We are your 3rd Grade Teachers!

We are so happy to spend this year with you!

This year is going to be filled with fun and learning! We will be sharing students so our 3rd graders will have a chance to work with each teacher!


Ms. Higgins

Hello- I am Ms. Higgins and I am thrilled to be teaching 3rd grade again. I have been at Vanderhoof for over 20 years and consider it my home away from home. I am truly blessed to have a job I love so much!!

I am a Colorado native and love to be outside and enjoy our beautiful state whenever I can. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love to read. My favorite genre of books is historical fiction, especially WWII. I enjoy watching sports, especially the Broncos.

I am looking forward to a fabulous year of learning and fun!!


mkhiggin@jeffco.k12.co.us

303-982-2739

Mrs. Dekalb

Hi! I am Mrs. Dekalb and I can't wait to be your 3rd grade teacher! This will  be my second year at Vanderhoof. I taught 4th grade last year at Vanderhoof and had the best year so I am excited to try out 3rd grade! 

I have three adorable pups names Frigg, Freyja, and Maddox. My husband Conner and I love taking them to the mountains to explore. I love spending time with my friends and family. I grew up in Colorado and I do not plan on leaving. I love it here! I enjoy doing anything active, seeing movies, and exploring. 

This year is going to be full of new learning experiences, amazing STEM projects, and  memories that will last forever!

jessica.laurita@jeffco.k12.co.us

Mrs. Blechar

I'm beyond excited to start my 5th year teaching in Jeffco, and my first year at Vanderhoof! I can honestly say I love being a teacher!

I'm a Colorado Native and enjoy working close to where I live. My husband Chris and I have 2 daughters in 6th and 8th grade at Oberon. We love to travel, watch sports and explore places both close and far from home. We try to visit a new National Park each year. This past summer we went to the Grand Tetons NP in Wyoming and Glacier NP in Montana. Outside of the classroom I enjoy jogging on local trails, gardening and cooking up a storm!

This year I am looking forward to meeting new students, families and staff. I hope to share my love of learning and my passion for reading. 

julia.blechar@jeffco.k12.co.us