English Language Arts
English Language Arts Staff
- Ben Boisclair - ELA 3-4 H / ELA 3-4 / AP LIT
- Laura Brackey - ELA 1-2 / ELA 1-2 H
- Bridgette Brados - ENG 101/102, ELA 7-8
- Micaela Corponi - ELA 3-4 / ELA 3-4 H
- Ronda Cunningham - AP SEM / AP LANG
- Alex De La Cruz - ELA 3-4 H, ELA 3-4
- Lauren Feliciano - ELA 1-2 / ELA 1-2 H / ELA 3-4
- Shawna Fleegle - ELA 7-8
- Cynthia Garraway - DIGITAL COM / COM 100 / AP LIT / AP SEM
- Jordan Marquette - ELA 3-4 H, ELA 1-2
- Holly Maxwell - ELA 3-4 H / AP LANG / ELA 1-2 H / GIFTED SPEC.
- Tracie Paugh - Eng 1-2, Eng Honors 1-2, & Read 180
- Kari Ruiz - ELA 5-6
- * Kelly Simon - Dept. Chair / AP LIT / AP RESEARCH / ELA 5-6 / YEARBOOK
- Tiana Thomson - ELA 5-6 / ELA 7-8
- Andrea Wallach - AP LANG / ELA 5-6
- Melody Yoon - ELA 1-2 / ELA 1-2 H
Ben Boisclair - ELA 3-4 H / ELA 3-4 / AP LIT

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623-445-7213 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello! I began teacher here at SDOHS in 2021-2022 and I am very much looking forward to working with students and parents this year. I just received my Master's from ASU and can't wait for all the exciting things to come this year. This year we will be using Canvas as a Learning Management System. Parents can set up an account on Canvas by clicking on the top right-hand corner of the Canvas login page
Laura Brackey - ELA 1-2 / ELA 1-2 H
Bridgette Brados - ENG 101/102, ELA 7-8
Micaela Corponi - ELA 3-4 / ELA 3-4 H

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623-445-7209 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello and welcome to Sandra Day O'Connor! My name is Mrs. Micaela Corponi and I teach English Language Arts 3-4 and Honors. I have a BA from Arizona State University in Secondary Education English and a Structured English Immersion Endorsement.
I have learned that the ability to better one’s self is the most empowering gift to give an individual. Every day students are given this gift. Teachers instill the desire for knowledge, growth, and perseverance, which is my drive in being a teacher.
"My vision is to inspire students to reach beyond what they believe they are capable, by nurturing their strengths and challenging their minds."
I am a part of a community of educators who believe strongly in what they do. I look forward to an amazing school year!
Ronda Cunningham - AP SEM / AP LANG

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623-445-7232 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
While attending Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils!), I had the opportunity to complete my student teaching at Desert Sky Middle School in 1991. Shortly after graduation, I was fortunate to join the Desert Sky team as a full-time teacher. When Stetson Hills opened, I made the move—partly because it was closer to home. I could walk to work (though, full disclosure, I rarely did!).
I helped open Stetson Hills teaching 7th grade, transitioned to 8th grade the following year, and then moved to Sandra Day O’Connor High School alongside that same group of students. I’ve loved being at the high school level for the past 20 plus years. These students are incredibly talented and bring such unique perspectives to the classroom—I'm constantly learning from them.
On a personal note, I've been happily married for over 30 years. We have three children, all graduates of the Deer Valley District and Arizona State University. As a family, we’re big Disney fans and make frequent trips to Disneyland. My happy place is the beach—give me a good book and the sound of waves, and I’m in heaven.
I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to creating meaningful, engaging, and memorable learning experiences with my students.
Alex De La Cruz - ELA 3-4 H, ELA 3-4
Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello students and families,
My name is Alex De La Cruz. I am entering my 9th year of teaching. This will be my first year at OC and my first at a high school. I graduated from Arizona State in 2016 with a major in Secondary Education, emphasis in English. I recently gradated from Northern Arizona University with a master’s in Educational Leadership, as I aspire to be a principal one day.
When I am not at school, I enjoy olympic weight lifting in my garage gym, reading, or playing video games. I also have two daughters, two dogs, and am happily married. Some of my favorite books include Frankenstein, To Kill a Mockingbird, East of Eden, Boys in the Boat, and anything by Stephen King.
Lauren Feliciano - ELA 1-2 / ELA 1-2 H / ELA 3-4

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623-445-7230 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello and Welcome to Sandra Day O'Connor! My name is Lauren Feliciano, and I teach both Dual English 101/102 and English 7-8! This is my fourth year at O'Conner, and I couldn't be more excited! I am originally a transplant form California, but I have been in Arizona for 13 years. I have about 2 more years and I will no longer be a transplant. Least in my mind. I graduated from the University of Arizona (GO WILDCATS!), so I have been all around this great state we all live in. If you ever need to contact me, my preferred way of contact is email, but I can accommodate any form of communication from a phone call to a Skype meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Shawna Fleegle - ELA 7-8

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623-445-7125 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello!
My name is Ms. Shawna Fleegle and I teach English Language Arts at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. I am excited to be working with an amazing group of Seniors this year! In addition to my role as a teacher, I am also the Senior Level Leader for the English Language Arts Department, a member of the Tech Rich Committee, and a Senior Mentor teacher.
To give you just a little bit of my personal background, I am the proud mother of an incredible daughter who is a former OC grad, so parents, I can relate. Family is everything to me, whether it be my personal family or my OC family. I am passionate about all of the arts and chose to pursue a teaching degree in English to introduce my students to a greater appreciation of reading and writing. You are likely to run into me at every play, improv performance and dance recital in total awe of how talented our students truly are, so be sure to stop by and say "Hi!"
I Believe:
*Reading can be one of life’s great escapes.
*Writing is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression.
*Language has the ability to transform a person’s entire identity.
*Every human being should find his/her/their own voice.
*Every student is uniquely talented.
*Every person has the capacity to learn, grow and succeed.
*Every teacher should truly and deeply care about ALL of their students!
My primary goal this semester is to discover the talents, strengths, and individual assets of each of my students. My job is to ensure that they succeed, not only in the classroom, but in life. I have an open line of communication and encourage all students and parents to contact me any time you have a question or even some good news to share! I look forward to becoming well acquainted with each and every one of you this year!
Cynthia Garraway - DIGITAL COM / COM 100 / AP LIT / AP SEM

