✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
A new teacher brings new learning, new growth, and new excitement, we’re thrilled to welcome Carrie Davis, our new 4th grade teacher at Connor! With 8 years of teaching experience, Carrie brings passion, energy, and a love for learning into her classroom every day.
One of her favorite moments as a teacher is watching that spark of understanding—when students light up and say, “Oh, I get it!” Her favorite subject to teach is reading, though growing up she especially enjoyed math and P.E.
Carrie is also a proud mom of five children! Her family is full of exciting milestones—from a daughter who has completed college and been married for a year, to three kids currently working toward their degrees, and her youngest heading into 9th grade at Pocatello High School. Her husband works for UPS, and together they enjoy spending quality time as a family.
Outside the classroom, Carrie loves traveling and exploring the beautiful places, scrapbooking memories, and cheering on her kids in their activities. She’s also a fan of a wide range of books and shows—anything from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings to comedies and documentaries, depending on her mood!
Join us in giving Carrie a warm welcome—we’re thrilled to have her at Connor!
A new teacher brings new learning, new growth, and new excitement, we’re thrilled to welcome Carrie Davis, our new 4th grade teacher at Connor! With 8 years of teaching experience, Carrie brings passion, energy, and a love for learning into her classroom every day.
One of her favorite moments as a teacher is watching that spark of understanding—when students light up and say, “Oh, I get it!” Her favorite subject to teach is reading, though growing up she especially enjoyed math and P.E.
Carrie is also a proud mom of five children! Her family is full of exciting milestones—from a daughter who has completed college and been married for a year, to three kids currently working toward their degrees, and her youngest heading into 9th grade at Pocatello High School. Her husband works for UPS, and together they enjoy spending quality time as a family.
Outside the classroom, Carrie loves traveling and exploring the beautiful places, scrapbooking memories, and cheering on her kids in their activities. She’s also a fan of a wide range of books and shows—anything from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings to comedies and documentaries, depending on her mood!
Join us in giving Carrie a warm welcome—we’re thrilled to have her at Connor!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Classroom fun is in session! We’re excited to feature Mrs. Watt in this Teacher Spotlight!
Ms. Watt teaches 5th grade at Connor Academy, where she helps students grow academically and build confidence as learners. She creates an engaging classroom environment that encourages curiosity, responsibility, and a love for learning.
Connor Academy is fortunate to have Ms. Watt's dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to student success. Thank you for all you do!
Classroom fun is in session! We’re excited to feature Mrs. Watt in this Teacher Spotlight!
Ms. Watt teaches 5th grade at Connor Academy, where she helps students grow academically and build confidence as learners. She creates an engaging classroom environment that encourages curiosity, responsibility, and a love for learning.
Connor Academy is fortunate to have Ms. Watt's dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to student success. Thank you for all you do!
✨ Alpine Teacher Spotlight ✨
Striking the perfect chord of creativity and compassion, Mrs. Helmandollar brings music to life as our Music and Special Education teacher. While this is her third year at Alpine, she has spent over 22 years sharing her love of music as a private music instructor.
Her favorite thing about teaching is having fun with her students and learning alongside them. "When they are engaged and we can explore new things together, it is magic," she says. It's no surprise that music is her favorite subject to teach, as it has played a significant role in her life since childhood. As a student herself, she especially enjoyed math and science.
Family is at the heart of Mrs. Helmandollar's life. She has been married for 17 years and is the proud mother of four children. She loves living close to her extended family and cherishes the time they spend together.
When she's not teaching, you'll likely find her crafting. From crocheting and sewing to tile mosaics, painting, embroidery, and even stained glass, she's always excited to learn a new creative skill. She also enjoys relaxing with her favorite comedy shows, including Friends, Seinfeld, New Girl, Parks and Recreation, and The Office.
Mrs. Helmandollar credits her parents as her greatest inspiration. Their example, support, and guidance helped shape the person she is today.
One message she hopes her students will remember is that challenges do not define them. Having faced her own struggles growing up, she wants students to know that difficult circumstances can be overcome with perseverance, hard work, and determination. While the journey may not always be easy, she believes it is always worth it.
Mrs. Helmandollar shares that she is incredibly grateful to work with such wonderful students, families, and coworkers. Their support and inspiration make every day meaningful.
Thank you, Mrs. Helmandollar, for sharing your talents, kindness, and encouragement with our school community. Your passion for helping students learn, grow, and believe in themselves makes a lasting impact every day!
Striking the perfect chord of creativity and compassion, Mrs. Helmandollar brings music to life as our Music and Special Education teacher. While this is her third year at Alpine, she has spent over 22 years sharing her love of music as a private music instructor.
Her favorite thing about teaching is having fun with her students and learning alongside them. "When they are engaged and we can explore new things together, it is magic," she says. It's no surprise that music is her favorite subject to teach, as it has played a significant role in her life since childhood. As a student herself, she especially enjoyed math and science.
Family is at the heart of Mrs. Helmandollar's life. She has been married for 17 years and is the proud mother of four children. She loves living close to her extended family and cherishes the time they spend together.
When she's not teaching, you'll likely find her crafting. From crocheting and sewing to tile mosaics, painting, embroidery, and even stained glass, she's always excited to learn a new creative skill. She also enjoys relaxing with her favorite comedy shows, including Friends, Seinfeld, New Girl, Parks and Recreation, and The Office.
Mrs. Helmandollar credits her parents as her greatest inspiration. Their example, support, and guidance helped shape the person she is today.
