✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
This teacher adds up to something special! Please help us welcome April Clayson, Connor Academy's new 2nd Grade Teacher!
With 26 years of teaching experience, April brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping students learn and grow. She spent 6 years teaching 3rd and 4th grade before dedicating the last 20 years to teaching Pre-K.
April's favorite part of teaching is watching students learn and grow throughout the school year. A lifelong lover of history and English, she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for learning with her students.
When she's not in the classroom, April enjoys reading, baking, going on walks, serving in her church, and spending time with her amazing husband, their five children, and two beloved dogs. Some of her favorite books include Hatchet, The Giver, and Wuthering Heights.
One historical figure who inspires her is George Washington. After visiting Mount Vernon, she gained an even greater appreciation for his leadership, service, and dedication to others.
"I am so excited to teach at Connor Academy this fall. I love this school and the community it has created."
We're excited to have Mrs. Clayson join the Connor family and can't wait to see the positive impact she'll make in our 2nd-grade classrooms!
This teacher adds up to something special! Please help us welcome April Clayson, Connor Academy's new 2nd Grade Teacher!
With 26 years of teaching experience, April brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping students learn and grow. She spent 6 years teaching 3rd and 4th grade before dedicating the last 20 years to teaching Pre-K.
April's favorite part of teaching is watching students learn and grow throughout the school year. A lifelong lover of history and English, she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for learning with her students.
When she's not in the classroom, April enjoys reading, baking, going on walks, serving in her church, and spending time with her amazing husband, their five children, and two beloved dogs. Some of her favorite books include Hatchet, The Giver, and Wuthering Heights.
One historical figure who inspires her is George Washington. After visiting Mount Vernon, she gained an even greater appreciation for his leadership, service, and dedication to others.
"I am so excited to teach at Connor Academy this fall. I love this school and the community it has created."
We're excited to have Mrs. Clayson join the Connor family and can't wait to see the positive impact she'll make in our 2nd-grade classrooms!
✨ The Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Always in the game and leading the team, we are excited to feature Coach Funke, who brings her passion for teaching and coaching to The Academy every day!
Ms. Funke teaches K–5 Special Education at Connor and also serves as the Volleyball and Girls Basketball Coach at Alpine. She has been teaching for 3 years and coaching for over 20 years, bringing passion, energy, and heart to everything she does.
Her favorite thing about teaching is creating a safe environment where students can decide who they want to be. She loves helping students build self-confidence, perseverance, and accountability, and she especially enjoys teaching math and history.
Growing up, her favorite subject in school was history because her teachers made her feel safe and brought the stories in her history books to life, an experience she now strives to provide for her own students.
Ms. Funke and her husband have three children, one who graduated from Connor and two currently attending Alpine. As former college athletes, they love sports and enjoy cheering on their kids in all their activities. Their family also includes two dogs: Trucey, who loves chasing frisbees all day long, and Mama, a self-proclaimed “lazy bones” who prefers cuddles and snacks.
Outside of school, Ms. Funke enjoys playing volleyball and singing. Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride, and her favorite book is You Win in the Locker Room First. She finds inspiration in her former teachers and her Grandpa Bob, also known as G-Bob.
Her family shares a love for fun vehicles—from woody wagons and Corvettes to VW Beetles, GTOs, and motorcycles. In fact, they love vehicles so much that they turned a big one into their home, they currently live in a converted school bus, also known as a “skoolie.”
Message to Students: "I believe in you! Even when you may not believe in yourself, I will. I see what you CAN do, what you ARE great at, and YOU ARE ENOUGH!"
Thank you, Ms. Funke, your passion for students and dedication to helping them grow academically, emotionally, and personally makes a lasting impact every day!
Always in the game and leading the team, we are excited to feature Coach Funke, who brings her passion for teaching and coaching to The Academy every day!
Ms. Funke teaches K–5 Special Education at Connor and also serves as the Volleyball and Girls Basketball Coach at Alpine. She has been teaching for 3 years and coaching for over 20 years, bringing passion, energy, and heart to everything she does.
