Mrs. Hefel

WELCOME TO THE HEFEL CREW!!!

          I hope this introductory letter finds you all healthy and happy. I am thrilled to be back in the classroom after an “all the feels” sort of summer where we traveled to San Antonio, Texas to visit my in-laws and then to Cornelius, North Carolina where we visited my little brother.  While it was a much needed break from all the crazy of our world, I am actually really excited to get back into a groove and start doing the thing I love most, teaching all your little loves!!!  

        Fifth grade is a challenging, exciting, and emotional time for your child and I am happy that I will be a part of it. I am hoping that while we navigate these “coming of age” times together, I can be a steady source of comfort and knowledge for not only the kiddos but you as well. My door is always open and I encourage communication! 

Let me take a moment to tell you a little bit about myself.  My name is Deirdre Hefel (pronounced HAY-FULL) and I will be your child’s homeroom teacher.  Originally, I am from Toledo, Ohio.  I earned a full athletic- scholarship for volleyball to Cleveland State University where I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Marketing.  I went on to receive a Masters in the Art of Teaching with endorsements in Language Arts and Social Studies at National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. This will be my seventeenth year of teaching with experience in grades 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

My husband, two children (Finn (12) & Laney (11)) and I decided to take a leap of faith nine years ago and move cross-country from Chicago, Illinois. We love it here in Highlands Ranch and have not looked back!  In February, 2016 I joined the Summit View Crew in the third grade as a full-time instructional aide.  After getting to know the culture, the amazing teachers & administration, and the impressive students I knew I wanted to call this school “home.” I was hired the following September and am happy that this will be my ninth “school year” with the Mountain Lions.  

Some of my hobbies include digital scrapbooking, finding new inspirational quotes (I am a total cheeseball and love Brene Brown,) hiking, bike rides with my family, trying to find food that compares to Chicago (this is proving to be hard so if anyone has suggestions please let me know!) traveling, writing, and being crafty!

My biggest goal is that all of my students not only enjoy my class but succeed as well. As we all know, that age-old saying “It takes a village…..” is so true.  That being said, I believe in strong parent-teacher-student communication. This year, along with our grade-level website, I will be using a FREE parent-teacher communication platform called Class Dojo that helps “the village” stay connected. I will be able to send daily pictures or comments and keep everyone in the loop about projects, assignments, upcoming tests, and reminders. You can use an app on your phone (which I think is WAY more handy!!!) I believe it will help us feel more like a true community. I will give out instructions for signing up at Meet and Greet! 

Check out some of the fun photos below and if you have a few spare minutes, click on the video!!! Your kiddos will see this the first day of school.  I cannot wait to meet all of you and your children in just a few short weeks.  I have no doubt it's going to be a great 2025-2026 school year!!!