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The
Challenge Charter Team! |
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Jane Alt
Administrative Secretary
Hi, I am Jane Alt,
an Administrative Secretary at Challenge Charter High School. I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. My family moved shortly after I was born to Chico. There I attended and graduated from Notre Dame School and Chico Senior High School. I then went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at California State University of Chico.
I worked at Enloe Medical Center in the Credit and Collections/Telecommunications Department for 24 years when I decided to pursue my other interest in the education field.
When I am not working I love to watch horse shows, work on my ranch, and be with family and my little dog, “Tinkerbell”.
Email: jalt@ouhsd.org
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Mike Caratenuto
Math/Computer Applications
Welcome to Algebra Class! My name is Michael Caratenuto. Many of my students call me “Mr. C.” I am a new teacher with an enthusiasm and desire to teach Mathematics. I graduated California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in May of 2004. I also completed the Teacher Credentialing program at CSU, Chico in May of 2005. While I was attending the Credential program at Chico State, I had the fortune and blessing to be given the opportunity to teach here at Challenge Charter High School. I have been working here at this school as a teacher ever since. I currently teach Algebra I, Geometry, Computer Applications, Careers I & II, and a Math Lab class. My advice to students is to always do their best and never give up. Though school may be tough at times, it is through tribulation where we grow, gain knowledge and gain experience. Procrastination is the adversary to progress and success.
Though I was born a Californian, I grew up in Manchester, Pennsylvania. My family and I returned to California in 1995. While attending college at Chico State, I met my wife Cynthia and married in November 2003. My wife and I live locally. We love to go on long walks, go camping together and work in our garden. Some of my favorite hobbies, in addition to spending time with my wife, include photography, backpacking, boating such as sailing and kayaking, and woodworking.
Email:
mcaraten@ouhsd.org
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Courtney Connelly
English/AVID Teacher
Hi, I’m Courtny Connelly. I was born and raised in Redding , CA , amidst the mountains and lakes and among many family members. After moving near Monterey at the age of 22, I decided that I needed to be closer to my family and settled in Chico , where I still reside. The majority of my family is still in Redding , so I visit whenever possible.
After moving to Chico , I decided to pursue a career in education; I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English with the editing and publishing option, and a Certificate in Technical Writing before beginning the Teaching Credential Program at CSU, Chico . Though I only finished the Credential Program in December, 2004, I am looking forward to continuing my education soon.
This is my second year at Challenge Charter and this year I teach English 9, English 11, AP English, AVID, Psychology, Reading Lab, and Independent Study. I also hope to establish a mentoring program at Challenge that provides opportunities for students to explore their interests for the future by working with members of the community. I truly feel that we are fortunate to have a unique environment in which we can work closely with students and parents to prepare students to achieve success by both realizing and reaching their goals.
Email:
cconnell@ouhsd.org
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Riley Cunningham
Campus Supervisor |
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John Cuny
Special Education
My name is John Cuny and I am honored to be the Resource teacher at Challenge Charter High School. The Resource courses that I teach are: English 9 th through 12 th, US History, World History, Economics, and Algebra 1. I also teach some regular ed. classes: Study Skills 10 (Conflict Management), Study Skills 11 (Careers), and ASB.
It is exciting for me to be teaching here in my home town. I graduated from Oroville High School back in 1987 and continue to be an involved member of the community. The challenges and triumphs of Special Education of particular interest to me because my son is a special needs student. It is my belief that teaching is more than a profession, it is a calling, and that good teachers teach from the heart. My intention is to reach and teach these good young people through genuine relationship, mutual respect, and rigorous standards based instruction reinforced by teacher support.
Email:
jcuny@ouhsd.org
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Molly German
Science Teacher
I was born in San Jose, CA and received my B.S. degree in physics at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. I also went on to get a Masters degree in physics at Stanford University and received my teaching credential through National University.
I teach Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and Study Skills-9. Teaching science is a lot of fun! And hopefully, learning science is fun too. I try to make science classes as hands-on as possible: building mousetrap cars, mixing chemicals, investigating real world problems, and going on field trips.
Some of my hobbies are playing the piano, playing the conga drums, hiking, reading, and watching movies.