Her favorite thing about teaching is creating a safe environment where students can decide who they want to be. She loves helping students build self-confidence, perseverance, and accountability, and she especially enjoys teaching math and history.
Growing up, her favorite subject in school was history because her teachers made her feel safe and brought the stories in her history books to life, an experience she now strives to provide for her own students.
Ms. Funke and her husband have three children, one who graduated from Connor and two currently attending Alpine. As former college athletes, they love sports and enjoy cheering on their kids in all their activities. Their family also includes two dogs: Trucey, who loves chasing frisbees all day long, and Mama, a self-proclaimed “lazy bones” who prefers cuddles and snacks.
Outside of school, Ms. Funke enjoys playing volleyball and singing. Her favorite movie is The Princess Bride, and her favorite book is You Win in the Locker Room First. She finds inspiration in her former teachers and her Grandpa Bob, also known as G-Bob.
Her family shares a love for fun vehicles—from woody wagons and Corvettes to VW Beetles, GTOs, and motorcycles. In fact, they love vehicles so much that they turned a big one into their home, they currently live in a converted school bus, also known as a “skoolie.”
Message to Students: "I believe in you! Even when you may not believe in yourself, I will. I see what you CAN do, what you ARE great at, and YOU ARE ENOUGH!"
Thank you, Ms. Funke, your passion for students and dedication to helping them grow academically, emotionally, and personally makes a lasting impact every day!
✨ Connor Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Bright minds need bright teachers, and Mrs. Preston is a shining example! We're excited to spotlight this incredible 3rd grade teacher, who brings 21 years of teaching experience to the classroom.
Her favorite part of teaching is building relationships with students, introducing them to new concepts, and watching those “light bulb” moments when everything clicks.
While she enjoys teaching every subject, Mrs. Preston has a special passion for math. She finds joy in helping students see themselves as capable problem solvers and encourages them to believe in their abilities every step of the way.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Preston embraces life’s adventures. Whether she’s sailing, hunting, creating art, or simply spending time with her family, she brings that same sense of curiosity and joy into everything she does.
Thank you, Mrs. Preston, for helping students grow, learn, and believe in themselves!
Bright minds need bright teachers, and Mrs. Preston is a shining example! We're excited to spotlight this incredible 3rd grade teacher, who brings 21 years of teaching experience to the classroom.
Her favorite part of teaching is building relationships with students, introducing them to new concepts, and watching those “light bulb” moments when everything clicks.
While she enjoys teaching every subject, Mrs. Preston has a special passion for math. She finds joy in helping students see themselves as capable problem solvers and encourages them to believe in their abilities every step of the way.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Preston embraces life’s adventures. Whether she’s sailing, hunting, creating art, or simply spending time with her family, she brings that same sense of curiosity and joy into everything she does.
Thank you, Mrs. Preston, for helping students grow, learn, and believe in themselves!
✨ Alpine Academy Teacher Spotlight ✨
Success starts with hard work, and Mrs. Jenkins leads by example! Alpine Academy is excited to spotlight her, our 6–8 Social Studies, Careers, and IDLA teacher, as she begins her 4th year of teaching in 2026–2027, continuing to inspire students to push beyond what they thought possible.
Her favorite part of teaching is helping students realize they are capable of more than they imagined. She especially enjoys teaching Business Development, while her favorite subject as a student was U.S. History.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Jenkins is a busy mom of seven. Much of her time is spent outdoors, riding motorcycles, working with horses, and farming. She has a deep love for riding horses and enjoys books, movies, and shows centered around history.
She notes that Jeffrey R. Holland has been an influential figure in her life, inspiring her with his messages of faith, growth, and perseverance.
Her message to students says it best:
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable—this is where greatness happens.”
Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins, for challenging students to step outside their comfort zones and discover what they are truly capable of. Your encouragement, strength, and dedication make a lasting impact every day!
