Fernando R. Ledesma High School

Hola, mi nombre es Oscar Raygoza

Being the youngest of two siblings and the second person in the family to graduate college and serve as an educator is a priceless journey and experience on a daily basis. Attending elementary school, middle school and high school in the city of El Monte makes it rewarding to provide back to your community.  Working in Fernando R Ledesma for 19 years, it has been a successful pathway year after year.  It is not important to be rich, rather more rich to be important.  Therefore, with positive guidance, sacrifice, effort and patience, success is granted. 

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Teaching is my second career and I have been in this profession for almost twenty (20) years. My goal is to equip students with business, technology, communication, and interpersonal skills as well as decision-making and problem-solving skills needed in the workplace and/or college. Students learn work ethics and professional conduct in every one of my classes. My service to the community is more than just students obtaining a high school diploma, it is giving them tools to succeed in our global economy. 

I worked at Rosemead High School for seven (7) years and have been teaching at FRLHS since leaving Rosemead High School. In addition to teaching six (6) different subjects during the school day at both schools, I have been an AVID Coordinator and AVID teacher for two years, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Advisor for seven (7) years, Restaurant Management Academy Steering Committee Business Chair for seven (7) years, mentor, advisor, and tutor for my students. I have created new curriculum and courses, without additional compensation, as well as researched and purchased books, software, and computers to stay updated with the current business needs in the workplace and college over the course of my teaching career, in order to prepare students for college and/or career. 

My Bachelor's Degree is in Accounting, my Master's Degree is in Design Based Learning, and I am also a licensed Real Estate Broker. Prior to becoming an educator, my career in the business world spanned more than fifteen (15) years. I was an Accounts Receivable Clerk at the Los Angeles Times while in high school, then worked as a bookkeeper for a local CPA/Law Firm while in college. I started my Accounting career as an external auditor upon graduating from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and traveled frequently. Then, I transitioned to being an Internal Auditor at AT&T Wireless. I was employed as a Senior Director of Fiscal Services and later as a Financial Services Consultant for LACOE and other school districts.

My family immigrated to the United States when I was eleven (11) years old. My parents and siblings still live in El Monte and Baldwin Park, while I grew up in East Los Angeles and upstate New York. I graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and attended the University of California, Irvine and received my Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Teaching Credential, and Master's Degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona. I have lived and worked in many places in the world. Thus, my hobbies are traveling, serving others, going to sporting events, and spending time with family and friends from all over the world.

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I've lived in El Monte most of my young life.  I went to Mulhall Elementary and then later Frank Wright Junior High. I am a graduate of Arroyo High School, class of 1977. I received my B.S. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona and my Masters in Counseling and Administration from Cal State L.A.

Fernando R. Ledesma has been my home now for the past 37 years. I started working here when the school was still called Valle Lindo, and we were located at the South El Monte High School Site.  Thirty-seven years ago, I was a math department of one, now we have four math teachers here at Ledesma High.  Each year, the math department awards credits to over 300 students. Thirty years ago, I took on the responsibility of producing the school's yearbook after many years without one. The yearbook is produced completely in-house by students and me. 

I'm married with two children.  My son is 31, a graduate of UCLA. He majored in Electronic Engineering and now has a master's in Mechanical Engineering and works for the Department Of The Navy. My daughter is 28, a graduate of UCLA in Computer Science, and a senior software engineer at Webflow.  My wife of over 30 years is a Senior Civil Engineer and a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a B.S. in Civil Engineering.

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In my Freshman and Sophomore English classes, students are exposed to various genres, including novels, poetry, short stories, articles, and essays. As a class, we read together and analyze literature through writing, metacognitive activities, and class discussion. Incorporating non-fiction into the courses allows students to examine a large variety of topics. Some topics we explore involve social responsibility, soft skills, physical health, emotional health, mental health, science, technology, careers, current events, pop culture, and education.

Paragraph development and essay writing are our most important assessment tools. They demonstrate an understanding of reading materials, and the ability to analyze information, form ideas and opinions on that information, then support those ideas and opinions with evidence. These skills are required and essential for students entering college.

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I have been teaching at FRLHS for almost two decades. As an only child from a lower-middle-class family, I have always believed in the value of education. I am very proud to be the first person in my family to graduate from college. I graduated with an AA from East Los Angeles College in 2003. In 2006, I earned a BA in English from Cal State Los Angeles and then went straight into the teaching credential program that same year. After completing the teaching credential program, I began working on clearing my credential (BTSA) and started a master’s program at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2011, I earned my master’s degree in World and American literature. Today, I am the English Department chair. I have the privilege of teaching sophomore, junior, and senior English.  I am extremely proud to be a Mustang and hope to be so for years to come.

