Welcome! I am Mrs. Mariko Weinhardt and I teach 7th grade ELA. I was born on the beautiful island of American Samoa. As a kid, I moved to Northern Virginia and grew up in the Washington DC area. I began my teaching career in Fairfax County Public Schools. In 2005, I moved to North Carolina with my husband and my two sons. This is my 17th year teaching in Cabarrus County Schools, but my 25th year overall as a teacher. I have a Bachelor's degree from Shepherd University and a Master's degree from UNC Charlotte. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, whether it be at the beach or the mountains!