaches Math, Science). Ms. Acevedo has been at Gage since 2005, after teaching at Gompers Middle School. She enjoys our students and our Small Learning Communities (SLC's). She attended Cal State University, Long Beach. Ms. Acevedo likes going out to movies, dancing, and reading.

Ms. K. BARISDALE - B Track - teaches Health, English, Life Science, Algebra 1, Earth Science, 6th Grade Math, and ESL. Wow! Ms. Barisdale started working at Gage in 2004, after teaching at Miramonte Elementary, South Los Angeles.

What she likes most about Gage is the teachers and the students who are motivated to learn. "The MESA program rocks," she says. She attended Winona State University (4 year Degree) and Chapman University (Master's). She likes sports, sports, sports! She loves playing all sports except for softball because of its difficulty. She also enjoys reading, learning, traveling, going to the movies, watching Lost, Grey's Anatomy and Home Improvement programs, painting, gardening, interior and exterior decorating, eating out at restaurants and laughing with family and friends.

Her favorite quote is: "Persist until you succeed" by Coach Pryor

Ms. A. C. BEMILLER - B Track - (teaches Math, Science, DRWC, Art). Ms. Bemiller came to Gage in July 2004. She previously taught at Monte Vista Elementary in Highland Park. The wonderful kids and great teachers strike her as her favorite from Gage. She attended Cal State University, Los Angeles.
Among her hobbies and interests are, hiking, mountain biking, science, road trips, animals, nature, and of
course, great food!
"I currently have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 bull frogs, 8 turtles, and rosy boa," she says. "I would love to travel to Australia, Africa and Europe!," she added.

Favorite quote: "Enthusiasm for learning is contagious!"

M. D. CHHUO - C Track - teaches Math and Science. Ms. Chhuo joined the Gage family in 2005, after teaching at Norwood Elementary School. "The friendly staff and the support you receive here is awesome," she says. She attended Albion Elementary, Potrero Middle School, El Monte High School, and Cal State University, Los Angeles. Ms. Chhuo enjoys scrapbooking, snowboarding, dancing, traveling, and playing Texan Holdem. "Inch by inch it's a cinch, mile by mile it becomes a while," is her favorite quote.

Ms. I. COVARRUBIAS - A Track - (Math/Science) since 2004. Ms. Covarrubias' students are her motivation. She attended Cal Poly, Pomona. Her hobbies and interests include scrap books, reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. "Happiness is not doing what you enjoy doing; happiness is enjoying what you have to do."

Ms. C. DAVIS - B Track - works on the Gage Yearbook project. People can submit their picture by email to be included in the yearbook: cdavi8@lausd.net

Mr. D. FISHER - A Track - joined Gage in 2002. A 1998 graduate of Occidental College in Eagle Rock, where he majored in English, Mr. Fisher also earned an Associate of the Arts degree from Glendale College and obtained his multiple subject teaching credential at Pacific Oaks College. Like many of our teachers, in his spare time Mr. Fisher enjoys reading for pleasure and working in his yard. Other activities Mr. Fisher enjoys as often as possible include playing disc golf and going to clubs and concerts to hear live music.

He is a talented musician who plays jazz and rock on electric bass, but his primary artistic activities are photography and life drawing. Mr. Fisher grew up in Glendale, the second of five children, but he often visited his grandfather's dental office in Huntington Park in the 1960's.

Ms. K. HAYES - A Track - (Math/Science) has taught at Gage since 2004. "The students are great and the staff are helpful and friendly," Ms. Hays says. She attended Central Washington University, and enjoys playing volleyball, dancing, hiking, and watching baseball. "The future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams." --Anonymous.

Mr. B. IGNACIO - C Track - (6th grade Math, Science, History, & 7th grade History, Speech Elective) started teaching at Gage since September 2003. Mr. Ignacio was substitute teacher at Panorama Elementary School in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mr. Ignacio attended San Francisco State University

When we asked Mr. Ignacio what his hobbies are he said: "Watching myself in the mirror. I'm fantastic. I enjoy being perfect. I'm interested in talking about myself. I also like sports, music, art, movies, eating and being me. Really though, who wouldn't want to be me?"

Mr. Ignacio was born in the Philippines but was raised in the United States since he was 3. Mr. Ignacio's favorite quote came from Spiderman's uncle Ben Parker who died before Peter decided to be a hero:
"With great power comes great responsibility."

