Mr. Donde's

     I feel honored and priveledged to be able to join the amazing staff at Casimir Middle School.  I have travelled a long road to get here.  I graduated from Norco High School as a Cougar in 1996 and attended UC Riverside for my undergraduate studies, double majoring in History and Anthropology. 

     During my junior year I was able to take advantage of the education abroad program and studied junior year at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem where I was able to enjoy a panoramic view of the Old City from my dormitory window.  During that year I was bitten by the travel bug.  Not only was I able to travel to Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and the rest of Israel that year, but upon graduation and working two jobs for some time, I saved enough to travel for nearly another year.  During this trip, I spent time in Mexico, Central America, months in India, Nepal, and S.E. Asia before returning home and obtaining a clerks position at a local freight forwarder near the LAX airport.

   After a decades time, I had assumed the position of President of that company. Despite the success, however, I felt that something was missing.  I wanted to make a meaningful impact using the passion of history and academia that I experienced in university and during my travels.  That started me on the path to obtaining my credential.  Along the way I, also, met the woman who would become my wife.  Shortly after marriage I began student teaching at Capo Valley High School.  After some time in Santa Ana as well, I taught World History at Foothill HS in Tustin, then finding my new home here at Casimir Middle School.

Needless to say,  I am overjoyed with the opportunity I have to instill the passion for our shared history with this new generation of future leaders.