Welcome to kindergarten!

ALL ABOUT THE TEACHERS

 All About Mrs. Sieber

Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Mrs. Sieber.  I love teaching young learners and witnessing all of the wonderful growth that occurs. Communication is important throughout the school year. Please contact me with any questions or concerns! This will be my 12th year teaching at Union Ridge and 3rd year teaching kindergarten. I previously taught early childhood. I live in Villa Park with my husband and cat, Hollow. We are currently expecting our first child! My due date is in early February and more details on my maternity leave will be sent home soon. I am originally from Freeport, IL. I have one sister and two brothers. I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I also graduated from National Louis University with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (with an emphasis in English as a Second Language). In my spare time, I enjoy shopping (especially for antiques), attending concerts, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family.

All About Mrs. Jenkinson-Cope (“Mrs. J.C.”)

         My first name is Sarah and I am originally from the DC/Virginia area. This is my 21st year at Union Ridge and my 18th year teaching Kindergarten. I have two high school children. I have a masters in Reading and love to learn new things. Working with children is my first love. When I am not doing that, you can find me snuggled up with a good book or binge-watching something good on Netflix. I can’t wait to share this school year with you and your child. 

All About Mrs. Albert (Classroom Aide)

 My name is Mrs. Albert. I love watching the children flourish and grow during the year! This is my 9th year at Union Ridge and my 7th year as a kindergarten aide. I am a former kindergarten teacher. I have 3 grown children and 1 grandson. In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, reading, and exercising (especially walking-I sometimes walk to school).


All About Ms. Elizabeth Ruiz (Special Education Aide)

My name is Ms Ruiz, but the students call me Ms Liz. I am so excited to be working with Mrs. Sieber and Mrs. Albert this year as a teacher's aide.  A little about me, I have three boys and one daughter I also work in the after-school program Right at School every afternoon. I am a first-generation college student in my family and attending Northeastern University for my B.A. in social work and child advocacy. In my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteering, exploring new restaurants, and painting with my children. I  knew since I was a young child that my heart's desire was to work with children, and teens in my community. I look forward to an amazing year working alongside your children and helping them grow. 

       

All About Mrs. DeGrazia (Classroom Aide)

My name is JoAnna DeGrazia, but the kids call me "Mrs. D.". I have three  grown sons, each of which I am very proud. I have been working at Union Ridge for 17 years and I have loved every bit of it. I love Key West and anywhere that has palm trees. My hobbies include going for long  walks, I love spending time with my sons’ dogs, and my favorite color is yellow (even though I can’t stand mustard). 

All About Ms. Kelly

My name is Emily Kelly and this is my first year teaching at Union Ridge School. I am the special education teacher for grades K-2. I am so excited to learn and grow with my students and their families and am looking forward to this year!