Mrs. Nelson's Homepage         

My name is Kimberly Nelson. I have been involved in education since 1994. At first, it was as a parent volunteer in my eldest son's classroom. Over the years, I became involved with the PTA and planning student events. In 2005, I made the move to working inside the classroom with the Regional Occupation Program. Being in the classroom caused me to fall in love with working with students and helping them to learn what they needed for life after graduation. This led me back to school to become a teacher.

Many years later, and lots of time in the classroom, I am teaching Academic English here at CMI. In my tenure at CMI, I have taught grades 5/6 Drama Exploratory, Introduction to Drama, 8 - 12 grade English, ERWC, JROTC and 8-12 Academic English. I have been the Drama director for the last 9 years and the GEMS/STEM advisor for the last 8 years. Six years ago, I was given the opportunity to add Classroom to Career, CyberPatriots and SeaPerch into the mix. I have served as a class advisor, as well as a member of the School Site Council and the CMITA Unit Secretary. This is my 10^th year teaching at California Military Institute. I am looking forward to this upcoming school year, educating and getting to know all of my students! 

I worked in journalism, and the production/merchandising industry, before I started in education.  I earned my Associates degree from Long Beach City College/Riverside City College; with a concentration in Journalism, my BA of Social Science and MA of Teaching with Technology from Ashford University, and a MA in Secondary Education from University of Phoenix. I also a Captain and serve on California Cadet Corps state staff for curriculum. I am a proud member of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC).

My interests include traveling, restoring old cars, restoring old furniture, music, computers, reading, writing, genealogy, raising horses, my grandchildren, my pets, and spending time with family and friends. I am a blessed mother of 3; Blake is a computer IT specialist and Ethical Hacker, Zachery is an engineer and has decided to become a high school teacher to pass on his love of all things math and science, and Melissa is the amazing mom of a rambunctious 4 year old. My grandchildren (Xander, Amythest, and Caroline) are the lights of my life. Amy, being a cancer survivor has been my inspiration for working with children suffering with cancer and other disabling issues. I have a soft heart for children and animals, but demand they work on being the best they can be. Every child is talented, smart and can achieve what they set their mind on.

Believing my students are amazing and can accomplish anything their hearts are set on, I am a firm believer that if my students do not succeed, I have not succeeded. I try to teach them that hard work pays off in success! I am always available to help my students and have an open door policy with my parents. The school and district require a 24 hour notice for parents to shadow their student, and I encourage all of my parents to explore their student's classes.

Cadets if you or your parents/guardians have any questions do not hesitate to email me at kimberly.nelson@puhsd.org .

(Period 4 is my preparation time)

All information about my classes (weekly /daily lessons, PowerPoint slides, announcements, assignments, quizzes, tests, and video links) are posted in Canvas.  Students, please get into the routine of checking your Canvas class on Monday mornings to see what will be required of you during that week.  If absent, Canvas is where students should look to see what they missed.

My office hours are the following and if you need to meet with me via Google Meet/Hangout please email me to set up a date and time. 

• 8:00 - 8:25 am by appointment (Monday - Friday)
• 3:30 - 4:00 pm by appointment (Monday - Friday)
• If these times are not workable please communicate with me, so we can work out a time to meet.

Remember we are all in this together and if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I want to see all of you succeed and I know you can!