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Mr. Wescott was born in St. Claire, Michigan, and raised in Lake Placid in Upstate New York, where he graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1972. In the fall, he left the Adirondack Mountain Region for Oswego in Central New York, on the shores of Lake Ontario, to earn a BA in Communications from SUNY at Oswego in 1977. During his years at Oswego, Mr. Wescott played college hockey for the Oswego Great Lakers, where the team made one Division II NCAA hockey playoff appearance. He returned to his home in Lake Placid to take part in the 1980 Winter Olympics as an off-ice official managing the off-ice routines of the Olympic hockey teams. Over the years, Mr. Wescott has worked in radio broadcasting, circulation for the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times.  In 1993, he became part of the EMUHSD as a substitute teacher. He earned his English Language Arts Credential from CSLA.  Mr. Wescott became a full-time teacher of English Language Arts in March 1995. He  taught English at Arroyo High School for nine years and for the past twenty years he has been teaching English at FRLHS. Furthermore, since 2013, Mr. Wescott has been a member of the Los Angeles Hockey Officials Association officiating hockey games in Southern California, and he continues to play hockey throughout Southern California. Even so, Mr. Wescott regularly donates blood four times a year for the City of Hope at its mobile blood bank at FRLHS. Finally, a valued program, available to anyone, is the El Monte Police Department's Citizens Academy. It meets one night a week for three hours when the utility of safety is reinforced. Citizens Academy strengthens the significance of our police department between the community and the men and women who serve and protect us 24/7.

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Hello, my name is Jason Mac Lellan. 

For the past twenty-five years, I have been a teacher of Health, Personal Finance, Government, and Economics at Fernando R Ledesma High School. I have been associated with the El Monte Union High School District for most of my life. My parents were local business owners in El Monte and I graduated from Arroyo High School in El Monte in 1988. While attending Arroyo High School, I earned many athletic awards. In fact, my picture can still be found in the front office and the coach's office. After graduating from high school, I continued to pursue athletics at Mt. San Antonio College, then eventually I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of La Verne. I spent some time working for Coca-Cola, Nabisco, and Pfizer until I felt I called to return to El Monte and start my teaching career, so I re-enrolled at the  University of La Verne and I earned my teaching credential from the University of LaVerne. 

I enjoy teaching Government, Economics, Health, and Personal Finance to students at Fernando R Ledesma High School. I believe that the study of these subjects serves several purposes. Not only does the study of government inform us of what has come before, but it also serves as a vehicle to better understand who we are and want to be. The study of Economics sharpens one's mind and is a way for students to learn the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to succeed in the "real world."

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Hello, my name is Nick Sutherland. I have taught history at FRLHS for 17 years. I enjoy teaching history from the "bottom up."  In other words, I try to give a voice to the voiceless.

I graduated from La Mirada High School and I competed in track and field / cross country.  I attended Mt. Sac and Cal Poly Pomona.

I got married in 2009 and together we have a 4-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son.  We enjoy watching Star Wars, Power Rangers, Bluey, Matilda, and Ninja Turtles.  We also enjoy our local museums and Camp Snoopy.

My other hobbies include the following: fishing, hiking, cycling, reading, cooking, and retro video games.

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Hello,

My name is Seán Lawrence.  I have been with El Monte Union High School District since January of 2018.  In 2021, I became a permanent teacher at Ledesma High School.  I teach World History, Ethnic Studies, and Math with Life Applications.  I am a proud father of two daughters who are a huge part of my life.

I enjoy making a positive impact on students' lives, and helping guide them towards a successful future.  I keep students of all learning styles engaged in lessons by adding the sights, sounds, and cultural aspects from my international life experiences.

In addition to daytime classes, I teach night school, and am the headmaster of a Kyokushin karate school.  I have chaperoned several field trips, including to the Griffith Observatory, LA Zoo, Skate Junction, and the Museum of Tolerance.  I also volunteer for community events, such as Trunk or Treat, and the district's Lunar New Year event.

Hola,

Mi nombre es Seán Lawrence. He trabajado en El Monte Union High School District desde enero de 2018. En 2021, me convertí en maestro permanente en Ledesma High School.  Enseño Historia Mundial, Estudios Étnicos y Matemáticas con Aplicaciones a la Vida. Soy un orgulloso padre de dos hijas que son una gran parte de mi vida.