One message she hopes her students will remember is that challenges do not define them. Having faced her own struggles growing up, she wants students to know that difficult circumstances can be overcome with perseverance, hard work, and determination. While the journey may not always be easy, she believes it is always worth it.
Mrs. Helmandollar shares that she is incredibly grateful to work with such wonderful students, families, and coworkers. Their support and inspiration make every day meaningful.
Thank you, Mrs. Helmandollar, for sharing your talents, kindness, and encouragement with our school community. Your passion for helping students learn, grow, and believe in themselves makes a lasting impact every day!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
In Mrs. Maynard’s 1st grade classroom, curiosity grows and confidence blooms, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on her today!
Mrs. Maynard has been teaching at Connor Academy for 3 years. She brings joy, patience, and enthusiasm into her classroom every day as she helps young learners grow and discover new things.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is simple—her students! She loves seeing their excitement as they learn something new each day.
Reading has always been her favorite subject, both when she was a student and now as a teacher helping others fall in love with it too.
Outside of school, Mrs. Maynard has been married to her wonderful husband for 16 years and is a proud parent of two amazing children. She enjoys staying active through fitness, traveling, and reading.
Thank you, Mrs. Maynard, for making 1st grade such a joyful place to learn and grow!
In Mrs. Maynard’s 1st grade classroom, curiosity grows and confidence blooms, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on her today!
Mrs. Maynard has been teaching at Connor Academy for 3 years. She brings joy, patience, and enthusiasm into her classroom every day as she helps young learners grow and discover new things.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is simple—her students! She loves seeing their excitement as they learn something new each day.
Reading has always been her favorite subject, both when she was a student and now as a teacher helping others fall in love with it too.
Outside of school, Mrs. Maynard has been married to her wonderful husband for 16 years and is a proud parent of two amazing children. She enjoys staying active through fitness, traveling, and reading.
Thank you, Mrs. Maynard, for making 1st grade such a joyful place to learn and grow!
✨ Alpine Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
New equations, new discoveries, and a new teacher to celebrate, welcome to Alpine Academy, Ms. Eliana CraigSmith!
Ms. CraigSmith finished her student teaching this spring and will start at Alpine Academy this Fall. She is very excited to begin her journey here and bring her passion for learning into the classroom.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is her students. She loves learning from them and finds them to be a constant source of inspiration.
While she enjoys teaching all areas of STEM, math and science hold a special place in her heart. When she was in school, her favorite subject was science, especially because of an inspiring teacher who sparked her love of learning.
In her free time, Ms. CraigSmith loves exploring new interests and is always trying something new. Currently, she is studying Japanese, playing classical guitar, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Her favorite book and movie is The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and she draws inspiration from scientists like Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose perseverance and passion for discovery continue to motivate her.
Ms. CraigSmith believes every student can succeed in her class through hard work, kindness, and curiosity. The three “variables” that always add up to success!
We are so excited to welcome Ms. CraigSmith to Alpine Academy!
New equations, new discoveries, and a new teacher to celebrate, welcome to Alpine Academy, Ms. Eliana CraigSmith!
Ms. CraigSmith finished her student teaching this spring and will start at Alpine Academy this Fall. She is very excited to begin her journey here and bring her passion for learning into the classroom.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is her students. She loves learning from them and finds them to be a constant source of inspiration.
While she enjoys teaching all areas of STEM, math and science hold a special place in her heart. When she was in school, her favorite subject was science, especially because of an inspiring teacher who sparked her love of learning.
In her free time, Ms. CraigSmith loves exploring new interests and is always trying something new. Currently, she is studying Japanese, playing classical guitar, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Her favorite book and movie is The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and she draws inspiration from scientists like Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose perseverance and passion for discovery continue to motivate her.
Ms. CraigSmith believes every student can succeed in her class through hard work, kindness, and curiosity. The three “variables” that always add up to success!
We are so excited to welcome Ms. CraigSmith to Alpine Academy!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
The stage is set for learning, kindness, and care, we’re excited to feature Ms. Andrea, one of Connor Academy’s wonderful Kindergarten teachers.
Ms. Andrea has been teaching for 13 years, including 3 years at Connor. She brings joy, creativity, and a love of learning into her kindergarten classroom every day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is learning from her students, they inspire her just as much as she inspires them!
When she was in school, her favorite subject was music. She participated in orchestra, band, and choir, and also loved performing in school musicals, no surprise she still enjoys being part of the stage today!
Ms. Andrea and her husband are raising three wonderful children, and they enjoy spending time together watching movies, playing games, and going on family vacations. Outside of school, she loves performing in musicals and plays and spending time with family and friends.
She enjoys reading works by Jane Austen and Sarah Eden, and finds inspiration every day in her students’ willingness to try new and challenging things.
In her classroom, Ms. Andrea reminds students "It's o.k. to make mistakes! That's how we learn. I love learning together!" She truly believes in learning together and building confidence every step of the way.
Thank you, Ms. Andrea, for bringing heart, creativity, and a little bit of stage magic to kindergarten every day!
The stage is set for learning, kindness, and care, we’re excited to feature Ms. Andrea, one of Connor Academy’s wonderful Kindergarten teachers.
Ms. Andrea has been teaching for 13 years, including 3 years at Connor. She brings joy, creativity, and a love of learning into her kindergarten classroom every day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is learning from her students, they inspire her just as much as she inspires them!
When she was in school, her favorite subject was music. She participated in orchestra, band, and choir, and also loved performing in school musicals, no surprise she still enjoys being part of the stage today!
Ms. Andrea and her husband are raising three wonderful children, and they enjoy spending time together watching movies, playing games, and going on family vacations. Outside of school, she loves performing in musicals and plays and spending time with family and friends.