Email:
mgerman@ouhsd.org
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Dave Gnesda
Math/CAD Teacher
Hello! I began teaching at Challenge Charter High School in 2004. I graduated high school in 1990 in Simi Valley, California where I lived for 25 years before moving to Chico in 2002 where I live with my wife of eight years and my two daughters. I went to UCLA and graduated in 1994 with a degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on design. In the beginning of 1995, I substitute taught while I was looking to land my first job. I enjoyed the experience, and pondered going into teaching. Before that thought took hold an offer to work for a German company strayed me away. I worked for that company for 8 years holding positions of applications and design engineer, engineering manager, product manager, and internal sales manager. In December 2002, I decided to pursue teaching and resigned from my position and entered Chico State where I am currently working on finishing my teaching credential.
I teach mathematics, CAD, and senior study skills (planning for life after high school) and also serve as one of the three directors of the school. My philosophy for my students and myself is never, never, never, ever give up!
My family and I enjoy the northern California lifestyle and like to have fun outside. On the active side, I like to play basketball, ride bikes, and go camping. When I want to relax I like to fix, design, and build things for around the house, play games with my daughters, and read.
Email:
dgnesda@ouhsd.org
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Heidi Hostetter
Spanish / English Teacher
I
am pleased to be a part of the Challenge Charter team!
I am joining the school for my first year here and
appreciate the benefits offered at this school; ie,
small class sizes, flexible student schedules and a
small student body. I moved to the area from the Bay
Area where I entered the field of Education in 1997. I
have most enjoyed teaching Foreign Language and English
and have successfully led student trips to Europe and
Costa Rica in past years. I hope to bring the same
opportunities and love of the world outside the
classroom to my students here.
Prior to teaching, I
enjoyed careers in military law enforcement and
counterintelligence and county human services. I am the
parent of a young teenage son and enjoy the challenges
of growing with him as the years progress. I consider
myself fortunate to have found teaching as a career
after pursuing my previous careers. I like to give my
students a three dimensional perspective of the world
around them and inspire their lifelong learning.
Email:
hhostett@ouhsd.org
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Tom Murphy
Art History/IS Teacher
I am a scientist, teacher, dad, husband, landscape architect
and adventure traveler. At CCHS, I teach earth science and
biology; and coordinate independent study programs for
several dozen students each year. I also serve as one of
three co-directors of the school.
Prior to CCHS, I taught science at two other high schools in
Butte County and in Pennsylvania. Way-back in1993, I spent a
year and a half teaching English and environmental studies
in Eastern Europe. And way-way-back in 1985, I worked as an
exploration geologist hunting for crude oil with Exxon. So
what am I doing here and now?
Well, I am teaching science that is fun and fascinating.
Currently, we are developing an exciting, field-study
science program, which will provide students with
opportunities to do problem-based science labs at a variety
of outdoor locations in the county. Cool? You bet!
Email:
tmurphy@ouhsd.org
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Kurt Osterlund
Government/Economics and Geography
Teacher
Hi! I’m better known as Mr. O to many of the students. I
have the privilege of teaching our Seniors, American
Government and our Freshmen, World Geography. After 25 years
of experience in the remodeling construction field I decided
to go back to school and become a Social Science teacher. My
passion in the field is ancient history and archaeology
which I have been a devoted reader for the past 40 years. I
graduated from CSU, Chico in 2002 and received my Teacher’s
Credential the following year. Since then I have been
working on a MA degree in Curriculum and Development at
Chico and plan to complete this course of study in 2008. I
have had the privilege of working at Oroville High School
with Mr. Gess and the Social Studies staff over the last few
years and hope to make Challenge Charter my home with our
students….
Email:
kosterlu@ouhsd.org
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Kristin Smith
Science Teacher
Kristin Smith was born in New Jersey . She moved around a little as a child and ended up in Irvine , CA at age 9. She attended University High School . Upon graduation, she moved to Connecticut and attended Quinnipiac College where she received a BS in Physical Therapy. After completing her affiliations, she moved to Huntington Beach , CA and began working at a hospital and a private sports therapy clinic. After a few months, she returned to school at Chapman University in Orange , CA to begin her teaching credential. During this time, Kristin married Terry Smith in Fallbrook , CA . Kristin began teaching in 2003-2004 at a middle school in Long Beach , where she taught 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade science. In 2005, Kristin and Terry decided to move to Chico , CA to live closer to Kristin’s sister who had attended Chico State and remained in the area after graduation. It was at this point that Kristin began her teaching career at Challenge Charter High School teaching Earth science and Biology as well as helping co-teach the AVID elective and ASB.
Email: ksmith@ouhsd.org |
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