Success starts with hard work, and Mrs. Jenkins leads by example! Alpine Academy is excited to spotlight her, our 6–8 Social Studies, Careers, and IDLA teacher, as she begins her 4th year of teaching in 2026–2027, continuing to inspire students to push beyond what they thought possible.
Her favorite part of teaching is helping students realize they are capable of more than they imagined. She especially enjoys teaching Business Development, while her favorite subject as a student was U.S. History.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Jenkins is a busy mom of seven. Much of her time is spent outdoors, riding motorcycles, working with horses, and farming. She has a deep love for riding horses and enjoys books, movies, and shows centered around history.
She notes that Jeffrey R. Holland has been an influential figure in her life, inspiring her with his messages of faith, growth, and perseverance.
Her message to students says it best:
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable—this is where greatness happens.”
Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins, for challenging students to step outside their comfort zones and discover what they are truly capable of. Your encouragement, strength, and dedication make a lasting impact every day!
✨ The Academy 2026 Teacher Spotlight ✨
¡Hoy nos llena de alegría destacar a la increíble Señorita Baker! Ms. Baker, is The Academy's amazing is 5th–8th grade Español teacher at The Academy!
Ms. Baker has been part of The Academy family for 14 years, including 5 years as a classroom teacher. Her teaching journey has also taken her to classrooms in Mexico, Wyoming, and Louisiana, giving her a rich and diverse experience that she brings into every lesson.
Her favorite part of being a teacher is her students—watching them grow, sharing their laughter and jokes, keeping up with their trends, and celebrating each unique personality. She especially loves teaching Spanish, her favorite subject, while she enjoyed History most as a student.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Baker enjoys crafting, cross-stitch, diamond art, and sewing. She also loves spending time with her children, dancing, and singing at home. At home, she shares life with her husband, her two college-aged children (both bilingual), and her two beloved dogs, Chanel and Gucci.
Some of her favorite stories include Echo, The Memory of a Geisha, and The Zookeeper’s Wife. She also enjoys films like The Notebook and TV shows such as Downton Abbey and Money Heist. If she could sit down for tea with anyone, she would love to meet Queen Elizabeth II. She would also love to meet Leonardo Da Vinci and ask him about the secrets of his art.
Ms. Baker wants her students to know the following:
What to expect:
We will speak Spanish every day (don’t worry—you’ll learn step by step!).
You will make mistakes—and that’s part of learning.
We will do activities, games, conversations, and cultural projects (not just worksheets).
What I expect from you:
Try your best, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Participate and stay engaged.
Be respectful to your classmates and our classroom environment.
Important to know:
All work is done during class time (use your time wisely!).
7th and 8th grade will have homework every three weeks.
If you’re absent or fall behind, talk to me—we will make a plan.
Effort matters more than being perfect.
Why this class matters:
Learning Spanish gives you real-life skills—you can travel, connect with more people, and open doors for your future.
Why learning another language is important
1. It boosts your brain power
Learning a new language helps your memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. It’s like a workout for your brain, and it can even help you do better in other classes.
2. You can connect with more people
Speaking another language lets you talk to people from different countries and cultures. Whether it’s making new friends, traveling, or understanding music and movies, your world gets bigger.
3. It opens doors for your future
Knowing more than one language looks great on college applications and resumes. Many jobs today prefer people who can communicate with different communities.
4. You understand other cultures better
Language isn’t just words—it’s traditions, food, humor, and ways of thinking. Learning a language helps you see the world from different perspectives.
5. It builds confidence
At first, it can feel awkward, but every time you try speaking, you get braver. That confidence can carry into other parts of your life too.
6. It’s actually fun
You can understand songs, shows, memes, and social media in another language. It makes learning feel less like school and more like discovering something new.
Thank you, Ms. Baker, for making Spanish engaging, meaningful, and fun while opening doors to new opportunities for your students.
✨ Connor Academy 2026 Teacher Spotlight ✨
Connor Academy is proud to spotlight one of its founding educators, Mrs. Mary Ramos, our amazing 3rd grade teacher! With an incredible 35 years in education, including 20 years at Connor. She has made a lasting impact on generations of students.
