Dear Families,
Welcome to 2nd Grade! I am Ms. Cowan and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year. This is my fourth year working at Coyote Creek Elementary School and I can’t wait to meet all of you. I have been teaching for over 10 years, all in primary grades but I love teaching second grade. It is such a wonderful and pivotal year for students as they are launched into becoming readers, mathematicians, scientists, writers and lifelong learners.
In my journey through teaching I have attained a Masters Degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. I have worked in grades K through 3, and have held the positions of Primary School Curriculum Coordinator and Math Lead at previous schools. I have come a long way (around the world) teaching and have taught at American international schools. I have previously taught in Cambridge, England, Tianjin, China, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
I am an avid traveler and have visited over 20 countries spanning 4 continents. My family is originally from the east coast of Canada where I grew up until I was in High School when my family relocated to Colorado. In my spare time when I’m not teaching, I love to cook, draw, go camping, spend time with family and friends and take my dog Finnegan on lots of walks!
Ms. Cowan
1st Grade Team
**NOTE: Mrs. Donnell is an eLearning teacher this year.**
Hello Friends and welcome to our 2nd grade school year! I look forward to meeting each of you and working with your kiddos this year.
I would like to tell you a little about myself. I am a Colorado native--born and raised just outside of Denver. I received my Bachelor's degree in Writing and my Master's in Educational Reform--both from the University of Colorado-Denver. I also am endorsed to teach Gifted and Talented students and certified in ESL instruction.
I have been teaching in Colorado for 20 years. I began my teaching career with Denver Public Schools as a Gifted and Talented teacher. I also worked as a math/science coach for educators, as a math/science program consultant, and as a GT coordinator for gifted center programs. After many years in Denver, I transferred to Jeffco Public Schools and worked with students in a 1st grade GT center program. As I recently moved to the Douglas County area, I chose to find a teaching position closer to home and found it at Coyote Creek Elementary! I am so happy to be here and look forward to getting to know the Coyote Creek community!
Personally, I enjoy swimming, reading, tinkering with work around my house, and of course, hanging out with my pug (Otis), cat-dog, Mina, and newest addition, Maya (a rescue frenchie mama). I absolutely love pugs and frenchies and am thrilled that my cat thinks she's one of them. :) I also love gardening and trying new recipes out in the kitchen.
Mrs. Donnell
Hi, my name is Miss. Newman and I will be your first grade teacher. I am excited that we get to spend this year learning together! This will be my third year teaching in Douglas County. I will be starting my third official year at Coyote Creek. Prior to this, I student taught in first grade at Coyote Creek in the Spring of 2017. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to continue my career in First grade and to experience the learning with you!
I hold a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado. I am proud Colorado native and have grown up in Highlands Ranch. My time away from school is spent with friends and family. I love to ski, watch hockey, and spend time outside with my three dogs, Brooklyn, Kirby and Stella. If I am not outdoors I spend a lot of my time at the gym, I consider it my sport.
I feel so fortunate to have a job that I love so much. I believe that First Grade is such an important grade level. Children are involved in many new experiences, both academically and socially. I feel that my greatest responsibility is to instill a love of learning.
Ms. Newman