Blue Heron Elementary School

Jeffco Public Schools

Val Darting - Fourth Grade Teacher
Email- [email protected]

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year and to 4th grade! I am thrilled to be starting a new school year with you, Blue Heron families. 

My name is Val Darting. I grew up in Nebraska and love the Huskers, but I moved to Colorado as soon as I could (for undergraduate college) and have loved being a Coloradoan ever since. I have a passion for teaching and have had the privilege of working with primary, intermediate, and middle school students since 2003. Blue Heron has been my home since 2004, and this will be my fifth year teaching 4th grade! When I am not teaching, you will find me cooking, coding with my third grade son, building Lego sets, riding my Peloton, running, or exploring with my husband and son near our home here in Littleton, CO. 

I have an undergrad degree from Colorado Christian University in Early Childhood Ed and a Master’s degree in Ed Technology from Lesley University. I am also Jeffco endorsed in English as a Second Language (ESL) and the CDE Science of Reading literacy program, and I have been trained in Orton Gillingham and Restorative Practices. 

It is my goal to help every student achieve their potential and work with you to build student confidence and a love for learning. This is going to be a great year! I am so happy you will be part of our 4th grade family! 

Your 4th grade teacher, 

Vallory Darting, M. Ed.

Katie Nardi - Fourth Grade Teacher
Email - [email protected]
              

Hi 4th grade families, 

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year and to 4th grade! I am thrilled to be starting a new school year with you, Blue Heron families.

My name is Katie Nardi. I was born in Galesburg, Illinois and remained in Illinois through first grade. I have lived in Colorado since second grade. I attended Jeffco schools from second to twelfth grade. I was a student at Peiffer, Stony Creek, and Westridge Elementary. I also went to Deer Creek Middle School and Chatfield Senior High School.

I have been teaching in Jeffco since 2000. I opened Blue Heron as a fourth grade teacher 21 years ago! Since then, I have gone between teaching third and fourth grade. Prior to opening Blue Heron, I taught sixth grade at Westridge Elementary.

I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and my Master’s Degree in Ed Technology from Lesley University. I am endorsed in English as a Second Language (ESL) and the CDE Science of Reading literacy program.  I have been trained in Orton Gillingham and Restorative Practices. I am also certified in FEMA’s IS-100.C for school safety.

I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary this summer with my husband, Adam! I have two daughters, Abby and Natalie. Abby is heading off to college in Arizona this fall to study physical therapy. Natalie is a sophomore in Douglas County, and a South Metro Fire Explorer. I have a golden retriever dog named Paisley, and a golden retriever puppy named Sadie!

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two daughters, and two golden retriever dogs every chance I get. As a family we enjoy traveling, going on walks, attending church, sitting around our firepit, and eating meals together on our deck.
This is going to be a great school year! I look forward to building strong and lasting relationships with all of my students and their families this year.
Much love, Katie Nardi

Gina Knox [email protected]
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year and to 4th grade! I am so excited to be starting a new school year with you. 

My name is Gina Knox. I grew up in Lakewood and graduated from Jeffco schools. Blue Heron has been my home since 2013, though you haven’t always found me in the building. In 2019, I was fortunate to be able to participate in a teacher exchange in Australia. In 2020-21, I taught a 5th grade remote class. Last year, I got to stay home with my sweet baby, Declan. I am so excited to be returning to my classroom where I have the best job in the world. When I am not teaching, you will find me cooking, reading, traveling, or playing at the park with my family. 

I am a lifelong learner. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado. I am also endorsed in English as a Second Language (ESL), in the CDE Science of Reading literacy program, and I have been trained in Orton Gillingham. 

It is my goal to help every student find a passion for learning and to celebrate their unique gifts. I am so happy you will be part of our 4th grade family! This is going to be a great year!

Warmly, 

Mrs. Gina Knox, M.Ed.