Ms. Montalvo is a native Spanish speaker, a certified teacher, and an active member of The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). She primarily conducts her classes in Spanish to create an immersive language learning environment which includes developmentally appropriate games, songs, and movement activities. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade have daily classes with Ms. Montalvo as a core component of their curriculum (preschoolers also attend on a varied schedule).

During PE, Mrs. Purdum coaches students to work together in teams, practice their coordination, be active, and have fun while exercising. Her physical education curriculum incorporates different games and activities that encourage children to enjoy physical activity. This year she is excited to start her Ancient Civilization PE Academic Club where students will learn a variety of ancient sports like archery, discus and Mayan football as well as the ancient rules of good sportsmanship.

Rebekah Lowe, art instructor at St. Thomas is from North Carolina. She graduated with honors from Florida Tech with a liberal arts degree and a minor in Russian and graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University with a management degree. Rebekah taught Russian when living in Alaska, was an education director for a church in North Carolina, and taught PE for CCISD. In 2014, Rebekah began painting and has sold art at Friendswood’s “Art in the Park” event and in local shops. She loves teaching art more than she enjoys being an artist. Rebekah believes every child is an artist and finds immeasurable joy sharing a love for art and a love for learning with children.