2nd Grade

Here at Manitou Springs Elementary school, second grade is a year full of powerful developmental growth; socially, emotionally and academically. Our 2nd grade team of teachers strives to support this excitingly transitional year by providing a content-rich, family style environment, full of hands-on, experiential and inquiry-based learning.

Second Grade students learn listening and comprehension skills through the use of our school-wide Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum. Listening comprehension is practiced as students learn about various Science and Social Studies “domains.” The CKLA Curriculum is also used to teach, grow and solidify reading skills. It is our goal to be reading to learn, rather than learning to read by the end of Second Grade! Singapore Math/Math in Focus (MIF) is a hands-on math curriculum that teaches a variety of math skills. Social and Emotional Learning is presented by our school counselor, Ms. Ashley Root through the 2nd Step program.

In Second Grade, we also provide many exciting opportunities for our students. We look forward to field trips to many locations throughout the year, including but not limited to: The Olympic Training Center, The Pioneers Museum, and The Space Foundation . Our students also enjoy going to Exploratory Classes each day rotating through Art, Music, P.E., Spanish, and TEAMS. They also really enjoy recess and getting outside to learn as often as possible.

Erin Huffman
Hello! My name is Erin Huffman and I teach second grade at Manitou Elementary School. This is my 6th year teaching and I am thrilled to be part of the Mustang community. In my free time. I love to hike with my dog and spend time with my friends.

Merry Monk
Hi my name is Merry Monk. This is my 12th year teaching, and I am SO excited to live in Manitou and be a Mustang! I love camping, gardening, and traveling with my family.

Sophia Marchiando
Hello! My name is Sophia Marchiando and I have been a part of the Manitou Springs Elementary School family since 2019. I absolutely love being a Manitou Mustang! In my spare time I enjoy hiking, riding my mountain bike and simply spending time outdoors.