Grade 4 Teacher
Teacher Ms. Menk loves finding ways to push and challenge all her fourth grade mathematicians, especially those who are ready to go above and beyond. She was born and raised right here in Denver.
Impacting Students
One of the most impactful lessons that the fourth graders experience is learning to work with their Unified Neighborhood buddies throughout the year. The lessons on the design thinking process that helped guide them in redesigning the games for our year-end celebration was really impactful. Through these lessons, students gained tremendous empathy for their buddies. They were forced to put themselves in their buddy’s shoes and understand the daily struggles that the buddies face. I loved seeing the fourth graders become empathic and appreciate the joy that comes from doing something kind for someone else.
Lifelong Learner
In November, I attended Jo Boaler’s Mathematical Mindsets Conference at Stanford University and it had an immediate impact on my teaching practices. One of the major takeaways was that math at all levels should be presented visually. I have started implementing visual patterns and images into my classroom every week. Students are exploring, discussing, and calculating numbers based on a visual picture. It has opened up rich conversations and learning opportunities for all of my students.
Favorite Use of Math in the Real World
Estimating prices when shopping.
Life Goal
Ski the Alps
Fun Fact
When I was 11 years old, I found $92 in a swimming pool.
Other than Graland, I Support...
Habitat for Humanity
Joined Graland In...
2014
Also Known As...
Lower School Math PLC Leader
Hometown
Denver, Colorado
Education
Master's degree from University of Phoenix
Bachelor's degree from University of Richmond
Impacting Students
One of the most impactful lessons that the fourth graders experience is learning to work with their Unified Neighborhood buddies throughout the year. The lessons on the design thinking process that helped guide them in redesigning the games for our year-end celebration was really impactful. Through these lessons, students gained tremendous empathy for their buddies. They were forced to put themselves in their buddy’s shoes and understand the daily struggles that the buddies face. I loved seeing the fourth graders become empathic and appreciate the joy that comes from doing something kind for someone else.
Lifelong Learner
In November, I attended Jo Boaler’s Mathematical Mindsets Conference at Stanford University and it had an immediate impact on my teaching practices. One of the major takeaways was that math at all levels should be presented visually. I have started implementing visual patterns and images into my classroom every week. Students are exploring, discussing, and calculating numbers based on a visual picture. It has opened up rich conversations and learning opportunities for all of my students.
Favorite Use of Math in the Real World
Estimating prices when shopping.
Life Goal
Ski the Alps
Fun Fact
When I was 11 years old, I found $92 in a swimming pool.
Other than Graland, I Support...
Habitat for Humanity
Joined Graland In...
2014
Also Known As...
Lower School Math PLC Leader
Hometown
Denver, Colorado
Education
Master's degree from University of Phoenix
Bachelor's degree from University of Richmond
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