She enjoys reading works by Jane Austen and Sarah Eden, and finds inspiration every day in her students’ willingness to try new and challenging things.
In her classroom, Ms. Andrea reminds students "It's o.k. to make mistakes! That's how we learn. I love learning together!" She truly believes in learning together and building confidence every step of the way.
Thank you, Ms. Andrea, for bringing heart, creativity, and a little bit of stage magic to kindergarten every day!
✨ Alpine Teacher Spotlight ✨
Breaking news: 8th grade ELA and Government classes have officially been declared “never boring” thanks to Mr. Blackburn! We are delighted to spotlight Alpine Academy’s 8th Grade ELA & Government teacher, who brings energy, passion, and 7 years of dedicated service to The Academy!
His favorite part of teaching is seeing students get excited and passionate about what they’re learning. While he teaches ELA and Government, his favorite subject to teach is World History. Growing up, his favorite subject was theater
When he’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find him hiking or backpacking. He’s a fan of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt, Jim Carrey, and Robin Williams, a mix of adventure, humor, and energetic personality.
We appreciate Mr. Blackburn and the enthusiasm, dedication, and adventure he brings to Alpine Academy every day!
Breaking news: 8th grade ELA and Government classes have officially been declared “never boring” thanks to Mr. Blackburn! We are delighted to spotlight Alpine Academy’s 8th Grade ELA & Government teacher, who brings energy, passion, and 7 years of dedicated service to The Academy!
His favorite part of teaching is seeing students get excited and passionate about what they’re learning. While he teaches ELA and Government, his favorite subject to teach is World History. Growing up, his favorite subject was theater
When he’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find him hiking or backpacking. He’s a fan of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt, Jim Carrey, and Robin Williams, a mix of adventure, humor, and energetic personality.
We appreciate Mr. Blackburn and the enthusiasm, dedication, and adventure he brings to Alpine Academy every day!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Inspiring young minds and building bright futures, meet Mrs. Krista Bigelow, our wonderful 2nd grade teacher at Connor Academy! The upcoming 2026–2027 school year will mark her 4th year of teaching, and she continues to bring warmth, care, and enthusiasm into her classroom every day.
Her favorite thing about teaching is her students! She loves helping them learn through Amplify Knowledge and History, and she especially enjoys building strong connections as they grow throughout the year. Her favorite subject in school was English, and she draws on that love of reading and writing in her teaching.
Mrs. Bigelow has been married to her husband for 22 years, and together they have four amazing children (ages 10–19) and a sweet family dog. Outside of school, she enjoys boating, day hikes, reading, and tackling house projects. One of her favorite book series is The Chronicles of Narnia.
She shares that many of her past teachers inspired her to become an educator, and she carries that inspiration into her own classroom. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where every student feels loved, valued, and respected. She encourages students to take risks, grow, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Mrs. Bigelow says:
“Connor Academy is an exceptional school, and I feel truly grateful each day to work alongside such amazing students, supportive families, and dedicated staff. Our school community truly feels like a family, and it is a joy to be part of it.”
Thank you, Mrs. Bigelow, for building strong connections with your students and fostering a love of learning that lasts beyond the classroom!
Inspiring young minds and building bright futures, meet Mrs. Krista Bigelow, our wonderful 2nd grade teacher at Connor Academy! The upcoming 2026–2027 school year will mark her 4th year of teaching, and she continues to bring warmth, care, and enthusiasm into her classroom every day.
Her favorite thing about teaching is her students! She loves helping them learn through Amplify Knowledge and History, and she especially enjoys building strong connections as they grow throughout the year. Her favorite subject in school was English, and she draws on that love of reading and writing in her teaching.
Mrs. Bigelow has been married to her husband for 22 years, and together they have four amazing children (ages 10–19) and a sweet family dog. Outside of school, she enjoys boating, day hikes, reading, and tackling house projects. One of her favorite book series is The Chronicles of Narnia.
She shares that many of her past teachers inspired her to become an educator, and she carries that inspiration into her own classroom. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where every student feels loved, valued, and respected. She encourages students to take risks, grow, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Mrs. Bigelow says:
“Connor Academy is an exceptional school, and I feel truly grateful each day to work alongside such amazing students, supportive families, and dedicated staff. Our school community truly feels like a family, and it is a joy to be part of it.”
Thank you, Mrs. Bigelow, for building strong connections with your students and fostering a love of learning that lasts beyond the classroom!
✨ The Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
We are proud to celebrate a truly caring educator, Mrs. Mindy Steinlicht, The Academy's Special Education Director/Teacher for grades K–8!
Mrs. Steinlicht has been teaching for 30 years, including 10 years at American Falls High School and 20 years at Connor/Alpine. Her favorite part of teaching is getting to interact with and teach children each day. She especially enjoys teaching life skills and helping students learn how to be courteous, kind, and responsible.
Her favorite subject growing up was math, and she brings that same appreciation for learning into her work with students across all grade levels.
Outside of school, Mrs. Steinlicht has been married for over 25 years and shares her home with a lively mix of pets—including three dogs, two macaws, and one cat. She is also enjoying learning how to golf in her free time.
One of her favorite book and movie series is Little House on the Prairie, which she enjoys in every form—books, television, and film. She also credits her high school Spanish teacher as a major inspiration. She admired how her teacher could laugh easily while still holding students accountable and maintaining high expectations.
We are grateful for Mrs. Steinlicht and the care, patience, and dedication she brings to every student she serves!
We are proud to celebrate a truly caring educator, Mrs. Mindy Steinlicht, The Academy's Special Education Director/Teacher for grades K–8!
