08/25/2026
Back-To-School Night - TONIGHT, August 25th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Bring your supplies, see your classroom, and meet your teacher!
See our new teacher bios on the next slides!
Mrs. Hicks- 1st Grade:
I was born and raised in Buena Vista, and I am so excited to be back in the community with my husband and to begin the new school year! I have the opportunity to teach alongside many of my former educators and people who have always been my biggest support system. I will be taking over for the beloved Mrs. Propernick in first grade as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement. In my free time, I love to fish, read, and spend time with my dog, Buckwheat.
I want to say a huge thank you for how supportive this community has been. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
Ms. Giallanza: 3rd Grade- I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, college-educated at Santa Clara University in California, and worked in the Bay Area in publishing, event planning, and account management for a decade. I then moved to Kansas City, Missouri where I raised my two lovely children, Ryan (22) and Nicole (24). Deciding not to return to the high-tech industry post-children, I got my Masters in Elementary Education from Rockhurst University in Missouri, and have been fostering the love of reading and writing in 6th graders at a parochial school in Kansas City for the past 12 years.
Teaching is truly a passion of mine. I love every varied, chaotic, hilarious, and challenging day teaching brings. The outdoors, particularly biking and skiing, is also a true passion of mine. When the opportunity arose to combine these passions all in one lovely corner of the world, BV, I jumped at the chance. I have spent this summer getting settled and exploring this truly spectacular community.
My teaching philosophy is simple: All are curious and want to connect, thrive, and be seen. I see my role as providing the information, guidance, and environment for each student to be their whole, best self. Third grade is a key transitional year where students’ eyes open to the difference between “learning to read” and “reading to learn.” That shift is something I fostered deeply in my 6th-grade students. I am thrilled to work with 3rd graders this year as they embark on th