One of her greatest joys in teaching is watching children grow and develop throughout the year. She especially loves when former students come back to visit or when she runs into them out in the community.
Her passion in the classroom is clear: “Math, math, math!” is her favorite subject to teach. As a student, she enjoyed chemistry the most.
Outside of school, Mrs. Ramos’s favorite role is being a Nana. She also enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time out on the water. In the evenings, you might find her watching Criminal Minds and trying to solve the mystery before the show reveals it.
Mrs. Ramos believes that third grade is the best place to be, and her enthusiasm makes it easy to see why.
Thank you, Mrs. Ramos, for your decades of dedication, love of learning, and lasting impact on generations of students. Connor Academy is truly grateful for the foundation you’ve helped build and the joy you bring every day!
Connor Academy is proud to spotlight one of its founding educators, Mrs. Mary Ramos, our amazing 3rd grade teacher! With an incredible 35 years in education, including 20 years at Connor. She has made a lasting impact on generations of students.
One of her greatest joys in teaching is watching children grow and develop throughout the year. She especially loves when former students come back to visit or when she runs into them out in the community.
Her passion in the classroom is clear: “Math, math, math!” is her favorite subject to teach. As a student, she enjoyed chemistry the most.
Outside of school, Mrs. Ramos’s favorite role is being a Nana. She also enjoys gardening, reading, and spending time out on the water. In the evenings, you might find her watching Criminal Minds and trying to solve the mystery before the show reveals it.
Mrs. Ramos believes that third grade is the best place to be, and her enthusiasm makes it easy to see why.
Thank you, Mrs. Ramos, for your decades of dedication, love of learning, and lasting impact on generations of students. Connor Academy is truly grateful for the foundation you’ve helped build and the joy you bring every day!
Have you heard the news?
As part of America's 250th Anniversary Celebration, The Academy will have student artwork on display at Chubbuck City Hall!
Join us on July 1, 2026 from 6:00–8:00 PM for a community celebration and see the incredible artwork our students have created. We hope you'll stop by and celebrate this historic occasion with us!
As part of America's 250th Anniversary Celebration, The Academy will have student artwork on display at Chubbuck City Hall!
Join us on July 1, 2026 from 6:00–8:00 PM for a community celebration and see the incredible artwork our students have created. We hope you'll stop by and celebrate this historic occasion with us!
We couldn't end the school year without mentioning Alpine's Talent Show!
The stage was absolutely talent-ed with amazing performances and creative displays. From musical instruments and singing that hit all the right notes, to incredible artwork that drew plenty of attention, to hilarious skits that had the audience in stitches, our students truly shined.
We also took a moment to give a well-deserved shout-out to Alpine's undefeated volleyball team! Their hard work, teamwork, and winning spirit earned them a round of applause from the crowd.
And of course, the band performance rocked the house and ended the show on a high note!
It was a talent show for the books and a wonderful reminder of the creativity, confidence, and hard work our students bring to Alpine every day. Bravo to all of our performers—you really stole the show!
The stage was absolutely talent-ed with amazing performances and creative displays. From musical instruments and singing that hit all the right notes, to incredible artwork that drew plenty of attention, to hilarious skits that had the audience in stitches, our students truly shined.
We also took a moment to give a well-deserved shout-out to Alpine's undefeated volleyball team! Their hard work, teamwork, and winning spirit earned them a round of applause from the crowd.
And of course, the band performance rocked the house and ended the show on a high note!
It was a talent show for the books and a wonderful reminder of the creativity, confidence, and hard work our students bring to Alpine every day. Bravo to all of our performers—you really stole the show!
It's hard to believe that Alpine's 8th Grade Graduation for 2026, was already a week ago! Time has flown by, and we're still reflecting on what a special day it was.
A huge thank you to our faculty, staff, families, and friends who worked so hard to make the celebration such a success. Your support, encouragement, and dedication helped create lasting memories for our graduates.
To our 8th graders: We are so proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you. We will miss you, but we know you're destined for great things. Wishing you all the best in the years ahead!
