First Grade
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.
Natilee Liesemeyer
Hi! My name is Natilee Liesemeyer and this is my 12th year at Soaring Hawk! I have taught for 21 ½ years in Early Childhood Education. I also received my Masters Degree from Lesley University. I am a native of Colorado and my family and I live here in Castle Rock. My husband Greg and I have 2 children. My son, Myles, is 16 and is an 11th grader at Castle View High School. My daughter, Marlowe, is 13 and is an 8th grader at Castle Rock Middle School. We also have 2 toddlers (English Bulldogs) and one infant (a Yorkie) :-) We are a huge baseball/softball/basketball/volleyball family and spend most of our weekends at baseball/softball fields. We also love going dirt bike riding/4-wheeling and enjoy traveling especially, to Hawaii! I have such a passion for children and absolutely love teaching Kindergarten (the BEST grade ever)!!! :-)
John Haynes
Hi Everyone! My name is John Haynes and I love to be a part of the Soaring Hawk community. 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.
Stephanie Amella
Welcome to a new school year! I hope you all had a fun and relaxing Summer Break! I am so excited to be working with you and your child this year! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and inform you about a few details in 1st grade.
My name is Stephanie Amella, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of the SHE family for my 8th year! Overall this will be my 24th year teaching! I have taught 9 years in 2nd grade and this will be my 15th year teaching 1st grade. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Colorado State University in 2001 and my Masters in Curriculum and Design from Grand Canyon University in 2005.
I have been happily married for 21 years to my husband Gary and we have an 18 year old son named Gavin and a 15 year old daughter named Aiven. Gavin will be a senior and Aiven will be a sophomore at Castle View High School. I love spending time with my family. We spend a lot of time traveling throughout the nation in the Summer to cheer on my son and daughter while they compete in national golf tournaments. My entire family including myself love to play golf and pickleball! When I am not busy cheering on my kiddos in their sports, I love watching football and cheering on the Denver Broncos...hopefully we will have an awesome season this year!
In closing I am looking forward to a great year working with you and your child. I want your child's 1st grade year to be a wonderful and memorable time of learning. Together, we can make this an awesome year for your child!