Welcome to 3rd Grade

PARK HILL ELEMENTARY

up and coming events

5/14 Colorado History Museum Field Trip 

5/21 Field Day 3rd Grade

5/23 Denver Zoo Field Trip

5/27 No School, Memorial Day

5/28 One Park Hill Day

6/5 End of Year 3rd Grade Party

What we are learning...

Literacy: Ecology

Unit Summary

Students learn about different aspects of ecology, including food chains, the balance of nature, changes to the environment, and protecting the environment. Students also read a biography of John Muir. 


Language

They spell words with /aw/, /oi/, /ou/, and /aw/. They focus on word meanings and parts of speech found in dictionary entries, and they practice subject and object pronouns and comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs. Students review the prefixes uni–, bi–, tri–, multi–, over–,

mid–, and under–.  


Writing

Students write Ecologist’s Journals in which they summarize what they have learned, apply concepts from the reading to examples from their lives or research, and extend the knowledge in creative ways.


Unit Caregiver Letter

Math: Unit 7 Extending Multiplication and Division

In this unit your child will:

Parent Letter

Math Games

mathlearningcenter.org/apps

At Home Practice 

Bridges Curriculum

Social Studies: The 20th Century Civil Rights Movement

People have long exercised their rights and responsibilities to work for change. Students investigate the iconic figures and events of the civil rights movement, learning that all community members can work toward equality and justice. Then, they reflect on the ways people of all ages can pursue change, ultimately realizing that they too can use their unique talents to take steps toward equality and justice.

Our team

Ms. Main

Hi I'm Katie Main,  I teach reading and writing.  I love seeing students be creative and meet their goals.  My passion is in reading instruction and making sure students feel successful in reading and stay life long leaners.

Before working in the Denver Public Schools, I was a children's ski instructor in Steamboat Springs, CO. I still love going up to the mountains every chance I can, especially with my dog Libby.  

Ms. Strumor

Hello! I'm Meredith Strumor and this is my 6th year  teaching at Park Hill Elementary.  I will be teaching math and science this year. 

I have been teaching  for  13 years and most recently taught  4th grade here at Park Hill. 

I love working with students and strive to support them in reaching their goals and aspirations.

Ms. Connelly

Hi! I'm Beth Connelly and this is my 25th year as an educator and my 13th year at Park Hill.  Prior to moving to Denver in 2001, I taught in Minneapolis for 3 years.  I've been teaching in DPS ever since.

 My son, Kiran, will be in 8th grade at Bill Roberts this school year.  

We spend a lot of our time outdoors enjoying the beauty of our state.  As a family we love to mountain bike, ski and take our dog Gracie out for adventures on the many trails near our cabin in Silverthorne. 

 My favorite aspects of teaching are developing positive relationships with students and their families as well as working together to help all students succeed!


Ms. Gates

I'm Lori Gates and this is my 19th year as a classroom teacher.  I moved to Park Hill in 2002 so my son could start Kindergarten at  Park Hill Elementary.  I then became a Paraprofessional at the school, and after 2 years was accepted at the Stanley British Teacher Preparation program.  I taught 4th grade in Aurora for 10 years and then transitioned "home" to Park Hill in 2015.  

I was in the Music Business (publicity, artist relations, promotions, product manager) in SF, LA and Denver (KBCO and e-Town) for 15 years in the '80s and '90s. 

 I'm a 4th generation San Franciscan, but also lived in Los Angeles, London and just outside of NYC.  So glad to  still have my roots firmly planted in Park Hill where I live and work. 

Ms. Amanda

I'm Amanda Leib, and I am a paraprofessional in the third grade. I started working at Park Hill in January of 2022. It's extra special to be back at Park Hill, because I went to Park Hill for elementary school! 

I am known for my love of Halloween, cats, and anything purple. I love getting to know the new third graders each year, talking to them about their favorite books and movies, and supporting them in the classroom. Outside of school I love reading, vintage and antique shopping, making art, and watching movies. 

Ms. Christina


Hi, I am Christina McNamara and this is my first year as a paraprofessional at Park Hill. I was born and raised in Denver, then lived in Brooklyn for many years, then moved back to Colorado in 2018. Prior to joining the Park Hill team, I was working as a professional actor and teaching artist, and I continue to teach theatre classes and workshops at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Before that I was a publicist at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for the Education and Humanities programming.


I also am a mom to two Park Hill kids, one in 3rd grade and the other in ECE. I have loved joining the Park Hill community in a more hands-on fashion where I get to engage in the school community, get to know the kids even better, and use my skills and experience to serve the team.


My favorite thing to do is swim–pools, lakes, oceans, kiddie pools, I’m not picky. Beyond that, as a family, we love to travel, spend time with friends and family, play games, ski, hike, and ride bikes.

Ms. Brulet


Hello! I'm Heather Brulet and am a third grade student teacher. I am also a first year graduate student in elementary education. Prior to teaching, I was a procurement agent in the oil and gas industry then a stay at home parent to my now 9 year old son.


I love getting to know each of our students and being a part of their third grade year! Outside of school, my family and I are avid international travelers and enjoy hiking, backpacking and camping.

Ms. Cali

More to come!

Resources

Use the links below to easily connect to additional sites, parent sites, and extension ideas for students.