1st Grade

Welcome to first grade! My name is Beth Lafferty. I will be your child’s teacher for this school year. It is my pleasure to welcome you and your child. This will be a wonderful year full of learning and fun, as well as an incredible year of growth for your child as a friend, reader, mathematician, scientist, and so much more. I believe in the importance of strong family partnerships and look forward to collaborating. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or challenges. The best way to reach me is via email at: laffertyb@aaps.k12.mi.us.

This school year is my 6th year at A2 STEAM teaching first grade (+ a half year as a long term sub for Ms. Pierce) and my 20th year in teaching. I’ve taught second, third, and fifth grades in Westland and Detroit, as well as subbing in Ann Arbor Public Schools at Bryant, Pattengill, and A2 STEAM. This year, my own oldest child is beginning his freshman year at the University of Michigan, and my other two children will be Pioneer students, so I have the AAPS parent perspective too.

I look forward to an amazing year!

I am passionate about re-thinking education. I want to empower kids to use their own learning at school to help themselves become better community members and global citizens. I love to create these kinds of experiences through authentic, project-based learning at STEAM!

I have worked with kids and families in a professional capacity since 2000, first as a caregiver for families, then as a site supervisor at the Community Day Care Kids' Club before and after school program at Lawton Elementary School, then as a first grade teacher at Adams STEM Academy in the Ypsilanti Community Schools. I have been at STEAM in my first grade classroom since the very beginning!

Outside of school, I spend my time with friends and family and building healthy habits and hobbies like reading, meditative exercise (yoga and hula hooping), making music, and running a small-scale urban farm out of my home. All of these extracurricular activities enrich and support my work as a teacher here at STEAM.

It is so exciting to be your child’s first-grade teacher! I’m looking forward to a school year filled with exploration, a sense of community, social and emotional growth, and academic progress. I hope to build a warm class environment where students feel safe, noticed, calm, and curious.

My name is Caroline Semrau (sim-row). I grew up in Texas and have lived in Ann Arbor for the last 22 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hanging out with my family and friends, dancing, singing, and laughing! I have two sons so I definitely get the parent perspective! My first son graduated from Community High School and will be his second year at Oberlin College. My younger son is an eighth grader at A2 STEAM. He has been going to school with me ever since kindergarten! His presence at school helps me remember how many years I’ve been teaching at A2 STEAM!

This school year is my ninth year at A2STEAM. I’ve taught in Los Angeles Unified, Dexter Community Schools, and Whitmore Lake Public Schools. In the last 25 years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach preschool, kindergarten, first grade, fifth grade, and sixth grade. I continue to embrace new challenges and learn strategies to improve my teaching. I value the importance of play in young children, keeping equity at the forefront, and maintaining a strong school-home partnership.

I am excited to let you know that Grace Greene will be our University of Michigan teacher intern this year. She will help support the learning of students while getting lots of hands-on experience! I always tell students that they are the true teachers!

Looking forward to a wonderful school year with you all.