Welcome to 1A

Dear Parents,

We are so excited to teach your children this year in 1A!
Until we meet in person, please enjoy our letters of introduction:

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Dear 1A Families,

            I am so incredibly excited to be working with you this year as we learn and grow together! I am an Arizona native, born and raised in Mesa. I am also a Great Hearts native. I was part of the first graduating class of Mesa Prep (known now as Arete Prep!). After high school, I spent some time in southern California at the University of Redlands studying english literature and elementary education. I have always had a passion for working with young kids. I have spent much of my life in summer camps, swim coaching, volunteering in schools, nannying, and allowing my mind and heart to be opened by the incredible curiosity and tenderness that each child holds within. 

            Some of my hobbies include: cooking/baking, reading great books, crafting/DIY, and playing with my 6-month-old puppy. However, my very favorite past time of all is being in the classroom with my students and exploring new things together from The Adventures of Frog and Toadto telling time and from studying our nine virtues to practicing how to walk in line, we will tackle it all this year and build the most beautiful garden of learning together. 

With Love & Joy,

Miss Modisett 

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Dear Parents,

I have been an educator for more than 30 years and have taught a variety of grade levels. I have a bachelor of arts in education degree from Columbia College in Columbia, MO and a master of Library Science degree from The University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.

I grew up in Illinois, moved to Missouri to attend college, taught two years in Missouri, then moved to Arizona and have been teaching ever since.

I have been married for over 25 years to my wonderful husband, Kurt. We have a son named Zach who attended Arete Preparatory Academy. I decided that I wanted to be a part of the Arete family because of the incredible person my son has become due in large part to the intellectual and moral virtue he gained at Arete Prep.

The best thing about being a first grade teaching assistant is watching the growth of each individual child; academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Find joy in your journey,

Lori Miller

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Hello 1A Families!

My name is Stephanie Restivo. I am the mother of five; ages 23, 19 (Arete Prep class of 2017), 8th grade, 5th grade & a fellow 1st grader. We have been at Arete since it opened in 2014 and consider it a blessing to be here.

Before motherhood, I was a dental hygienist for 10 years. That happens to be how I met my husband (he has nice teeth ;)). We will celebrate 30 years of marriage at Christmas. My family keeps me very busy, but my favorite way to relax is with a good book or an old movie!
I am thrilled to be joining your little ones in 1st grade; continuing to learn and grow with them and the opportunity to serve our Arete family.