Mrs. Steinlicht has been teaching for 30 years, including 10 years at American Falls High School and 20 years at Connor/Alpine. Her favorite part of teaching is getting to interact with and teach children each day. She especially enjoys teaching life skills and helping students learn how to be courteous, kind, and responsible.
Her favorite subject growing up was math, and she brings that same appreciation for learning into her work with students across all grade levels.
Outside of school, Mrs. Steinlicht has been married for over 25 years and shares her home with a lively mix of pets—including three dogs, two macaws, and one cat. She is also enjoying learning how to golf in her free time.
One of her favorite book and movie series is Little House on the Prairie, which she enjoys in every form—books, television, and film. She also credits her high school Spanish teacher as a major inspiration. She admired how her teacher could laugh easily while still holding students accountable and maintaining high expectations.
We are grateful for Mrs. Steinlicht and the care, patience, and dedication she brings to every student she serves!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
In Mrs. Brunger’s class, she builds more than skills—she builds confidence, kindness, and a love of learning! We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mrs. Brunger, Connor Academy’s wonderful 4th Grade teacher.
Mrs. Brunger has been teaching for 14 years, with 3 of those years proudly at Connor. She brings a passion for learning and a caring heart into her classroom every day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is the students—helping them find a love of reading and build confidence in math is what makes her work so meaningful. She especially enjoys teaching English, math, and Idaho History.
When she was in school, her favorite subjects were English and history, which clearly carried over into her love for teaching them today!
Mrs. Brunger is married and has a loving family that includes 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 1 son.
Outside of school, she enjoys reading, baking (and especially eating dessert!), and traveling on fun vacations. Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, a classic she continues to love.
One of her favorite quotes is: “Don’t judge a book by its movie!”
Thank you, Mrs. Brunger, for bringing care, encouragement, and a love of learning into 4th grade every day!
In Mrs. Brunger’s class, she builds more than skills—she builds confidence, kindness, and a love of learning! We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mrs. Brunger, Connor Academy’s wonderful 4th Grade teacher.
Mrs. Brunger has been teaching for 14 years, with 3 of those years proudly at Connor. She brings a passion for learning and a caring heart into her classroom every day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is the students—helping them find a love of reading and build confidence in math is what makes her work so meaningful. She especially enjoys teaching English, math, and Idaho History.
When she was in school, her favorite subjects were English and history, which clearly carried over into her love for teaching them today!
Mrs. Brunger is married and has a loving family that includes 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 1 son.
Outside of school, she enjoys reading, baking (and especially eating dessert!), and traveling on fun vacations. Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, a classic she continues to love.
One of her favorite quotes is: “Don’t judge a book by its movie!”
Thank you, Mrs. Brunger, for bringing care, encouragement, and a love of learning into 4th grade every day!
✨ Alpine Teacher Spotlight ✨
Hypothesis confirmed: amazing teaching ahead! We are thrilled to spotlight Dr. Sophie Hill, whose love for science and discovery shines in her 6–8 classroom at Alpine. With 11 years of teaching experience, including 3 at Alpine, she brings curiosity, energy, and a love of learning into everything she does.
Dr. Hill’s favorite part of teaching is watching students grow over the years and sharing in the excitement of discovering new things together. She especially loves teaching 8th grade Earth Science, where curiosity and exploration take center stage. As a student, she enjoyed science and math the most!
Family and adventure play a big role in her life. She and her husband of 19 years met while working as river guides, and together they have four children—three boys (in 9th, 6th, and 4th grade) and a 4-year-old daughter.
When she’s not in the classroom, Dr. Hill is always on the move. She works as a ski instructor in the winter, helps coach swim team year-round, and loves spending time outdoors, camping, running, boating, skiing, and road-tripping to fascinating science destinations (especially those far from cell service!).
She also shares her passion beyond the classroom by coaching Mathletes, Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad at Alpine.
Dr. Hill holds a doctorate in Urban Ecology, along with a post-doctoral focus in Water Cycle Education. She has been inspired by her 9th grade biology teacher, Mr. Ron Call, her graduate advisor Dr. Rebecca Hale, and astronaut Christina Koch.
In her downtime, she enjoys historical nonfiction, especially books by Simon Winchester, along with the movie Cinderella Man and PBS Masterpieces.
Her message says it all:
“Science is AMAZING!”
Thank you, Dr. Hill, for inspiring students to explore, question, and see just how amazing science truly is. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and love of learning make a lasting impact every day!
Hypothesis confirmed: amazing teaching ahead! We are thrilled to spotlight Dr. Sophie Hill, whose love for science and discovery shines in her 6–8 classroom at Alpine. With 11 years of teaching experience, including 3 at Alpine, she brings curiosity, energy, and a love of learning into everything she does.
Dr. Hill’s favorite part of teaching is watching students grow over the years and sharing in the excitement of discovering new things together. She especially loves teaching 8th grade Earth Science, where curiosity and exploration take center stage. As a student, she enjoyed science and math the most!
Family and adventure play a big role in her life. She and her husband of 19 years met while working as river guides, and together they have four children—three boys (in 9th, 6th, and 4th grade) and a 4-year-old daughter.
When she’s not in the classroom, Dr. Hill is always on the move. She works as a ski instructor in the winter, helps coach swim team year-round, and loves spending time outdoors, camping, running, boating, skiing, and road-tripping to fascinating science destinations (especially those far from cell service!).
She also shares her passion beyond the classroom by coaching Mathletes, Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad at Alpine.
