My husband and I moved to First Colony in 1985, buying our first house in Settlers Grove after being married for a year. We were both recent graduates of Texas A&M University and the fast-growing Sugar Land area was central to our careers in downtown Houston and Lake Jackson.

Fast forward 40 years later and we are still proud Sugar Land residents, and even more proud to be the parents of three daughters, each one a graduate of both Clements High School and Texas A&M.

When my girls were young, I gave up my career in international banking and became an active volunteer at Settlers Way Elementary. Over the years, my involvement and interest in seeing this great campus thrive and succeed grew, and in 2003, I joined the staff full-time as the District Aide. A few years later, I became the campus Executive Assistant.

I’ve worked at Settlers Way and I can’t think of a better place to be. We do great things on this campus and I love being involved – supporting administration and ensuring the staff and students have what they need to succeed, and getting to know our families and helping to make these elementary years memorable. I treasure the friendships and memories I’ve made along the way! 

I started with Settlers Way as a Wellness Monitor in 2021. It was just after students started coming back to school from COVID. I took temps for anyone who came into the front office. I fell in love with the school and the wonderful people here, and I just had to stay!

I was a Paraprofessional with Mrs. Maler in Pre-K for the 21-22 school year. It was a wonderful time because it let me see how education has changed since my time as a student. I was also able to get to know and spend time with some of our littlest friends. I had a blast!

 For the 22-23 school year, I became a paraprofessional with the SPED department, and it was like I was seeing our school with new eyes. I was able to spend time with many of our wonderful teachers and got to work with some amazing students.

 Now I have found my home in the front office where I started! Everything always comes around again, doesn't it? I am your friendly neighborhood Attendance and Registration clerk! I believe that attendance matters and showing up is half the battle. Just being present is a step in the right direction in achieving any goal you set before you! 

 Make sure to say Hi! If you are ever in the Front Office. Explorers SOAR!!!

 When is an absence excused? 

• FBISD extracurricular activities 
• Illness and medical appointments 
• Required court appearances 
• Religious holy days 
• Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship 

Submitting an Excuse Note: 

• Notes must be turned in no later the 5 days upon returning to school
• Notes should be given to the school's Attendance Clerk.  Email messages are acceptable. Send to: AttendanceSWE@fortbendisd.gov
• Reply to absence email notification regarding your student's attendance. 
• A medical note can be scanned and email directly to Attendance Clerk.

Excuse notes should always include:

• Student’s full name
• Student’s ID number
• Today’s date
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence
• Parent contact information

This is my second year being part of the SWE family. I enjoy working with our children as well as the parents in the front office. I am proud to be a part of the Settlers Way Elementary team. GO EXPLORERS!