With our school year fast approaching winter break, we wanted to share some fun facts about our amazing staff here at Rickard. Each month we will be highlighting a different team that makes a huge impact on our students. This month we are featuring our wonderful Kindergarten team, including Kristin Jones, Maria Carrier, Kayla Sorenson, and Rianna Brunelle.

Mrs. Kristin Jones- Kindergarten Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: 3 years at Rickard and 11 in the district.

Tell us about your family: I am married to my wonderful husband Justin. We love going on long road trips, going to the movies, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks.

What’s your favorite color?: Teal

What’s your favorite dress-up day?: Favorite Team Day

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: White chocolate Frappuccino with salted caramel.

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: Getting to see the kids everyday and watching the light bulb go off when they learn new things.

Mrs. Maria Carrier-Kindergarten Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my 3rd year at Rickard.

Tell us about your family: I was born and raised in Texas, where I received a B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M. I also have an Elementary Education Degree from Tarleton State University. This is my 11th year teaching. I taught Kindergarten and Pre-K for two years in Texas, and this is my 9th year teaching in North Dakota. My Mom is a retired teacher of 35 years, and is currently working as a Strategist at McVay Elementary. My Dad is a retired military officer who still lives in Texas. I grew up in a military community that stressed the importance of hard work, discipline, and integrity. My husband is a North Dakota native from Walhalla who works in the oil field as an owner/operator of Riverside Welding. I have a daughter named Jaxon, who is currently in 4th grade at Rickard Elementary. We are currently in the process of expanding our family so stay tuned!

What’s your favorite color?: Turquoise

What’s your favorite dress-up day?: 100th Day of School! Mrs. Gurtie comes to town!

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Southern Breeze Lotus or Sweet Tea!

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I have worked in a lot of different places, and Rickard tops them all! The leadership at Rickard has been the core of what drives our talented teachers and students to thrive. The environment at Rickard is loving, supportive, innovative, creative, and above all else, evolving!

Mrs. Kayla Sorenson-Kindergarten Para

How long have you been at Rickard?: 3 years

Tell us about your family: I’m married to my husband, Nevin, and we have 2 kids Grady (9) and Ryleigh (5)

What’s your favorite color?: Orange

What’s your favorite dress-up day?: Favorite team day

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: London Fog

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I love that our staff is like family. We are always there to help each other out. And our students are amazing!

Mrs. Rianna Brunelle-Kindergarten Para

How long have you been at Rickard?: I was in 1st grade for 2 years and this is my 1st year in Kindergarten.

Tell us about your family: I have been with my husband, Adam, for over 20 years. We have two super amazing kiddos. AJ is in the 4th grade and Rylin is in the 3rd grade. I hate to admit, but we have been known to waste too much time playing video games. We have 2 Jack Russells (Spud and Fri) and a Lab (Annie).

What’s your favorite color?: Blue

What’s your favorite dress-up day?: All of them. No matter what it is, you have to go all in!

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Diet Coke, any flavor Lotus and any flavor green tea.

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: It truly has to be those bunnies in the playground. I enjoy watching them hide from the kids. Another good part is the workroom, but only the 3 west chairs. I was kinda kidding about the first two things. I love working with the littles and making them laugh. Rickard also has some pretty amazing adults helping out.

Rickard Elementary School

Kindergarten Crew!

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