A huge thank you to our faculty, staff, families, and friends who worked so hard to make the celebration such a success. Your support, encouragement, and dedication helped create lasting memories for our graduates.
To our 8th graders: We are so proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you. We will miss you, but we know you're destined for great things. Wishing you all the best in the years ahead!
Aren't these kindergartners some of the cutest—and smartest—kids you've ever seen?
Last week, we celebrated Connor Academy's 2025–2026 Kindergarten Graduation! It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize all the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our kindergarten students throughout the year.
A special shout-out to our kindergarten teachers, their paraprofessionals, families, and friends who helped put the graduation together and supported our kindergartners every step of the way. Your encouragement, dedication, and care have made a lasting impact on these students.
We are so proud of our graduates and can't wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish in the years ahead. Congratulations, Kindergarten Class of 2026!
Last week, we celebrated Connor Academy's 2025–2026 Kindergarten Graduation! It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize all the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our kindergarten students throughout the year.
A special shout-out to our kindergarten teachers, their paraprofessionals, families, and friends who helped put the graduation together and supported our kindergartners every step of the way. Your encouragement, dedication, and care have made a lasting impact on these students.
We are so proud of our graduates and can't wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish in the years ahead. Congratulations, Kindergarten Class of 2026!
Alpine had a blast at Ross Park! While the weather may have been a little chilly, the warm lazy river kept everyone floating along comfortably and having a great time.
Students also launched bottle rockets and had a soaring good time putting their STEM skills to the test. You could say their excitement really took off! From making a splash in the water to reaching new heights with their rockets, it was a day filled with adventure, laughter, and memories that are sure to stick the landing.
What a great way to make the most of the final days of the school year!
Students also launched bottle rockets and had a soaring good time putting their STEM skills to the test. You could say their excitement really took off! From making a splash in the water to reaching new heights with their rockets, it was a day filled with adventure, laughter, and memories that are sure to stick the landing.
What a great way to make the most of the final days of the school year!
Fifth grade packed a lot of adventure into the last few weeks of school with not one, but two amazing field trips!
Earlier this year, Mrs. Watt's and Mrs. Nielsen's classes were unable to go cross-country skiing, but they didn't let that stop the fun. They made up for it with a trip to Ross Park, where students challenged themselves on the rock-climbing, tested their skills at frisbee golf, and found their balance on the slack line.
Then, all of fifth grade headed to Lava Hot Springs for a day of fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories with friends. From climbing new heights to making a splash, our fifth graders had an incredible time celebrating the end of a fantastic school year.
What a great way to wrap up fifth grade!
Earlier this year, Mrs. Watt's and Mrs. Nielsen's classes were unable to go cross-country skiing, but they didn't let that stop the fun. They made up for it with a trip to Ross Park, where students challenged themselves on the rock-climbing, tested their skills at frisbee golf, and found their balance on the slack line.
Then, all of fifth grade headed to Lava Hot Springs for a day of fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories with friends. From climbing new heights to making a splash, our fifth graders had an incredible time celebrating the end of a fantastic school year.
What a great way to wrap up fifth grade!
You've got to love this beautiful weather!
For the last week of school, Alpine students took full advantage of the sunshine and spent their lunch break enjoying a friendly game of volleyball. It was great to see students staying active, working together, and making memories with their friends as we wrapped up another fantastic school year.
For the last week of school, Alpine students took full advantage of the sunshine and spent their lunch break enjoying a friendly game of volleyball. It was great to see students staying active, working together, and making memories with their friends as we wrapped up another fantastic school year.
Connor Academy had a blast at Field Day! From exciting games and activities to meeting our local police officers and firefighters, it was a day full of fun, laughter, and community spirit.
A huge thank you to all of the volunteers, PTO members, police officers, firefighters, parents, and staff who helped make Field Day such a special experience for our students. Your time, energy, and support made the day unforgettable!