Dr. Hill holds a doctorate in Urban Ecology, along with a post-doctoral focus in Water Cycle Education. She has been inspired by her 9th grade biology teacher, Mr. Ron Call, her graduate advisor Dr. Rebecca Hale, and astronaut Christina Koch.
In her downtime, she enjoys historical nonfiction, especially books by Simon Winchester, along with the movie Cinderella Man and PBS Masterpieces.
Her message says it all:
“Science is AMAZING!”
Thank you, Dr. Hill, for inspiring students to explore, question, and see just how amazing science truly is. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and love of learning make a lasting impact every day!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Start your engines for learning! Meet Ms. Samargis, one of our wonderful Kindergarten teachers at Connor! She has been teaching for 12 years, with 11 of those years spent right here at Connor Academy in Kindergarten.
Ms. Samargis loves seeing her students enjoy learning, and one of her greatest joys is teaching kindergarters how to read, which is her favorite subject to teach! Interestingly, when she was a student, math was her favorite subject.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Samargis has a full and fun-loving family. She and her husband have three amazing daughters and one awesome son, along with two adorable dogs and 18 chickens that are just as much a part of the family!
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, camping, reading, and riding her motorcycle. She recently fell in love with the book The Ogress and the Orphans, which quickly became a favorite.
She also draws inspiration from people like Robin Williams and Keanu Reeves, whose kindness and outlook on life have made a lasting impression.
Ms. Samargis brings warmth, energy, and a love of learning to her classroom every day, and her students are lucky to have her as they begin their school journey!
Thank you, Ms. Samargis, for filling your classroom with warmth, joy, and a love of learning. Connor Academy is grateful for the difference you make every day!
Start your engines for learning! Meet Ms. Samargis, one of our wonderful Kindergarten teachers at Connor! She has been teaching for 12 years, with 11 of those years spent right here at Connor Academy in Kindergarten.
Ms. Samargis loves seeing her students enjoy learning, and one of her greatest joys is teaching kindergarters how to read, which is her favorite subject to teach! Interestingly, when she was a student, math was her favorite subject.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Samargis has a full and fun-loving family. She and her husband have three amazing daughters and one awesome son, along with two adorable dogs and 18 chickens that are just as much a part of the family!
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, camping, reading, and riding her motorcycle. She recently fell in love with the book The Ogress and the Orphans, which quickly became a favorite.
She also draws inspiration from people like Robin Williams and Keanu Reeves, whose kindness and outlook on life have made a lasting impression.
Ms. Samargis brings warmth, energy, and a love of learning to her classroom every day, and her students are lucky to have her as they begin their school journey!
Thank you, Ms. Samargis, for filling your classroom with warmth, joy, and a love of learning. Connor Academy is grateful for the difference you make every day!
✨ Alpine Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Healthy habits, strong bodies, and team spirit—let’s shine the spotlight on Miss Jordan, our inspirational 6–8 Physical Education & Health teacher at Alpine Academy!
Miss Jordan has been teaching for 27 years, including 8 years at Alpine. Her favorite part of teaching is encouraging students to be their very best and pushing them to grow stronger each day. She loves teaching Health & Wellness, and Physical Education was also her favorite subject when she was in school.
Outside of school, Miss Jordan has been married to her best friend, Randy, for 26 years. Together they have three children: Aliya, an elementary school teacher who recently married her husband Rhett; Ruby, a hammer thrower for the Utah State Track and Field team; and Remington, who attends Highland and plays varsity football for the Rams.
Family time is very important to Miss Jordan, and they enjoy supporting each other in sports, spending time in the water, hunting in the mountains, sharing meals together, and relaxing on the back porch. Her hobbies include watching her children compete, hunting, fishing, shopping with her daughters, gardening, family movie nights, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite movie is Top Gun.
Miss Jordan is inspired by Jesus and carries that inspiration into both her teaching and her life.
In her classroom, students can expect to be challenged every day. She is committed to helping them become physically and mentally strong and healthy, which she considers the most important part of her role as a teacher.
Alpine Academy is fortunate to have Miss Jordan’s energy, leadership, and commitment to student growth. Thank you for all you do!
Healthy habits, strong bodies, and team spirit—let’s shine the spotlight on Miss Jordan, our inspirational 6–8 Physical Education & Health teacher at Alpine Academy!
Miss Jordan has been teaching for 27 years, including 8 years at Alpine. Her favorite part of teaching is encouraging students to be their very best and pushing them to grow stronger each day. She loves teaching Health & Wellness, and Physical Education was also her favorite subject when she was in school.
Outside of school, Miss Jordan has been married to her best friend, Randy, for 26 years. Together they have three children: Aliya, an elementary school teacher who recently married her husband Rhett; Ruby, a hammer thrower for the Utah State Track and Field team; and Remington, who attends Highland and plays varsity football for the Rams.
Family time is very important to Miss Jordan, and they enjoy supporting each other in sports, spending time in the water, hunting in the mountains, sharing meals together, and relaxing on the back porch. Her hobbies include watching her children compete, hunting, fishing, shopping with her daughters, gardening, family movie nights, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite movie is Top Gun.
Miss Jordan is inspired by Jesus and carries that inspiration into both her teaching and her life.
In her classroom, students can expect to be challenged every day. She is committed to helping them become physically and mentally strong and healthy, which she considers the most important part of her role as a teacher.
Alpine Academy is fortunate to have Miss Jordan’s energy, leadership, and commitment to student growth. Thank you for all you do!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Add a passion for teaching, multiply it by dedication, and you get Mrs. McClure, our 5th Grade Math teacher!
