MPA Primary Classrooms

Welcome to the Sunflower Room (212)!

Ms. Emily Freer, Lead Guide  emily.freer@jeffco.k12.co.us & Ms. Jaimee Seibel, Classroom Assistant

You can contact Ms. Emily at (303) 972-2627 ext. 212. In an emergency, contact the front desk at (303) 972-2627.

Classroom Slideshow

About Ms. Emily

I am a Montessori child at heart! I grew up in Wisconsin and attended a Montessori school through second grade. I ended up getting a Bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Agriculture. It was during this time I developed a love for teaching children in learning environments that were hands on. I worked on a farm and taught kids about how food grows, it was a dream! When I was looking for a long term career it was the hands-on learning style that I loved about that experience and knew that Montessori was an incredible curriculum to offer this gift to children. I then received my AMI Diploma and Masters in Education through the University of Maryland Loyola. I have typically worked in public Montessori schools, because I truly believe that every family should have access to wonderful early childhood education. 

   When I am not at school I love spending time with my family. My husband and I have two children, and two dogs that keep us busy. I love to run, bike, hike, ski... basically anything outside! I also love cooking good food for the people I love. Baked goods are my specialty. Last but not least is my garden, which is never quite big enough. I love every step of the gardening process, and I'm in the process of convincing my husband we need chickens.

   I feel very fortunate to have found a career and passion that helps children have wonderful first school experiences. I love that we get to foster peace, kindness and community while instilling independence and a love of learning. I truly believe Montessori is a gift to young children and I hope to share it with as many children as possible! 

Welcome to the Columbine Flower Room (213)!

Ms. Sachi Pulford, Lead Guide, sachiko.pulford@jeffco.k12.co.us & Ms. Lucyna Campos, Classroom Assistant

You can contact Ms. Sachi at (303) 972-2627 ext. 213. In an emergency, contact the front desk at (303) 972-2627.

Welcome to the Blue Flax Flower Room (214)!

Heidi Travis, Lead Guide, heidi.travis@jeffco.k12.co.us & Ms. Samantha Campbell, Classroom Assistant

You can contact Ms. Heidi at (303) 972-2627 ext. 214. In an emergency, contact the front desk at (303) 972-2627.

Hello wonderful MPA families of classroom 214!

My name is Heidi Travis (Ms. Heidi). 

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree with an emphasis in Art Education from CSU in 2000.  I taught Art in public schools for 3 years. I was a Montessori Assistant Teacher for 7 years. I received my Montessori Certification from the Montessori Training Center of the North East in Hartford, CT and I’ve been a Lead Montessori Teacher since 2014.  I found my Montessori home at MPA in 2019.

I love to paint and draw.  I have painted many murals in homes, children’s rooms and pediatric offices.  These days I often find that my journal is my best outlet for my art.  I can grab my journal each day and write some words of gratitude and intentions for the day and do a little doodling.  I am a maker and enjoy sewing, crochet, jewelry making and other crafty things. I am an amateur gardener.  Growing things has a positive effect on my spirit.  When I can’t garden, I take pictures of flowers and other tiny growing things.  I sing whenever possible…which is most of the time.  I love to sing in the classroom with children.  I do not officially play any instruments but can pick out simple tunes on the piano, Montessori Bells, xylophone, kalimba and recorder.

I married to my high school sweetheart in 1996. You can often find him in the mountains. I have two children.  My daughter loves theater, music and writing.  My son enjoys trail biking, anything with a motor and friends!  Our family loves to hike, kayak and just be outside together.  We always have a bag of hammocks in my car for “hanging out” together near rivers, lakes, or just in the woods.  

My favorite part of the Montessori curriculum is Peace Education. I am passionate about being a part of children’s first experiences with a community of young people and guiding them as they navigate the social situations that arise in that community.  Our lessons in Grace and Courtesy are a beautiful way to practice being a good friend, being assertive, caring for oneself and others as well as the environment within a community of children.  Giving children tools to find calm and peace even when they are hurt or angry, so that they can more effectively communicate with their peers and teachers, is a lifelong skill.  To practice using these tools while they are young gives their Absorbent Minds something they will treasure and continue to practice for a lifetime within their family, workplace and the world.

May we all practice peace and courageous communication!

Ms. Heidi

Welcome to the Chocolate Flower Room (215)!

Shari Buehrer, Lead Guide, sharon.buehrer@jeffco.k12.co.us & Ms. Shelbie Zumwalt, Classroom Assistant

You can contact Ms. Shari at (303) 972-2627 ext. 215. In an emergency, contact the front desk at (303) 972-2627.

Ms. Shari's Primary/Kindergarten Parent Handbook: 

Morning Drop Off and Dismissal Procedures  Kindergarten students will be able to be dropped off in the elementary carpool circle in the mornings.  Preschool students need to be walked Snack In order to ensure the safety of all students, there will be no shared snack. We are asking that you please pack your child a snack EVERYDAY for them to eat during our designated morning time. 

Lunch Full day students will need to bring lunch on a daily basis. Unfortunately we are unable to refrigerate lunches so please be sure to include ice packs if necessary. In order to help foster each student’s independence, please pack a lunch that your child is able to take out and put away by himself/herself. We are always available to assist your child should they need help, but when they can do it themselves the smile of, “I can do it!” is rewarding for all. We are not able to heat food up for students.

Birthday Celebrations We love sharing your child’s special day. Please do not send treats to school as we cannot share food/items. We will continue the Montessori tradition of Walking Around the Sun. 

Specials (Art, Music, PE) Kindergarten students will have Art, Music, and PE every Friday afternoon. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences Parent/teacher conferences take place twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Watch for more details later in the year. 

Communication Communication is integral to building a strong bridge between home and school. Voicemail and email is checked at 7:30 am and at 3:30 pm. Teachers will respond within 24 hours. The children are our focus, and as such, teachers are not available to answer questions during carpool line or during class time. Should any questions or concerns arise, please feel free to send an email or leave a voice message. A Friday Folder will be sent home weekly which will include important school information, pertinent classroom communications and weekly work that your child has completed. in through the main doors and come through the primary wing. Remember to sign your child in and out on the sheet provided. Please exit through the doors facing west, on the Kipling side.

Pick-up Procedures Preschool students full day half day preschool need to be picked by entering through the main doors and signing out your student at the classroom door. 

Kindergarten students will be picked up in the kindergarten carline. If your child still requires assistance buckling, you can park and pick your child up from the outside carline, or you can pull forward to the “buckle zone”.  Please do not get out of your car while in the kindergarten carline. Your teacher will load your student from the rear passenger side door. This helps ensure everyone's safety while cars are passing on the opposite side.  Please make sure you have your carpool sign displayed at all times. Your teacher will provide the sign for you at the beginning of the school year. 

Please use the crosswalk at all times. 

Welcome to the Fireweed Flower Room (216)!

Ms. Jill Motis,Lead Guide, jill.motis@jeffco.k12.co.us  Ms. Shannon Hughes, Classroom Assistant

You can contact Ms. Jill at (303) 972-2627 ext. 216. In an emergency, contact the front desk at (303) 972-2627.

Welcome to the Sugerbowl Flower Room (217)!

Ms. Maria Bentancurd, Lead Guide maria.bentancurd@jeffco.k12.co.us & Ms. Gloria Gallegos, Classroom Assistant

You can contact Ms. Maria at (303) 972-2627 ext. 217. In an emergency, contact the front desk at (303) 972-2627.