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Second Grade

Highland Primary 2nd Grade teachers: 
Leslie Chapman, Katie Kellerstrass, Sheila Laird, Jill Sinnock, Angie Smart, Jessica Warnecke, and Jane Wessel.
Chapman Photo

Greetings! My name is Leslie Chapman and I teach second grade at Highland Primary. I have been with the Highland School District since 2010 and have had the privilege to teach Guided Reading, first grade, and second grade. My educational experience includes earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2009 and a Master of Science degree in Literacy Education in 2016, both from SIUE.


When I’m not at school, I enjoy being outside and spending time with friends and family. Some of my favorite activities are going for a walk, grilling, sitting by a fire, and doing yard work. I also enjoy creating photo slide shows and watching movies. I look forward to seeing you in second grade!






Ms. Chapman's Classroom Handbook

Email Leslie Chapman: lchapman@highlandcusd5.org


Hi, my name is Ms. Kellerstrass and I teach second grade at the Highland Primary School. After graduating from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in December of 1995, I substitute taught for a year and half. I started working for the Highland Community Unit School District in January of 1997 as the part-time Vision (gifted program) teacher and part-time Rescue Grant Coordinator. In the fall of 1997 I started teaching second grade and I love it! Teaching and learning are my true passions! I completed my Master's Degree in Instructional Technology in the spring of 2004.  Then in 2007, I earned my National Board Certification.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending my free time with my two puppies; Brody and Nova.  Almost every evening I either talk, text or skype with my daughter Jordan.  She will starting her Ph.d Program at the University of California - Berkeley!  Yes, I am a very proud Mom!!!!!  I also have two pet cats Molly and Goose, and two  frogs Gorf and Gipper.  I enjoy relaxing with a cup of hot tea and playing computer games. When I have time I also enjoy reading and gardening. As my former students will tell you, I tend to get a little goofy sometimes - don't let that scare you -  I just love to laugh and have fun.  
Email Katie Kellerstrass: kkellerst@highlandcusd5.org



My name is Sheila Laird. I began teaching in the Highland District in 1992. I taught sixth grade for 1 year at Alhambra and fourth grade for 2 years at Highland. Now I teach second grade at Highland Primary and plan to for many more years. I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a degree in Elementary Education, and I earned my Masters in Education at Lindenwood University.

I live in New Baden with my husband, my daughter Paige, and my son Blake. In my spare time, I like reading, scrapbooking, and playing with my two labs, Lucy and Perry.

I thoroughly enjoy teaching second grade because the students are always excited about learning.





Mrs. Laird's Classroom Handbook

Email Sheila Laird: slaird@highlandcusd5.org


Hi! I am Mrs. Jill Sinnock. I teach second grade at Highland Primary. I graduated from McKendree College in 1996 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I went on to receive my Master's Degree in Elementary Education in 2001 at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. My teaching career began in 1996 at St. Mary's School in Edwardsville. 


After teaching second grade there for two years, I accepted a second grade position in Highland (my hometown!). I have been been with the Highland district for ten plus years and couldn't be happier! I live in Highland with my husband, Wayne, my oldest son Matthew and my youngest son, Andrew. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, scrapbooking, and most of all, spending time with my family.




Email Jill Sinnock: jsinnock@highlandcusd5.org
A Smart

Hello! My name is Angie Smart. I have been involved in the Highland Community School District for several years and am overjoyed to be teaching 2nd grade this school year! My past teaching experiences have been in first, third and fourth grades as well as two years teaching Guided Reading. Currently, I have completed half of my Masters of Education in Reading through Greenville College. 


My husband’s military career has kept us moving since I graduated from Iowa State University in 1992 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, K-6 and a Reading Endorsement. We have enjoyed many wonderful places both in the United States and abroad, but are now very happy to call Highland our home. We have four wonderful boys, two of whom are now adults. The other two younger ones keep us busy with school, sports and simply being boys!

During spare moments, I enjoy running (or walking), baking, traveling, reading, and of course, time with family and friends. Teaching brings me great joy, and I cannot wait to share the school year with your children!

Mrs. Smart's Classroom Handbook
Email Angie Smart: asmart@highlandcusd5.org


Hi! My name is Jessica Warnecke and I teach 2nd grade at Highland Primary. I graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education and continued my education in 2010 earning my Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. 

This will be my 10th year teaching. I have taught 1st , 2nd , and 3rd grades at the primary level. Working with young children each and every day and watching them grow is the best place to be. I grew up in Highland, attending Highland Primary myself. I currently live in town with my husband Tim, our son Trevor, daughter Jemma, and dog Jack. In my spare time I enjoy camping, boating, and relaxing with my amazing friends and family.



Email Jessica Warnecke: jwarnecke@highlandcusd5.org


Hi ! My name is Mrs. Jane Wessel. I teach second grade at Highland Primary.  I am a "home town girl". I grew up here in Hghland just a few blocks from our school. After graduating from high school I began attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. I graduated from SIUE in 1983 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.


I began teaching for the Highland district in 1986. My first few years were spent teaching P.E. and Kindergarten in the center schools. A few years later I began teaching first grade. I did this for three years and liked it, but the best was yet to come!  I was offered a position teaching second grade (the perfect grade) in Highland. I have been teaching second grade ever since. I am married and live with my husband, Andy, just outside of Pierron.





Mrs. Wessel's Classroom Handbook

Email Jane Wessel: jwessel@highlandcusd5.org