Mrs. McClure has been teaching for 20 years, with 10 of those years spent at Connor Academy. Her favorite subject to teach is, of course, math (silly!), though science was actually her favorite subject when she was in school.
One of Mrs. McClure’s favorite parts of teaching is experiencing those unforgettable “lightbulb moments” when students finally understand a concept. She also treasures the relationships built in the classroom and the friendships formed along the way.
Outside of school, Mrs. McClure lives on a small farm north of town surrounded by her “crazy farm critters.” She and her husband have two daughters and two grandchildren who keep life fun and busy. In her free time, she enjoys building things, working in her garden, caring for her animals, and spending time chasing after her grandkids.
Her favorite movie is Facing the Giants, and her favorite TV show is NCIS.
Mrs. McClure wants her students to know: “I know it seems scary at first, but we can do hard things. I believe in you.”
Thank you, Mrs. McClure, for helping students tackle challenges with confidence and showing them that they are capable of more than they think!
Add a passion for teaching, multiply it by dedication, and you get Mrs. McClure, our 5th Grade Math teacher!
Mrs. McClure has been teaching for 20 years, with 10 of those years spent at Connor Academy. Her favorite subject to teach is, of course, math (silly!), though science was actually her favorite subject when she was in school.
One of Mrs. McClure’s favorite parts of teaching is experiencing those unforgettable “lightbulb moments” when students finally understand a concept. She also treasures the relationships built in the classroom and the friendships formed along the way.
Outside of school, Mrs. McClure lives on a small farm north of town surrounded by her “crazy farm critters.” She and her husband have two daughters and two grandchildren who keep life fun and busy. In her free time, she enjoys building things, working in her garden, caring for her animals, and spending time chasing after her grandkids.
Her favorite movie is Facing the Giants, and her favorite TV show is NCIS.
Mrs. McClure wants her students to know: “I know it seems scary at first, but we can do hard things. I believe in you.”
Thank you, Mrs. McClure, for helping students tackle challenges with confidence and showing them that they are capable of more than they think!
✨ Alpine Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
From the first page to the last, great learning happens here, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Mrs. Giles, Alpine’s wonderful 6th Grade ELA & Library teacher, who brings joy, curiosity, and heart into her classroom every day.
Her favorite part of teaching is connecting with students and seeing their excitement when something finally clicks or sparks their interest. Those moments of enthusiasm are what make teaching so meaningful to her.
Growing up, English and Math were her favorite subjects. Mrs. Giles and her husband, Skyler, are proud parents of five wonderful girls who keep life joyful, lively, and full of adventure. She loves home decorating, thrifting, organizing, and tackling home improvement projects. She also loves reading, board games, snorkeling, and exploring new places.
A lifelong fan of stories, she especially loves the Harry Potter series and mystery novels and shows. Her love of mysteries started early with Agatha Christie and never stopped!
Mrs. Giles draws inspiration from her parents and her four older sisters, who she considers her closest friends and greatest encouragers.
Originally an Arizona/California girl now braving Idaho winters, she shares that while she may still be adjusting to the cold, she deeply loves the people and community here and feels grateful to be part of it.
Thank you, Mrs. Giles, for sharing your love of stories and helping students find their own spark for reading and learning!
From the first page to the last, great learning happens here, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Mrs. Giles, Alpine’s wonderful 6th Grade ELA & Library teacher, who brings joy, curiosity, and heart into her classroom every day.
Her favorite part of teaching is connecting with students and seeing their excitement when something finally clicks or sparks their interest. Those moments of enthusiasm are what make teaching so meaningful to her.
Growing up, English and Math were her favorite subjects. Mrs. Giles and her husband, Skyler, are proud parents of five wonderful girls who keep life joyful, lively, and full of adventure. She loves home decorating, thrifting, organizing, and tackling home improvement projects. She also loves reading, board games, snorkeling, and exploring new places.
A lifelong fan of stories, she especially loves the Harry Potter series and mystery novels and shows. Her love of mysteries started early with Agatha Christie and never stopped!
Mrs. Giles draws inspiration from her parents and her four older sisters, who she considers her closest friends and greatest encouragers.
Originally an Arizona/California girl now braving Idaho winters, she shares that while she may still be adjusting to the cold, she deeply loves the people and community here and feels grateful to be part of it.
Thank you, Mrs. Giles, for sharing your love of stories and helping students find their own spark for reading and learning!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Lets give a standing ovation to Mrs. Larkin, our wonderful K–5 Music teacher, who has been sharing the joy of music with Academy students for 13½ years—2½ years at Roosevelt Center and 11 years at Connor. Her classroom is filled with energy, creativity, and the belief that every child has a unique musical voice waiting to be discovered.
What she loves most about teaching is seeing students light up with enthusiasm as they learn, create, and experience music together. A lifelong lover of the arts, her favorite subjects in school were choir, theater, and writing.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Larkin treasures time with her family. She has been married to her best friend, Scott, for 32 years, and together they have four grown children—all proud Academy graduates. Her family continues to grow with joy, including three grandchildren and a fourth on the way. Being “Granny” is, in her words, the greatest joy of all.
Mrs. Larkin enjoys spending time with loved ones through board games, card games, and strategy games, as well as relaxing together and making memories. She also has a deep love of genealogy and finds great joy in uncovering the stories of her ancestors—some of whom date back to the Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Larkin enjoys classic literature by authors such as Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, and Catherine Cookson, as well as beloved films like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. She also draws inspiration from the life and faith of Joni Eareckson Tada, whose courage and perseverance deeply move her.
