It is certainly hard to believe that this is my 21st year in the classroom! When I am not at school, you can find me outdoors trail running, camping, skiing, hiking, or biking with my family.

Born and raised in New York State, I moved to Colorado with my husband in 2001 in search of mountains, sunshine, and a Master’s Degree in reading from CU Boulder (Go Buffs!). We have been married for 18 years and have two wonderful children, Jack is 15 and Eliza is 13. Jack and Eliza also have a furry sibling, our rescue dog, Willow.

First grade is a very exciting time for children and I am looking forward to joining Vanderhoof and fostering the social and academic growth of my students. My passion for teaching stems from a desire to help children develop an intrinsic love of learning. I feel fortunate to be a part of the Hoof Team in which everyone is dedicated and involved in helping your student become successful.

One of my goals for the upcoming school year is to provide a safe, risk-free environment in which active learning, cooperation, problem-solving and communication are promoted. One way we can accomplish this goal is to develop a partnership between home and school. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or any information you think I might need to help your child grow and learn to his/her fullest potential.

andrea.kardys@jeffco.k12.co.us

303-982-3014

Welcome to 1st grade at Vanderhoof! Vanderhoof is a wonderful community of learners that I have been a part of for 15 years! I feel honored to be part of such a skilled and caring staff! I am passionate about teaching and I truly care about my students and their families! Building relationships with my students and strong partnerships with parents is very important to me. I look forward to working together to support your child as they learn and grow this year! At Vanderhoof, we value relationships and strive to be our personal best academically, socially and emotionally!

I was born in Santa Monica, CA and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA which makes me a huge Steeler Fan! I currently live in Littleton, CO. I am married with two children. I have been blessed with a boy who is 17 and a girl who is 19. I love to cook, exercise, hike, bike, and travel. I truly enjoy spending time with my friends my family!

Although I’ve taught Kindergarten through 6^th grade, 1^st grade is my favorite by far! First grade is a magical year where children grow and change tremendously! I can’t wait to be part of your child’s most exciting year of school!

Melissa.Klinefelter@jeffco.k12.co.us

303-982-8460

I am really excited to be apart of the Vanderhoof community for my 3rd year!

I chose to be an educator because I love to give children experiences to explore, wonder, and become leaders.

I was born and raised in a small rural town in Pennsylvania. When I graduated college with a bachelor's in early childhood/ elementary education I moved t o Chignik Bay, Alaska where I tutored students K-12. Once I finished my position with Lake and Penninsula School District, my husband and I moved to College Park, Maryland where I taught kindergarten for 3 years and recieved my master's degree in special education. My husband and I have a love for the outdoors and wanted more opportunities to explore. In 2016, my husband and I moved to Loveland, Colorado. In Thompson School District, I taught 1st-2nd grade for 4 years. This year, I will be going into my 11th year as an educator!

My husband and I are weekend warriors. We love to go backpacking, camping, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. We have one dog, his name is Nik. He was born in Chignik Bay, Alaska where I started my teaching career. He's a well-traveled pup!

I am so excited for this school year and I can't wait to start partnering with you to give your child all the tools to be a successful learner!

whitney.newman@jeffco.k12.co.us

303-982-2713