Miss Becky Palmer - 1st Grade

 

My first year of teaching began in 1996 when I was hired as a first grade teacher. I've taught kindergarten through second grade since then- a major surprise because I always thought I'd be in the upper elementary grades. I love what I do and enjoy welcoming kids into a learning environment. My goal has always been to support kids in becoming more independent thinkers, doers, and finding joy in what they do everyday.

Banyan has always been a pretty special place to work. I have had amazing people to work with- all so gifted in their own unique ways. Does anyone remember Mrs.Sterling, Mrs. Argenti, or Mr. Schoenhofen? These teachers were all part of my early days of teaching whom I love and adore. The teachers and staff continue to strive to work together and provide kids with the skills they need to do well in thinking. I'm glad to be a part of that and hope I've made a difference in some small way.

Outside of school, I love to play volleyball, spend time on my family's farm, fishing, playing cards, and enjoying time with friends and family. If I'm able, I love to travel! You can learn so much when you get away for a while. I love meeting and listening to people share their stories. There is so much fun in hanging around good people!

In thinking about long ago when I was in first grade, I was so, so shy. Perhaps that's one of the reasons I try to make kids less shy when they are in my class. I started reading in kindergarten and always had a vivid imagination. I still have crazy dreams - if you've ever heard me tell about one, you would agree!

Well, that's enough about me. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

 

 

Mr. Ken Holland - 3rd Grade

My name is Ken Holland.  I have been married to Ruth for almost 15 years.  I lived in New York, California, Oklahoma, New York (again), North Carolina, and Missouri before I even got to 6^th grade!

I went to school at the University of Missouri – Columbia and California Lutheran University.  I received my Masters in Education from CLU in 2002.

I’ve been teaching at Banyan for 17 years which is my entire career.  I’ve taught 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grades.

My 5^th grade teacher, Mrs. Coats, was my favorite teacher.  I had just moved to town, and she helped me feel at home in my new school.

I love having my students say good morning to me!  It starts my day out in a great way.

My favorite PTA activity is Family Science Night.

When I’m not teaching, I like to play games on my computer, read the Bible, and sing in my men’s choir.

Favorite food – sukiyaki

Favorite color – purple

Favorite vacation spot – Yosemite National Park

First year teaching at Banyan

Mrs. Kelly Stoeber - 3rd Grade

Mrs. Kelly Stoeber is a 3^rd grade teacher at Banyan.  She has been teaching at Banyan for 18 years.  She grew up in Chatsworth and went Chaminade Jr. High and High School.   She attended CLU and for her undergrad, credential, and master’s degree.

She has been married to her husband Jason for 8 years.  They have twin 5.5 year old boys, Hudson and Emerson.  The boys are in kindergarten at Banyan.  They live in Simi Valley.

Mrs. Stoeber loves dogs especially their beloved pitbull, Callie.  She is a HUGE Broncos fan.  When she can – they love camping and riding, she rides a quad and Jason and the boys ride motorcycles.  She enjoys hiking and outdoor activities and fitness with the family,

Mrs. Stoeber is the teacher rep for the Banyan talent show this year.  One of her favorite PTA events was the Casino Night / Auction at the Dos Vientos Community Center.   Lots of fun!

Mrs. Michelle Eby - 5th Grade

Mrs. Eby is married and has two sons, one in fourth grade at Banyan, one in sixth grade at Sequoia.  They don’t have any pets because they travel too much!  Mrs Eby enjoys RVing all over the country, especially in a National Park or out of state.  She also enjoys hiking, cycling, and spending time in their pool with family and friends.

Mrs. Eby has been teaching for 12 years total; 3 year as a 6th grade teacher at Banyan, 3 years teaching 7th/8th Math at Colina MS, 4 years at WHS teaching Geometry CP and Geometry Honors.   This is her second year back at Banyan and is teaching 5th grade.

She loves that she has teaching experience in grades 5-12; it really makes for many great memories! 

As for her favorite PTA event - she really enjoys the teacher appreciation luncheon.

Miss Brynn Hutchison - 4/5 Split

Brynn Hutchison is Conejo Valley born and bred! She grew up and attended school in the Agoura Hills/Westlake Village area. After graduating high school, she moved to Orange County to attend UC Irvine for four years, but returned after graduation to be closer to my family. She currently lives in Thousand Oaks with her rescue dog, Duke. Though she doesn’t have kids yet, she enjoys being an aunt and spoiling her nephews, Dylan and Evan. 

When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading, baking, visiting the dog park with Duke, and spending time with friends. 

Miss Hutchison is starting her seventh year at Banyan! She arrived back in the Fall of 2009 as a student teacher in the fabulous Mrs. Marzalek's Kindergarten class. In January, she became Mrs. Stoeber's long-term substitute in 3rd grade for the remainder of the school year. After that, she was incredibly fortunate to get signed to a contract as a 4th grade teacher. She taught fourth grade for 5 years, before moving to a 4/5 split this year.

When asked what her favorite PTA sponsored event was, she stated that she has always loved Family Science Night. Anything hands-on is so much fun.   One of her other favorite PTA events is the Poker Night! It's so fun to get to know the parents outside of school while playing a friendly game of Texas Hold 'Em...and she almost made it to the final table her first year playing!

She thinks that one of the best things about teaching is making connections with her students. By the end of the year, it is always hard to say goodbye because we come to be a family inside the classroom. She always love getting to know the students as people, and her favorite memories are the clever and funny things they say and the inside jokes we share.

Mrs. Hutchison has always been an avid reader! In many pictures from my childhood, she has my nose in a book.   In reviewing her childhood report cards... she was a talker in class :)   She is also a "second generation" teacher. Way back when, before her mom had kids, her mom taught English at NPHS.

Mrs. Lori Marzalek - Kindergarten

Lori Marzalek is one of the first teachers parents meet when their kids start Banyan.  This is her 18^th year teaching at Banyan (23^rd year teaching), and most of those years have been spent in room A teaching Kindergarten.  She has also taught 1^st & 2^nd grade in the past.  She is also the teacher rep for the PTA!   

Mrs. Marzalek has two kids herself, Lauren and Hayden, both of who went to Banyan Elementary School when they were younger.   She also has 3 dachshunds, 1 grand dog named Winnie, 1 very old cat, 2 baby tortoises and a variety of fish.

Teaching is definitely in Mrs. Marzalek’s blood, her grandma was a teacher, her mom was a teacher and her daughter, Lauren, is currently student teaching in a K/1 split.

Everyday something makes her laugh - the little kids are so funny.

When asked what was one of her favorite PTA sponsored events over the years, she replied that some of the best times were at the old dinner dance/auction at the DV rec center – they were so fun and so unexpected!

“Where the Wild Things Are” is probably one of her favorite childhood books.

When Mrs. Marzalek isn’t in the classroom she is most likely hiking, travelling, camping, going to yoga classes, photography, her spin classes, working out at the gym, and of course spending time with her family!

Mrs. Marzalek when she was your child's age.   She enjoyed going to school and playing with blocks.  Also playing with her younger sister Suzi.