Calaveras Hills High School

Mr. Pham

My name is Nick Pham and I teach integrated math 1, II, and III here at Calaveras Hills.  I've been teaching for over 10 years in the MUSD, and this is my 2nd go around here at Calaveras Hills.  I returned to Calaveras Hills because I enjoy the family "vibe" here on campus, where everyone knows and supports each other.  I believe our students have great potential, and they just need motivation and someone to believe in them to help them succeed!

Ms. Sandoval

Lauren "Maggie” Sandoval came to work at Calaveras Hills High School in 2013 as a fresh, newly credentialed Social Science teacher and has no plans of leaving anytime soon. In that time, she's taught every Social Science class we offer but is currently teaching 10th grade World History and 12th grade American Government, as well as our Study Hall course focused on credit recovery contracts. Ms. Sandoval keeps coming back because of the community the teachers, staff, and students have built, focusing on the whole student and person, learning how to be accountable for our actions and future successes through today's hard work, and seeing the joy in learning when there was once struggle or unacceptance. 

Ms. Zesati-Quezada

My name is Teresa Zesati-Quezada, “Ms. Z,” and for the past four years I’ve had the privilege of teaching at Calaveras Hills High School. I’m a proud first-generation Mexican American who grew up in San Jose. Growing up, I wasn’t always the best student, and that’s actually what inspired me to go into education. I strive to be the teacher I needed when I was younger, someone who believes in you, challenges you, and celebrates every win, big or small.

I bring my pride in my heritage into the classroom every day. I love sports, building connections with my students, and helping them see what’s possible for their future. In addition to teaching Social Sciences, I also teach Engineering and coach soccer, volleyball, and softball; roles which allow me to connect with students both in and out of the classroom. I recently stepped into the role of AVID Coordinator and AVID teacher, something I’m truly excited about! At Calaveras Hills, relationships matter as much as academics. I believe in meeting students where they are, helping them rediscover their love for learning, and showing them that if I could overcome challenges, they can too.

Mr. Ames

This is currently my 9th year of teaching here at Milpitas Unified. For the last 8 years, I have been at Milpitas High School as a Resource Specialist, as well as coach baseball for the Trojans for the last 10 years. I love that I am able to teach in the community I grew up in, and have the opportunity to help students in this community.

The reason I chose to teach here at Calaveras Hills is because I believe that this school allows everyone to search their path for themselves. When other schools don’t allow certain doors to be opened, Calaveras Hills community will go with you; to help guide you and encourage. 

As an educator I’ve never counted out any student. I’ve always convinced myself that students just need to keep trying until they figure it out. 

Ms. Mendoza

My name is Raquel Mendoza, and I’ve been teaching at Calaveras Hills High School since 2014. I currently teach 10th and 11th grade English as well as Leadership/Yearbook. I grew up in the Bay Area and have spent nearly 20 years working in alternative education—a field I’m truly passionate about. What I love most about CHHS is the opportunity to think outside the box and tailor learning so that every student has the chance to grow and succeed. The sense of community here is also what makes our school so special—everyone genuinely cares about the students and works together to support them in reaching their goals. I look forward to working with all current students and prospective students!

Ms. Rodriguez

Hello, my name is Cassandra Rodriguez and I grew up in the East Bay area and attended college at Cal State East Bay, with both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I am currently in my 6th year with MUSD. Most of my teaching career has been in middle school education, and last school year I transitioned to CHHS and I have enjoyed every moment here. Currently, I teach English for 9th and 12th graders.

My purpose/teaching philosophy has always maintained that being a teacher is more than just content, essays, and standards. To me, being an educator is about helping each individual student shape who they will become in the future and finding their purpose in life, whatever that may be, and helping students to become the best versions of themselves. Here, at CHHS, I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals and be able to see our students thrive and grow.

Ms. Bisacca

​Nichole Bisaccia (Ms. B) is in her 4th year in Calaveras Hills High School and her 14th as a public school Art Teacher. As a student, she moved around a lot and found that art class was the first place she felt comfortable at each new school. She became an art teacher to help provide a space like that for future students. After teaching middle school for 10 years, she moved to CHHS after meeting the staff and loving the genuine compassion and commitment they have for their students. Now she can't imagine teaching anywhere else. In addition to teaching Art Exploration and Drawing classes, she helps coordinate the CHHS Adult Education program after school. 

Dr. Schmidt

Aloha! I’m Dr. Schmidt and I’ve been a science teacher in Milpitas for 26 years at different sites. But my favorite role has been supporting students at Calaveras Hills High School since 2017. I’m also  a mother of a 9th grader who grew up attending Milpitas schools. 

I grew up in Sacramento and got my Biologicals Science degree and teaching credential from UC Davis. My masters in administration education is from University of Santa Clara. I thought I was done with school but I’m a life long learner and decided to go back and earned my doctorate in education from University of San Francisco.

I’m a creative person and I try to find ways for students to share theirs in their science work. I want students to tell and show me what they know in a way that allows them to shine. For some that’s writing, for others art. I want my students to feel safe to learn.  From there we build upward and craft confident, excited life long learners!