Cub Column
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Mountain View Elementary is excited to announce that an Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) program is coming to the school to promote social/emotional well being. AAI is a goal directed and evidence based intervention, in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the process. This intervention will include a certified professional that is either a school staff member or volunteer working within their scope of competency. AAI is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning.
The program will include visits to our school from a certified therapy dog team. The therapy dog may participate in small group and/or individual interventions focused on social and emotional wellness and humane education and/or other brief intervention opportunities. Participating in this program and interacting with a therapy dog is entirely voluntary. Our school will utilize this program as a part of research based practice and interventions specific to the needs of students and staff.
The therapy dog and its handler have been insured for liability and have undergone extensive training and certifications for Animal-Assisted Interventions.
Should you have any other questions, concerns or comments, please call/email
Laura Wilson, MSW, AASW - DCSD Behavior Specialist
720-539-1090 - lwilson2@dcsdk12.org.
Hello Mountain View Families!
My name is Jessica Kane and I am in charge of the library at Mountain View. This week is the first official week of library time for your student and I wanted to make sure you knew a few things about the library:
- Your student has library time every week on the same day.
Monday - Little Cubs, Farnsworth, Poseno
Tuesday - Hamilton, Lucero, Quintana
Wednesday - Holliday, Neels
Thursday - McCullough, Nava, Wilmore
Friday - Lynch, Kuhn, Fitzsimmons
- I will be giving each student a library book bag to protect the books when your student is not reading the book. Please do not throw out this bag! They will need to try to hold onto it all year.
- If your student would like to check out a different book at library time each week, he /she must bring back the previously checked out book. I would appreciate it if you could help your student remember his/her library book on the designated library day.
- If your student’s library book gets damaged or lost and needs to be replaced, please do not buy a replacement for the book. Please email me or have your student let me know if the book is lost or damaged. A fine to replace the book will then be put into My School Bucks and you can pay the fine through that application or you can pay it in person at the front office. Douglas County School District has specific vendors that sell library books to schools that we have to go through when purchasing books.
I enjoy seeing and getting to know each of your wonderful children and look forward to a great year in the library! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Jessica Kane
Ms. Emmalee Owens (Assistant Principal)
Hello Mountain View Family!
My name is Emmalee Owens and I'm your Assistant Principal. I am originally from Wyoming, but I've actually lived all around the world! I am a proud DCSD mom! My daughter is in her sophomore year at Rock Canyon High School. She and I love to play board games, do puzzles, and watch movies together. I am also a huge fan of crocheting, reading, and working in my garden! You might hear me talk about my cat, Tigerlily, and my fish! I love to sing and play the piano too! My happy place is with family and being outside!
I have been in education for 22 years. I have taught everything from 2nd Grade through 8th Grade. Seventeen of those years have been in Douglas County Schools! For the last ten years, I have been working in Administration and Professional Development.
I'm so excited to be part a Cub and to be getting to know all of you! We truly have the BEST students, the BEST staff, and the BEST families!
I'm always looking for ways to support our students and staff. I have set up an amazon wishlist, which you can see here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/hwK6opt?ref_=wl_share
I look forward to getting to know you all!
Ms. Alicia Wilmore (2nd Grade Teacher)
Hello! I'm Alicia Wilmore and I am teaching 2nd Grade this year! I'm originally from Paonia, Colorado (a super small town on the western slope). I am recently engaged to my fiance, Jake, and we are busy wedding planning for our big day! I have two brothers and one sister. I'm also an auntie who loves her 2 nephews, with another on the way!
I have a 1-year old chocolate golden doodle. Her name is Juniper and she is the best girl! I love listening to Taylor Swift, going out to eat at new places, and hanging out with friends and family. I have lots of favorite foods, but my all time favorite is chocolate!
I’m excited to get to know the students and work alongside my new colleagues. I’m passionate about making a difference in the classroom and supporting each child’s growth. Can’t wait to dive in and start this new chapter with everyone at Mountain View!
Mrs. Courtney Gore (Registrar)
Hello! I'm Ms. Courtney and you've probably seen me if you have to come to school. I work in the front office and will be one of the first people to greet you!
I'm originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have 2 kiddos. Lily is my 10 year old who is obsessed with volleyball and reading. Sebastian is 7 and loves being active, playing soccer, and riding his scooter. My husband and I enjoy cooking, walking our dogs, and attending sports games! We have 2 dogs, Luna and Bella, and one tiny new kitten named Lee.
In my spare time I attend college to complete my degree in Art Teaching while maintaining a flow of watercolor painting commissions - this is a passion of mine and has always been my greatest talent, aside from making incredible coffee :)
My favorite foods are carne con chile, made by my husband's grandma, and my husband's cashew chicken stir fry. My favorite movie is Master and Commander and my favorite books are probably the Lord of the Rings or GOT.
I speak Spanish. I love anything art and have been drawing/painting most of my life in my free time. My family and I are super happy that we moved to Parker.
I am excited to see growth in the students and to get to know our families better.
Ms. Melissa Gies (Speech Language Pathologist)
Hello! I'm Ms. Melissa and I work with students who have speech/language goals. I'm originally from Norfolk, Virginia. I have two brothers and a 2-year old nephew. I also have a cat named Libby!
I love music, reading, fitness, and cooking. In fact, my favorite foods include cheese and pastries. (I would thrive in Europe!) Some of my favorites include: Game of Thrones, reading historical fiction novels, and Taylor Swift!
I love seeing all of our students grow and shine!
Ms. Skye Johnson (Psychologist)
Hello! My name is Ms. Skye and I'm our school's psychologist. I'm originally from Southfield, Michigan. I have an older brother and sister, one niece, and one nephew! My two cats are named Gravy and Layla.
Some of my favorite things include: cross stitching, dancing, painting, hiking, reading (especially psychological thrillers), baking, and traveling! I also love baked mac and cheese and anything chocolate! I love watching New Girl and the movies "21 Jump Street" and "17 Again." I listen to all of Harry Styles' music!
I'm very excited to be here at MVE! First, getting to know the students and building trusting relationships with them. Understanding their unique needs, strengths, and challenges will be key to providing the tailored support they deserve. I'm eager to listen closely, empathize, and collaborate with them to help them thrive. Additionally, I'm prepared to be a strong advocate for the social-emotional wellbeing of our students. Promoting mental health, teaching coping strategies, and addressing any issues of bullying or trauma will be a top priority. Overall, I'm really excited to dive in, roll up my sleeves, and do whatever it takes to ensure our students have the support they need to succeed, both academically and personally. It's going an incredibly rewarding year!
I want families to know that my door is always open. I understand the immense trust you put in us to care for your children, and I take that responsibility very seriously. My role is to support not just the students, but the entire family unit. I'll be here to listen, to provide guidance, and to work collaboratively to address any challenges your child may be facing. I'll always strive to be a calming, reassuring presence - someone you and your child can trust. You can count on me to be a steady, supportive resource throughout the school year. I'm here as your partner, your advocate, and your ally. I'm excited to get to know each and every one of you, and to work together towards the success and wellbeing of our students. Please don't hesitate to reach out anytime. I'm looking forward to a wonderful school year ahead!
