Fremont Open Plan

Todd Brownell, Teacher

I attended Chico State University and received a degree in accounting. After several years, a strong, continuing desire to work with kids took over, and I returned to school to become a teacher. Both of my parents were teachers as well. My dad was actually an elementary principal for 35 years.

I worked as a bilingual teacher at the Glenn County Office of Education for 4 years and then taught 5th grade for 9 years in a small rural school in northern California before coming to Open Plan.

My wife, Janet, is a high school science teacher in Waterford. She teaches Chemistry and Physics. She also teaches AVID. We have two terrific kids, Adria and Adam. They both attend school in Hughson.

I played volleyball in college and then officiated college volleyball for 35 years. I even had a chance to officiate many International exhibition matches between the United States Olympic team and many other countries. (Just ask me!) I retired from officiating in 2009. I was losing too much hair. I like camping, traveling, woodworking, and I also enjoy playing the organ and cello. I love working with all the terrific families in Open Plan. This is how education should work for everyone!

Jeanne Pollard, Teacher

I teach in the Upper Department at Fremont Open Plan and have since 1976. Wow! Although that’s a long time and I still enjoy it, I am looking forward to my last year teaching as I will retire in the spring of 2010. In school, I like to work with students in learning science, especially, and then getting to go on a field trip to reinforce what we learned. I am really looking forward to camping in Yosemite in the end of September.

One of my biggest tasks in the Upper Department is making sure the transition into 7th grade is positive, and that everyone is well prepared. By how successful departed students are in junior high, high school and beyond, I’d say we’ve been highly accomplished!

My husband and I enjoy spending time with our family, and our grandchildren in particular. I grew up all over the US — Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Chicago, Miami and even Florence, Italy. I graduated from the University of Florida, lived in Berkely and now live in Manteca. I love my Book Club where we meet for dinner once a week and discuss a book we’ve all read.

I love to travel, garden (especially roses), sail and swim. I play bells in a bell choir and sing in my church choir. Life is good! Thanks for being a part of it!