Coyote Creek Elementary
COLLABORATING TO INSPIRE ACHIEVEMENT
Mrs. Balchuck
Music Teacher
esbalchuck@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Balchuck's Website
My name is Mrs. Balchuck and this is my second year at Coyote Creek Elementary! I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Lakewood, CO. I started playing music when I was about 8 years old. I started on the recorder and then switched to the Irish equivalent, the tin whistle. I continued on to play the flute in band for 5 years and decided to go into choir when I got to high school. I participated in multiple choirs at Lakewood High School and that is when I decided that I wanted to be a music teacher. I have my Bachelors in Music Education from Benedictine College in Kansas and my Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the World Academy of Irish Song and Dance at the University of Limerick, Ireland. While voice is my primary instrument, I also play a variety of instruments (mostly Irish). I taught music k-8 at a private Catholic school in Denver for 4 years, and have been at Trailblazer Elementary the past two years. I have played the Irish sport of hurling for the past 6 years with the Denver Gaels and just recently took up kickboxing. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time learning new instruments, reading, and being with my family and friends.
Mrs. Balchuck
Mrs. Balfe
PE Teacher
megan.balfe@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Balfe's Website
Hello! I'm Megan Balfe and I've been teaching elementary physical education in DCSD since 2001. I graduated from James Madison University in Virginia, with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Education. I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. I've been teaching P.E. since fall of 1995. I believe in making the most of every day! DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO! I have always had a passion for health and fitness. I strive to instill the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle to my students through teaching developmentally appropriate skill sets and life time sports.
My professional teaching goal is to provide a high quality physical education program by creating proficient and confidant physically active students. Discover a physical activity you enjoy doing, and do it as long as you can. I enjoy practicing yoga, H.I.I.T. workouts, running, swimming, biking, and skiing. I look forward to a fun and active year.
Mrs. Balfe
Specials : Music, PE, Art & Library
Mrs. Montano
Art Teacher
dmontano2@dcsdk12.org
Art Website
Hello Parents & Students! My name is Ms. Dianna Montano. I am the new art teacher for the 2020-2021 school year.
I am so excited to be part of the Coyote Creek community. Despite our unique challenges for this school year I want my art room to be a place where all my students can ACHIEVE. I want each kid to be INSPIRED this year and walk away from my classroom with a positive art experience! Whether it be online through remote learning or in-person learning we will get through this school year together.
A little bit more about myself... I am married and have two kids. I have a degree in art education and a fine arts degree specializing in sculpture. Today I enjoy practicing all art media and I can’t wait to INVEST in my students by helping them express themselves and explore their artistry! My favorite hobbies include kayaking, travel, visiting art museums, and finding inspiration for my artwork outdoors.
Each of my students is special & unique and I want you to know that I CARE. I can’t wait to meet you all! Here’s to a great school year!
Dianna Montano
Visual Arts Instructor
Coyote Creek Elementary
Legacy Point Elementary
Mrs. Gregory
Librarian
jane.gregory@dcsdk12.org
Library Site
My name is Jane Gregory, and this is my 4th year at Coyote Creek. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, and a Masters Degree in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. I have lived in Colorado for over 20 years, but my heart belongs in Minnesota! I have always loved books, and have wonderful memories of stepping into the bookmobile every week to check out books as a child. I collect vintage children’s books, and have spent over 30 years trying to locate and purchase all my favorite childhood titles. My husband is also a Librarian, and my two sons are teenagers.
I hope to foster a lifelong love of reading in everyone that comes into the library at CCE. In addition to storytime, kids are able to checkout books, and engage in literacy based activities. Reading can be fun, engaging, comforting and instructional. I look forward to seeing your kids every week to share great books, ideas, dreams, and a few laughs! Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, and comments. jane.gregory@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Gregory