Hello! My name is Calie Breneman. This is my 10th year of teaching and my 3rd year at Park Avenue. I am so excited to continue to be a part of this wonderful community!
I am originally from Illinois and attended Iowa State University. I have held many titles in my career including kindergarten teacher, special education teacher, and now 5th grade teacher. My husband and I are parents to one little boy! We also have two dogs. In my spare time, I love to travel, read, and spend time with my loved ones.
I am looking forward to a great year in 5th grade!
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” -Abraham Lincoln
Hello! My name is Tracey Gibson. This is my 8th year at Park Avenue and I am so excited to be part of such an amazing team of educators and students. I love finding new and exciting ways to make whatever we are learning about come to life for the students.
I am originally from a small town in Missouri — about 300 people! I graduated with only 12 people in my class. I have lived in Ankeny, Iowa for the past 27 years. I have been married to Mark for 24 years. We have three children: Delaney(30), Erin(22) and Zachary(19). Oh, I can’t forget my dog, Daisy(12). I am also a GRANDMA! I have two twin grandsons – Walter and Barrett.
I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University. I earned my Master’s in Education from Drake University in 2022. I am super excited to work with each of the students that come into my classroom. I love learning and growing and discovering new ways to be a more effective teacher.
HOPES AND DREAMS: It is my true desire to be able to challenge my students in and out of the classroom. I want to see my students take action on what they are learning about and truly make their mark on this world. I want their learning to extend to their home lives and become something they are eager to share with their families.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference – IT DOES!” ~William James
Hello! My name is Cassidy Rasmusson. I am excited to be teaching another year of 5th grade at Park Avenue Elementary! I am originally from Rockford, Illinois. I went to school at University of Northern Iowa. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Instructional Strategist. I received my Masters for Arts of Education, from Viterbo University.
My husband and I have two kiddos, one daughter and one son. We also have a cute little dachshund named Ruby. We love to spend our time together, as a family, making new memories!
Together, Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Breneman, and I will be working hard to help make this year a celebration for our fifth-grade students, before they head off to middle school.
Hopes and Dreams:
I hope to give my students the support they need to feel confident in themselves. I hope to challenge my students and provide them with rewarding experiences to help them to succeed in their futures. I want to make learning exciting, fun, and valuable for my new classroom friends and families.
Inspirational Quote:
*If you are not willing to learn, No one can help you. If you are DETERMINED to learn, No one can stop you!
*They may forget what you said, but they will not forget how you made them feel.
*We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we RESPECT, TRUST, and CARE for each other.