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02

2nd Grade

Blue Background with Knight
Image by Antoine Rault

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Event

Date
Details
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Overview

In 2nd grade our team welcomes students into a curriculum rich environment that is rooted in classical principals. We also focus on character development with the Capturing Kids Hearts program. In the classroom students will engage in hands-on activities and discussions in an inclusive environment. 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 2nd graders will experience are; Greek Day, Fire Safety visits, field trips to the Joyous Chinese Culture Center and the Olympic/ParaOlympic museum, just to name a few!

  • Language Arts: Comprehension and Discussion of Read-Alouds, Drama, and Poetry and Informational Text

  • Reading: Phonics, Reading Comprehension, Drama, and Poetry, Nonfiction and Informational Text

  • Writing: Narrative Writing, Informative/Explanatory Writing, Persuasive Writing (Opinion), Spelling, Parts of Speech and Sentence Structure, Capitalization and Punctuation

  • World History and Geography: Early Asian Civilizations, India, China, Modern Japanese Civilization, The Ancient Greek Civilization

  • American History: American Government: The Constitution, The War of 1812,Westward Expansion, Pioneers Head West, Native Americans, The Civil War, Immigration and Citizenship

  • Mathematics: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations in Base Ten, Measurement and Data, Geometry

  • Science: Properties of Matter, Organisms and Their Habitats, Exploring Land and Water, Electricity and Magnetism, 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

Teacher, Team Lead

Alysia Smit
Hello! My name is Alysia Smit and this is my sixth year teaching 2nd grade at RMCA! I am so excited to get started with another amazing year! I truly LOVE teaching and think 2nd grade is the best grade! Other than teaching, I love doing different craft projects, dancing, anything sweet, and watching the Broncos!! I also love spending time with my husband, friends and family. My mission is to make every student feel seen and loved and to help them reach new heights academically. I am looking forward to a fun year of learning, community, and growth in my classroom!

Teacher

Bailey Coulahan
Hello!!! My name is Bailey Coulahan. This will be my 8th year of teaching, and my fifth year here at RMCA. I truly love being a part of the RMCA family. I graduated from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs with my Bachelors in Elementary Education and an emphasis in English. My husband (Sean) and I are proud parents to our 5-year-old son, Kyler and our 1-year-old daughter, Marley. In our free time, we enjoy hiking and snowboarding in the mountains. I absolutely love teaching and being with kids. I am so excited for this school year...I have a feeling it's going to be the best one yet!

Teacher

Tess Kelly
Hello! My name is Tess Kelly and this is my first year at RMCA. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to create a safe, loving, and fun learning environment for your students. I have lived in Colorado my entire life and am so glad that I landed in Colorado Springs; I think it is the best city in Colorado! When I am not teaching you can find me paddle boarding, hiking, reading at a local coffee shop, or cozying up to watch a good movie. I look forward to a great year in 2nd grade!

Teacher

Savannah Kipkoech
Hello! My name is Savannah Kipkoech and this is my second year at RMCA. I graduated from Texas Tech University with my Bachelors in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Human Resource Development. I was born in Aurora, Colorado, but I have lived in Lubbock, Texas most of my life. I have lived in Colorado Springs for almost 3 years with my husband. When I am not at school, I like reading, watching football, and Texas Tech Red Raiders basketball games. I am so excited to be back and to meet my new students!

Teacher

Kalene Theis
Hello! My name is Kalene Theis and I am so excited to be teaching 2nd grade! This is my 2nd year at RMCA, and my 7th year of teaching. I’ve had a passion for teaching since I was a little girl, and it truly feels like a dream come true to be able to cultivate learning in a safe, loving, and fun environment. I have 3 wonderful kids of my own who are 5, 3, and 3 years old. When I’m not teaching, you can find me building legos with my kids, reading a good book, or hiking in our beautiful state. I’m looking forward to another amazing year in 2nd grade!

Teacher Assistant (K-3)

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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