Coyote Creek Elementary
COLLABORATING TO INSPIRE ACHIEVEMENT
Mrs. Balchuck
Music Teacher
esbalchuck@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Balchuck's Website
My name is Mrs. Balchuck and this will be my 6th year at Coyote Creek Elementary! I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Lakewood, CO. I started playing music when I was about 8 years old. I started on the recorder and then switched to the Irish equivalent, the tin whistle. I played the flute in band for 5 years and decided to go into choir when I got to high school. I participated in multiple choirs at Lakewood High School and that is when I decided that I wanted to be a music teacher. I have my Bachelors in Music Education from Benedictine College in Kansas and my Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the World Academy of Irish Song and Dance at the University of Limerick, Ireland. While voice is my primary instrument, I also play a variety of instruments (mostly Irish). I taught music k-8 at a private Catholic school in Denver for 4 years, and at Trailblazer Elementary for 3 years before coming to CCE. I played the Irish sport of hurling for 6 years with the Denver Gaels and it is hands down the best sport out there! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time learning new instruments, reading, and going on adventures with my husband and 2 children.
Mrs. Balchuck
Mrs. Balfe
PE Teacher
megan.balfe@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Balfe's Website
Hello! I'm Megan Balfe and I've been teaching elementary physical education in DCSD since 2001. I graduated from James Madison University in Virginia, with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Education. I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. I've been teaching P.E. since fall of 1995. I believe in making the most of every day! DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO! I have always had a passion for health and fitness. I strive to instill the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle to my students through teaching developmentally appropriate skill sets and life time sports.
My professional teaching goal is to provide a high quality physical education program by creating proficient and confidant physically active students. Discover a physical activity you enjoy doing, and do it as long as you can. I enjoy practicing yoga, H.I.I.T. workouts, running, swimming, biking, and skiing. I look forward to a fun and active year.
Mrs. Balfe
Mrs. Conroy
Art Teacher
bconroy@dcsdk12.org
Hello CCE students and families!
I am beyond excited to be joining the Coyote Creek community and look forward to fostering all of the individuality and creativity that students bring into the classroom this school year! I have a background in special education as well as university extension, and truly believe that art making can serve students in developing essential skills including constructive personal reflection and emotional processing, an increased interest in culture and community, a greater understanding of perspective, and the opportunity to build diverse forms of communication.
In my personal art making I love to experiment with yarn and the fiber arts, as well as watercolor. I find a lot of inspiration in the natural world and animals, when I’m not creating I’m riding horses, coaching Special Olympics, camping, or doing yoga! I also have a wonderful fiancé, bulldog, cat, and guinea pig at home that I love to spend time with.
Let's have a wonderful school year together!
Ms.Conroy
Specials : Music, PE, Art, Wellness, & Library
Mrs. Star
Wellness Teacher
sstar@dcsdk12.org
Hello Parents and Students! I’m Stephanie Star, and I am excited to be your student's wellness teacher!
I am new to Douglas County Schools, but I’ve been teaching since 2001 in Denver Public Schools. I graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in Psychology and later earned my
elementary teaching certificate from Metropolitan State College. In the summer of 2022, I earned my Yoga and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator certificate. I was a classroom teacher
for first and second grades for 12 years before moving into a teacher coaching role. As a coach, I was able to work with students and teachers in grades K-5. After that, I became a Reading Interventionist and supported students in grades 1-5. I also have experience working with all students through 6th grade as a substitute teacher since January of 2023.
As a Wellness Teacher, I hope to teach students how to understand themselves, others, and the community better through social emotional lessons that include breathing exercises, creative expression, focus, community building, and yoga. I believe that wellness practice helps our
students grow in their academics because they feel safe, calm, and happy. This school year we will be working on building relationships with ourselves, each other, and the community in order to feel supported to grow as students as well as people.
When I am not busy teaching, I love to spend time with my family! I have been married for 24 years to my husband who is also a teacher in Denver. We have a 17 year old son who will be
going to Colorado State college in the fall. Other things I enjoy are my own yoga practice, hiking, walking, making jewelry, reading, and chatting with friends!
I am looking forward to a great school year!
Mrs. Star
Mrs. Stott
Librarian
mstott1@dcsdk12.org
Library Site
Hello! My name is Monica Stott. My goal is to make our CCE library a hub of curiosity, imagination, and exploration, where both students and teachers can find resources that enrich their academic journey.
My husband and I have 3 children. Katelin, Jared, and Jack We enjoy camping, playing board games, watching family movies, and going on trips to see family. We all have loved CCE and I am excited to be able to contribute even more to the school.
As someone deeply passionate about fostering a love for reading and learning, I am eager to collaborate with teachers and parents to create a vibrant and engaging library experience for our students.
Mrs. Stott