1st Grade - Laurie Demel

1st Grade - Irma Casarez

My name is Irma Casarez. I graduated from Texas Wesleyan University. I have a B.A. Degree in Education. I have 24 years of teaching experience as a Bilingual teacher. I have taught 2^nd and 4^th grade and now I really enjoy working with 1^st graders. I have been teaching at Rufino Mendoza Sr. Elementary School for 19 years. I’m married and we love going to the movies, walking and spending time with our families and friends. I am proud to serve and live in this community. 

Micaela Zink graduated with a Business Management Degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and then pursued her alternative teaching certification at Tarleton State University. She is one of five children and a married mother of two. She has been with Rufino Mendoza for 3 years and is looking forward to the wonderful years to come with the Mendoza family. When she finds herself with some free time, she relaxes with a good book. Ella está aprendiendo español para practicar con ella.

1st Grade - Lillibette Quinones

My name is Lillibette Quiñones. I’m from Puerto Rico. I have been in Texas for almost 10 years. I graduated from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. I have certifications in Early Childhood and Bilingual Education. I’ve taught PK and 12^th grade, but 1^st grade is my passion. I am married and have a daughter that is in 5^th grade. I enjoy teaching, going to the movies, scrap booking, golfing and spending time with family and friends.

2nd Grade - Marisa Crook

Mrs.  Marisa Crook has been teaching for 6 years.  She has taught both 3^rd and 4^th grade.  Her favorite subject is reading.  She was from Southern California and graduated from Cal State University San Marcos.  Her hobbies include reading, making jewelry and spending time with her husband, Jason, going to sporting events and watching movies. 

2nd Grade - Maricel Beverly

Graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a  Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (EC-4/ESL Certified), Cum Laude graduate. 

Married to a wonderful husband and I am a mother of two children (third child on the way).

Favorite hobbies are: reading a good book, baking sweet goodies, creating origami designs, going out for good meals, and watching a good movie.

I have been with the FWISD District since 2002 and with the Rufino Mendoza family for over 7 years.

Recognition: Teacher of the Year 2010-2011.

Moto: "Work hard, make NO excuses, and reach for the stars to achieve your goals in life." 

2nd Grade - Silvia Perez

My name is Silvia Pérez; I graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing.  I am an Alternative Certification teacher from The Education Career Alternatives Program (ECAP).   I have certifications on Early Childhood, Bilingual Education and Advanced Academic Services (G/T).  My hobbies are reading and history.  I have been teaching for three years at Rufino Mendoza Sr. Elementary.  I am very proud to be a part of this school.  I truly enjoy teaching and working with children. 

3rd Grade - Cynthia Cadena

Graduated from: Angelo State University (ASU) in San Angelo, Texas

Ms. Cadena grew up in West Texas in the town of San Angelo.  She was born in the state of Idaho, and spent her early years living there.  All her teaching years have been in Fort Worth at Mendoza Elementary.  During her spare time, when she is able, Ms. Cadena enjoys visiting new countries, and traveling in the USA.   

3rd Grade - Maria Mercado

3rd Grade - Regina Rodriguez

My name is Regina Rodriguez and I teach 3rd grade.  I have been at Rufino Mendoza, Sr. Elementary for 12 years.  This is the only school that I have taught at.  I really love my students, my colleagues, and the school.  I graduated from Hardin-Simmons University, which is in Abilene, Texas with a Bachelors of Behavioral Science in 1998.  I started teaching that same year.  I have been married to Joe for 18 and 1/2 years.  We have a 4 year old son.  His name is Jose.

4th Grade - Claudia Gonzalez

My name is Claudia Gonzalez Rodriguez, I am from Monterrey,  Mexico. I graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. I have been working as a Elementary Bilingual Teacher for the last 5 years. Some of the things I really like are Traveling and watching Discovery Channel and National Geographic TV shows. But what I most enjoy is to teach  children "to be the best they can be".  

4th Grade - Jana Henderson

4th Grade - Alfred DeLaPaz

Mr. DeLaPaz has been a teacher for 16 years.  He has been a teacher at Rufino Mendoza for 11 years.  Before moving to Mendoza, Mr. DeLaPaz taught at Sam Rosen Elementary for five years.  He currently holds certifications in bilingual, ESL, and high accademic performing (HAP) education.

Mr. DeLaPaz graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington.  He is married and has three sons.  He has also been a sports official for 42 years.

5th Grade - Cindy Shaw

Mrs. Shaw grew up in Southern California and moved to Texas after she graduated from high school.  She graduated Magma Cum Laude from TCU in 1997 and began teaching in FWISD that same year. She taught for eight years at Wilson Elementary before coming to Rufino Mendoza Elementary in 2005.   Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Domino and Hercules. 

5th Grade - Patricia Cantu

I'm a 5th Grade Teacher at Rufino Mendoza Elementary. I have really enjoyed working here for the past six years  I recieved my Bachlor of Science degree in Multidiciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University. I have 10 years of experience as a classroom Teacher. I have two wonderful daughters, and I'm also a Grandmother.