We are a team devoted to learning and fun! We pride ourselves on creating learning environments that support the whole child. In each of our classrooms you will find students engaged in academics that are rooted in developmentally appropriate practices. We love to sing, dance, read, write, play....and so much more! We believe that Kindergarten is a critical time to develop not only academic skills, but also social, emotional, and problem solving skills. Our days are carefully crafted and planned to allow Kindergartners to inquire, explore, discover, and engage in their learning. We're so excited to have your child join us for the Kindergarten year- we can't wait to see how much they will learn and grow!
Mrs. Beth DraseMrs. Drase grew up attending BVSD schools and loves teaching in the district that shaped her early years. She is passionate about creating a strong foundation for our youngest learners to build upon and doing so in an environment that embraces diversity and focuses on developing the whole child. She loves being a part of the transformation that takes place in kids during their first years of school and enjoys sharing in the joy children feel as they grow. The 2024/25 school year will be her 19th year teaching at Birch. (18 in Kindergarten, and 1 in Second Grade).
Outside of school, Mr. (Matt) and Mrs. Drase love to take road trips to visit Matt's family in Chicago and to visit National Parks when they can. Like most Kindergartners, they love LEGO, Star Wars, and Super Heroes! Mrs. Drase enjoys being creative- with a retired art teacher for a mother, and a music teacher for a husband, she has always been surrounded and motivated by the arts. (Your kids may get to know Mrs. Drase's mom, Mrs. Murphy, as she often subs for her!) Education Mrs. Drase went to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan for her undergrad. (Go Broncos!) She graduated with a B.A in Elementary Education and has minors in Math and Science, Integrated Creative Arts, and Early Childhood Education (for which she also holds an endorsement). She completed her Masters in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity with an emphasis in Linguistically Diverse Education at University of Colorado at Boulder in 2012. It was a great learning experience and has helped make her an even stronger teacher for all students, especially students who are learning English as a second (or third +) language. Training and Recognition: 2015 Heart of Broomfield Education Award recipient Through Boulder Valley School District Mrs. Drase has also participated in numerous trainings, courses, cohorts and professional development opportunities in literacy, math, diversity/equity, and curriculum and assessment development. Some include: BVSD Full-Day Kindergarten Cadre/Teacher Leader for Full Day K PD Add+Vantage Math Literacy Intervention |
Mrs. Tammie HillMrs. Hill grew up in Colorado where she has lived her whole life. She moved to the Broomfield area in 1989 and has been a part of the Birch Community for over 28 years. All three of Mrs. Hill's grown children and some of her grandchildren have attended Birch.
After pursuing a lifelong passion to teach, Mrs. Hill landed her dream job of teaching Kindergarten at Birch in 2014. The 2024/25 school year will be her eleventh teaching Kindergarten at Birch. Mrs. Hill believes that Early Childhood Education should include a lot of play based learning, “students need to know that learning is FUN”! She also values diversity. Mrs. Hill grew up in a multicultural household and attended schools with very diverse populations. Outside of school, Mrs. Hill enjoys spending time with her family camping, boating and generally just being together. She is married, with three grown children, many grandchildren and two dogs. Education: Mrs. Hill attended Regis University for her undergrad and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education. In May 2015 Mrs. Hill completed her Masters in Early Childhood Special Education through Regis University. Through Boulder Valley School District Mrs. Hill has also participated in numerous trainings, courses, and professional development opportunities, including Boulder Valley School District's Kindergarten cadre! |