We would also like to give a special thank you to Merlin's TV for their generous donation that helped make our Popsicle Station extra sweet, and to Randy's Gym for bringing gymnastics and obstacle course equipment that made Field Day even more awesome. We are so grateful for our amazing community partners and everyone who helped make this event a success!
Thank you for supporting our students and helping create lasting memories!
A huge thank you to all of the volunteers, PTO members, police officers, firefighters, parents, and staff who helped make Field Day such a special experience for our students. Your time, energy, and support made the day unforgettable!
We would also like to give a special thank you to Merlin's TV for their generous donation that helped make our Popsicle Station extra sweet, and to Randy's Gym for bringing gymnastics and obstacle course equipment that made Field Day even more awesome. We are so grateful for our amazing community partners and everyone who helped make this event a success!
Thank you for supporting our students and helping create lasting memories!
A fun tradition here at The Academy is when Mrs. Steinlicht brings in her beautiful Blue-and-Gold Macaws, Hercy and Morgan, for our students to meet!
Blue-and-Gold Macaws are known for their striking blue wings, bright golden feathers, and impressive intelligence. These amazing birds can live for 50 years or more, learn words and sounds, and even solve simple puzzles. In the wild, they are native to the forests and wetlands of South America and are known for forming strong bonds with their families and companions.
Our students always love the opportunity to learn about these incredible birds up close. Thank you, Mrs. Steinlicht, for sharing Hercy and Morgan with us and helping make learning such a memorable experience!
Blue-and-Gold Macaws are known for their striking blue wings, bright golden feathers, and impressive intelligence. These amazing birds can live for 50 years or more, learn words and sounds, and even solve simple puzzles. In the wild, they are native to the forests and wetlands of South America and are known for forming strong bonds with their families and companions.
Our students always love the opportunity to learn about these incredible birds up close. Thank you, Mrs. Steinlicht, for sharing Hercy and Morgan with us and helping make learning such a memorable experience!
As the school year came to a close, Connor Academy's 5th graders received a special sneak peek into their future! Students had the opportunity to visit Alpine Academy, meet their upcoming 6th grade teachers, and take a tour of the school.
This exciting visit helped students get familiar with their new surroundings, ask questions, and start building connections before the next school year begins. We are so proud of our 5th graders and can't wait to see all they accomplish as they take this next step in their educational journey.
Alpine Academy is look forward to welcoming you next year!
This exciting visit helped students get familiar with their new surroundings, ask questions, and start building connections before the next school year begins. We are so proud of our 5th graders and can't wait to see all they accomplish as they take this next step in their educational journey.
Alpine Academy is look forward to welcoming you next year!
As part of the 6th grade ELA unit on Summer of the Mariposas, students had the opportunity to watch caterpillars grow, form chrysalises, and emerge as butterflies while reading the novel. The experience helped bring the story’s symbolism to life as students explored how the characters, like the butterflies, transform and grow throughout their journey. The unit concluded with a butterfly release during 6th grade lunch—a memorable celebration of learning and transformation.
We can't believe last Friday was the end of the 2025-2026 school year! The kids were definitely ready for summer... and let's be honest we think everybody was too!
We want to give a HUGE shoutout to Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Wallentine, Mrs. Moretti, and Mrs. Jen. Friday was their last day at the Academy as they move on to the next phase of life. They will all surely be missed, and we are so grateful for the love, care, and dedication they have given to our students and school community over the years!
We want to give a HUGE shoutout to Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Wallentine, Mrs. Moretti, and Mrs. Jen. Friday was their last day at the Academy as they move on to the next phase of life. They will all surely be missed, and we are so grateful for the love, care, and dedication they have given to our students and school community over the years!
Alpine had a fiesta last week! A huge thank you to one of our hometown favorites, Las Penitas Restaurant, for catering delicious tacos for our students. We loved every bite and appreciate your support of our Alpine family!
Connor's 2025-2026 Kindergartners had a blast on their field trip to the Tauthaphaus Zoo and Park in Idaho Falls. So many smiles, excited little voices, and unforgettable memories made with these sweet kids. Field trips like these are the best part of the school year!
