About The Teacher

NAME: Mrs. Jill McCrory

SCHOOL: Camarillo Academy of Progressive Education

CLASS: 5th Grade

SCHOOL PHONE: 805-384-1415


August 23, 2011

Dear Class of 2011-2012,

     Welcome to an exciting year at Camarillo Academy of Progressive 
Education!  This will be an electrifying year for all of us.  We are 
embarking on a memorable 5th grade adventure. Parents, students, teachers, 
and the administrative staff have all put an incredible amount of work and 
sacrifice to open CAPE Charter, now in its 5th year.  I am extremely grateful 
to each and every one of you.  Thank you.
     I have been teaching 5th grade for nine years.   Prior to that, I taught 
3rd and 4th grade at Bedford Open and Los Senderos. I’m thrilled to be 
working again this year with Mrs. Jacobs. I will be teaching all 5th graders 
Science and Math, and Mrs. Jacobs will be teaching Language Arts and Social 
Studies.  All 5th graders will have the opportunity to be with both of us, 
and we will have the good fortune of getting to know the entire 5th grade 
community.
     This summer I enjoyed reading a variety of books:  mainly non-fiction.   
The most recent book I completed was American Lion, a biography on Andrew 
Jackson, our 7th president.  He was revered and hated, giving more power to 
ordinary citizens but forcing Indians from their native land.  You will learn 
more about The Trail of Tears  in social studies this year.  When I wasn’t 
reading, I was attempting to devour any suduko or crossword puzzle I could 
find!  I seem to learn a new word every time I work on a crossword.   
Yesterday, I found out that the word, poseur  is a person who is a showoff.  
I am also a fan of jigsaw puzzles.  I finally finished an Impossibles 
puzzle.   It had no edges and 5 extra pieces!. It took perseverance to 
complete it!  
     Traveling is also a favorite activity of mine, especially discovering 
the beauty and history of our United States.  I ventured to Florida, this 
summer to visit my daughter who is working at Animal Kingdom, a park in Walt 
Disney World.  We then drove to Savannah, Georgia.  The city is known for 
their 22 town squares in the historic downtown area.  In the early morning, 
before the heat and humidity forced me back inside, I walked through each 
one.  It was an incredible experience learning about a city that was founded 
in 1733, before the American Revolution.  I have a son and daughter who are 
alumni of Bedford Open School.  Our family isn’t complete without our 3 
dogs:  Lucy, Ethel, and Luke.  
     I love Mexican food, especially, burritos.  Often, you will see me 
holding a cup of coffee, a favorite beverage of mine.  Chocolate is also on 
my list of desired foods.  My favorite get-away is the mountains, which is 
why I love the western states.  The fresh air, the clouds, and the solitude 
calm me.  Jim and I enjoy hiking and going on road trips.  I achieved my goal 
of visiting all 50 states before I turned 50 years old.  Our next objective 
is to visit all of the American National Parks and Monuments.  Currently 
there are 388.  We probably won’t be reaching that goal in the near future! 
      I am truly looking forward to this year.  I hope our classroom will be 
a place where WE can learn and grow together.  

Sincerely,



Jill McCrory

Mission For The Class