Hello!

My name is Ellen Reffel (Lillo), and I have been teaching 26 years in District #12.  I started at Northglenn High School in 1983.  Since then I have been privileged to work at Meritt Hutton Junior, Thornton Middle School, and Century Middle. Although I am a high school trained English teacher, I love middle school life.

I have been married twice, hence the double last name.  My blended family includes four sons and one daughter.  Our children have graduated from Pomona, Holy Family, Thornton, and Legacy.  My children have attended West Point, Metro State, Univ. of Las Vegas, Univ. of Northern Colorado, and Black Hills State in South Dakota. We believe that students and parents should pick the best educational environment to reach their goals.  Consequently, I'm going to try and provide those same high expectations and caring environment for you.

I live in the neighborhood and you will see me often at local functions.  I was raised across the street from Skyview High School in District #1, so I still attend Holy Cross Catholic Church where I grew up in south Thornton.  I am a lector there and sing in the choir.

My hobbies are sports, reading, and travel.  I still play softball two nights a week, and I enjoy golf, volleyball, and football.  My sons use me as their quarterback when we are playing in the neighborhood.

I am a very happy sort.  It is almost impossible to make me frown or get angry.  Bully behavior takes me to that dark place, but nothing else.  Your child will typically say that I make them work very fast, we move a lot, they must work well with others, and complete their work accurately and on time. 

I believe that I am in the customer service profession.  I am a highly qualified expert, but my purpose is to serve you and your child.  As you give me advice on what works for your family, I will try to the best of my ability to provide that service. 

My qualifications are:

1.  I have training and expertise in language arts, social studies, technology, and physical education/coaching.  I have taught all of these in grades 6-12.

2.  I am a district trainer of new teachers.  All new middle school teachers come to me for instruction through the New Teacher Academy.

3.  I am a district trainer of new mentors.  These are veteran teachers who want to work with new teachers.

4.  I am a liaison for student teachers for the University of Northern Colorado.

5.  I am a grant writer who has earned more than 1.3 million dollars for my schools and district.

6.  I am a committed Colorado native.  I believe in our state, our children, and our schools and want to be part of the process that improves all three.

I look forward to the opportunity to work with your family this school year.  Please don't hesitate to let me know how I can be of service.

Sincerely,

Ellen Reffel