Musically, Mrs. Larkin embraces it all—from classical and jazz to country, pop, and rock—and brings that same variety into her classroom. She believes deeply that music is a universal language that strengthens the brain, nurtures the heart, and enriches every part of life.
Her journey has been filled with remarkable experiences, including performing in over forty musicals, operettas, and operas across Cape Cod, New York City, and Idaho, working as a nanny in NYC, and even working in sports like basketball, softball, and volleyball in her younger years.
And perhaps most charming of all—when she was little, she once lined up nearly 100 stuffed animals, named each one, and took attendance as their teacher. It seems she was always meant to teach.
Thank you, Mrs. Larkin, for helping students discover the joy of music and the confidence to share their own unique voices!
✨ The Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
The crowd is roaring as we shine the spotlight on Justin Harmon, our awesome K–5 Physical Education teacher at Connor and Athletic Director at Alpine! With 16 years of teaching experience, 10 of those at Connor, Mr. Harmon brings energy, passion, and dedication to every class he teaches.
His favorite part of teaching? Watching students light up when they finally grasp a concept and knowing he’s making a difference in their lives. It’s no surprise that P.E. is his favorite subject, it was his favorite when he was a student too!
Originally from Illinois, Mr. Harmon is a proud family man. He and his wife, Allison, have three boys who attend the Academy. Fun fact: he’s the tallest in his family going back generations! When he’s not at school, you’ll likely find him lifting weights (especially grip strength training), spending time with his family, or watching vlog-style YouTube, he’s a big fan of Brian Shaw (Shaw Strength).
Mr. Harmon was inspired professionally by his P.E. teacher, Chad Hetlet, and mentor Jose Soto, who helped shape his path into education. Personally, he credits his wife, his dad and grandfathers, and close friends in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area for helping him become the person he is today.
In his classes, Mr. Harmon strives to help students build lifelong habits of being active and consistent, not just in fitness, but in life. He loves seeing students grow through Connor and Alpine, and especially enjoys when they come back to visit as high schoolers or adults.
One of his favorite quotes, displayed outside his office, says it all:
"Teachers who love teaching, teach students to love learning!"
His advice to students:
“Never stop learning or being active, find what you like and always do your best. IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE MUSTANG AND FALCON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Thank you, Mr. Harmon, for inspiring students to stay active, work hard, and always do their best. Connor Academy is grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you bring each day!
The crowd is roaring as we shine the spotlight on Justin Harmon, our awesome K–5 Physical Education teacher at Connor and Athletic Director at Alpine! With 16 years of teaching experience, 10 of those at Connor, Mr. Harmon brings energy, passion, and dedication to every class he teaches.
His favorite part of teaching? Watching students light up when they finally grasp a concept and knowing he’s making a difference in their lives. It’s no surprise that P.E. is his favorite subject, it was his favorite when he was a student too!
Originally from Illinois, Mr. Harmon is a proud family man. He and his wife, Allison, have three boys who attend the Academy. Fun fact: he’s the tallest in his family going back generations! When he’s not at school, you’ll likely find him lifting weights (especially grip strength training), spending time with his family, or watching vlog-style YouTube, he’s a big fan of Brian Shaw (Shaw Strength).
Mr. Harmon was inspired professionally by his P.E. teacher, Chad Hetlet, and mentor Jose Soto, who helped shape his path into education. Personally, he credits his wife, his dad and grandfathers, and close friends in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area for helping him become the person he is today.
In his classes, Mr. Harmon strives to help students build lifelong habits of being active and consistent, not just in fitness, but in life. He loves seeing students grow through Connor and Alpine, and especially enjoys when they come back to visit as high schoolers or adults.
One of his favorite quotes, displayed outside his office, says it all:
"Teachers who love teaching, teach students to love learning!"
His advice to students:
“Never stop learning or being active, find what you like and always do your best. IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE MUSTANG AND FALCON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Thank you, Mr. Harmon, for inspiring students to stay active, work hard, and always do their best. Connor Academy is grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you bring each day!
✨ The Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Helping every voice be heard and every word matter—meet Mrs. Schiess, our incredible K–8 Speech-Language Pathologist serving both Alpine and Connor! Her journey in education has grown right alongside her passion for helping students succeed, with 3 years as an Educational Assistant, 3 years as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, and now 3 years proudly working as an SLP.
One of Mrs. Schiess’s favorite parts of her role is working toward goals with her students and celebrating right alongside them when they achieve success. She believes deeply in progress, persistence, and the power of practice.
Her favorite subject in school was History, inspired by a teacher who brought stories to life in such an exciting way. That same love of storytelling carries into her work today.
Family is a big milestone for Mrs. Schiess, her child just graduated from the Academy, making all three of her children graduates of The Academy!
Outside of school, she enjoys staying connected through her book club, which she started five years ago. The group meets monthly to explore a wide variety of genres and share different perspectives on the stories they read.
She’s also a proud third-generation Detroit Lions fan and is looking forward to football season!
Her message to students is simple and powerful:
“Trying your best matters, mistakes are part of learning, and consistent practice leads to improvement.”
Thank you, Mrs. Schiess, for helping students find their voice, build confidence, and celebrate every step of their progress!
Helping every voice be heard and every word matter—meet Mrs. Schiess, our incredible K–8 Speech-Language Pathologist serving both Alpine and Connor! Her journey in education has grown right alongside her passion for helping students succeed, with 3 years as an Educational Assistant, 3 years as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, and now 3 years proudly working as an SLP.
One of Mrs. Schiess’s favorite parts of her role is working toward goals with her students and celebrating right alongside them when they achieve success. She believes deeply in progress, persistence, and the power of practice.
