Hello! My name is Tracey Gibson. This is my 7th 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 26 years. I have been married to Mark for 23years. We have three children: Delaney(29), Erin(21) and Zachary(18).  Oh, I can’t forget my dog, Daisy(10). 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 also graduated with my Master 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 have a lot of fun family time together! 

This year I will be teaching fifth grade with Mrs. Gibson and Ms. Sloan. Together, we 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 ever get the chance to treat them how they treated you, I hope you choose to walk away.

*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.

Hello! I am Kristashea Sloan, and I’ll be teaching intervention this year! I started teaching in 2011, I have taught in Des Moines my entire career except for one year of teaching in Montana. I am a new mother to my son, Everett. We are an outdoorsy family; we love camping and anything on water. Our go to place is in and around Duluth, MN. I look forward to working with your student!