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​Academics / Grades 1-4

​1ST GRADE, MRS. DEBBIE SCEPANSKI
This year I am excited to regroup with my new students in as normal of a setting as possible. I look forward to helping build communication skills and putting them into practice. I love to watch my students grow in their love for learning and passion for Christ! My verse for the year is Job 12:12, “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” In my class, I strive to provide a consistent, safe environment in which my first graders can grow and learn. God gifts each of us with unique talents and abilities. It is my job to help my students discover the gifts He has given them, and to build on the areas in which they have struggles. 

I have been a member of Faith Bible Church for the last 27 years. I am actively involved on the worship team. My family and I foster dogs. We have saved and placed over 30 dogs in the last year. We have a passion for furry friends!
2ND GRADE, MRS. HOLLI O'KEEFE
My classroom verse passage for the year is Ephesians 3:14-19, with an emphasis on verse 17: Be rooted and grounded in love. I believe every student can learn and teach every student to see themselves as a lifelong scholar. In my classroom I cultivate a growth mindset, one that sees mistakes as part of the learning process.I am looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for 2nd grade with my students. There is so much to unpack from God’s word and the world! I am eager to create a positive classroom environment, fueling curious minds with inquiry based learning.
I attend Missio Dei Fellowship church in South Milwaukee. On any given Sunday, you’ll probably find me working as a greeter, even if it’s not officially my week to serve. I love welcoming people to church and meeting new people! Last year, I made the decision to leave the public school system and join the GCA family, teaching K4. During that time, I also completed my Masters’ program for K-12 Special Education at Alverno College. While I loved working with students with special needs, I am grateful to have the privilege of teaching God’s word and a Biblical worldview to students at GCA. It is impossible to study God’s world without also studying the Maker of it. “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
3RD GRADE, MR. CHRISTOPHER SEAMAN
My verse for the year is Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” I am looking forward to the excitement of being in a classroom this year. I believe that all students have gifts and talents given from the Lord and it is the job of the teacher to bring them out. All students can succeed personally and academically at high levels; the teacher must meet each student where they are at and help them meet their full potential. 

In my free time I enjoy camping, outdoor activities, chess, solving puzzles, reading and travel. I know Spanish and have travelled to 40 of 50 states and 9 different countries. I attend Fox River Christian Church and help with kids and student ministry and Upward Sports.
4TH GRADE, MRS. LAURIE KLAFKE
This year, I am excited to share storytelling with my 4th grade students. We will use stories to encourage our own creative writing skills. I want my students to be lifelong learners. I want them to get excited and contribute what they know or learn about the topics we discuss in class, as well as what interests each of them. My verse for the year is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

My family (my husband and 2 sons) enjoys attending baseball games- Brewers as well as our local minor league team, the Milwaukee Milkmen. We also hope to see the Milwaukee Wave soccer return this year, those are always entertaining games! We attend Grace Community Church, where I work in Women’s ministry, Children’s Church, and as a greeter on Sunday morning.