5th Grade

Jessica Conklin

5th Grade Science
jessica_conklin@dpsk12.net

About Me:

My name is Ms. Conklin. Most students call me Ms. C. I am the 4th grade math and science teacher as well as the 5th grade science teacher.

This will be my 4th year at Colfax, but my fifth year in DPS. I am a Colorado native. I got my masters in elementary education from the University of Colorado in 2020 and my bachelor’s in science from the University of Oregon in 2016. I love math and can’t wait to have fun this year with 4th grade!

Me llamo Sra. Conklin. La mayoría de los estudiantes me llaman Ms. C. Soy la maestra de matemáticas y ciencias de 4.º grado y tambien la maestra de ciencias de 5.º grado.

Este será mi 4.º año en Colfax, pero mi 5.º año en DPS.

Soy de Colorado. Obtuve mi maestría en educación primaria en la Universidad de Colorado en 2020 y mi licenciatura en ciencias en la Universidad de Oregón en 2016. ¡Me encantan las matemáticas y estoy muy emocionada para divertirme este año con los alumnos de 4.º grado y de 5º grado !

Nieca DeLaRosa

5th Grade Math Teacher
Nieca_Delarosa@dpsk12.net

About Me:

I have been fortunate enough to teach in Denver Public schools for 18 years. I love my job, I love the kids, I love the families, I love the neighborhood. I am proud to work at Colfax and plan on staying here as long as they will have me! I am married to my wonderful husband Joel. He is from Guatemala and just this summer became a US citizen and is now a Guatemalan-American! I am thankful daily for his support and love. We have 2 children, Sofia and Aaron. My daughter is going into 7th grade and my son into 4th. Every year is fun, and every year is an adventure! I am always available to swap funny family stories with parents!

One of my favorite things about teaching is the ability to get to know children on a whole child level. Anything parents want to share about their hopes and dreams for their child, passions, interests etc. is wonderful. Thank you for your ongoing support and love as we navigate this special time together!

Classroom Wish List:

Markers and colored pencils (anything we can make more colorful, I’m all about it!)

Nicole Gavin

5th Grade Literacy Teacher
Nicole_Gavin@dpsk12.net

About Me:

My name is Nicole Gavin and 5th grade is my favorite! I moved to Denver from my home in Chicago in 2019 and am so grateful to have landed at Colfax. I graduated from Loyola University of Chicago in May of 2016 with my BA in Elementary Education. I taught 6th grade literacy for 2 years in Chicago, and this will be my 7th year teaching at Colfax! When I am not at school you can usually find me spending time with family and friends and eating lots of yummy food. I love to go dancing and often try to get my 5th graders to dance with me (though they rarely do!).

I hope to keep an open line of communication with you in a way that will best support your student. I will be using the app Talking Points to communicate via texting or calling! I may not respond to you past 4 PM daily, but will get back to you within 48 hours. As students develop academically, socially, and emotionally this year, I hope to act as a support for them while they navigate the ups-and-downs of adolescence. My focus is to foster a classroom environment of kindness and acceptance where students feel safe and comfortable to be themselves. We will build a community where it is okay to make mistakes because they are opportunities to learn, forgive, and grow.