WELCOME to the First Grade! The first grade is such an exciting year as you will see so much growth in your child. This is the time where so much happens, it is truly an amazing transformation. This year your student will learn about their community, animals, light and sound, patterns of the sun and moon, and important American leaders and symbols. We are truly humbled that we get the opportunity to be a part of this journey. We look forward to an amazing school year and working with your child.
Monique Conley
This is my 13th year of teaching and I live in Castle Rock with my husband Shawn. I have a large family, including four grown children, a daughter-in-law and a grandson! Usually, we have a special volunteer in our classroom, Mrs. Golden (who is also my mother). She brings her registered therapy dog, Jack, to school and students get to read to him! My family loves sports, camping, fishing, movies, country music, and being together.
John Haynes
Hi Everyone! My name is John Haynes and I am so proud to be a part of the Soaring Hawk community. This year will be my 10th year of teaching! I have taught first and second grade, along with being an instructional coach and reading coach and specialist. I receive my professional teacher training and bachelors degree from the University of Northern Colorado and my masters from Western Governors University in curriculum and instruction. My wife Tori is also a first grade teacher and we have two wonderful children Emeric and Arja. Emeric will be joining me this year as he ventures off to kindergarten. I love the outdoors, hiking, and swimming is my ultimate passion.
Melinda Humphrey
Welcome to first grade! My name is Melinda Humphrey and I am excited to get to know you and your student this year. Being a teacher is a true passion of mine and ever since the 5th grade I knew that this was the career that I wanted to pursue. I have been a part of the SHE family for seven years as a teacher (even longer as a parent) and in Douglas County my entire career of 20 years. I moved to Colorado in 1994 when I came to the University of Northern Colorado to finish my teaching degree. I have a BA in Language Arts with an emphasis in elementary education. I have taught kindergarten, fourth grade and first grade. I truly love the littles and seeing all the growth they make in their first grade year. I have been married to my husband Mike for 21 years and we have three children. I have a son, Caleb, who is 20 years old and attends the University of California Davis. He is currently studying biochemistry and molecular biology. I don’t get to see him often so I love it when he visits. I also have identical twin daughters, Addison and Brooke, who are 16 and juniors at Castle View High School. They play competitive volleyball and tennis, which keeps us very busy. When I am not at matches and traveling the country with them, I love to read, work in the yard, craft with my friends, and spend time cheering on my favorite sports teams!