Ms. B. INGVALDSEN - C Track - works on the Gage Yearbook project. People can submit their picture by email to be included in the yearbook: bingwald@lausd.net

Mr. M. LOPEZ - A Track - (Math/Science/Art) came to Gage in 2002. He likes Gage's students... they're always a challenge. Mr. Lopez also likes playing soccer, drawing letters, family, promoting student learning, and encouraging students to set and achieve goals. He attended LAUSD and Cal State University, Dominguez Hills. His favorite quote: "You are the architect of your own destiny."

Ms. M. PAMIAS - C Track - Ms Pamias has taught Math and Science at Gage Middle School for several years now and is always amazed at how fast the time has flown by. She feels that teaching is a great adventure and that there is no end to the surprises and the challenges.

She has many interests and hobbies which include: bird-watching (678 bird species seen in California) and some rock-hounding, reading, astronomy, museum visiting, and petting her three cats. Her favorite subjects are teaching, math, science, and history.

Mr. R. PEREZ - A Track - (6th Grade Core) Fancies himself a "jack of all trades." Since coming to Gage in 1994, he has grown to appreciate the chemistry of our staff and the relationship between Gage and the Huntington Park Community. Mr. Perez feels that the good communication level amongst the Gage staff will get even better with the advent of computer communications. He is more than glad to share with other teachers how privileged we are to have such conditions for success.

Ms. A. RAMIREZ - A - became one of our fine Professionals after first serving Gage as a Para-professional since 1991. She loves the students who attend Gage as well as the staff, who have been very supportive and helpful. Ms. Ramirez says that more parent involvement and more supervision (especially in the rest rooms) would make a great school even better. She enjoys herself roller-blading, spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach or watching suspense or comedy movies.

Ms. K. TOM - C Track - (Math & Science) teaches at Gage since 2003, after teaching at Bryson Elementary. What she likes most about Gage is the support from the Deans, counselors, and other teachers. Also, students are not "uppity snobby." Ms. Tom went to Cal State University, Los Angeles. Her hobbies are repairing/decorating her house and going on trips to Montana.

Ms. Tom started teaching in 1970. "It is an exhausting job," she says, "but it is all I've ever wanted to do. The teaching career is never boring. The world will always need teachers. At Gage, I worry about the students who accept 'failure' or don't care - their future looks bleak. Also, why is it O.K. to have a child when you are a teenager? I wish responsible sex education were taught!"

Ms. F. ZELEDON - A Track - (Math & Science) since Spring 2006, after teaching at 66th Street Elementary. Mr. Zeledon enjoys the students and staff here at Gage. "We have tremendous potential at this school," said Mr. Zeledon. He attended UCLA, Santa Monica College, and St. Bernard High School.

His hobbies & interests are: music, traveling and everything that entails, and I guess new experiences.
Favorite Quote: ...there are so many but in a word it's either "balance" or "strike."

Language Arts/Social Studies:

Mr. D. BIRNBAUM - C Track - teaches English and History since 2002. Mr. Birnbaum taught 1st grade at another school in Carson in 1998. What he likes most about Gage is the resources like technology, after school programs, and above all, the students. He attended Reed College, Colorado College, Humboldt State, and Cal State University, Dominguez Hills.

His hobbies: Surfing, Skateboarding, Backpacking, Camping, Piano, Banjo, Guitar, Writing/Reading, Traveling, and Cooking. The countries he has visited: Israel, Costa Rica, Mexico.

His favorite quote: "Keep it simple, stupid"

Ms. M. A. BUCKLES - A Track - Mrs. Buckles is proud to have been teaching at Gage since 1973. She stepped out of college at Long Beach State at age 22 and has been teaching English and ancient history ever since. That may sound boring but Mrs. Buckles changes what she teaches often so she and the students do not become bored! She is also the gifted and AVID program coordinator at Gage.

Mrs. Buckles enjoys gardening, especially vegetables but her favorite hobby is raising and showing canaries. She also enjoys her many pets including a bald Mexican hairless dog (Xoloquintle) and a Senegal parrot.

