My name is Ilene Shirts and I love teaching first grade. I am so pleased and excited to be working with such an awesome group of teachers and staff.

 

In my classroom we have an I can growth mindset attitude toward learning. Learning is fun, engaging, and suited to fit each child’s learning style. Each student is embraced as the special person they are. It is enjoyable helping students recognize their own potential as they continue to learn and grow. I expect children to be kind and respect each other and recognize that each child is special. 

 

In 1^st grade we will develop Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies skills. Every month we will focus on a different character trait to strengthen students’ sense of responsibility, respect, kindness, honesty, cooperation, excellence, perseverance, and human rights. 

Here is a little bit about myself: I love to watch first graders grow and learn throughout the year. It is so fun to see how much they learn in first grade.  

When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy: spending time with my family.  I have two beautiful daughters, Beverly and Brianne and two wonderful amazing son-in-laws. Beverly and Hunter live in Boise, Beverly works for BSU and Hunter is a Farrier. Beverly graduated in Animal Science from U of I.  Brianne and Tanner live in Rexburg, Brianne works as a personal trainer  with a degraee in Exercise Physiology, and Tanner is working on his degree in accounting.  

 

 My husband Ken works for URM. We are a very busy family with taking care of our many animals:  we have horses, sheep and cows.    We have two very busy dogs, 1 border collie and 1 border collie/kelpie cross. I also love to ski and snowmobile in the winter, camp, ride horses, swim and run.  I have completed 26 marathons but haven't had much time for running this past year. I am trying to make running more of a priority again. I would like to make time in my schedule to do more running and  do at least one marathon in 2020..