Upper EL Classrooms

“The adolescent must never be treated as a child, for that is a stage of life that he has surpassed. It is better to treat an adolescent as if he had greater value than he actually shows than as if he had less and let him feel that his merits and self-respect are disregarded." -Dr. Maria Montessori

Miss Casi and Ms. Sarah

cassandra.shaffer@d11.org

Bachelor's Degree in Education with a Minor in Early Childhood

Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Educational Assistant:
Sarah Shaeffer

PHOTO COMING SOON

Hello Buena Vista Tigers!!

I am very excited to become part of the team here. This will be the beginning of my 21^st year of teaching. I started teaching in Nebraska in the country schools. My first year was k-3 and the years after were K-8. Last year I taught a 5/6 combo classroom. So, I feel like I am coming home since that is how my first 4 years of teaching were. I am new to the Montessori ways, so please feel free to give me guidance when you see that it is needed. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Early Childhood, from Northern State University, in South Dakota. I then pursued my Master’s once I moved to Colorado Springs. I received it in Curriculum and Instruction, which I got through the University of Phoenix.

I am originally from South Dakota. That is where almost all my family still lives, so I travel back as often as I can. I am one of three girls that my parents raised on the family farm. The farm is now an integral part of their hunting operation. My parents are owners/operators of a full-service pheasant hunting operation. I have 4 nieces ranging from almost 26 to almost 14. So, Nikki is busy. I am also busy being the auntie from out of state that gets to watch the youngest play sports through live streaming and the other part of my free time is watching the 3^rd oldest play college volleyball and do high jump. They use up a good portion of my free time. For the rest of my free time, I enjoy traveling to the mountains for the weekend, hanging out with friends, and sometimes just lying on the couch. I just had my kitchen remodeled this summer, so my time is now spent finishing up the last touches and unpacking.

Again, I’m very excited for the school year and for the new adventure.

Mr. Chad and Ms. Dessa

chad.sparling@d11.org

Bachelors Degree- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Masters Degree, Elementary Education- University of Phoenix

Educational Assistant:
Ms. Dessa

Greetings and Salutations!

It is with great humility and respect that I have a chance to introduce myself to you! My name is Chad Sparling.

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA, but moved to Colorado Springs in 1993. I have 4 wonderful children, Trista, Rhyse, Riley, and Madison. As a family we enjoy spending time at our community park and pool. We also enjoy going on adventures throughout our great state of Colorado. From fishing, to hiking, and to playing basketball together we are able to keep busy. We also have two dogs, one cat, and a fish. I love to cook, and in the summer I’m usually not far from the smoker.

I have worked most of my life at Safeway. At Safeway I was able to mature and learn a lot of life skills. About 10 years ago I decided to pursue a new career in education, and here I am! I attended UCCS, and then finished my schooling at the University of Phoenix. I am super excited to jump in and start my new career!