For many students, kindergarten is their first experience in a classroom, and at Red Hawk Elementary, Susan Denton, Jen Garcia, and Deirdre Nagle, ensure it’s one they’ll never forget. With a blend of expertise, collaboration, and dedication, this team turns the first year of school into a foundation for lifelong success.
Denton, Garcia, and Nagle bring years of experience and a shared commitment to their students’ growth. Collaboration is at the heart of their teaching. The team meets weekly to plan lessons, discuss strategies, and support each other’s efforts. “Between the three of us, we have so much knowledge to share,” said Denton. “With our combined experience it allows us to address challenges effectively and ensure we meet the needs of every student.”
One of their strengths is creating engaging, play-based learning experiences. “We value play because students can learn so much through it,” said Garcia. A favorite tradition is the “Day of Play,” held in the afternoon of late-start days. Each kindergarten classroom transforms into a different themed environment, offering activities like dramatic play, sensory exploration, building projects, and group games. These experiences help spark creativity and foster social-emotional development. “It’s a great way for us to work on social-emotional aspects of school and learning,” said Nagle. “We’ve found it strengthens our relationships with students and gives them opportunities to form different friendships.”
The team also takes a thoughtful approach to balancing academics with social-emotional learning. They guide students in mastering foundational skills in reading, writing, and math while helping them navigate friendships, emotions, and problem-solving. “We take academics seriously and work tirelessly to make sure our students are progressing,” said Garcia. “But we also recognize they are just five and six year-olds, so it’s important to allow them to be little while teaching them how to take care of themselves and others.”
Their dedication extends beyond the classroom. The team collaborates closely with support staff during professional learning community sessions, reviewing data and planning interventions that are tailored to individual student needs. “We work together not just for our own classrooms but for all of our students,” said Nagle. “That shared responsibility makes us stronger as a team.”
Trust and mutual support is the foundation of their partnership. Whether brainstorming lessons, sharing resources, or stepping in to assist one another, Denton, Garcia, and Nagle, rely on their shared expertise to create a positive and effective learning environment. “We trust each other to make the best decisions for our students,” said Denton. “That trust allows us to work effectively and focus on what matters most — our students.”
Through their collaboration, innovative teaching, and unwavering dedication, Nagle, Denton, and Garcia have created a kindergarten program that is both nurturing and academically rigorous. Their work ensures students leave their classrooms prepared for the next grade and equipped with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the years ahead.