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623-445-7231 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
My background includes teaching high school English Language Arts since 2002, along with serving as an adjunct for Rio Salado College and dual enrollment instructor for Aspire teaching Communication. The courses I teach include AP Literature, AP Seminar, COM 100, COM 225, Introduction to Digital Communication, Advanced Digital Communication, and Creative Writing. I hold a B.A. in Communications from the University of Illinois and an M.A. in Education from Barat College of DePaul University. In 2015, I was honored to be named Deer Valley Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year and am also a two-time recipient of Rio Salado College’s Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award (2022–2023 and 2015–2016). In addition, I am OC's EdTech Department Chair.
District Disclaimer:This website is not maintained by DVUSD. The website's owner is solely responsible for the contents of this website.
Jordan Marquette - ELA 3-4 H, ELA 1-2
Class Schedule
About the teacher
2 years teaching 8th grade English at Desert Sky Middle school. Bachelors of science in Business administration, Minor in Economics, Bachelors of Arts in Secondary Education English, NASAM certified personal trainer. Love basketball and soccer, and spending time at the gym and Barnes and Noble on the Weekends.
Holly Maxwell - ELA 3-4 H / AP LANG / ELA 1-2 H / GIFTED SPEC.

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623-445-7236 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
I am a passionate and innovative English teacher who is dedicated to engaging and empowering my students. I love to design authentic learning experiences that creatively trick students into learning. Previously, I taught in Zhengzhou, China at an international high school (Kinglee) for four years. I have taught a wide variety of English course including English I (9th grade), English II (10th grade), American Literature (11th grade), AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, Speech, 7th grade ELA, and Non-Fiction: An Introduction to Rhetoric. In my free time, I love to travel the world, read, practice yoga and meditation, and hike through the boundless beauty of our natural world. This is my second year at Sandra Day O'Connor High School, and I am excited to create a positive learning community in which ALL students feel supported, safe, and confident as they socially, emotionally, and intellectually grow!
Tracie Paugh - Eng 1-2, Eng Honors 1-2, & Read 180
Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello Eagle Families!
With over two decades of experience in education, I bring a deep passion for learning and student growth to the classroom. I began my teaching career in 2003 and have taught English Language Arts in grades 5 through 9, serving in a variety of roles including yearbook advisor, team lead, instructional coach, and cross country coach. I’ve also had the unique opportunity to work as an outdoor educator in Colorado, combining my love for teaching with the natural world.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Teaching from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and later completed a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. I hold certifications in both elementary and secondary education and am committed to ongoing professional growth to best support my students.
Currently, I teach English 1-2, English 1-2 Honors, and Read 180 at Sandra Day O’Connor High School, where I also serve as the assistant cross country coach. I’m proud to be a part of DVUSD, where I’ve been teaching since 2019.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, practicing yoga, hiking, reading, and cheering on my favorite Wisconsin sports teams. I’m passionate about helping students discover their voice and potential, both academically and personally, and I’m grateful to be part of their journey.
Kari Ruiz - ELA 5-6
* Kelly Simon - Dept. Chair / AP LIT / AP RESEARCH / ELA 5-6 / YEARBOOK

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623-445-7228 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
I have been a teacher for 12 years in the Deer Valley Unified School District and a proud O'Connor Eagle for 7 years. I have been happily married to my husband Dan for 22 years and we have two children who attend Sandra Day O'Connor High School as well. This year I am continuing to teach AP Literature and Composition, ELA 3-4 Honors as well as being the Yearbook advisor. I love what I do and look forward to the start of another great year.
Tiana Thomson - ELA 5-6 / ELA 7-8

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623-445-7243 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
Hello! I am Ms. Thomson, your ELA teacher. I received my Bachelor's in Education with an emphasis on English at Arizona State University. During my time at SDOHS, I have grown to love the students, teachers, and faculty. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, thrifting, and spending time with family!
I believe that students deserve a teacher who is not only invested in their learning but in them as individuals--someone who understands that we have hard days. I am passionate about uplifting students, creating a community they want to be a part of, and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves while learning.
I look forward to seeing each student grow this year!
Andrea Wallach - AP LANG / ELA 5-6

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623-445-7208 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
My name is Andrea Wallach, and I will be your language arts instructor for this semester. I teach language arts 5-6 and AP Language and Composition at Sandra Day O’Connor High School. I thoroughly enjoy working with students at every level, and I am looking forward to a great semester. I am a graduate of Arizona State University, and I have been working successfully with students in the Deer Valley Unified School District since 1989.
Melody Yoon - ELA 1-2 / ELA 1-2 H

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623-445-7207 |
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Class Schedule
About the teacher
Classes: ELA 1-2 and 1-2H
Clubs: Tabletop Club (Thursdays in the LMC)
All information regarding my class can be found on your student's Canvas account! You can check out theirs or sign up for a parent account to see all assignments, due dates, feedback, discussions, and more!
To sign up for a parent account, please complete the following steps:
1. Go to dvusd.instructure.com
2. Click on "Parent of a Canvas user? Click here for an account" and follow the directions given.





