Meet our 2nd Grade Team

Name: Mrs. Ann Cook

Role: 2nd Grade Teacher

Education: I attended Southwest Missouri State University(Missouri State) and earned my Elementary Education degree and then went on to earn my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction.

Share something no one knows about you: I have been teaching second grade at Givens(Computer School) for 30 years. It's the only school I have ever taught at and second grade is the only grade I have ever taught. This shows how much I love this school and how much I love second graders!:) Oh, I am also a HUGE St. Louis Blues Fan! Let's Go Blues!!

My Family: I am one of six children. My twin brother and I are the youngest. My mom is my hero, my biggest cheerleader, and my role model. I am married to Ed Cook who is an engineer at Boeing. We have two kids, Kyle and Sarah. Kyle graduated from Mizzou (May 2020) and is currently working as a day trader. Sarah is a junior at Mizzou and is studying to be an elementary school teacher. Ed and I are very blessed. I love going on walks, yoga, hanging out with family and friends, boating, and reading a good book.

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to expanding our Givens Staff, student body, and community. I am also looking forward to collaborating with a new second-grade teacher!

A quote I like: "Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody."-Kid President

Name: Mrs. Angela "Angie" Richards

Role: 2nd Grade Teacher (2021-2022 School Year)

Education: I completed both my undergraduate and graduate coursework at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Go Titans!! I earned a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Since, I have obtained certifications in business, reading, math, and science from UMSL and Wash U. In the near future I am looking to complete additional coursework in either educational STEM or social justice.

Share something no one knows about you: I had an intense fear of all animals and insects. Big or small, crawling or walking, just animals! What many people may not know is that my classroom family was the motivating factor to address my fears. My students knew that I was afraid of animals, but they wanted a class pet ANYWAY!?! That year we got a hamster as a class pet. While I AM STILL facing fears in that area, you will be surprised to know that in the past, our class family has had fish, birds, worms, hissing roaches, lizards, and a puppy; and yes, multiple pets at one time!

My Family: I love spending time with my husband, Tim, my dad, my daughter, Brit and her husband Justin, my grandbrats; Anniya and Justin Jr, and the newest member of our family; Kovy Bryant Richard. Each year I look forward to family vacations!

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to seeing students, families, and staff authentically bonding and building an amazing culture centered around our school as a neighborhood hub that we can all be proud of.

A quote I like: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."-Albert Einstein

This quote has shaped how I see myself, how I interact with the students in my classroom family, and the evolution of our classroom motto, "Be your best self!"