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01

1st Grade

Blue Background with Knight

Overview

In 1st grade our team welcomes students into a curriculum rich environment that promotes the continuation of foundational skills that will launch them into a lifelong love of learning. In the classroom, students learn and practice phonics and literacy skills as well as hands-on math activities. Their learning is complemented by activities and field trips which supplement the topics they learn about in the Core Knowledge Sequence. Some of the fun activities that 1st graders will experience are Holidays Around the World, Encore Exposition, and a field trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, just to name a few!

  • Language Arts: Listening and Speaking, Comprehension and Discussion of Read-Alouds

  • Reading: Phonics, Oral Reading and Fluency, Reading Comprehension—All Texts

  • Writing: Handwriting and Spelling, Parts of Speech and Sentence Structure, Capitalization and Punctuation

  • World History and Geography: Mesopotamia: The “Cradle of Civilization”, Ancient Egypt, History of World Religions, Modern Civilization and Culture: Mexico, Geography

  • American History: The Earliest People: Hunters and Nomads, Early American Civilizations, Columbus, The Conquistadors,  English Settlers, From Colonies to Independence: The American Revolution

  • Mathematics: Money, Addition, Subtraction, Measurement, Geometry

  • Science: Sun, Moon, and Stars, Plant and Animal Survival, Exploring Light and Sound, The Human Body

As well as Poetry, Sayings and Phrases, Visual Arts, and Music

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts. As the core of a school’s curriculum, it is intended to provide a coherent, content specific foundation of learning, while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.

Teachers

Dean of Students (K-4th)

Kayla Lewis
Hello! My name is Kayla Lewis and I am so excited to be serving as the K-4 Dean of Students at RMCA. I am a proud Air Force wife and mom to a knight in training. I have an undergraduate degree in Special Education from Clemson University, and a Master’s in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from UNLV. My professional experience includes many years as a special education teacher in a variety of settings, a behavior specialist and special education facilitator. Outside of school I love hiking, baking cakes, cheering for Clemson football and traveling.

Counselor (K-3rd)

Hailey Richardson
Bio Coming Soon

Teacher (1st), Team Lead

Kelli Kapfer
Welcome! I’m so excited to continue teaching 1st Grade at RMCA! First grade is truly my favorite—there’s something so special about this year of learning and growth, and I love being part of it. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and have had the joy of teaching both primary and intermediate grade levels. While I’ve appreciated each experience, I’ve discovered that 1st grade has my heart. Originally from out of state, I’ve called Colorado home since 2014 and feel so grateful to live and work in such a beautiful community. At RMCA, I look forward to partnering with parents to help their child grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. Let’s make it a wonderful year together!

Teacher (1st)

Dayna Cooper
My name is Dayna Cooper, and I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy! I’ve been an educator since 2011, beginning my career in New York City as a Special Education teacher, and I have since taught in a variety of settings from preschool to upper Elementary. I hold a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. My teaching is rooted in joy, structure, and student engagement. I’m passionate about helping students build strong academic foundations while growing in confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Outside the classroom, I live on a small homestead with my husband and our two sons, Chance and Leland, where we raise sheep and chickens and enjoy exploring the outdoors together. I look forward to a fun and rewarding school year!

Teacher (1st)

Dawn Distel
I was born and raised in Kentucky, but life as an Army spouse has taken me to Hawaii, Virginia, and now Colorado. My husband serves in the Army, and we have three children, who all attend RMCA. I hold degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and bring over 10 years of experience in the field. This is my third year at RMCA, and I feel grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. When I’m not busy shuttling my children to their many activities, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, skiing, and watching sports. (Go Wildcats!)

Teacher (1st)

Theresa Osborn
Hello! My name is Theresa Osborn, and I’m thrilled to be teaching first grade at RMCA. With many years of experience in education, I’ve had the joy of teaching special education, first, and second grade in Fort Collins, Colorado. I also taught preschool in Michigan for many years. This is my 8th year at RMCA, and I truly enjoy being part of this dedicated and supportive community. I hold teaching licenses in special education, elementary education, and early childhood education. While I’ve loved each grade I’ve taught, first grade holds a special place in my heart—it's such an exciting and foundational time in a child’s learning journey. I’m passionate about creating a positive, nurturing classroom environment where students feel confident, curious, and inspired to grow. I also value strong partnerships with parents and look forward to working together to support your child’s success this year.

Teacher (1st)

Kaitlyn Perry
Hello, I'm Mrs. Perry! This is my first year at RMCA. Since I was young, I have dreamed about becoming a teacher. My mission is to guide and grow each child's innate creativity. I want my students to enjoy school and develop a true love of learning. I hope to build a community where every student feels valued and inspired. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy crocheting, sewing, and hanging out with my family.

Teacher Assistant (K-3rd)

Shannon St. John
Hello, my name is Shannon St. John, and I am thrilled to begin my first full year as a TA at RMCA. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Community and Commercial Recreation from Chico State University, and I have always had a passion for working with children. My husband and I have been married for almost 14 years, and we are the proud parents of two amazing sons who will be entering 5th and 8th grade at RMCA. Outside of work, I enjoy coffee, cooking and baking, gardening, camping, traveling, and—most of all—spending quality time with my family!

Teacher Assistant (K-8th)

Lisa Robbins
Hi, my name is Lisa Robbins. I’m starting my 5th year working at RMCA. I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years. I was raised in Iowa, but later moved to Colorado to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Justin, for 19 years. Our two sons attend RMCA. Our oldest son is starting middle school and our youngest son is entering 5th grade. In my free time I enjoy having lunch with friends, reading, and watching my sons play baseball.
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