DENISE DANGELO
Please, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a third generation Californian and I graduated from Pepperdine University, Malibu, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications and received my teaching credential from California State Dominquez. I have taught at Jefferson Elementary for twenty years, as a fifth grade, third grade teacher, third/second combination teacher, and I am currently a second grade teacher.
What was your first job?
My first job was serving ice cream at Foster Freeze in Redondo Beach.
Now let's talk about some of your favorites..
My favorite band changes with my mood. Currently, at night, I listen to various podcasts. My favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Kings. One of my favorite movies is “Grease” and my favorite place to travel, so far, has been the beautiful Caribbean Islands; St. John, St Thomas.
What’s the first thing you would buy, if you were to win the lottery and why?
If I won the lottery, I would pay off my home and my son’s home, then buy two vacation homes (Mountains/Desert) for friends and family to use and gather together!
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is judgmental, mean-spirited, and passive-aggressive adults.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I do not like to go grocery shopping, but I don’t hate anything- take the good with the bad- that’s life!
What is one thing that people may not know about you?
I am artistic; I like to paint, and draw, and garden (using flowers as my canvas).
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
I loved being eight years of age, but I like where I am at in my life right now! Lots of great memories, but a lot to look forward to!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
If I could learn to fly, maybe I’d be a better passenger- I have somewhat of a fear of flying, but it doesn’t keep me from traveling!
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you choose to meet and why?
If I could meet anyone from the past, I would like to meet my paternal great-grandmother. She and my grandparents owned a turkey and chicken ranch, which was taken by the government, under the Eminent Domain act. The city built Lennox High School on my grandparent’s land.
What do you enjoy the most about being a teacher/ working in a school?
I love teaching, and will continue to teach for several more years! I love when a student takes ownership of their learning and work- they feel so proud- rightfully so!
What advice do you have for kids who are struggling in school?
If a student is struggling in school, I like them to think about one thing they feel they are good at, concentrate on why that is, and try to parlay that talent into a school subject. Confidence in oneself can create all kinds of growth and possibilities.
How do you define success?
Success to me means I am healthy, happy, and I am working towards goals I set (and reset) for myself, every day.