Me gusta tener un impacto positivo en la vida de los estudiantes y ayudar a guiarlos hacia un futuro exitoso.  Mantengo a los estudiantes de todos los estilos de aprendizaje involucrados en las lecciones al agregar las vistas, los sonidos y los aspectos culturales de mis experiencias de vida internacional.

Además de las clases diurnas, enseño en la escuela nocturna y soy el director de una escuela de karate Kyokushin. He sido acompañante en varias excursiones, incluso al Observatorio Griffith, al Zoológico de Los Ángeles, a Skate Junction y al Museo de la Tolerancia. También soy voluntario en eventos comunitarios, como Trunk or Treat, y el evento del Año Nuevo Lunar del distrito.

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I grew up in Glendora but had a connection to the EMUHSD as the majorette for the Mountain View High School Band for four years of high school. I graduated as Valedictorian from GHS and entered Cal Poly Pomona where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. I began working at FRLHS in 1992 and completed my Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics in 1994. I received my teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University in 1997. I have worked for the district for over 33 years in the Independent Study Program at FRLHS. One of the programs at FRLHS I am most proud of is the City of Hope Honor Cord and Blood Donation Program. Over the past 20 years, our students, staff and community have donated thousands of pints of blood to the local hospital to help the cancer patients. 

It is an honor to work at a Model high school that is named after my dad, Fernando R. Ledesma. I am proud of all the work the staff has done over the years to make the school a place of learning that promotes high standards and expectations for all. The staff provides a safe, caring and supportive environment with individual learning plans for all students.

I have one son who is a Computer Engineer working at a local firm. I enjoy spending free time with my family, friends, and at the Happiest Place on Earth.

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I currently work at Fernando Ledesma as a high school math teacher. I have been teaching here for the last 19 years.  I teach Integrated Math I. Integrated Math I is the introductory class for Algebra and Geometry.  Working here at Ledesma has been an awarding experience.  The students' will to achieve their goals has inspired me to be a better teacher. I also worked at a charter school for a year.  I grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico.  I played basketball and ran track.  Now I enjoy hiking, running and riding my mountain bike.  After high school, I attended college in NM. Engineering was my major and played basketball for the school.  I eventually dropped out of college and started working full time.  I worked for a few years and decided to go back to school and finish my education.  I had to choose between becoming an engineer or working as a math teacher.  I attended Azusa Pacific university, where I received my B.A and M.A. in education.  I currently enjoy my job here at Fernando Ledesma high school, and will continue to educate as many students as possible in math. I hope each and every student that attends FRL follows their dreams and becomes successful. Good luck and cherish your time here at our school.

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Hello students and parents.  My name is Natividad Vizcaino.  Let me tell you a little bit about me.  I was born and raised in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. I decided to immigrate to this country when I was twenty years-old. Since the time I came to this country, I decided to become educated, and it has taken me about 26 years to finally reach my goals. Earning my education has been a long journey.  

First, I had to learn the language by taking ESL classes at the age of twenty two years old.  I earned my high school diploma at the age of 27 years old.  Then, I had to wait a few years so I could go to college. Finally, I earned enough credits at Mt. Sac College to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona, and finally I transferred to Azusa Pacific University where I earned my bachelor's degree in Human Development, my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Math and finally I earned my Master degree in Education with an emphasis in Digital Teaching and Learning.

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My name is Ms. Allison Leanos, and I look forward to being one of your teachers for this upcoming school year.  Whether you are a new or returning student, I am pleased to welcome you to Fernando Ledesma High School.  I am sure you will find this campus much different from your other schools, but I am here to help you academically and socially.

To introduce myself, I would like you to know that I have taught for sixteen years at Fernando Ledesma in the Opportunity program and the Mustang program.  Teaching is my calling; I have wanted to be a teacher since 4^th grade.  I know everyone has one teacher who inspires you to do well in school, and for me, that was my 4th-grade teacher.  I hope that one day, my students can say the same about me.

My years of experience at Fernando Ledesma High School have given me the training and expertise to support all students.  Before teaching the opportunity program, I was a substitute teacher and an avid tutor.  I have worked in different settings and volunteered at many San Gabriel Valley elementary schools.  I am also an alumnus of this district and graduated from Rosemead High School in 2002.

