Personal Message

Teaching is my second career. Fourteen years ago I left a career in accounting/finance to be a teacher and I have no regrets. Children are the best co-workers! I am passionate about connecting with nature and the outdoors. Gardening has been a great way to integrate that connection with nature into science, math, social studies, and literacy, so I love being involved with the Decatur garden. I love seeing my students get their hands dirty while learning! In my free time you can find me outside.

2024-25 Schedule

Monday

• AM: Magnolia
• PM: Lawton

Tuesday

• AM: View Ridge
• PM: Orca K-8

Wednesday:

• Decatur 206-252-3230 (p) ; 206-252-3231 (f)

Thursday:

• Loyal Heights

Friday

• AM: Lafayette
• PM: Coe

About Jeong Chi

I'm delighted to go on this

Journey of learning with
Everyone who comes to my classroom. We will
Overcome challenges and
Never give up until this world
Gets better because of you and me!

Education: MEd San Jose State University / BA Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

This is my twelfth year teaching in the HCC program. I live in Shoreline with my husband, thirteen and eighteen-year old children, a delightful golden retriever and a sassy kitten. In addition to teaching  third grade, I love the outdoors (especially mushroom picking!), gardening, and cooking.

Biography

Elementary Visual Arts Teacher

,Personal Message

Teaching art to eager elementary students is a dream come true and I am so lucky to be doing just that at Decatur.

I started teaching in Seattle Public Schools in 2006. I am a Husky and bleed purple!  My son, Liam graduated from UW Bothell in 2014. My daughter Lily graduated from Ballard High School in 2016, so I have been a part of SPS for over 20 years.  My Australian husband loves to build things. We love spending time on the water - liquid and solid, especially in Chelan where we have a second home. I love ART, sports, theater, photography, music and writing.  Being creative feeds my soul and I believe everyone needs a chance to express themselves creatively as much as possible.

I have been a librarian for 10 years now, and love talking books with young people. Originally from the Midwest, I earned my teaching and library degrees at the University of Washington and a master's from Western. I am proud to be part of Seattle Public Schools. Being with children inspires me.

When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, gardening, being outdoors with my dog, or challenging my husband or daughter in a game of cribbage. I also enjoy getting loud as a drummer in the Riot, the OL Reign's pep band.

Biography

Hello! My name is Ms. Rifkin (she/her) and I am thrilled to be a first and second grade teacher this year! I have a degree from the University of Vermont in Elementary Education and Environmental Studies, and this is my fourth year as a Decatur Gator. I love being outside in any way, from expeditionary sea kayaking to learning about the geology of Washington. I often bring my outdoor education aspects into the classroom...even virtually!

,Personal Message

For more information, head to our class' Seesaw page!

Biography

BA, University of Montana; MFA, Pacific Lutheran University; Post Graduate, University of Washington, Bothell.

Previously I worked at Amazon.com, as well as community newspapers (Carbon County News) and regional publications. In college, I worked for the US Forest Service, which is my second dream job. My first is teaching!

This year I will be teaching 4th grade, specializing in literacy. Previously I taught 1st, 2nd and 4th grade at Decatur, specializing in math.

Personal Message

You are your best thing.

-Toni Morrison (Beloved)