About Our Team
Dear Parents and Families,
We would like to take this opportunity as your child's kindergarten teachers to tell you how very excited we are to have your child in our classrooms this year. We know that your child is your "world" and a very important part of your life. For that reason, we appreciate your confidence and trust in us as their teacher throughout the year. If, at any time, you feel the need to visit with us about your child, please don't hesitate to contact us through our classroom voicemail system, through e-mail, or feel free to drop by our classroom before or after school. We want you to know that we value you as parents in the Powderhorn community; We could not do our job without you. You are always welcome in our classroom. In fact, we will be asking for parent volunteers from time to time.
We welcome any suggestions for way's to improve your child's learning. In turn, we will feel free to offer suggestions and to be of assistance to you in their learning both at school and at home. We have always felt that teachers are the most powerful and significant people that we encounter in our lives. Teachers have the wonderful gift of power to sculpt children's minds and give them the knowledge they need to succeed. As your child's first teacher we feel that it is our responsibility to believe in and encourage your child to be the best that they can be. Our goal is to make your child's learning experience enjoyable, productive and fun! We know the time that we will be spending together will be special. We are looking forward to getting to know each and every one of our students and their families. This is an exciting time in your child's educational career and we are honored to be given the opportunity to help them develop their love for learning.
Mrs. Czarnek
I am excited to be starting my twelveth year as a Jefferson County teacher. I spent my first two years as an educator, teaching second grade at Powderhorn before moving to kindergarten. This will be my tenth year teaching kindergarten. In May of 2008, I obtained my Masters degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. I received my ELL certification from Adams State College in 2010. I am l always looking for ways to further my education. I have a wonderful husband Scott who is a project manager for Shea Homes. Scott and I have a daughter Brooke who is four years old and a almost two year old Son named Cole.
Best Wishes for a successful year!!
Mrs. Kacey Czarnek
Mrs. Kalsbeck
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you how excited I am to be your child’s Kindergarten teacher! My name is Vanessa Kalsbeck, I have taught in Jefferson County for thirteen years. I was a first grade teacher for 7 years and have taught kindergarten for 6 years! I am married with two children and live in the area. I received my Master’s Degree in Integrating the Arts into the Curriculum from Lesley University. I absolutely love my job and want you to know I value you as a member of the Powderhorn community. I know that your child is your “world” and a very important part of your life. For that reason, I appreciate your confidence and trust in me as their teacher throughout the year.
Mrs. Wintersteen
I began teaching at Powderhorn in 2000. Over the years, I have taught kindergarten, fourth grade, and sixthgrade. I earned a BA in Political Science from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia,. I completed my teaching license and MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Literacy Education at the University of Denver.
My hobbies include skiing, reading, camping, hiking, playing tennis, traveling to destinations near and far, and goofing around with my husband and our thirteen-year-old son, Flynn. Originally from Rhode Island, two of my greatest loves are the beach and the New England Patriots.
I look forward to working with you and your child this year!
