Kindergarten 1st Quarter Rubric | Kindergarten 2nd Quarter Rubric | Kindergarten 3rd Quarter Rubric | Kindergarten 4th Quarter Rubric
Highland Primary Kindergarten teachers:
I am very happy to be teaching my favorite grade, Kindergarten! I have been teaching Kindergarten at Highland Primary since 2004, except for the one year I taught 2nd grade.
Before coming to the Highland School District, I taught at Germantown Elementary as a Title 1 teacher for two years and then as a Kindergarten teacher for three years. I also taught first grade and PreK at two Catholic schools after graduating from McKendree College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in December 1993. As you can see, I love teaching younger students! Their enthusiasm for learning makes teaching so much fun!
My husband, Bryan, and I live near Trenton with our daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth. We enjoy spending time outside camping, fishing, and riding bikes together. I also really enjoy sewing, baking, going to craft shows, and rooting on the Cardinals. During the summer, I love seeing shows at the Muny Theatre with my mom.
Email Mrs. Albers: aalbers@highlandcusd5.org
Hello, my name is Kim Clasquin. I am very excited and proud to be part of the Highland Primary staff. I began teaching here in 2003 and prior to here I taught with two other Districts for ten years. All of those years I worked as either a first or second grade teacher, and one as a fourth grade teacher. Kindergarten is such an important year full of growth. It is such an AMAZING year watching the students become readers and writers.
I grew up in Highland and currently live here too. My husband, Joel, and I have two daughters. We enjoy spending time with them and do many family activities. In my spare time I enjoy scrapbooking, bike riding, shopping, and traveling.
Email Kim Clasquin: kclasquin@highlandcusd5.org
Hello, my name is Josie Elliott. I have been teaching since 1985 and still love it. I have taught at many different grade levels. I have taught fifth, second, first, and kindergarten. Kindergarten is my absolute favorite! I have been in the Highland School District my entire career and plan on retiring here.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University. I also have a Master’s degree with a reading endorsement from Southern Illinois University.
I live in Highland with my husband, Bill. Bill and I have two children, Ashley and Kristee. I enjoy spending time with kids, scrapbooking, and shopping. My absolute favorite things to do are to go on vacations and spend time with my family.
Email Mrs. Elliott: jelliott@highlandcusd5.org
Hello, my name is Susan Mortland. I received my undergraduate degree in education from Western Illinois University. I completed my Master’s Degree at Greenville College. I have been teaching for over 20 years. I love teaching Kindergarten!
My husband, Ron, and I have three children. We live in Highland.
Email Mrs. Mortland: smortland@highlandcusd5.org
Hello! My name is Kristin Potthast. I have lived in the Highland area my entire life. In 2005, I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a bachelors’ degree in Elementary Education and I have been teaching ever since. I LOVE being a teacher!
My husband, Jeff, and I live right outside of town with our three children. My favorite thing to do is spend time with them!
Email Mrs. Potthast: kpotthast@highlandcusd5.org
I grew up in Highland. My husband, Kevin, and I have two daughters, Taylor and Lauren. My family enjoys traveling, football, baseball, swimming, fishing, hunting, and camping. Family time is very important to me! My personal hobbies include reading, crafts, and spending time with family and friends. I love listening to all kinds of music and I enjoying singing (only to my children)!
Email Mrs. Townsend: ptownsend@highlandcusd5.org
Mrs. Townsend's Classroom Handbook
My name is Hailey Simmons and I am from Alton, Illinois. I am SO excited to be teaching kindergarten at Highland Primary! I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work in such a great school district. I am looking forward to seeing my students learn and grow throughout this school year!!!
Email Miss Simmons: hsimmons@highlandcusd5.org