It is a great privilege to be a part of the Highland Lakes Community.  I am excited about this coming year that promises to bring fun challenges and learning opportunities for both my students and myself!  This begins my ninth year at Highland Lakes.   Prior to working for DVUSD, I taught in the Peoria Unified School District and then stayed home a few years to raise my kiddos.    My family was a Deer Valley School District Family and is proud to be part of this community.  This is a great school with a great staff and I feel right at home.    

I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on psychology from the University of Arizona...Go Wildcats!!!.  I went on to earn my Master in Education Degree from NAU.  I have endorsements in Structured English Immersion, Reading, Gifted Education, and Middle School Language Arts. 

When not in the classroom, I am with my family.  Most of our weekends are spent playing with Dylan, or trips to Tucson or New Mexico,  and track/cc meets.  Our kids keep us super busy, but I love being a mom!   My husband is a principal in Peoria Unified School District so our dinner conversations often turn towards educational topics.  We are both passionate about our children's futures and those of the students we work with everyday.  

Our eldest, Derek is 27, a former Wildcat, just received his doctorate in physical therapy while he and his wife, Amanda, and 1 year old son, Dylan live here in the valley.  Our daughter, Emily, just finished her 2nd year of college at New Mexico State University...Go Aggies!  She runs both cross country and track for NSMU.  Craig is 18 years old and in first year at U of A... another Wildcat!  Our family is complete with a 3 year old Boxer, Lulu.

Oh My!   It is a crazy and amazing life, but I love it!  My children truly are my passion and I love watching them grow through life and I look forward to being part of that same journey with your child. 

I was born and raised in Phoenix and love the warm weather.  When the weather becomes a bit too warm we head up north to our family cabin in Blue Ridge.  It is a little over 2 hours outside of the city and about 25 degrees cooler!  My family enjoys hiking, camping, the beach and playing games.  When not in the Valley or the mountains my next favorite spot is on a beach with a good book.

Teaching children is an unbelievable pleasure.  What a great career teaching is that allows me to walk into a classroom full of children every day.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. Please know that my door is always open and I look forward to the partnership we will share this year.  It will be AMAZING!

Mrs. Stutesman