Administration

It is one of my greatest honors to serve the students and families of our amazing Rock Ridge community!  

Rock Ridge Elementary is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school that is focused on providing a World Class Education.  We embrace a student’s love of learning, relationships, innovation, inquiry, social responsibility and collaboration. What a wonderful place for a child to spend his/her childhood!

I believe that all students can learn, grow and thrive in a positive and supportive learning community that welcomes exploration, enhances student confidence, celebrates diversity, develops leadership and builds on students’ strengths, interests, and natural curiosities. I believe in educating the whole child.  Schools need to develop children intellectually, emotionally, and socially. When a child's passion for and enjoyment of learning is at the core, anything is possible. 

I have held several positions with the Douglas County School District prior to joining the Rock Ridge community, including:  Assistant Principal at Gold Rush Elementary in Parker, Building Resource Teacher at Mesa Middle School in Castle Rock, and the Districtwide Teacher on Special Assignment for English Language Acquisition.  I taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades, middle school language arts, and all levels of English as a Second Language in Colorado and in Texas.  I was a literacy coach in Adams County School District 14 in Commerce City.  I am dedicated to providing quality professional development in the areas of curriculum development, literacy, second language acquisition, differentiation, and 21st Century Skills. I create opportunities that foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

On a personal note, I grew up in a suburb of Chicago and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  I relocated to the Denver area in order to enjoy my love for the beautiful outdoors. I earned my Master's Degree in Educational Equity from the University of Colorado, Boulder and my Administration Certification from the University of Colorado, Denver. I live in Castle Rock with my husband, our two sons and our Goldendoodles - Tucker and Penny.  Our family is deeply invested to the Douglas County School District community!  Both of our sons are graduates of Douglas County High School. Our oldest is a junior at Grand Canyon Universtiiy in Phoenix, Arizona and the youngest is a freshman at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Co.  My husband teaches sixth grade at Acres Green Elementary in Highlands Ranch.  We are a very busy family who enjoy spending time together. 

My role at Rock Ridge spans from greeting students and parents in the morning to the treasure of listening to a student read me a story or share his/her learning.  As an Assistant Principal, my role also encompasses helping students and parents work through problems, supporting our staff through staff development and evaluation, encouraging students, celebrating successes and supporting our leadership team. I bring a sense of humor to most situations and enjoy a good laugh. 

Doing what is best for children is always my first priority!

Please feel free to contact me at:

jlroach@dcsdk12.org

303-387-5150

Mrs. Gutierrez

My name is Mrs. Pam Gutierrez and I thoroughly enjoy being the Professional Learning Specialist, IB/PYP Coordinator, READ Act Coordinator, G/T Facilitator, Kindergarten School Readiness Coordinator, and 504 Coordinator here at Rock Ridge Elementary.

I've been in education for nearly 30 years in Poudre R-1 District, Arapahoe County, Douglas County, and in the private sector; at Word of Life Academy. I have been at Rock Ridge Elementary for 16 years and in DCSD since 2002. I received my BA in Child Psychology from Utah State University, my teaching degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and my Master's degree in Education from Grand Canyon University.

I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, hiking, traveling, shopping, and watching the Colorado sunsets.  I was born in South Dakota and grew up in Iowa but went to high school here in Colorado.

My husband is an Elementary School Executive Director here in Douglas County.

We have a son and daughter who also attended & graduated from Douglas County Public Schools.

My favorite weekend activities are watching my son and daughter play ball. They are the loves of my life!

I am truly blessed to continue my career and have my leadership position here at Rock Ridge Elementary!