Coyote Creek Elementary
COLLABORATING TO INSPIRE ACHIEVEMENT
Mrs. Behrens
abehrens@dcsdk12.org
Welcome to the 4th grade. I am looking forward to the new year and grade level.
I came to Coyote Creek 3 years ago via San Diego. My husband and I took our family apple cart, and flipped it on its side; we traded surfboards for snowboards, and beach cruisers for mountain bikes. We are continuing to enjoy this beautiful state as much as possible, well, between the hectic schedules of our kids. I am certain that you can identify.
I have been teaching since 1996! My experience has been primary grades, so the 4th grade will be a welcome and appropriate challenge. Last year I also completed a masters in Educational Leadership with Regis. I love learning, but grad school at 45…Let’s just say that I was happy to put that behind me.
I love teaching. I cannot say that I have a favorite content area, it’s always changing. I enjoy creating a little classroom community, or family, if you will. I am a believer in the need for strong foundational skills, but I also embrace project based learning. I believe that students thrive in environments that have routine and structure. I hold high expectations for my students, but I meet these expectations with lots of support. My classroom, I believe, is a fun place to learn and grow.
One of my goals this year is to increase the amount of time and opportunities for students to reflect on their learning. Research is clear that these opportunities allow students to “untangle” information in order to create deeper meaning. This isn’t new or revolutionary at all. I think that many of us get caught up in “starting the next” without bringing soft closure to what we just did.
Another goal of mine is to help all of my students love learning, embrace challenges and frustration, and be happy to be at school.
Please be in touch this year. We are partners in this!
Mrs. Behrens
Mrs. Lawrence
nllawrence@dcsdk12.org
Hello and welcome to 4th grade! I am Mrs. Lawrence and this is my ninth year being a part of this amazing school. Here is a little bit about me!
I attained my Masters Degree in Early Education with an emphasis in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. I have been teaching for 10 years and have taught in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 3rd grade!
I grew up in Canada with my parents and two older sisters. In 1996 my father's job brought us to Colorado and I have been living here since. My husband and I live in Highlands Ranch and we just had our first baby, a boy, in May! We are also parents to our adorable 3 year old pup, Pyper! We love to travel and visit my family in Canada. My husband, Garvin, is from the Caribbean island, St. Lucia, so we enjoy taking trips to the sunny island to see his family as well! I absolutely love being a mommy and can’t spend enough time with my new baby, Soul! I also enjoy cooking and baking, camping, knitting, and spending time outdoors.
Fourth grade is a year full of growth and new discoveries and there is so much I am looking forward to this year. I can't wait to get to know all of you!
Mrs. Lawrence
Mrs. Morphey
smorphey@dcsdk12.org
Welcome to fourth grade, Coyote Creek families! I am so honored to continue in my fourth year at our wonderful campus.
I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and spent much of my time with my family watching the Cubs, Bears, Black Hawks, and Bulls. (I consider myself a die-hard!). I attended school at Illinois State University, and earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. While in school, I met my future husband, Mike. Not long after graduating, I accepted a position teaching first grade in Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, Texas. It was a challenge, since my husband was finishing school, and I didn’t know a soul in my new surroundings. I quickly adapted to “H-Town”and spent the next 30 years teaching grades first through fifth, while learning the meaning of heat, humidity and hurricanes!
During our time in Texas my husband and I welcomed our three children, Jacob, Joseph, and Hannah. I still can’t believe we are officially “empty-nesters”! Our son, Jacob and his wife Joy just moved to Denver, and we are so excited to have them near. Our middle son also lives here in Denver, because after all, how could he resist this amazing place?? Our daughter, Hannah, graduated from Texas A&M University in May, and she is now working in human resource at a hospital in College Station, Texas.
Since my husband was transferred here, I have been marveling at the beauty that is Colorado. Without question, it is one of the most amazing places in our country! I still never tire of waking to the gorgeous mountain views!
I am passionate about teaching, and fourth grade is undoubtedly one of my favorite ages to mentor. It is so important that my children are challenged in an environment that is welcoming and supportive. In this age of technological advancement, learning is no longer just about knowledge itself, but it is about problem-solving, communication, higher application of knowledge, and interpersonal skills.
My goal is to foster your child’s love of learning, motivation to know no limits to what they can accomplish, and to support him/her in reaching their maximum potential.
Mrs. Morphey