2nd Grade Home Page

Dear Whittier Second Grade Families:

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome you to Whittier’s 2nd Grade Program! Our team is comprised of Mary McDaniel, Cathy Hill, and Anne Toepel. We will be working very closely to implement units of study, and foster a creative, productive, and peaceful community of second graders. We’re sure to accomplish a lot this year!

We’d like to welcome families new to Whittier this year as well as returning families. We’re looking forward to getting to know all of you; here is a bit about us!

Mary McDaniel: This year is my ninth year at Whittier. It’s been exciting to be a part of the IB process from the beginning. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and also a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Before moving to Boulder, I taught in the suburbs of Chicago, my home (Go Bears!). My experience includes teaching preschool, kindergarten, second grade, literacy K-3, and substitute teaching in all grade levels. I especially love my current second grade position! The kids at this age are wonderful! I worked for years at the Boulder Bookstore because I’m a big fan of children’s literature and I loved the discount! I also enjoy camping, biking, snowboarding, and seeing live music.

Cathy Hill: This is the start to my 24th year of teaching and my 14th at Whittier. Like Mary, I have an Early Childhood Education degree and a Master’s in Elementary Ed. Before moving to Boulder, I taught in private schools in Boston, St. Louis (my hometown; Go Cardinals!). I also taught in Singapore at the Singapore American School. I’ve taught Kindergarten through 5th grade, and have experience as a Literacy specialist and TAG coordinator. While my girls were little, I enjoyed being a CU supervisor for student teachers. In my free time, I enjoy, backpacking, snowboarding, running, scrapbooking, and playing golf.

Anne Toepel: I was at Whittier last year as a half time second grade teacher and I’m very excited to be full time this year with my own classroom! I have a degree in both English and Elementary Education. Before moving to Boulder last year, I taught in Southern California and Denver public schools. My experience includes teaching Spanish, ELL, Preschool through second grade and middle school literacy coaching. My son, Dylan, will be in third grade this year right across the hall! I enjoy spending time in the mountains, reading, and seeing live music.

Marlena Angle: I will be student teaching in Cathy’s classroom, and be an integral part of our learning community. I am a recent graduate of CU with a Sociology Degree. I have been working with young children for many years and enjoy their spontaneity and free-spiritedness. I am currently working on my teaching certificate and am looking forward to having my own classroom in the fall!

Please look over this 2nd Grade informational packet including (see 2nd Grade Parent Page on the web), as well as a survey about your child. You can return the survey at that time and ask any questions you may have.

Here is our second grade curriculum map overviewing the topics covered throughout the school year. Also here is the 2nd grade program of inquiry poster outlining the units of inquiry and themes taught in second grade.

We hope this is helpful information, and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Sincerely,

Mary McDaniel, Cathy Hill & Anne Toepel