Nicklaus Chui

New physical education teacher Michelle Bumbaca strives to teach students about a healthy lifestyle through her class.

This year, Michelle Bubmaca joined SCHS as the newest addition to the physical education department along with her assistant coach position of the softball team. Advocating for kindness and a healthier lifestyle, she hopes to bond with students in the classroom and on the softball field.

Bumbaca grew up in Santa Clara and attended John Sutter Elementary, Buchser Middle School and St. Francis High School. Her roots to the city run deep as her parents went to Wilcox High School, where she coached for 20 years. She has taught within the SCUSD district for seven years, starting at Westwood Elementary School and at Mission Early College High School.

“I’m definitely ready. I’m not nervous. I’ve been trying to move into high school for a couple years now,” Bumbaca said.

Being a P.E. teacher, Bumbaca believes many students do not realize the impact of healthy living. Her ability to teach allows her to spread that message among students.

“I really have a passion for teaching kids about how to live a healthy lifestyle. I feel like it’s important to guide students in that manner,” Bumbaca said. “I think that’s why I got into it because a lot of kids don’t know what it is to have a healthy lifestyle.”

After teaching a group of students at Mission Early College High School, Bumbaca recalled one of her most memorable moments as a teacher where she learned from the students.

“Our generation was very black and white. I think that group of kids, they just really opened my eyes and my heart to a different type of thought process and being able to include everyone and look at things a little bit differently,” Bumbaca said.

Bumbaca thinks it is a surreal experience to see generations continue with other families along with being able to see her own daughter grow up. Bumbaca remains family-oriented as she not only makes time for her career but also her life outside of work by spending time with her daughter.

“She (my daughter) plays travel softball, so we go here, there and everywhere on the weekends,” Bumbaca said. “We went to LA. We do a lot in Salinas, Half Moon Bay and all that way, which is kind of nice.”

Along with promoting a healthy lifestyle, Bumbaca also prioritizes spreading a life of love among her students. She wants students to know that she is always there not only as a teacher but also as a friend.

“I am truly about promoting kindness and being kind, and I just want students to know that I have an open door policy and they can reach out to me for anything, whether that’s email, or they call me, or you come to my office in the locker room,” Bumbaca said. “I’m willing to listen and share and help as much as I can.”