2nd Grade
Welcome to Second Grade!
Kayla Barden
Kayla Barden
I am entering my tenth year teaching and my fifth year teaching in the beautiful state of Colorado. While I am a native to Colorado, I spent 6 years living in Arizona and moved back in July of 2021. I have previously taught Kindergarten through 2nd grade and am very excited to now be entering my 9th year as a 2nd grade teacher.
I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with my degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language and an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. I received my masters degree in reading from Grand Canyon University as well.
While studying at UNC, I met my husband. We have now been married for 7 years and have one daughter, Payton, and will be welcoming our second this November. We also have a dog, Sammy, and two cats, Thor and Simba.
When I am not teaching, I love being outdoors. I love to hike, paddleboard, and work out. I also enjoy reading and watching the Broncos and Avalanche with my family.
In the classroom, my goal is to create an engaging classroom that allows your child to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically through hands on learning. I hope to create relationships that promote kindness and positivity as well as teach students how to be independent learners.
Alissa Blechar
Alissa Blechar
I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado. I received my degree in elementary education with an emphasis in English. I also completed my Masters degree in Reading and Curriculum Instruction from Grand Canyon University. In 2010, I became a participant in the Digital Educator Program here in DCSD, graduating in 2012. My philosophy is that children should be involved in their education. My classroom will be very hands on and students will be active participants rather than just observers. I look forward to working with all students in reaching their education goals!
This is my 24th year working in DCSD. I started working in the BASE program while I was a sophomore in high school. I entered college with the intent of graduating with a BioMedical degree but it was through working with the Kindergarten Enrichment Program that I discovered my true passion for teaching. In addition to my years in before/after school care and kindergarten enrichment, I also worked as an educational assistant that worked with Multilingual (ML) students and taught 1st grade for 12 years. This will be my 18th year teaching and I cannot wait to see what this year holds!
On a more personal note, I love the outdoors! During the summer, I like to camp, hike, fish, play in the lakes and streams... or pretty much anything I can do outside! During the winter, I enjoy snowboarding and taking my daughter, Cadence (11), and son, Torin (8), skiing. I enjoy reading and often have a book started as soon as I finish another. Anything with art has also been a passion of mine. I find it relaxing to paint, draw, or model something out of clay. My husband and I have 3 dogs who enjoy the outdoors just as much as we do, if not more. Each day brings a new set of adventures for us and we love watching how quickly our kids learn and grow!
I look forward to working with you and your child to reach his or her educational goals and to develop a passion for life long learning!
Jamie Zapien
Jamie Zapien
My husband and I relocated to Castle Rock in 2013 with our two daughters, Isabella (18) and Adriana (15). We moved from southern Colorado. In the summer I love to spend my time camping and traveling. You can find me wrapped up in a book and drinking lattes when the weather turns dreary. My family and I have a Great Dane, Iroh. He loves to go on adventures and explore the world with us. We also have a Golden Retriever. Her name is Pepperjack & is still quite the puppy!
I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies K-8 at Western Governors University in the Spring of 2021. This is my fifth year teaching and my seventh year at Flagstone Elementary!
I am currently completing my Master’s program, Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education, at Fort Lewis College. I have always found myself working to fulfill student’s potential through encouraging healthy and positive growth mindsets. I advocate for student growth by encouraging critical thinking, pushing creative boundaries, and collaborating with peers.