Hello RTMS family and welcome to my 8th US History class!  My name is Lisa Cruz, and this is my 17^th year teaching 8th grade US History. I am originally from the Rio Grande Valley and graduated from the University of Texas at RGV (formerly known as UTPA) with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and a minor in Biology. I am a certified 4-8 Generalist and taught 9 years at Weslaco ISD and one year at Manvel Junior High. This will be my eighth year at Ronald Thornton Middle School and I currently serve as the Social Studies Department Head. 

   When I am not teaching in the classroom, I can be found watching movies with my husband, traveling to unique destinations around the world, cheering for the Seattle Seahawks during the football season, cooking for my crazy blended family of 5 wonderful children, chasing after our mischievous Yorkie (Ollie) or playing with our one-year-old grandson, Thiago. 

So, now that you know a little about me, I am looking forward to teaching your children, but also to inspire them in every way possible and to never give up, even when they face challenges along the way, because "success is not an accident, but a choice".  Let's have a wonderful 25-26 school year, and together we can do great things! Go Thundercarts!