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Highland Lakes School

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Highland Lakes School
Home of the Bears!

About the Teacher

Email: brandee.knierim@dvusd.org

Phone: 623-445-5377

Qualifications: Standard Professional Elementary Education k-8 SEI Endorsement Reading Endorsement k-8 Middle Grades General Science Giftend Endorsement

Mrs. Knierim

 

Hello and welcome to all things Science! I have spent the last 13 years teaching grades as young as 3rd and as old as 8th (with the exception of 6th grade... they are stinky :) just kidding). Somewhere along the line I discovered that I really like figuring out why things work they way they do and tinkering with what happens if you try it a different way. This was the beginning of my love of science! For the past 6 years, I have been teaching multiple sections of science to 5th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders. In the summers, I usually take extra science classes to learn in order to deepen my understanding of science and discover new ways to make it fun and engaging for students as well!
 
I can be a bit of a nerd and drop ridiculous science puns and "dad jokes"...It's okay if you laugh, roll your eyes (respectfully) or even shake your head. I'm a total nerd and I embrace all of it :) With that being said, you are entering a non-judgement zone. I promise to accept and appreciate every one of you for the awesome and unique individual that you are! However, I also expect you to treat me and each other in the same respectful manner.

I am so happy you are all in my class and can't wait to get to know each one of you this year!

Family

This is now my 14th year of teaching. I have taught grades 3 through 8 and have had the opportunity to experience several schools. Each experience has given me so many opportunities to learn new things, each time bringing the best of those lessons and fun school experiences with me throughout my career. I didn't realize I had a love for science until I began teaching it. I love affording my students the opportunity to put their hands on science and help them question why things work the way they do. 

When I’m not a science teacher, I spend my time hanging out with my family. My husband, who is an Arizona 2-time "Best Mustache" winner (yes, it’s true, he’s a celebrity), our 2 children and I enjoy doing all things nature. We love going camping, hiking, biking and getting away from the city for some deliciously burnt marshmallow s’mores over a fire, under the star-studded night sky!

Every other spare minute that is left over goes to hockey. Our daughter, Adalinn (14), plays for the all-girls Kachina hockey team. Our son, Jaxon (10), is playing for the Titans this year. I just started the Lady Growler league this summer, and their dad plays for fun in the men’s league when he has extra time. When we aren't playing, you can catch us cheering on the Coyotes (yes, I know, it's been a tough year for them).

 

                         

Howlin
               
Fam