At the start of this school year, Casandra Frieden, the new Integrated Science 1 and Biology teacher, was welcomed into the Bear River High School staff.

Determined to put the “science” in her Integrated Science classes, Mrs. Frieden is ready to make this school year one of her greatest.

Mrs. Frieden has taught a variety of subjects at many schools, including Mathematics, French, Anatomy and Advanced Anatomy, and Integrated Science in the Bay Area and Yuba City.

“I enjoy teaching at Bear River High,” she said. “I think it’s my favorite school I have taught at so far, it’s my dream job.”

Colby Greig, a junior, commented that “Frieden’s a cool teacher,” and explained why he thought so.

“She’s not like normal teachers,” he said. “She’s more laid back in what we can and can’t do. She’s not super strict. The work is really straightforward and and it’s not confusing. She explains it well, [and] she’s a really good teacher.”

Freshman Kayla Scheda agreed with this statement.

“[Mrs. Frieden’s class is] one of the few science classes I actually do like,” she said. “She’s definitely one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.”

Freshman Jordan McAlister also agreed with with Greig.

“I mean, she seems pretty cool,” she said. “She’s, like, a nerd, so I can appreciate that. She also loves snakes, so that’s pretty cool. I’m a fellow snake lover as well.”

Many students have enjoyed her classes. Sophomore Micah Brown gave his thoughts on her teaching methods.

“I like her class,” he said. “She has all the slides and Powerpoints ready for us when we come into the class, and it just makes it easier for us. Her daily quizzes and everything are fun.”

Mackenzie Martin, a senior, agreed with this.

“I like the way she teaches, honestly,” she said. “Last year … I didn’t get anything from [Biology], and this year I actually understand Biology.”

Students also enjoy how she runs the class. Freshman Jeffrey Byrom explained why he felt this way.

“She teaches us, and her classes are really fun with the activities we do,” he said. “She teaches other things besides biology. She teaches you about animals you’ve never heard of before.”

McAlister agreed with Bryom.

“Well, she actually makes us learn stuff, and makes sure we’re on task,” she said. “She’s not overly strict, since she lets us hold snakes. She’s somewhat business and somewhat fun, it’s a nice balance … I’ve only had her for Bruin Time, so I can’t speak personally as a student that’s actually had her class, but as long as you’re on task and not goofing around, you’re fine, which is a pretty fair rule. She’s reasonable.”

Overall, both the students and Mrs. Frieden herself have seemed to enjoy their time here at Bear River.

“Mrs. Frieden is a nice teacher. She wants to help her students, and is always there for them,” Robert Medlyn, a sophomore, concluded.