Article #2: Summer @ Lopez

Summer @ Lopez

Here we are in July already!  I hope you have big plans for the 4th of July. There are so many great fireworks displays in this area.  

Fun Facts about the 4th of July:

• We celebrate it as the day the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress.  The document was a justification for a revolt against the British which included a list of charges against the British king.
• Thomas Jefferson changed the wording of the Declaration of Independence from "the pursuit of property" to "the pursuit of happiness".
• The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA wasn't rung until July 8, 1776 to celebrate the first public reading of the document.

To see more about the 4th of July, take a look at the History Channel website where I got these facts!

Our Light Shines Bright

Congratulations Mrs. Sarah Weeks!

Mrs. Weeks was presented with a state award at the Innovation in Education Conference in Keystone, CO.  She was one of two people in the state who received this prestigious award.  We get to see her greatness every day, and it is wonderful to have technology teachers and leaders around the state see how amazing she is.  Many thanks to PSD's Heather Crosser for nominating Sarah for the award.  The conference was amazing.  Mrs. Weeks, Mrs. Pasquin, and I learned so much about how to be innovative in the classroom through technology. 
We are so proud of you Mrs. Weeks!


Franklin Covey recognizes Lopez

In early May, Lopez Elementary was contacted by a researcher, Eve Miller, from Franklin Covey.  

They are the organization that supports schools with the Leader in Me.  She selected eight schools across the country to come visit.  Dr. Miller wanted to find out how our school created great results for student achievement and leadership.  She visited us for an entire day in May and will soon publish a report about her findings.  I was pleasantly surprised to find a lovely note and gift from her when I came in to school today.  Thank you Lopez community for helping us to shine our light!

Dr. Gile, Principal

New Staff

ELD teacher- Shawna Sanderson

This staff member isn't new to Lopez, but she will now be working full-time adding another 50% to her half day kindergarten duties. Shawna Sanderson will support second language learners in her new position as English Language Development teacher.

Educational and Professional Background: 

I am so excited to be teaching half-day kindergarten again, and equally excited to be Lopez’s new English Language Development teacher.  I will spend my mornings teaching half-day kindergarten, and the afternoons teaching English to our second language learners (K-5).

I began my teaching career in the Denver Metro area while working on my Master’s Degree in Instruction and Curriculum with an emphasis in ESL.  I taught in the Denver area for seven years before moving to Fort Collins. Upon moving to Fort Collins eight years ago I decided to stay home with my little ones.  During the four years I stayed home I also taught online teacher education courses to Grand Canyon University college students. For the last four years I’ve had the privilege of teaching half-day kindergarten here at Lopez Elementary.

Personal Interests & Hobbies: 

Outside of school I spend my time with my wonderful husband and two children.  Both of my children attend Lopez.  When we aren't at our home-away-from-home (Lopez), we like to spend our time outdoors hiking, camping, swimming, traveling, biking, and skiing.  I also enjoy exercising, reading, and spending time with my friends.

Marti Burnham- Art teacher

Educational and Professional Background:

Mrs. Burnham was new to Lopez last year as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator.  She has an extensive art background and expressed an interest in the art position after Leslie Wilson retired.  We were excited to hire her for that role!

I am so pleased to be the Art teacher at Lopez.  I have lived in Fort Collins for the last ten years, but I also attended CSU many years ago. I have an undergraduate degree in fine arts and an MA in elementary education. I hold endorsements for elementary education, art education, and gifted and talented education. I have ten years of teaching experience in a variety of subjects. Most recently, I spent the last year at Lopez Elementary School teaching advanced and enriched reading and math. 

Personal Interests & Hobbies:

I love spending time with my husband, Joe, and our two daughters, Holly and Lucy. I have several hobbies that allow me to be creative including drawing, cooking, and writing. I also enjoy traveling, gardening, biking, running, and reading. On weekends, you will often find my home full of friends and family sharing meals, playing games, and having fun.