Two teachers give birth within same week

English teacher Natasha Ritchie's newborn son Cooper

The fall season is an exciting one for two teachers who recently gave birth. Between the end of October and beginning of November, guidance counselor Frances Saiki gave birth to a baby girl, Mirai Faith Saiki, and math teacher Jennifer Mantle welcomed a boy, Dylan Mantle, into the world.

Saiki’s baby was born on Oct. 30, at 3:37 p.m. She weighed in at 6 pounds and 3 ounces and was 19 inches and thriving.

According to guidance counselor Alinna Satake, Mirai is a big eater but is doing well.

“She doesn’t sleep much at night, so Ms. Saiki has been on a tough schedule lately,” Satake said.

Saiki is tentatively expected to return on Jan. 31. Until then, guidance counselor Dina Cunha-Lee has been filling in for her.

Mantle gave birth to baby boy Dylan Mantle on Sunday, Nov. 7, at 1:30 a.m. He weighed in at about 7 to 8 pounds, math teacher Kristen Hamilton said.

Hamilton said that mom and baby are doing well, and Mantle is expected to return to school in mid-January. Her replacement has been former teacher Larry Bingham, who retired two years ago.

English teacher Natasha Ritchie also returned to school in late November from her maternity leave.