HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
LEGOS & LITERATURE
GRADES K-1
Our legos and literature class provides the opportunity for our Kindergarten and First grade students to listen to a quality and engaging literature book and build with Legos with our corresponding theme. The students love this time to interact with one another by building together and increasing creativity. Each child has the opportunity to share what he or she has created. This also enhances our speaking and listening skills while having fun.
MEET LISA DROST
LEGOS & LITERATURE TEACHER (GRADES K-1)
EDUCATION
I grew up in eastern Iowa attending Iowa Mennonite High School near Kalona. After high school, I attended Iowa State University where I received my Bachelors degree for Elementary Education with a specialization in mathematics and a minor in Educational Computing.
EXPERIENCE
After college, I taught several long term elementary teaching positions, in a few districts around the metro, before teaching 2nd grade in the Southeast Polk Community School District. Soon after we had our second child I stayed home with our children. When our youngest was in preschool, I began substitute teaching in the West Des Moines School district. I have been with the WDM HSAP program since 2017.
FAMILY
My husband, Bert and I have been married since 2001. We have three children, Will, Briella and Dillon. We live in West Des Moines.
INTERESTS
I enjoy being with my family, traveling, exercising, working outside and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and St. Louis Cardinals.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
I have always enjoyed teaching and watching students have those ah ha moments. My love for teaching all started when I was young girl. I had a schoolroom set up in our basement and played school with my siblings and cousins. My grandmother was also a teacher. I enjoyed hearing about and seeing the things she taught in her classroom, along with receiving worksheets, teacher supplies, etc that she no longer used.
MEET SARA WEIS
LEGOS & LITERATURE TEACHER (GRADES K-1)
EDUCATION
I have my Master's Degree in Education and Reading Specialization. I received my Bachelor's Degrees from the University of Northern Iowa in Elementary Education and Early Childhood with minors in Language Arts and Reading.
EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching with our HSAP program since we began offering enrichment classes in 2008. Prior to that, I taught Kindergarten for the West Des Moines School District. I am a published author and look forward to sharing my experiences in my writing classes.
FAMILY
Mom of three fabulous children; Megan, Lucy, and Max and love living in West Des Moines.
INTERESTS
In my free time, I love writing, reading, yoga, and being outdoors. Most of all I enjoy being active with my family and experiencing new places and things together.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
Kids and writing are two of my favorite things. I love working with kids and helping them get excited about writing and expressing themselves. I feel so fortunate to work with the same students and families year after year and seeing them learn and grow.
MEET SARA NICHOLS
LEGOS & LITERATURE TEACHER (GRADES K-1)
EDUCATION
I was born and raised in Des Moines, attending Hoover High School. I then went on to Drake University, earning my B.F.A in Theatre Education. Later, I earned my Masters in Education from Viterbo University. I am certified to teach English, Speech and Drama.
EXPERIENCE
I started my teaching career at East High School teaching Drama. I then went on to teach English, Speech, and AP Literature and Composition at North High School for 12 years. While teaching at North, I was an Asst. Drama Director directing plays, coaching events for Speech contest, constructing sets, designing costumes and lights, and more. I then chose to stay home with my son. During that time, I started and have continued to work for Cecelia Talley and DramaTykes teaching drama at daycares, preschools, and elementary schools. I have been with HSAP since 2017.
INTERESTS
My family and I like to ride bikes, hike, read, walk our dog, and coach/watch our son participate in sports and the arts.
WHY I LOVE TEACHING
The ability to communicate effectively is a vital skill and I am proud that is what I get to teach. Theatre and the communication arts is my passion. I have been involved in the theatre since I was a child. Sharing my love for theatre and communication with your children is a thrill. Thanks so much!
