1. Getting To Know Mrs. Barabe Welcome to my classroom! I can’t wait to get to know you too.

2. I grew up with my sisters and brother in Port Angeles, WA about 2 ½ hours from Tacoma. Melissa is the oldest she works at a hospital in Seattle, Jessica is just 3 years younger than me and works in Kent, Joel is the youngest and is a mechanic in Seattle.

3. I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, then again in 2005 with a Masters Degree. I played tennis while attending college and loved living in Tacoma.

4. I have been teaching at Washington-Hoyt for five years as a fifth grade teacher. I am excited to be teaching third and fourth graders this year.

5. When I am not having fun with my students at school, I enjoy hanging out with my husband Ryan and our dog Wrigley.

6. Just a few of my favorite things…

7. Ryan and I love sports! We enjoy watching the Seahawks, the Mariners and the Cubs win.

8. Just like you, I have a great group of friends to hang out with!

9. I live over in Gig Harbor, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

10. I also like to go jogging, read a good book, and try out a new recipe.

11. We are going to have a great year-- Welcome to the best class in the United States! Go Washington-Hoyt Cougars.