Her favorite subject in school was History, inspired by a teacher who brought stories to life in such an exciting way. That same love of storytelling carries into her work today.
Family is a big milestone for Mrs. Schiess, her child just graduated from the Academy, making all three of her children graduates of The Academy!
Outside of school, she enjoys staying connected through her book club, which she started five years ago. The group meets monthly to explore a wide variety of genres and share different perspectives on the stories they read.
She’s also a proud third-generation Detroit Lions fan and is looking forward to football season!
Her message to students is simple and powerful:
“Trying your best matters, mistakes are part of learning, and consistent practice leads to improvement.”
Thank you, Mrs. Schiess, for helping students find their voice, build confidence, and celebrate every step of their progress!
✨ The Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Ctrl + Alt + Celebrate—We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mr. Sorensen!
Mr. Sorensen brings technology to life in our Computers & Technology classes! His favorite part of teaching is working with students and helping them learn how to navigate the ever-changing world of technology. He especially enjoys teaching Technology and Cyber Civics, sharing his passion for digital literacy and innovation.
When he was a student, his favorite subjects were Music, Science, and Industrial Arts—interests that still influence his hobbies today. Outside the classroom, Mr. Sorensen enjoys technology, drumming, motorcycling, and beekeeping. He also loves science fiction, fantasy, and thriller stories.
His life experiences have strengthened his dedication to helping students learn, grow, and succeed. After losing his wife to cancer when their son was just one year old, he raised him to adulthood. Today, his son is carrying on the family tradition of education as a teacher at Shoban Middle School.
Inspired by great minds such as Alan Turing, Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton, Mr. Sorensen hopes to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in his students. His message to students is simple:
"I care deeply about all my kids and want to share my passion for technology and science. My goal is to help raise the next generation of nerds and geeks."
Thank you, Mr. Sorensen, for sharing your passion for technology and inspiring curiosity for The Academy students every day!
Ctrl + Alt + Celebrate—We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mr. Sorensen!
Mr. Sorensen brings technology to life in our Computers & Technology classes! His favorite part of teaching is working with students and helping them learn how to navigate the ever-changing world of technology. He especially enjoys teaching Technology and Cyber Civics, sharing his passion for digital literacy and innovation.
When he was a student, his favorite subjects were Music, Science, and Industrial Arts—interests that still influence his hobbies today. Outside the classroom, Mr. Sorensen enjoys technology, drumming, motorcycling, and beekeeping. He also loves science fiction, fantasy, and thriller stories.
His life experiences have strengthened his dedication to helping students learn, grow, and succeed. After losing his wife to cancer when their son was just one year old, he raised him to adulthood. Today, his son is carrying on the family tradition of education as a teacher at Shoban Middle School.
Inspired by great minds such as Alan Turing, Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton, Mr. Sorensen hopes to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in his students. His message to students is simple:
"I care deeply about all my kids and want to share my passion for technology and science. My goal is to help raise the next generation of nerds and geeks."
Thank you, Mr. Sorensen, for sharing your passion for technology and inspiring curiosity for The Academy students every day!
✨ The Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Brushstrokes, color, and creativity come to life in Mrs. Nielson’s classroom! We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mrs. Nielson, who teaches Art K–8 at The Academy.
Mrs. Nielson says The Academy is “the best place to teach!” She spent 7 years teaching part-time and is now in her 3rd year full-time, bringing her passion for art and learning to students every day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is simple—the students! Art is her favorite subject to teach, and she loves sharing her passion for creativity with young artists.
When she was a student, she enjoyed music, literature, and art—no surprise given the creativity she brings into her own classroom today. Mrs. Nielson and her husband Curt have been married for 32 years and have a big, loving family of 4 daughters, a son, sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three cherished grandchildren who bring her so much joy.
Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, reading, and chatting with friends. Her favorite classic book is Jane Eyre, and she is currently enjoying The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion series. She admires many inspiring figures, especially artist Claude Monet, and dreams of visiting his famous gardens in Paris someday.
In her classroom, Mrs. Nielson encourages every student to explore a variety of art forms, believing that every child is an artist and can find a style they love.
She also shares deep gratitude for the Academy staff and the incredible support of the PTO, which helps make the school such a special place.
Thank you, Mrs. Nielson, for filling The Academy with creativity, inspiration, and heart every day!
Brushstrokes, color, and creativity come to life in Mrs. Nielson’s classroom! We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Mrs. Nielson, who teaches Art K–8 at The Academy.
Mrs. Nielson says The Academy is “the best place to teach!” She spent 7 years teaching part-time and is now in her 3rd year full-time, bringing her passion for art and learning to students every day.
Her favorite thing about being a teacher is simple—the students! Art is her favorite subject to teach, and she loves sharing her passion for creativity with young artists.
When she was a student, she enjoyed music, literature, and art—no surprise given the creativity she brings into her own classroom today. Mrs. Nielson and her husband Curt have been married for 32 years and have a big, loving family of 4 daughters, a son, sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three cherished grandchildren who bring her so much joy.
Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, reading, and chatting with friends. Her favorite classic book is Jane Eyre, and she is currently enjoying The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion series. She admires many inspiring figures, especially artist Claude Monet, and dreams of visiting his famous gardens in Paris someday.
In her classroom, Mrs. Nielson encourages every student to explore a variety of art forms, believing that every child is an artist and can find a style they love.
She also shares deep gratitude for the Academy staff and the incredible support of the PTO, which helps make the school such a special place.
Thank you, Mrs. Nielson, for filling The Academy with creativity, inspiration, and heart every day!
