5th Grade

Laurel Kai

Welcome to 5th Grade!

My name is Laurel Kai, and I am honored to be your child's teacher this year. I've been teaching at Rock Ridge for many years, and I am excited to embark on this new school year with you. I graduated from BYU and Metro State and had the incredible opportunity to teach in Japan, which was a marvelous experience. I love incorporating my international experiences into the IB units and curriculum we teach.

As an IB teacher, I strive to maintain a balanced approach to life, and I believe in "sharpening the saw." In my spare time, I enjoy playing volleyball, camping, and hiking with my son.

I am also certified to teach Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and we will be incorporating these principles into our classroom. This program is a fantastic tool that helps students learn how to become leaders in their own lives. You’ll hear more about this as we explore new ideas throughout the year!

I hope that we can work together as a team to provide the best possible learning experience for your child. Your involvement is a crucial part of our classroom community, and I look forward to getting to know each of you as we build that community together.

Looking forward to a wonderful year,

Link to Welcome Presentation
The best way to reach me is through email: INTERNAL LINK [email protected]

Melissa Kaufman

Welcome to 5th grade!  My name is Melissa Kaufman. I am so excited to be teaching 5th grade! It is my favorite grade level! This is my 18th year teaching at Rock Ridge and my 27th year teaching. Four of those years were spent teaching overseas in Panama.  I have experience teaching 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th grade. I graduated from Colorado State University (Go RAMS!!!) with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. I also earned my Master's degree from University of Oklahoma in Educational Psychology. 

When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and hiking.

For more information about our class and 5th grade please click on the link below:
Mrs. Kaufman's Back to School Information 

This is going to be a terrific year! If we work together, stay positive, and practice healthy habits, we will have a memorable and successful 5th grade year! If you need to contact me, the best way to do so is email at INTERNAL LINK [email protected]

Hello!  My name is Brittany Farris.  This is my fifth year teaching and first year as a 5th grade teacher at Rock Ridge.  Prior to this school year, I taught 6th grade at RRE (2 years), 8th grade Wellness at Mesa Middle School (2 years), and I was the Volunteer Coordinator and an Instructional Assistant at RRE (6 years).  I graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Marriage, Family and Human Development and received my Alternative Teaching License from CU Denver.  I am so excited to be teaching 5th Grade this year! 

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family (I have 9 kids & step kids!) and friends, hiking, playing the piano, and traveling.  

My class motto is “Be the best YOU you can be.”  Whether it’s academics or behavior, I encourage my students to always strive to do their best.

On this website, you will find important dates, events, and news regarding our classroom and school. If you need to contact me, please email me at bfarris@dcsdk12.org and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Looking forward to a wonderful year!