Welcome

     My name is Valerie Cross and I am so excited to be your child's First Grade Teacher this year! This year will be my fourteenth as an educator and my third year at Mountain View. I am originally from Texas and graduated from Sam Houston State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. My teaching certifications are Early Childhood-Sixth Grade and English as a Second Language. I have previously taught first grade, kindergarten, and pre-k , and I have also been a Reading Interventionist for grades kindergarten through fifth grade both in Douglas County and in Texas. My focus as an educator is providing students with meaningful, engaging, hands-on learning experiences in which to explore, collaborate, investigate, and develop essential critical thinking skills.  I am passionate about helping students become strategic readers and thinkers, because these foundational skills will travel with them throughout their lives as learners.  

     My family and I live in Parker, and I have lived and taught in the beautiful state of Colorado since 2012. I have been married for 20 years to my wonderful husband, Geoff, and I have two girls, Hailey and Peyton, who both attend Douglas County schools. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling and exploring the great outdoors with my family. Some of my favorite things are: reading, hiking, visiting national parks, antiquing and interior design. I am a huge Joanna Gaines and Fixer Upper fan (fellow Texan!), and I love all things modern farmhouse!!!

                Thank you so much for visiting our classroom website.  I feel so blessed to be your child's teacher this year and I am looking forward to an amazing year of fun and learning!  I hope you find our classroom website to be a valuable resource for you and your first grade student!

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