Recently, I finished my master's program in school counseling.  Working with our district's most at-promise youth ignited my desire for school counseling.  During my studies, I completed my capstone project on the district's Opportunity Program.  For 16 years, I have contributed to the intervention program for the community to increase attendance rates, behavior, and credit-deficient students with my colleagues.  Although my field of study was intervention programs, we need to know the importance of school connectedness, self-efficacy in educational achievement, and family involvement as future counselors.  And my studies at Concordia were a building block to my counseling success.  Lastly, showing my enthusiasm for school culture can drive a positive "can-do" attitude and infectious many students.

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I was nine years old when I decided that I wanted to become a teacher. I finally realized my dream in the year 2000 and have been teaching for 24 years. I began my career at the El Monte-Rosemead Adult school as an adult education teacher in the High School Diploma Department. I taught several subjects, including English, U.S/World History, and Health.

I earned my single subject credential in 2008, and although I was offered a position at two other high schools in the district, I accepted a position at Fernando R. Ledesma High School. I have been teaching English and World History in the Opportunity Program for the past 15 years and appreciate every day of it. 

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Hello, my name is Chris Davis

During the past thirty years, I have been teaching Physical Education at Fernando R. Ledesma High School. I was born and raised in El Monte where I attended Cortada Elementary and Potrero Middle School and then graduated from El Monte High School in 1986. During my time as a Lion, I was honored with many athletic achievements. The one that meant the most to me was the "Big E," awarded to one student for excellence in the area of athletics during a four-year period. After high school, I worked a couple of odd jobs while attending Cal Poly Pomona. Throughout a fun and exciting seven years, I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. Soon after, I was fortunate to land a job at Fernando R. Ledesma High School, formerly Valle Lindo. In the 1999 school year, I earned a Teaching Credential at Cal Poly Pomona. In 2002, I earned a Masters in Education and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University. 

Physical Education students at FRLHS are not only exposed to the daily curriculum, but they have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities. Since 1997, the P.E. Department has hosted a biannual Intramural Basketball League as well as weight training competitions four times a year. These activities as well as staff/student All-Star games that have been organized in the early years are the moments that I will treasure most. Working with students at FRLHS has at times been challenging, but these challenges have been extremely rewarding. I strongly believe Physical Education in all its forms is an important part of everyone's everyday life. Students need to set aside at least an hour a day for physical activity. Students take P.E. at school primarily because it's a requirement for graduation, but athletic exercise gives them the tools to lead a healthy lifestyle once they leave this campus.

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I was born and grew up in Southern California.  I have traveled the world a bit.  I have been teaching at EMUHSD for 17 years.  In my spare time, I maintain and restore historic locomotives at SCRM.

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I was born in East Los Angeles, California in 1976. My family moved to El Monte when I was 7 years old. I started my education at Columbia elementary/middle school and graduated from El Monte High School in 1995.

I like to tell my students that life doesn’t always take the easy or shortest path, but if you work hard you can accomplish anything you want. I have two children:  a 26-year-old daughter (Amanda) and a 21-year-old son (Jacob). My daughter was born months after I graduated high school and my son followed four years later. Amanda graduated from Pacific College in 2021 in nursing. She has her LVN certificate and works for Warner Bros. Jacob is currently attending Graceland University in Iowa where he plays baseball and should be graduating at the end of Fall 2023. 

For seven years, I worked full-time while taking classes at Rio Hondo and East Los Angeles Colleges before getting my AA from Rio Hondo College. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2006 with my Bachelors degree in Kinesiology. I received my teaching credential from Azusa Pacific University in 2008. I graduated from Concordia University of Irvine with a Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Pupil Personnel Service in 2020.

I have been working at Ledesma for 26 years. The first 14 years I worked various jobs on campus including a van driver, security officer, and an instructional aide. The last 12 years I have been teaching biology.

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I’ve been part of the FRLHS Mustang family for many years now, but began my teaching career over 35 years ago.  My education includes graduating from East Los Angeles College with my AA degree, Cal Poly Pomona with my Bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources and Single Subject Credential in Business and Cal State Los Angeles with my Special Education Credential, Resource Specialist and Autism Added Authorizations. 

Here at FRLHS we offer special education services through the Resource Specialist Program.  R.S.P. students take my Study Skills class and are enrolled in general education classes using a collaborative model for special education services. In Study Skills we meet student’s individual needs by offering tutoring, addressing auditory and visual processing, vocabulary reinforcement, study skills techniques and general education student support.  We focus on student needs based on their abilities and strengths. 

Being the Resource Specialist at FRLHS has been a blessing, I enjoy my students and the staff.  It’s a great place for students and teachers. 

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