First grade is an exciting time for you and your child. It is a year filled with new knowledge and skills. At Highland, we as the first grade team, work together to ensure the well-rounded development of your child's academic, social and emotional needs.

We encourage parent involvement both in the classroom and at home. Our monthly newsletters will keep you informed of the skills and curricular areas in which we are working. Parents who are able to give time in the classroom on a regular or occasional basis are always welcome and benefit from seeing their child's interactions within the classroom.

Our goal is to create a safe and nurturing classroom environment that encourages your child to reach their greatest potential and develop independence as cooperative workers.

I have been teaching at Highland since 1997. Prior to that, I was a substitute teacher in the district, and an involved Highland parent whose three children all went through Highland. I graduated from Metropolitan State College where I majored in psychology, minored in reading, and received my elementary teaching certification. I received a Master’s Degree in 2005 in Literacy and Elementary Reading, which has greatly helped me as a first grade teacher. I have served on the Highland Accountability Committee and more recently have been working on a committee to support the use of SMART goals in our building.

My interests outside of school include spending time with my family: husband, Mike, a chef, and three children, all of whom are students. In addition, I enjoy reading, gardening, traveling, hiking, and camping. I like to incorporate my love for music into the classroom by playing guitar and using songs as a tool for teaching reading.

My love is teaching first grade where I see magical things happen as children gain new experiences and grow in confidence as they develop new skills. Based on my experiences as a parent and a teacher, I see Highland as a school which offers excellence as we understand the importance of educating the whole child and I am committed to continuing this pursuit.

Then                           Now

 as an elementary student                   as an elementary teacher

I am so excited to be joining the Highland team! I am originally from Michigan, where most of my family still lives. After receiving my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan, I spent the next two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gambia, West Africa. I worked with several rural elementary schools helping to set up libraries and developing the skills of local teachers. The hunt for a classroom of my own brought me to Colorado, where I taught 2nd grade in Aurora. Now that I've been here for a year, I can't imagine leaving. I love spending time outdoors, and there are so many beautiful things to see here! I am looking forward to getting to know the Highland community!

   Then                          Now 

                 
As an elementary student       as an elementary teacher

I have been teaching for the past five years at Highland and Whitman Elementary Schools as the GT Facilitator. I am a Colorado native and graduated many years ago from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. I am currently finishing my master's degree in elementary education, with a content focus on gifted education. I have three children who all attended school at Highland. I love to teach and be involved with the educational experience of gifted students. I love taking walks on the canal and reading books!