M. S. CHOWN - C Track - teaches Ancient Civilization at Gage since October 2004. Prior to coming to Gage Ms. Chown taught at a private school in West Los Angeles. The eagerness of the students and the collaborative spirit of many fine teachers is what impresses Ms. Chown about Gage. She attended Cal State University, Northridge - B.A., Southwestern University School of Law - J.D., and Pepperdine University M.A. Among her hobbies & interests are sailing & gardening.

Her favorite quote is: "The key to education is to respect the child" by Emerson

Mr. B. DRUGGE - A Track - (English/History) since 2005. I taught at Bert Corona Charter School in the San Fernando Valley. You get a sense here that people, teachers, and students want to be a part of a learning community, and I like that. I attended the University of Washington, and Pacific Oaks College. I enjoy reading the New Yorker, organizing educational events for the students, and hiking. "In the long run, we get no more than we have been willing to risk giving." --Sheldon Kopp

Mr. A. MANZANARES - C Track -

Mr. C. PFUHL - A Track - teaches 6th Grade English/History since he came to Gage in October 2000. Mr. Pfuhl moved to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, NV. He likes the faculty and students at Gage. Mr. Pfuhl collects rare books and cookbooks. Mr. Pfuhl attended U. C. Santa Cruz. You know something interesting about Mr. Pfuhl!, he has 30 cousins in Switzerland.

English/Reading:

M. P. ACEVEDO - A Track - Please read about Ms. Acevedo at the very top of this page.

Ms. L. BAUTISTA - A Track - teaches 6th and 8th grade English and 6th grade Ancient Civilization. Ms. Bautista started teaching at Gage since July 2004. She taught at another school in Montebello prior to coming to Gage. When we asked Ms. Bautista what she likes most about Gage, she said that Mrs. Cole makes her laugh. Ms. Bautista attended Cal State University, Fullerton.

His favorite quote: "Keep it simple, stupid"

Ms. S. CHOWN - C Track - teaches Ancient Civilization at Gage since October 2004. Prior to coming to Gage Ms. Chown taught at a private school in West Los Angeles. The eagerness of the students and the collaborative spirit of many fine teachers is what impresses Ms. Chown about Gage. She attended Cal State University, Northridge - B.A., Southwestern University School of Law - J.D., and Pepperdine University - M.A. Among her hobbies & interests are sailing & gardening.

Her favorite quote is: "The key to education is to respect the child" by Emerson

Ms. S. K. DAVE - C Track - (English Language Arts and Ancient Civilizations).
I have been at Gage since the Spring of 2004. I was a teacher's assistant at Mount Gleason Middle School in Sunland, CA. There are many reasons I enjoy working at Gage, such as the teachers, the administration, and of course lunch time conversations with students and teachers. I am very lucky to work with others that are helpful, friendly, and encouraging. As for what I enjoy the most, that is easy: Lunch time gatherings with students.

I attended San Gabriel Christian School (Elementary and Middle School), Maranatha High School, Azusa Pacific University, Pasadena City College (A.A. and A.S.), UCLA (lived on campus, and joined sorority Kappa Delta), Cal State Northridge (B.A. in Liberal Studies), and the University of Phoenix (teaching credential and Master's in Education and Curriculum 5).

I love to travel, go to the beach, and snowboarding. I enjoy talking on the phone, spending time with my friends and family, and shopping. My favorite stores are Abercrombie and Fitch, Guess, Bebe, and COACH. I also like dancing, hiking, swimming, and playing volleyball. My favorite color is lavender, favorite board game is Connect Four, and my two favorite foods are McDonald's French fries and ice cream from Cold Stone. I love meeting new people and having fun. All teachers, staff, and students are always welcome in my classroom!

Ms. C. DAVIS - B Track - Please read about Ms. Davis at the top of this page.

Ms. C. FIERZ - B Track - I teach English, History and 6th and 7th Art since July, 2006. Before coming to Gage I taught at Adams Middle School. Here at Gage I find that the kids are friendly and helpful for the most part. If you seek out help from other teachers or administrators, they are always helpful. I attended UCLA -- Go Bruins!

My hobbies & interests are tennis, golf, running, hiking, dancing, cooking, surfing the net, traveling to foreign countries, trying new things and meeting new people.

I'm obsessed with France! Speaking French, traveling to France, eating French food, reading French literature... I lived in Bris, France, for one year.

Mr. D. FISHER - A Track - Please read about Mr. Fisher at the beginning of this page.

Mr. A. MANZANARES - C Track -