Welcome to First Grade

My name is Molly Bates and I look forward to being a part of the first grade team! I graduated from Baylor University in May of 2024, and am excited to begin my second year teaching in Jeffco. I grew up with my mom being a teacher, so I have always had opportunities to work with students. In high school, my love of learning combined with the skills of working with kids led me to pursue my Bachelors in Elementary Education at Baylor! This school gave me the opportunity to spend two full years working in the classroom, including full-time student teaching for the 23-24 school year. I cannot wait to put all of my experience to use this year and grow alongside these students!

I am originally from California, just south of San Francisco, so I have always had a love of the outdoors. Outside of school, I love exploring beautiful places, finding new restaurants, and spending time with loved ones.

may.tripp@jeffco.k12.co.us

My name is May Tripp and I am so excited to be a part of your child's first grade journey! 2025-26 will be my 21st year in Jeffco and my 7th at Mount Carbon.  I have previously taught 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade, have been a K-5 instructional coach and a literacy instructional specialist.  I am a proud graduate of Colorado State University (Go Rams!) with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Denver.  Most recently, I completed my Leadership for Educational Organization certificate through the University of Colorado Denver. 

When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family.  I am married to a wonderful husband, who grew up in the Dakota Ridge area.  We have 2 amazing boys - a 12-year-old, who is a seventh grader at Summit Ridge, and a 6-year old who is a first grader here at Mount Carbon!  We spent this summer enjoying family trips, going to the pool, and relaxing in our backyard around our fire-pit.

• 10/10 and 10/13 - Fall Break - No School

• 10/31 - Halloween Parade (8:00 - 8:30 am) and Halloween Celebration Party (8:30 - 9:30 am)